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Discussion on: I Joined A Coding Bootcamp (And Here's Why)

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wmemorgan profile image
Wilfred Morgan

I am currently enrolled in Lambda School (lambdaschool.com). It is an online program (with full-time and part-time options) similar to other bootcamps with a few key differences:

  • No tuition is paid upfront.
  • You only pay them WHEN you get a job (making 50k or more) as a SOFTWARE DEVELOPER.
  • They also teach computer science fundamentals with much greater depth than traditional college courses.
  • They have extensive career counseling and hiring partners. (Since their financial success is directly tied to your financial success.)

Check them out.

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jamiekaren profile image
Jamie Ferrugiaro

Oh, thank you so much! I'm actually already enrolled to Rutgers, however. No turning back now. Also, I'm fortunate enough to be able to already pay for Rutgers fully with 0% interest--and Lambda School is still a loan. I've actually looked into them too. They seem good!

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wmemorgan profile image
Wilfred Morgan • Edited

Hey Jamie,

I posted that message for Rachel since she mentioned being concerned about job guarantees.

Historically Rutgers' CS department has a good reputation so I'm glad to hear they have a bootcamp program (I'm originally from NJ).

Good luck with your journey. As someone who is currently in a bootcamp I can honestly say it will be one of the best investments you've made for yourself.

A few tips that will help you:

  • Ask for help as much as you need to. If you're stuck on a problem more than 20 minutes ask for help. (Trust me this works)

  • Take regular breaks (Pomodoro Technique) is effective

  • Get good sleep

  • Please do NOT be hard on yourself. Programming is hard and everyone makes mistakes, you could be stuck on something for a long time and it was due to a typo. So allow yourself to make mistakes.

Best of luck on your new journey.

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jamiekaren profile image
Jamie Ferrugiaro

Awe thanks so much!! These tips are great.

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rachelgroff176 profile image
Rachel Groff

I've looked into them before, but haven't made the move to apply beyond their Summer Hackers Program. How are you liking the program? Have you tried learning other ways?

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wmemorgan profile image
Wilfred Morgan

Hey Rachel,

Prior to joining Lambda this past November, I was teaching myself to code for the past year. I took Udemy classes and completed all the certifications for freeCodeCamp. I was able to learn Python and JavaScript but the problem was that I was still not "job-ready".

So I decided to enroll in Lambda to refine my skills and get myself job ready. The biggest reason I choose Lambda is because of their deferred tuition job guarantee plan. I pay no money upfront and I only begin paying them back after I get a job as a software developer. If I don't get a job or I decide to work as a shoe salesman instead, then I don't pay them a dime. So the only thing I risk is my time.

It has exceeded my wildest expectations. Not only am I getting excellent instruction with tons of support from a variety of teaching assistants and students but I also have a dedicated career counselor at my disposal to help craft a resume, LinkedIn profile, etc.

But that's not the best part...the best part are these projects we work on that simulate a professional software development working environment which will count as real-world experience with many tech companies.

We have a very diverse student population many of whom have no prior coding experience and yet the people who graduate are more skilled than 80% of CS graduates. And they are getting hired at top tech companies making good salaries.

The caveat to this program is that it requires a time commitment and it's definitely hard-work but the instructors and staff are sooo supportive and they'll never give up on you as long as you don't give up on yourself.

Anyone who completes this program is hands down a bona fide software developer and can work anywhere.

Hope this helps. Best of luck in your endeavors.

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rachelgroff176 profile image
Rachel Groff

That's great to hear! Thanks, Wilfred, for breaking it down further for me! 😊 It definitely gives me more to think about in terms of learning and what would be the best path for me.

Best of luck to you also!