| | Anonymous | I can't recommend Alchemy Code Lab enough. I tested into the highest level JavaScript Immersion course and learned more in the first couple weeks than I'd ever learned before. From new technology (to me) like React/Redux, to tech I had been exposed to before (Express, Nodejs, MongoDB, mongoose). The curriculum is comprehensive and progresses smoothly from topic to topic getting more challenging as it goes. In addition to the fantastic (patient) instructors there's one TA per six students, all of whom are happy to sit down with you and walk through your code and help you find bugs. The 401 immersive full-stack program is very intense but you graduate with a fantastic breadth of advanced knowledge that's very much in demand in Portland.
Even after graduation you're still connected to other students and previous students through your Alchemy chat account. There's a jobs channel and an "all hands" channel so that everyone can stay in touch. There's a full-time career services person on staff who is a former recruiter and happy to work with you one on one for resume help and job hunting advice. As the school builds more contacts in the local tech industry, they have more connections in various companies that alumni can network with to find a role that's a good fit.
In class there's also a lot of career and interview support. Every Friday is "whiteboarding" where students pair up and whiteboard the kind of challenges that are common in tech interviews. It's good practice to help alleviate the nerves that come with whiteboarding in front of interviewers.
Alchemy is also very involved in the community and host several meetups a week. They've signed the TechTown: Diversity Pledge and are committed to diversity both in their classes and in the meetups they host.
In addition, Megan and Marty, the owners of the school, have made it a very welcoming environment. The school is open every day for current and former students and graduates can sit in on any class. There's a great social scene among students and alumni and more advanced students are always willing to help other students. There's good coffee, a huge selection of teas and various snacks. The location is right across from Powell's and there are many options nearby to get food. Once a month there's a Friday happy hour to which everyone's invited.
I'm a recent graduated of the 401 course and on the recommendation of Marty and all the career advice I received, I've been going to meetups several nights a week and in a relatively short time have had positive reactions from various employers which have led to interviews.
I'm so glad I chose to attend Alchemy Code Lab! It has been a fantastic experience and a fantastic community! |
