Is a web development bootcamp right for you?

Felix Thea Software Engineer

February 6th, 2014

I recently wrapped up a 3-month web development course in App Academy NYC. If you've considered attending to gain the skills to use on your startup here's what it's like on the inside to help you make your decision:

http://blog.felixthea.com/developer-bootcamps-a-look-from-the-inside/

Felix Thea Software Engineer

February 6th, 2014

Clickable link: http://blog.felixthea.com/developer-bootcamps-a-look-from-the-inside/

Katie Koenig (Steiner) Director, Programmatic & Ad Operations at Independent Journal

February 6th, 2014

Hi Felix, Thanks so much for posting! I have also been trying to teach myself to code but think I need something more structured so have been looking into bootcamps. However, I am still deciding as I love my current job and am not quite ready to leave yet. Thanks again for posting your experience! Best, Katie -- Katie Steiner Manager, Yield Optimization, Match Media Group Sent from my iPad

Lyle McKeany

February 6th, 2014

Thanks for posting Felix. I'm seriously considering this for one of the upcoming SF cycles. Does anyone else have experience with similar programs? What are some other similar programs I should potentially consider?

Anonymous

February 6th, 2014

I'm curious about other people's experiences as well. Specifically, if there are any folks who have participated in programs in Austin (i.e. MakerSquare).

Can anyone provide any tips on how to get in (how to pass the tests)?

Mohamed Alborno Director / Producer @ The New Country Film Project

February 6th, 2014

It's interesting cause I've heard mixed opinions about learning to code as an entrepreneur. One opinion suggests improving the business skills as it's hard to catch up with people who have been doing it for years. Other suggests doing it. I think it's of great importance, I wish I can do it.
I've heard of Launch Academy in Boston doing a good job and another one in Vancouver, BC.

Jake Carlson Software Development Manager at Oracle

February 6th, 2014

I think anything that can help you understand and appreciate the work others do is a good thing. But programming is just like any other skill; it takes time to be good at it. So don't expect to be able to code something as well as someone who has been doing it for years just because you do a bootcamp.

Felix Thea Software Engineer

February 7th, 2014

If you are interested in a bootcamp and want more opinions, just hop on twitter and look for people that are attending or attended. That was how I first learned about the different programs and got to speak with current and alumni from the different schools. It helped me figure out if it was a right fit or not.

Felix Thea Software Engineer

February 7th, 2014

@Caroling

I'm not sure what the tests are like for MakerSquare, but the App Academy one was pretty technical. I recommend you go through some tutorials for whatever language the bootcamp is teaching and then also try to solve problems on http://projecteuler.net using the language that they'll test you on.

Kirsten Lambertsen Founder, CEO at Kuratur, Inc.

February 8th, 2014

This was a great post, Felix. I love it when people share this kind of 'behind the curtain' information. We need all of it we can get :)

Eric Sornoso Writer at SEJ

February 8th, 2014

Thanks for the great share, Felix.

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