The Bootcamp Route
Published: 2019-12-10 03:45:43

Is coding for you? Do you genuinely enjoy learning? Are you fascinated by little details? Can you adapt to changes? Does the idea of creating something new excite you? If so, coding may be for you.
I started my career in IT about 3 years ago as a help desk technician. After 2 years of fixing computer issues, I became bored out of my mind! Fixing hardware and software was no longer a challenge. I never seriously considered becoming a software developer. I don't have a science degree, no superhuman math capabilities and I actually despised algebra in high school.
I landed an internship as a jr project manager in the software department at DOES. I got to witness the Lifecycle of many applications up close and personal. There were long meetings and developers! The more time I spent questioning developers the more capable and confident I became. I started studying front end development and built my first website after one month on the job.
HTML and CSS were second nature after a few months. I started studying Javascript. Six months later, I still could not wrap my head around it. I NEEDED to understand Javascript! I already feel in love with the freedom and flexibility of coding. I'm SOOO cheap but it was time for me to take the boot camp route.
GA had the most vibrant brand out of the options I considered. Everything went so fast. I applied. I got accepted! The DC location is very bright and inviting but let me tell you, this is no walk in the park, ok. This is not for the faint of heart. It's more like a fight in a ring. Picture every week your amazing teachers cram everything you need to know in your head before throwing you in the ring with bigger and bigger opponents. You come out a little beaten, but alive and better!
This is exactly what I needed. Before the boot camp, I studied javascript for so long but still did not understand the logic. Seven days after introducing javascript, we had to code an entire game! I could not believe how fast the pace was. I was more blown away when I finish it. There is a method to the madness. Learn these concepts and practice in class. Go build something above your technical level. Fight through it and deliver your code.
This is the BOOT CAMP route! You are signing up to be pushed past your limit. I have experienced headaches, eye twitching, and FATIGUE! I also became javascript literate in less than a month(which is more progress than I made in 6 months by myself). The hardest part for me has been thinking logically.
Words of advice. TEAM Work Make The Dream Work! You don't have to fight the boot camp battles alone. Please just don't. Your classmates are your secret weapons. Take every opportunity to work and study together. As a beginner, you cannot overutilize collaboration.
Also, be humble! Most nerds have a complex about appearing brilliant but a wise man knows that he's a fool. You will always be a student of the great programming languages. Just chill and ride smoothly through your confusing with constant hard work.
Are you prepared? You should already know how to build simple websites. I recommend having a strong understanding of HTML, CSS, and Javascript before you even apply. If you can learn on your own, that's great! If you studied for months and keep getting stuck, consider the boot camp route.
I feel like a programmer after 1 month. It's very rewarding. I get to use my creativity in challenging new ways. I am exposed to new challenges every day. Every programmer I meet agrees that there is always more to learn. The industry is always evolving. Every programmer has the opportunity to impact this industry!