Pre-Dojo:
Bachelor’s degree is in Environmental Studies
Coordination and Operations Management
Fear of failure
Post-Dojo:
Triple Black Belt in Python and C#/.NET.
Collaboration and communication skills improved
Walmart International – I was hired as a database engineer
Program: Three full-stack bootcamps in Bellevue, WATestimonial
I achieved something that I wouldn’t have been able to do without the structured courses and the support of my instructors and fellow classmates.
What were you doing professionally before the bootcamp?
Project coordination and operations management
Why did you choose to enroll in a bootcamp for coding?
Although I was always interested in code, I only discovered my passion for it during college. I wasn’t happy with my current career, so I decided to give coding another chance.
What were your fears and doubts that prevented you from enrolling? How did you overcome them?
Fear of failure was the greatest fear. I hadn’t coded for a while so I wasn’t sure what my skill level was and if it’s still something I can do. I finally got over my fear by just taking a chance on me.
What was the secret to Coding Dojo’s success? Why did you choose Coding Dojo over other programs?
I read a lot of reviews about Coding Dojo and one common theme was the insufficient learning/training from different bootcamps. The 14-week training is what attracted me to Coding Dojo over its competitors.
How was it to prepare for bootcamp? How did you prepare for the bootcamp?
Although I was excited to do what I love, I was also nervous because it was a while since I had worked with JavaScript or other front-end technologies. I prepared by reading the precourse material, learning the algorithms, and getting back to basics.
Talk us through the first few weeks of the program. Which parts were your favorites? What parts were difficult?
I enjoyed the morning algorithms to help me get back into problem solving. I think I struggled the most with github and working in CLI commands at first, but it became second nature as I practiced more. Visual Studio GUI controls are something I am not used to.
What were your strategies for overcoming the difficulties you faced?
It was a lot of Google-ing, haha. The 20-minute rule at Dojo really helped me speed up my learning. It’s really helpful to know that someone is available to help you solve a problem if you don’t know how.
Do you have any funny stories to share about bootcamp? Make friends! Do you have fond memories?
My favorite bugs were those that I realized my mistakes as soon as Cody, my Dojo Instructor showed me the code. It happens quite often. I believe I made lifelong friends who I can turn to for support if I need it. My cohort was (and still is) incredible! Due to the coronavirus epidemic, my cohort had to move online. I miss our Zoom hangouts, where we could code, chill, and chat.
How did you feel about your job prospects and skills as you neared graduation?
There was still so much to learn. Looking back at my previous 14-week experience, I realized that I had accomplished a lot without the structured courses and the support of my instructors and fellow cohortmates.
Did the bootcamp provide you with anything other than coding skills?
Although I had some project management experience before the bootcamp, it wasn’t technical. Through project week collaborations, I have learned how to communicate and work in an agile environment. Through debug sessions, I was able to teach and assist others.
How did your job hunt go? How did you land a job at your current job?
My job hunt went much better than I expected. I was constantly in touch with recruiters and working with Joseph Yea, my Career Service Manager (he’s amazing by the way), to improve my resume, LinkedIn, or anything else that will help me stand apart. It was worth it when I received a job offer from Walmart International as a database engineer.
What advice would you give to others interested in coding bootcamps, or just starting one?
Be limitless! Go (UW Huskies!) It is a bootcamp, so perseverance and hard work are essential. It will be difficult, so it is important to get into the habit of asking questions and working together so that you can truly understand the logic behind the code.
What are your future goals and dreams, in five or ten years?
I look forward to continuing to grow with my team. We’re working hard on some really cool stuff. Coding Dojo bootcamp is for you if you are interested learning how to code and making your dream a reality. Both part-time and full-time programming is available.
