surviving coding bootcamp: lessons learned

This year, I turned a fresh new page in my book after 10 years of client-facing work, diving into the world of tech at General Assembly’s coding bootcamp. It’s been a rollercoaster—one with plenty of code, coffee, and moments of self-doubt. Yet, every bug and roadblock has turned into an opportunity for growth. Now, as I reflect on my bootcamp experience, I want to humbly share a few lessons I gained from my journey to anyone embarking on this wild ride.

Table of Contents

• Emotionally Navigating Bootcamp: Building Resilience and Community
• Mastering Homework: Strategic Approaches for Success
• Working with a Mentor: Maximizing Support and Growth

Emotionally Navigating Bootcamp: Building Resilience and Community

Bootcamp is intense. It’s fast-paced and packed with new concepts, and it can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re new to coding.

Anecdote:
I was really hard on myself at first. I’m a late bloomer in my career and life, and prior rejections built up a low self-image. I worried I would get kicked out of the bootcamp after a month. When I saw classmates rapidly mastering concepts, I felt behind— especially the day I struggled to get flexbox figured out. My project looked like a melted egg during show-and-tell.

I was beyond stressed and even cried at times, often unable to celebrate my own progress and only seeing my shortcomings. I wouldn’t take weekends or evenings off, which led to a mini episode of burnout in the first month. As time went on in the bootcamp, I became stronger and found ways to reframe my thinking.

Tips:
Here’s what I learned about navigating the emotional ups and downs:

Embrace Vulnerability ❤️: Don’t be afraid to speak up if you need more time with assignments or to ask questions during class. Communicating openly with instructors not only helps you but can also benefit others in your cohort. I found that sharing my struggles (rather than hiding them) allowed me to make the most of the support offered.

Celebrate Your Journey 🎉: When it feels tough, remember how far you’ve come. Think back to Day 1 and recognize your progress. It’s easy to get caught up in the challenges, but give yourself grace and take a moment to celebrate the wins, big or small. We all learn at different paces and have varied experience levels, so there’s no need to compare yourself to others.

Use Accommodations 💻: Have your instructor take advantage of tools like Live Share during code-alongs. This collaborative feature allows you to see your instructor's screen in real-time, follow their code steps, and ask questions as they go.

Take Breaks 🌼: Sometimes, the best debugging tool is a break. Walk away, listen to music, or even grab a snack. A fresh mind often leads to breakthroughs and also prevents burnout.

Mastering Homework: Strategic Approaches for Success

Homework is where bootcamp concepts really start to sink in, but it can feel daunting.

Anecdote:
I learned this the hard way during the first few weeks. I felt overwhelmed by all the information being thrown at me and often experienced anxiety trying to process it all. For our first major assignment— a website due over the weekend after the first week of onboarding and classes—I waited until Monday evening to start. I spent Monday organizing my notes and making sure I fully understood everything, but by that night, I was freaking out.

I also remember how, in those first few weeks, when we had homework hour right after class, I often felt too overwhelmed to start. I wanted to understand everything and solve all the bonus questions too, which led me to go down rabbit holes. It would have been better to take small steps early on rather than waiting until the last minute and feeling anxious at night.

Tips:
Here’s how I learned to tackle assignments efficiently:

• Start Early 🕒: If class ends early, dive into your homework. Starting promptly allows you to chip away at the assignment without last-minute stress, giving you the mental space to absorb what you’re learning.
• Build the Foundation 🔧: Begin by setting up your development environment and creating any basic files or structures you’ll need. Laying out the skeleton files helps you get organized and ready to focus on the code itself.
• Ask for Clarification 👨‍🏫: Use class time to ask questions about anything unclear. I found that understanding the core concepts before I left class made homework much more manageable.
• Master the Basics 📚: Spend time solidifying foundational concepts. Focus on the underlying principles instead of memorizing syntax! Strengthening your basics will make advanced concepts easier as you move forward.
• Leverage AI Tools 🤖: Use AI-powered platforms or chatbots to help you debug your code or clarify concepts you're struggling with. These tools can provide instant feedback, or explain complex topics in a more digestible way, enhancing your learning experience and helping you become more independent in problem-solving.
• Seek Help Strategically 🆘: Work through problems on your own for 30-45 minutes before reaching out. This self-driven exploration is crucial for developing problem-solving skills. If you’re still stuck, ask classmates, instructors, or mentors for guidance, making it a collaborative learning experience.
• Engage in Homework Review Sessions 🔄: These sessions are not only for clarifying any confusing parts of the homework but also for gaining new insights from instructors’ feedback. Don’t hesitate to ask questions during these reviews— understanding the “why” behind an answer can be transformative.

Working with a Mentor: Maximizing Support and Growth

Mentorship can be a lifeline in bootcamp.

Anecdote:
I remember feeling really nervous around my mentor at first, worried he’d think my questions were silly while I tried to impress him. However, midway through my apprenticeship, I realized that being more human and open improved our relationship. I started sharing consistent updates on what I was learning and working on, and during each meeting, I clearly communicated what I wanted to focus on and what I was having difficulties with. I approached our discussions with a collaborative mindset, saying, “let’s solve this together.”

Tips:
Here’s how I built a supportive relationship with my mentor and made the most of our sessions:

• Establish a Consistent Meeting Schedule 📅: Regular meetings (weekly or bi-weekly) can be incredibly beneficial, especially if you’re juggling multiple projects or feel stuck. Don’t hesitate to reach out for additional meetings when needed, particularly during urgent project deadlines or if there is a week of complex concepts.
• Prepare an Agenda 📋: Coming to each session with a list of specific questions and topics ensures you make the most of your time together. If possible, send code snippets or key issues ahead of time to help your mentor prepare.
• Be Open About Challenges 🤝: Mentors aren’t just there to help with code. Share your struggles, celebrate your successes, and be honest about what’s tough. This transparency strengthens your connection and allows your mentor to provide tailored guidance.
• Share Your Understanding 💬: During your meetings, take time to explain concepts or solutions you think you understand. Your mentor can provide feedback, correct misunderstandings, and deepen your grasp of the material.
• Document Solutions 📝: Take notes on what you cover with your mentor, including any resources or solutions shared. These notes are invaluable for review and can help you navigate similar problems down the road.
• Build a Connection Beyond Code 🌟: Get to know your mentor on a personal level. Whether it’s discussing their interests or sharing your own, this human connection fosters a supportive environment where learning feels collaborative, not just technical.

Final Thoughts: Embrace the Journey

Bootcamp isn’t easy. You’ll encounter bugs, setbacks, and times when you doubt yourself, but each challenge is a stepping stone. So take it all in stride, ask for help when you need it, and remember to enjoy the process.

In the end, bootcamp isn’t just about learning to code; it’s about discovering your resilience, embracing your curiosity, and finding joy in the journey. Happy coding! 💕