Why Learn Software Engineering at General Assembly

With tech changing so rapidly, General Assembly has updated their Software Engineering Immersive curriculum to reflect the current needs of the tech workplace. Ava Fruin, Director of Product and Learning Programs at General Assembly, shares how new features like workplace-based problems and Just-in-Time support are instilling students with the confidence to become active team members in their new tech roles. Plus, find out what bootcamp students are saying about the new format!

What is your role at General Assembly, Ava? How are you supporting GA students? 

I'm the Director of Product and Learning Programs at General Assembly. In my role, I lead a dedicated team responsible for various aspects of our educational offerings. From research and design to validation, operationalization, and scaling of products and programs, we strive to ensure that GA delivers an exceptional learning experience with the best possible outcomes for our students. Most recently my team has been diligently working on the enhanced version of GA's Software Engineering Immersive Bootcamp. This update represents a significant value add to the learner experience, providing a range of improvements, including more personalization, increased flexibility, and greater access to support – all while students are receiving a world class tech education that takes them from beginner to job ready in only 12 weeks.

What can students expect to learn in the Software Engineering Immersive? 

In our Software Engineering Immersive program, students can expect to gain a comprehensive understanding of programming principles, computer science fundamentals, and hands-on experience with the in-demand languages, frameworks, and libraries sought after by employers that are looking for junior tech talent.

Why did General Assembly choose to add to the curriculum in 2023? 

The tech industry's rapid growth and evolution have been the driving force behind these updates. It is crucial for us to ensure that our learning experiences align with the changing industry landscape. By consistently updating and modernizing our courses, we can equip our students with the latest and most sought-after skills that are in high demand among our hiring partners.

How does the enhanced Software Engineering Immersive mimic what it's like to actually work in tech today? 

The enhanced version of our Software Engineering Immersive program is carefully crafted to closely resemble the actual work environment in today's tech industry. By incorporating industry-relevant content and adopting a practical approach, we strive to provide students with an authentic experience that mirrors the challenges and tasks they will encounter in their professional careers. One key aspect of the enhanced curriculum is its focus on workplace-based problems. These problems are specifically designed to simulate real on-the-job scenarios that students are likely to encounter in their respective industries. By tackling these problems, students gain valuable hands-on experience and have the opportunity to apply their newly acquired knowledge and skills in practical, real-world contexts. This approach helps bridge the gap between classroom learning and the realities of working in the tech industry.

Will students be able to specialize in newer tracks, like AI, Machine Learning, Cyber Security, etc? 

The enhanced version of our Software Engineering Immersive is designed to take learners from beginner to that first junior tech role. The enhanced learning experience also creates multiple job-specific pathways, mentoring services tailored to each individual's needs, and more accurately reflects real world tasks and activities within specific industries. 

What is the teaching style like for the Software Engineering Immersive bootcamp? 

Our teaching style for the Software Engineering Immersive bootcamp incorporates a variety of effective instructional methodologies, ensuring a comprehensive and supportive learning experience. Here are some key aspects of our teaching approach:

1. Live Daily Standups: Students participate in 90-minute live online sessions twice a day with their cohort and instruction team. These sessions cover concepts, address questions, review work, and identify students in need of additional support. These standups mimic real-world professional settings and set the tone for the day.
2. Supported Practice: Students benefit from live, just-in-time support during supported practice sessions. This includes:
   • Time-bound Daily Sessions: Students have dedicated time each day to watch lessons and work through problems, ensuring progress within the practice session while allowing for personalized learning.
   • Video Instruction: Students can watch, pause, reference, and rewatch these lessons until they master the concepts.
   • Workplace-based Problems: Our curriculum includes practical problems that simulate real-world scenarios. These problems provide immediate opportunities for students to apply their newly acquired knowledge and skills in practical contexts.
   • Just-in-Time Support: Modeled after how junior developers seek guidance in professional settings, our Just-in-Time support allows learners to access instructors and instructional associates for help with lessons, problems, and projects exactly when they need it.
3. Independent Work: Following lessons, practice problems, and collaboration, students engage in independent work to reinforce key concepts and apply the skills they have learned.

By combining these teaching methodologies, we create a dynamic and interactive learning environment that supports student progress, encourages hands-on problem-solving, and provides timely assistance. This multifaceted approach ensures that students receive the guidance and resources they need to succeed in the Software Engineering Immersive bootcamp.

Do the instructors have experience as software engineers or developers?

Yes! Our instructors have industry experience in front end and back end development. They bring insights, context, and in-depth experience from the industry directly to the classroom. 

How does this new format improve the interaction between student and instructor?

