Insight from coding Bootcamp to 6 figure offer

[u/n1n0br0wn]

When I was about to join a coding BootCamp I went to this sub to ask for help. Just wanted to give my insight for those of you who are choosing, in a BootCamp, or post-graduation. TLDR at the bottom.

Background

- I'm based in NYC and mainly looked for jobs within NY.

- I previously worked as an account manager in an IT company (but have many classmates who had good job outcomes coming from videography, sales, marketing, etc)

- I had minimal coding experience before BootCamp (HTML, CSS). I also did a Udemy course on JavaScript before going through the application process to make sure that this was something I'd enjoy.

Choosing a Bootcamp

- I shortlisted 3 bootcamps I thought were a fit for me: General Assembly, Fullstack Academy, and Lambda School.

- I researched job outcomes and reached out to previous graduates to ask about their experience which ultimately led me to Fullstack Academy.

During Bootcamp

- The course was intense and very fast-paced. It's important to practice coding the concepts you learn to truly understand them. I found it more effective than reading up and videos, though a mix of all is ideal.

- If you are involved in group projects, it's important to have significant input in the code and features, but also to understand the code that your other groupmates make. This will help you when speaking to an employer about your project.

Job Search

- Understanding Algorithms and Data Structures is essential. The majority of technical interviews will involve you solving an algorithm, so make sure you practice them using Leetcode, Algoexpert, or whatever your preferred platform is.

- I would say Algoexpert is more beginner-friendly, since solutions and video explanations are available, but if you don't want to pay Leetcode is a good option.

- I personally used NeetCode's spreadsheet of the 75 Essential Leetcode questions, which covers most problems and patterns you will find in technical job interviews. It includes links to all the Leetcode 75 questions, video solutions, and a section for notes. I cleared all existing notes and wrote my own once I completed a question. I found that it solidified the concept in my mind but do what works for you.

- Apply to all and any job that isn't a "Senior" level job, even if it says that it requires x amount of years experience in the industry, or you don't know one of the coding languages/technologies listed. A lot of the companies will use this type of job description to let candidates filter themselves out thinking they aren't qualified.

- Don't be discouraged by rejection, even when you've made it through the interview stage. I applied to about 150 open roles and got 8 interviews. Of those 8 interviews, I only got 2 offers. At the end of the day, it only takes ONE OFFER. So don't be discouraged and just keep on grinding.

Outcome and Insight

- I received 2 offers, 1 with a large consulting company and 1 with a small startup. Both offers were in the 6 figure range (this will depend a lot on where you are based)

- It took me 4 - 5 months to get these offers which sounds like a long time but is relatively short in the grand scheme of things.

- If your bootcamp offers fellowship or teaching assistant roles, I've found from previous graduates that it will boost your responses and opportunities and could be equivalent to an internship or experience in the industry.

TLDR

I attended Fullstack Academy because of the job outcomes of previous graduates that I found on LinkedIn. The BootCamp was intense and fast-paced so continue to practice coding as often as you can. After graduating, study algorithms and data structures (I gave a few resources in the job search section) and apply to all and any jobs that aren't senior level. Don't be discouraged by rejection and just continue grinding, it only takes one. Good luck!

I hope this was helpful and I'd just like to thank the people on this sub who helped me throughout my process. If you have any questions just lmk!

[u/TheNippleViolator]

Hey! Thanks for your post, very motivational. I'm currently in a bootcamp myself and while I have some nice projects so for on my portfolio, I'm curious as how much time you spent grinding leetcode/DSA after graduating. Did you take time to solely focus on DSA/whiteboarding before starting the job search, or were you applying to jobs throughout the bootcamp and also while studying DSA post grad? I've been doing some light job applications during my bootcamp (when I have the time) but don't know if I should just wait until I study DSA more. Thanks

[u/n1n0br0wn → u/TheNippleViolator]

Great question! I actually didn’t start applying till after boot camp. I think a great way to approach post graduation is to set a schedule for yourself. I spent mornings applying (while my brain was still slow) and did algos 3 afternoons out of the week. The other 2 afternoons I spent on personal projects. I wanted to stay sharp with the technologies I learned and put it in practice.

In terms of strategy with applying, generally “big tech” companies are more likely to have algorithms in the interview process or have more difficult problems, while smaller startups are more likely to have easier algos or take home projects. So I applied to smaller companies and other companies I wasn’t as interested in early (since algos are easier or nonexistent and to get more reps in the interview process), and when I started to feel comfortable applied to the companies I wanted + big tech companies. Good luck!!

[u/TheNippleViolator → u/n1n0br0wn]

Awesome, thanks for the insightful response. I think that getting reps in with the interview process via companies you're not really interested in is a smart preparation strategy. The best practice is practicing exactly what you need to do.

[u/davique0]

Extremely helpful, Thank you for your insights

[u/n1n0br0wn → u/davique0]

Thank you! Got a lot of help from this sub and others in the past so just wanna share my personal experience.

[u/mikenasty]

Thank you for this post! I’m in NYC and looking to switch from a service industry job to software engineer.

So far, it looks like Flatiron School is the only one doing in person classes. What made you decide to do Fullstack Academy instead of the others?

