| | Kevin Maguire | Originally, I was completely unaware of Code Platoon as a coding bootcamp option. It was appealing for a few reasons: VET-TEC approved, follow veterans and spouses, full stack web development and a full-time remote option. If you have no prior experience in programming, you will not be left behind. However, you will need to put in several hours outside of lecture and beyond the homework. The best thing to help your progression will be learning how you learn. I watched a lot of YouTube tutorials prior to starting new languages, frameworks or libraries to get familiar. Reading documentation is also extremely helpful and underrated. You will more than likely be overwhelmed at the beginning and at additional points.
Once you start learning, you get exposed to an exponential amount of computer science disciplines. This isn’t new information if you have been reading up on attending a bootcamp, but I want to make it clear there will be stress involved. The staff and teaching assistances will help you understand the material, not just complete it, and will answer all your questions. The bootcamp is still working 100% remote due to COVID-19 restrictions and safety. Therefore, you need to make sure you ask questions. The program sets you up for success with an excellent curriculum, which is not limited to development. It also includes internships, job placement assistance, resume assistance, budget management, investment strategies and one-on-one mentorship. These are all great benefits if you take advantage of them. Find your motivator and hold to it throughout the program. If you do that, Code Platoon will help you with the rest to start a rewarding career in software development.
It took me nearly six months to get placed after regular applications and interviews. They will attempt to find a career for you in your area with the help of Rich and the Chicago staff. They consistently work with you to work on interviews, resumes, networking and introductions to potential employers. The bootcamp does not end when you graduate, and they support you to remain on task. I could not state enough how helpful it is to have someone keeping you on track and motivated, especially in this current economic climate. The strategies we developed together, and the consistent communication were crucial for my successful placement at an excellent company in the Boston area. |