The new format of our program enhances the interaction between students and instructors, enabling increased collaboration and engagement through several key touchpoints: 

• The live daily standups and supported practice sessions provide students with regular opportunities to interact with instructors in real-time. This synchronous interaction fosters a sense of community and enables instructors to gauge individual needs and provide immediate support.
• Modeled after the way junior developers seek guidance in the workplace, our just-in-time support allows learners to reach out to instructors and instructional associates for help with lessons, problems, and projects at the moment they need it. This timely assistance improves the student-instructor interaction by providing personalized guidance tailored to individual challenges and ensuring a smoother learning experience.
• The interactive problem-solving approach used in our workplace-based problems strengthens the student-instructor relationship and bridges the gap between classroom learning and real-world applications.

What are students saying about this new format?

Feedback from students on the new format has been very positive. They value the flexibility and personalized approach that the enhanced program offers. Students appreciate being able to progress at their own pace, allowing them to move quickly through concepts they grasp easily and dedicate more time to challenging topics that require additional practice and review. This tailored learning experience empowers students to take ownership of their education and optimize their individual learning journey.

The availability of instructors for support has been particularly praised by students. They find reassurance in knowing that help is readily accessible whenever they encounter difficulties or need clarification. The presence of supportive instructors ensures that students never feel stuck or unsupported during their learning process. This personalized support not only enhances the student experience but also fosters a sense of confidence and motivation to tackle complex concepts.

Can this bootcamp be completed online and/or in person? 

We offer the bootcamp both online and on campus in our New York City location. 

What kind of time commitment should incoming students be prepared to dedicate to the Software Engineering Immersive bootcamp? 

Our bootcamp is a full-time, immersive learning experience that features 420-480 hours of software engineering instruction over the course of 12 weeks. 

Is there an ideal student for the Software Engineering Immersive? Can a total beginner enroll in the Software Engineering Immersive? 

Absolutely! This is a beginner-friendly program with no prerequisites, although many students have engaged in self-learning previously or have worked at tech startups or in tech- adjacent roles 

Does General Assembly offer resources for coding beginners who are interested in the Software Engineering bootcamp? 

Yes! We offer free info sessions where prospective students can join us, meet an instructor, and dive into the curriculum. These workshops are live, not recorded, and are delivered by GA instructors who are experts in their field. The workshops are a great first step for those who want to test if coding is a fit for their career goals because they can experience coding with hands-on activities and also learn what the day to day of a software engineer is like.

What kinds of tech roles will SEI bootcamp graduates be eligible for? 

SEI bootcamp graduates are eligible for a wide range of tech roles, primarily as junior software developers across a variety of industries including but not limited to technology, finance, healthcare, e-commerce, and entertainment. 

Despite headlines, growth in technology roles remains steady. In fact, Software Developer took the #1 spot in U.S. News and World Report’s “Best Jobs Rankings 2023,” with the Bureau of Labor Statistics predicting a 25% increase in open positions between 2021 and 2031. That’s five times the average job outlook, with 162,900 roles slated to open each year.

To keep up with this rapid growth, organizations across industries are actively seeking tech talent to drive innovation and develop cutting-edge products and services. As SEI bootcamp graduates acquire the necessary skills and knowledge, they become eligible for these in-demand positions and contribute to the evolving tech landscape.

What is your advice to incoming students on how to make the most of their time in the Software Engineering Immersive?

Much like the tech industry itself, GA’s Software Engineering Immersive bootcamp is challenging, intense, and fast-paced. Also like the tech industry, the experience is exciting, rewarding, and life changing. I would offer incoming students the following advice:  

1. Stay Engaged and Proactive: Actively participate in class discussions, ask questions, and collaborate with your peers. Engage with the material beyond the classroom by exploring additional resources, experimenting with coding exercises, and seeking opportunities to apply what you've learned.
2. Embrace a Growth Mindset: Approach challenges with a growth mindset, understanding that programming and software development are skills that can be developed over time. Embrace mistakes as learning opportunities and persist through obstacles. Be open to feedback and continually seek ways to improve.
3. Practice Regularly: Consistent practice is key to mastering software engineering. Dedicate time every day to practice coding, solve problems, and work on coding projects. Practice reinforces your understanding and helps solidify concepts into long-term memory.
4. Take Advantage of Support: Utilize the support resources available to you, such as instructors, teaching assistants, and career coaching. Don't hesitate to ask for help when you encounter challenges or need clarification. Take advantage of office hours, slack channels, and community support to deepen your understanding and overcome obstacles.
5. Stay Persistent and Resilient: The software engineering bootcamp can be challenging, but remember that perseverance pays off. Stay motivated, stay focused, and stay resilient. Believe in your abilities, and trust that your hard work will lead to growth and success.

Find out more and read General Assembly reviews on Course Report. This article was produced by the Course Report team in partnership with General Assembly.