Committing to something like a web development bootcamp is a BIG DEAL. If you’ve done so already, congratulations. With coding jobs growing 12% faster than the market average—paying $22,000 more per year than non-coding jobs—you are setting yourself up for a very profitable future.
Here’s the honest truth about coding bootcamps: you really do get out of it what you put into it. So, during your 13-26 week course, it’s important to know how you can get the most out of your experience. Being in the bootcamp world since 2013, seeing thousands of students successfully go through our coding bootcamp, we’ve learned a few things NOT to do while going through coding bootcamp.
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We caught up with Christy Lehman, DevMountain’s Student Success Manager, and asked her about common patterns she sees in students who struggle. For those ready to start your first bootcamp class, here are 3 things that will ruin your coding bootcamp experience:
1. Missing an unhealthy amount of classes
We always encourage students to attend every class. Understanding that some days must be sick days, do everything you can to catch up on what you missed in class. At most bootcamps, attendance is required, merely because regular attendance is necessary to your overall development in whichever course you choose. Instructors often cover weeks of material from a regular college course in one day. Missing days at a time will surely affect your ability to keep up with the class.
2. Doubting the process
A 13-26 week coding bootcamp may not feel natural in the beginning—you will have a hard time seeing how things fit together. But, you must trust the process. If you’ve chosen a good coding school, there is a lot of thought and research that goes into the curriculum, how things are taught, the order in which they are taught, etc. The more you practice the things you are being taught, the more things will start to click.
3. Ignoring your resources
A bootcamp dedicated to your success will have mentors, instructors, student success managers, and employee relations employees standing by ready to help you not only learn how to code, but also help you get a job. Take advantage of these resources. They are there for a reason and will increase your ability to get a jumpstart in your career.
Knowing that coding jobs are due to increase significantly in upcoming years, now is a better time than ever to immerse yourself into the coding community. Attending your classes, trusting the process, and using your resources regularly will help you claim success to your experience at bootcamp. Before you know it, choosing a coding bootcamp will be the best decision you’ve ever made.
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