The decision to enroll in a coding bootcamp is a life-changing one. Bootcamps are fast tracks to coding success, but they also require some preparation. Before jumping into a course, make sure you’ve prepared for all of the following:
1) Pick the right bootcamp
It may sound obvious, but different coding bootcamps offer drastically different student experiences. Only you can know which option is right for you: Full-time or part-time? Online or in-person?
Whichever program you choose, be sure to do your research. Some bootcamps are better connected to employers than others. Hack Reactor, for example, helps graduates get offers from companies like Google and PayPal, among dozens of others. If your goal in enrolling is to get a job in software design, it’s worthwhile to research your best bootcamp.
2) Build your foundation
Coding bootcamps are short, which means time is of the essence. It’s important to enter your bootcamp with a solid foundation of basic code. Gaining this knowledge beforehand will improve your first days and weeks in a bootcamp, as you’ll already have a basic understanding of the concepts you’re working to master.
If you haven’t built a coding foundation but you want to enroll in a bootcamp, consider a Structured Study Program (SSP). These four to five-week programs are designed to take you from coding beginner to Hack Reactor Immersive ready.
3) Get ready for change
Before you dive into a coding bootcamp, take a moment to acknowledge that the next few weeks will be intense. Coding bootcamps like Hack Reactor’s pack in all the information and skill-building you’ll need to excel as a coding professional. Keep your ultimate goal in mind and allow yourself to feel overwhelmed at first.
Along with this, be sure to identify your support system and ways you like to relax. Coding bootcamp can be a lot of work, but it can also be a lot of fun. It helps to have a team rooting for you!
4) Clean up your brand
Maximize your future ability to get hired by cleaning up your social media profiles. As a future coder, you should know that your web presence is everything. Make sure the online brand you’re promoting is one that will help get you hired.
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Following these four steps can help prepare you for a smooth transition to your coding bootcamp. If you still have questions, check out the Hack Reactor blog. For more information on bootcamp enrollment, visit the Hack Reactor website.
