How do you stay motivated throughout an online coding bootcamp (and land a job afterwards)? Many people choose to take online coding bootcamps because it’s more convenient to study from home, or because they don’t have access to an in-person bootcamp in their city. At Course Report, we regularly hear success stories from online bootcamp graduates who have found great jobs with their new skills. But what is the secret to success at an online bootcamp? We asked the team at Thinkful, which offers full-time and part-time remote coding bootcamps, for their top tips to acing an online bootcamp. Watch the video or read the blog post.
Tip #1: Find a Course That Will Support You
Dan Friedman, Thinkful Co-Founder
There’s a difference between a self-guided, online course and an online bootcamp
Online resources are like books in a library, while bootcamps are like schools. Choose a program that will guide you to success.
Find support for your learning style
Can you learn from recorded lectures and self-direction? Great! If you need more support, look for a program with live instruction and interaction with mentors.
One-on-one instruction can mean faster learning and better retention.
Look at a school’s outcomes to see how their grads are doing
Look for graduation rate, placement rate, & clear definitions.
Work with your careers team to have a targeted job search
Refine your application materials, resume, and LinkedIn
Network like crazy
You’re an online student, but that doesn’t mean you can’t go offline to network!
Attend meetups, events, and coffee meetings
Build inroads to companies you want to work at
Share what you’re working on
Discoveries, new technologies, projects
People are really receptive to connecting on LinkedIn
Networking is like a shortcut to a job
Cuts out work and effort of applying for roles
You already have a warm connection
Plus, networking has been super helpful for past Thinkful students who are now working at companies like BBC News, IBM, Intel, JP Morgan Chase & Co, and PeopleVine.
Thanks to the Thinkful team for sharing what they’ve learned! Find out more and read Thinkful reviews on Course Report. Check out the Thinkful website.
Imogen is a writer and content producer who loves writing about technology and education. Her background is in journalism, writing for newspapers and news websites. She grew up in England, Dubai and New Zealand, and now lives in Brooklyn, NY.
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