I picked Tech Elevator because I heard it on NPR and also saw it promoted through Women of Cincy. I did further research through their website and was very excited about the job rate that TE has, it was very impressive! When I applied to the bootcamp, I was a Territory Sales Manager for a local Brewery and just looking to change careers. My job ended up getting dissolved due to COVID so my TE bootcamp came at the perfect time. The entire way the program was set up really was helpful to creating a prepared junior dev. The hours we are expected to be “on” mimicked that of a professional work environment. Our class load was overwhelming at times but I know that it is honestly for the best. WE LEARN SO MUCH SO FAST, and once you get back into learning mode, it feels easier. While I know I still have a ton to learn, that idea excites me and doesn’t scare me. I feel like I am well prepared to join a team as a junior developer and actually add value to the team. This bootcamp not only helped me prepare to join a team by learning coding fundamentals, but how to work in pairs and groups with many different types of people. One of the biggest things I learned was how important working with others is, and TE has really helped shaped me into someone that *hopefully* many people will like to work with. So many new and exciting opportunities exist in my job hunt that were nonexistent before graduating Tech Elevator and that doesn't even include growth. There are so many paths now open to me since taking this leap! The entire staff helped create a safe place to practice HR interview skills and technical interview skills (which are scarier than I ever thought!). Through practice I was able to calm my nerves and successfully navigate through multiple different types of technicals. Could not have done that without the prep Tech Elevator gave me. I am proud to say that through Matchmaking, think speed-dating but for interviews within the Tech Elevator network, and will be starting a job right after TE ends! | 