| | Chance Griffen | TL;DR: A year ago I quit a very stable, very well paying job to attend Starter School, and one year later I couldn't be happier with the outcomes I've realized. If building products sounds like more fun than learning to code and building other peoples' ideas, and you're willing to work your ass off, just make it happen. You will be better for it.
It's difficult to write a "review" about an experience without just describing it, and this is a difficult experience to describe. So, sure, I'm now gainfully employed and am extremely happy with and motivated by the work I get to do everyday. I build software products at a small shop in Durham, NC and also help students out at a local code school. I've also done some contract work since leaving Starter School.
But, if employment is your primary concern in looking for a coding school, Starter School might be more than you're willing to bargain for. This place is different than those it is often compared to in that the focus is not to get you a job as a programmer. Sure, you'd be prepared for said job, but the focus of the program is on building products. How do you take an idea and make it exist in the world? Being comfortable and familiar with that process is a much more exciting and marketable set of skills than just being able to code. Writing code is a small piece in a much larger picture that is getting people to pay you to solve their problems. It is truly impossible to master this "skill" in 9 months time (if at all), but I'd be willing to bet that Starter School will take you further than any other program thats out there. Getting a job will be the least of your concerns - it will feel like a backup plan.
Additionally and probably more importantly, the network of people that you are exposed to and have access to is unbelievable. They don't really advertise all of the amazing people you will meet and get feedback from on your ideas and decisions. You cannot put a price on it. The experience and knowledge you can accumulate from these people is not tangible or quantifiable. I could go on at length, but, to anyone considering this program who is concerned about the validity of its curriculum, its instructors, the cost, or students outcomes, rest assured that it is legit. The people behind this program are the real deal, and they make their living investing in the success of others. If you're considering attending the program and have questions I'd be glad to answer them (@cbgriffin). |