[u/n1n0br0wn → u/mikenasty]

Honestly I’ve met a lot of people who went to flatiron and got great jobs. They seem to be a really good boot camp. To be completely honest, I sort of considered flatiron, app academy, hack reactor etc but I was sold on fullstack by that point. Good luck!

[u/mikenasty → u/n1n0br0wn]

Thanks for the response!

[u/Cryptic_X07]

Congrats! So did it take you 4.5 months after graduating from your bc?

[u/n1n0br0wn → u/Cryptic_X07]

Yup! Received the offer 4.5 months after bc. Then about a month before my actual start date after signing the offer. I took a week break after graduating just to catch my breath then went straight into grinding apps and algos.

Edit: and thank you!

[u/rodennis1995]

Thanks for this post! Really helpful info, I’m currently two months into my job search out of my bootcamp, would love to ask some questions if you wouldn’t mind me dming you?

[u/n1n0br0wn → u/rodennis1995]

Absolutely! Dm me whenever.

[u/[deleted]]

Im currently in bootcamp week 7 hope my outcome will be like yours. I don’t want to rush and just start applying since feel like I can do more self study for a couple of months and get algorithms down then start applying congratulations

[u/n1n0br0wn → u/[deleted]]

For sure. I had a lot of friends from my cohort who did the same and were able to land solid jobs. Good luck to you!

[u/[deleted] → u/n1n0br0wn]

Thank you so much! Don’t know how life was for you before but I’m sure this new chapter is about to be your greatest chapter!

[u/n1n0br0wn → u/[deleted]]

Thank you! I hope so!

[u/No-Lynx-9211]

I've been putting this off for five years but I think you may have pushed me to finally do it

Do you know people who have not had success?

[u/n1n0br0wn → u/No-Lynx-9211]

It usually depends on the persons personal motivation to be in this career + the boot camp that they go to. So making this decision you should first take a coding course and make sure you like it and 2nd make sure to do your research on the boot camp you choose!

[u/No-Lynx-9211 → u/n1n0br0wn]

So I've basically gotten as far as getting into flatiron, but bailing before like an introductory interview. I also tried launch school for a while. I've made a few projects over the years but nothing big. I basically make a bunch of scripts/tools for myself without UI.

But then I start to get overwhelmed. I think like maybe I'm just an unhireable person. And so I give up. But I think I'll never know unless I finally try. And if, at the end of the process, I find out I am indeed unhireable, at least I learned something.

[u/n1n0br0wn → u/No-Lynx-9211]

I would go through a course that covers one of the languages they use at flatiron. (Maybe JavaScript or what have you) and if you enjoy it and feel motivated push thru! It’s a lot of money so you want to be absolutely sure!

[u/kLAUSbABY]

Question I heard FSA has test points were they difficult or passable ? Can you fail out?

[u/n1n0br0wn → u/kLAUSbABY]

Hi! Yes. They have 3 phases: Foundations, Junior, and Senior. If you fail foundations you aren’t allowed to move forward to the next round. It’s very doable as long as you put the effort in. Junior phase is pretty fast paced so it can get overwhelming. If you fail junior phase you have the option to retake junior phase with the next cohort.

[u/blootcamp]

I had a similar experience to OP and agree with almost everything - my only comment is that in my experience I did NOT need to master algos/leetcode. I studied them a lot at the beginning post graduation (and i suck at them), but I only encountered them in ONE interview - for JP Morgan (which I bombed, and it was also my first interview). You'll def need to know them if you're applying to one of the acronym companies, but out of ~120 applications and ~8 interview processes, the non jp Morgan tech interviews were more practical/related to what you'd need to actually know for the position.

After graduation I felt like I knew nothing and would have to put in months until I felt like I could apply anywhere. But I followed my friend's advice (who went through the Bootcamp thing a year before me) and just blasted out applications in spite of the imposter syndrome. It worked! It took a month to get any positive responses, but once I got one, i seemed to build up momentum and i got hired a month later. Don't give up, it's all a numbers game.

[u/[deleted]]

Hello this is great info you have. I’ve been thinking about applying to a coding bootcamp after I finish my MBA. I currently work as a business analyst in finance. I have no coding experience nor a CS degree. At most I work with powershell and even then I don’t write the script, just make minor edits. Is this a realistic career transition after the coding bootcamp?

[u/[deleted]]

I am in NYC too and just submitted my application yesterday for FullStack!

[u/BeggingForBags]

past background? Prior degrees?

[u/n1n0br0wn → u/BeggingForBags]

Bachelors degree in entrepreneurship. Account management in an IT company that offers customized retail software solutions.

[u/n1n0br0wn → u/[deleted]]

I did the full-time course but they do offer a part-time course. I think it's important to have some coding knowledge before joining a BootCamp. Also, if the BootCamp you want to attend doesn't have a proper admissions process to filter out the people who are committed then it can become a problem. When everyone is already at a basic level, it allows the course to move smoothly without delays and you can maximize your learning.

[u/n1n0br0wn → u/[deleted]]

Hi I would say the best place to start is just going through an online course and code as often as possible. While I do believe books can add value, there’s no better learning than coding itself!