Pre-Dojo:
As a cashier in grocery stores
Wanted to work in the tech industry but had no college or coding experience.
After Dojo:
He started his career as an IT Field Technician, and now he is an IT Analyst.
He has aspirations to become a certified programmer and to continue improving his coding skills.
Program: Three Full-Stack Bootcamps in Tulsa (OK).
Career Satisfaction Prior: 3/10
Career Satisfaction After: 9/10
Testimonial:
I can still remember whiteboarding the Fibonacci Sequence, learning recursion, and feeling like a mathematician in those movies that make you think they understand everything.
Please tell us about yourself. Your age, hobbies, passions and what you did (professionally) before joining the bootcamp.
I am 22 years old, and gaming is my main hobby. It is something I am passionate about. I was a Coding Dojo student for the first time. Before and during the bootcamp, I worked in a grocery store.
Why did you choose to enroll in a bootcamp for coding?
Computers have always interested me. When I was three years old, my grandma helped me play with computers. She allowed me to play old ‘I Spy” games and helped me move the mouse. I knew I wanted to work in technology from a young age. Programming seemed really cool, and with all the money that was made in the field, it seemed like a great place to go.
How was your bootcamp experience? What parts were easy and what did you struggle with?
Boot camp was both informative and exhausting, but it was a great experience. It was exhausting, but amazing, to receive so much information in such a short amount of time. Because of how mentally exhausted I was, I took a few month’s break from boot camp. However, it was amazing because it didn’t waste my time. It was amazing to feel like I was retaining large amounts of information in a short time.
What were your strategies for overcoming the difficulties you faced?
Google, my instructor’s assistance, and making friends. My cohort of friends was a huge part of my success. We all worked together, and each person brought unique perspectives.
Do you have any funny stories to share about bootcamp? Make friends! Do you have fond memories?
I can still remember whiteboarding the Fibonacci Sequence, learning recursion, and feeling like a mathematician in those movies that make you think they understand everything.
How did your job hunt go? How did you land a job at your current job?
Although my job search was unsuccessful at first, it ended up being rewarding in the end. My lack of college experience delayed my job search. However, within 6 months, I found a job as a technie and now, 2 years and a half later, I have my dream job.
Please share your career story with us. If applicable, tell us where you went after your first job.
I had the pleasure of working with many different recruiters. Employers are your best friend, and job recruiters are your best friend. My first job was with Loves Travel Stops. I was an IT Field Technician there for about a year and half. In November 2020, I was promoted to my current position as an IT Analyst at another company.
What advice would you give to others interested in coding bootcamps, or just starting one?
Don’t give up. My cohort mates were ready to give up when they saw me. They persevered and, very soon after, they figured it out. Only one of the 11 members of my cohort lost, and only two of my fellow cohort members had any previous coding experience. This is 8 people who went from having no programming experience to becoming proficient coders in just a few short months.
What are your future goals and dreams, in five or ten years?
I love my job and will continue to work there for a while. However, I have ambitions to get some certifications and learn more about coding. Coding Dojo bootcamp is a program that will help you get out of a rut and change your career path. We offer online and onsite courses as well as part-time and complete-time online courses. We offer scholarships, financing options, and other tuition assistance programs to help with financial barriers. There is no better time to invest in your future and yourself than now! Click this link to schedule a 15 minute exploratory session with one our Admissions representatives.
