Enrolling in a coding bootcamp is a big step. If you’re considering it, you might be wondering what it takes to succeed and launch your new tech career. When we chat with grads, we always ask if they have any advice to share with prospective students – and they do!
From building your network, trusting the learning process, and finding joy amid hard work, their insights show what’s possible when you invest in yourself and dedicate yourself to the work of becoming a full-stack software engineer. Read some great grad advice below.
What Hack Reactor Grads Have to Say
Esther Kim, Support Engineer, Smartrr
“My advice is to fully commit to the process. Treat the bootcamp as a significant investment in yourself and your future, requiring both time and effort. Engage deeply with the coursework and practice explaining concepts simply to solidify your understanding. While it’s an intensive journey, embracing it and enjoying the learning process is key to building a strong foundation. A growth mindset with a positive attitude goes a long way!”
Chris Zambito, Lead Software Developer, Comptus Technologies
“[It’s important to] stay emotionally level and realize that you’re going into this bootcamp because there’s something in your life that you want to change.
You have to be mentally prepared to make the commitment and make the sacrifices. Start now. Give up whatever you need to give up. Buckle down, because the time flies by. You’re going to meet some incredible people. I still talk to so many people from the bootcamp on a daily basis, but it’s such a short amount of time in your life. Do whatever it takes to focus because you’re literally changing your life, and it’s worth it.”
Mindi Weiks, Software Engineer, Sierra Interactive
“I think pacing yourself and leaving space for fun is kind of big because the bootcamp is a lot of work. It’s a lot of time. So finding moments to enjoy yourself, whether it’s in the program or outside of the program, was really big for me.
It’s also important to make sure that your support system is aware of just how hard this is going to be. I’m really grateful that my partner dug in and gave me so much space to be able to do this. It’s really nice to have someone there to back you up and help you celebrate at the end. So, my advice would be to have fun and make sure your support system is ready to go.”
Eve Lyons, Digital Sales Specialist, IBM
“It’s always worth investing in yourself, no matter what you do. Even when I first got my coding degree in Russia, I didn’t actually use it. But any time I mentioned it in conversations at networking events or when talking to engineers, it only added to my credibility. So if you’re on the fence about whether to invest in yourself, always do it.
In my experience, when you have to take a risk and stretch yourself a little, it pays off if it’s an investment in yourself and your future. That’s what I’ve seen time and time again.”
Anthony Cella, Software Engineer, Cisco
“Once you’ve chosen a bootcamp, start networking immediately, or even before you begin. Start sending connection requests on LinkedIn and grow your network as soon as you can because it’s a really important tool for the job search.
It also wouldn’t hurt to start practicing LeetCode-style questions early; they’re essential for technical interviews after graduation. Make use of your time outside of class, too. I often did a toy problem as a warmup before class, which helped me stay sharp.
The program can be intense, but my best advice is to take the work seriously, do your best on your projects, network consistently, and practice coding problems. If you do those things, you should be good to go.”
Kye Lindholm, Site Reliability Engineer, Checkr
“I think the people who are deciding to make this transition are people who are obviously willing to learn, and I think everyone knows themselves best. It’s good to take any advice you get to heart and to consider everything you’re told by people who have more experience than you. But at the end of the day, you know yourself best, you know how you learn best and most efficiently. So I’d say be sure to trust yourself as you go through this process.”
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