During a recent Beginner Coding Bootcamp alumni panel, graduates Stephany Mesa (Head of CX & Implementation, Revyse), John Eger (Software Engineer, Creatorland), and Amanda Taing (Associate Software Engineer, Airbnb) reflected on their experiences in the program and shared valuable advice for current and prospective students.
In this post, read some of their insights, ranging from how to stay current with technical skills, the importance of networking after the bootcamp and beyond, how to achieve work-life balance, and more.
Getting started: Exploring tech roles
Transitioning into the tech industry can be daunting, but it’s also full of possibilities, including for those who don’t come from technical backgrounds. During the panel, Amanda shared how her non-traditional background became a strength, offering her unique perspectives in the field.
Stephany added that there are various roles within tech that you can explore – not just software engineering – and that having a diverse background can be advantageous. Watch this clip to hear more:
Both panelists recommended starting the job search early in the program and dedicating a lot of effort to your capstone projects, which help you build a robust project portfolio. They also encouraged using resources like LeetCode to practice coding challenges and build problem-solving confidence.
The value of building relationships and networking
The alumni talked about the importance of forming strong connections during the bootcamp. By building relationships with peers, you’re giving and receiving valuable emotional support, plus this type of relationship-building mimics the collaborative nature of professional software engineering teams. As they note, effective communication and teamwork are essential skills you’ll use throughout your career.
And networking doesn’t stop after the bootcamp. The panelists emphasized that leveraging connections helps you explore opportunities for first jobs after graduation, but also for second and third roles down the road, or for mentorship opportunities as you grow in your career.
Lifelong learning and adapting to change
A key takeaway from the panel was the emphasis on lifelong learning. John, Amanda, and Stephany stressed the importance of staying curious and adaptable in an evolving industry. In the bootcamp, we call this “learning how to learn” and it’s a crucial component of the overall program. Tools and frameworks will change over time, but the ability to pick up new skills will always be valuable and can set you apart from others vying for roles or promotions.
The panelists discussed the value of using platforms like YouTube and AI tools like ChatGPT for learning but cautioned against relying solely on them. The ultimate goal is to develop a strong coding and engineering foundation so that you can continue learning and growing, including using evolving technologies as productivity-enhancers.
The Beginner Bootcamp experience
Hack Reactor Program Lead Nicole Amonette led the panel discussion and provided an overview of the 16-week program, including recent updates to the curriculum. She emphasized the pillars of the curriculum:
- Problem-Solving Skills: Students learn how to tackle complex coding challenges systematically.
- Self-Management: Time management and independent learning are critical for success in bootcamp (and tech career).
- Teamwork: Collaborative projects prepare students for real-world job situations.
- Career Readiness: From resume building to interview prep, the program ensures students are job-ready.
Nicole also highlighted the integration of AI tools like GitHub Copilot, which helps students boost productivity and familiarize themselves with increasingly popular technology used on the job.
Your path to a career in tech
Our Beginner Coding Bootcamp equips students with the skills, tools, and support they need to succeed in software engineering and other related fields.
Ready to take the first step? Learn about the Beginner Coding Bootcamp and start your application today!