The Best Chelmsford Coding Bootcamps Of 2023

My thoughts about my time at Launch Academy. I thought the experience was great overall. This course was taken during the pandemic so it was mostly done online. There was an option to go in the classroom but it was the middle of winter and leaving the house didn't seem as appealing. All of the instructors were great. They did a good job of explaining the concepts and helping you if you needed it. You will not be spoon-fed information. There is a level of expectation for you to put in some work so be prepared to spend some of your own time to figure things out. Make sure you go into the program with a good basic foundation (html, css, javascript). We had a really good group within my cohort. Everyone was helpful and wanted to be better. I enjoyed my time at Launch Academy and will never forget the experience. 

Before I began this 6 month journey, it was tough to conceive how we would learn 'enough' in that relatively short amount of time, to begin a career as a viable coder. While there was an immense amount of material covered, it was done in a very methodical way -- covering the basics of how to think like a computer programmer, as well as running through the fundamental technologies of web development as it currently stands, in an intuitive order that would build on prior units of material. This doesn't go into immense detail for any one technology (not enough time), but it gives you the groundwork upon which to build your technical skills, and links you to a supportive network which will help you build the other (non-technical) pieces of being an attractive job candidate.

Our instructional team was an excellent combination of personalities, both extremely generous with their time and patience. I would take a class with these two (or either one) again if I was looking to.

Make sure you have enough free time carved out (like 20-40 hours a week) so you both don't get too far behind or psychologically 'lose it'! This is an extremely intense 24-week class -- but if you're willing to put the time in -- even if you don't fully 'get it' yet -- you will pass the class. The good news is this isn't graded like a 'weed out' class -- they want you to succeed and they know it takes a while before you're actually 'good' at coding. As long as you submit enough assignments, participate in the three big projects, and attend enough classes, you will pass, even if you aren't fully grasping what is going on. With time and more practice, you will eventually grasp it -- thinking in this particular way is very difficult, thus takes a lot of time for it to become 'easy' -- no wonder it pays well!

The Framingham State University Bootcamp helped me expand my knowledge into Web Development! I've always wanted to learn more about how websites worked and this program came around at the right time. 

The teachers work in the industry and are able to speak to what you would be required to learn and do in that field. All material taught is relevant to what the industry calls for and is a great starting point for a Web Development career and all paths you can take with it. 

The staff is 100% committed to your success and they go above and beyond to make sure that success happens! After-program career support connected me with tons of resources and got my resume and cover letter seen by real people, who are industry connections of the program. Despite the troubles COVID caused with hiring, they never stopped being active in my job search. There was always someone available to help me with networking contacts, resume and cover letter creation, or as a sounding board to bounce ideas off of. It's nice to have someone on your side.

Once the lockdowns eased and companies were feeling more comfortable, I was in a position to be hired immediately! As long as you put in the effort, you will absolutely get the full benefit out of this program.

I was looking for a career change at the end of 2019 and started researching web development. I loved that this bootcamp was local and offered one day a week in person classes. I was so nervous that I would end up in over my head (I had ZERO coding experience) but all of my nerves went away after orientation. I was so inspired by that first day of class. This isn't just a web development course, this is also a course in professional and personal development. My classmates came from all different backgrounds and that made this class so much more interesting! We were encouraged to discuss our different backgrounds and to celebrate and utilize each other's strengths. I always felt comfortable asking questions in class and was never made to feel embarrassed for not understanding something. The instructors do an an amazing job of balancing teaching technical skills and soft skills. I still can't believe how much I learned and all of the things I built in just a few months. I was so impressed with how quickly and efficiently they were able to pivot our class to 100% online when the pandemic started in March, they were still able to provide a number of interesting and informational speakers and engage all of us in meaningful discussions. All students are offered career support after graduation which was extended for many of us due to the tough job market during the pandemic. You will not find a more supportive group of teachers and staff who truly care about your future. These are people I know I will stay in touch with for years to come and skills that I will use for life. 

Product school was a great resource in helping me with my industry transfer into product management. My instructor, Toby Martin Hughes, was very informative and is definitely a very talented product management instructor. I am pleased to have attended this class, and look forward towards my career as a PM.

I've been slowly teaching myself to code over the years. 
Then slowly learning game development online with a Udemy course. 
This last fall I decided to really commit to being a builder in the coming Metaverse. I wanted to learn how to actually start working on my own ideas.
At first I was over my head. The pace of the course was crazy, I was learning so much, I was overwhelmed. 
But a few weeks in things started to click.
By the end of the course I surprised myself with what I was able to create for the final project. 
I'm no longer a wannabe VR developer, now I am a VR developer. I still have a long ways to go, but as a developer, not a wannabe developer. :) Thank you XR Terra

Prior to attending Codesmith, I pursued a career as a healthcare professional, investing seven years of my life to earn an advanced degree. However, upon venturing into the real world, I was taken aback by the rapid pace at which healthcare companies exhaust their professionals for the sake of financial gains. Overbooking, subpar care quality, inadequate compensation, and stymied long-term growth opportunities left me disheartened with healthcare as a whole. The whirlwind of COVID-19 served as the final catalyst, prompting me to seek an alternative path. It was during this time that one of my closest friends, a Senior Software Engineer, recommended a switch in careers. He recommended that I pursue a boot camp, and after conducting thorough research and considering various factors, I found that Codesmith consistently delivered the most exceptional outcomes, making it the clear frontrunner in my rankings.

During my search for programs, I simultaneously pursued Harvard's CS50 course. As I delved deeper into the requirements for admission to Codesmith, I shifted my focus from C to Javascript, immersing myself in the fundamentals through CSX and Eloquent Javascript. Additionally, I dedicated myself to self-teaching data structures and algorithms by solving Leetcode problems, laying the groundwork for a successful job search after graduation. Months of consistent effort in preparation for the technical interview paid off, as I was fortunate enough to secure acceptance on my initial attempt—a noteworthy achievement given the high selectivity of Codesmith. Recognizing the program's rigorous standards, I made the decision to invest in a new Macbook Pro, a decision that proved invaluable, as I encountered no compatibility issues throughout the duration of the program. 

Life during Codesmith offers a profoundly distinct experience. It demands unwavering dedication and investment in personal growth, as well as a collective commitment to the success of one's peers. It is a journey that requires pushing oneself beyond perceived limitations and persistently striving to overcome obstacles. Days consisting of 10-12 hours of intense learning and perseverance become the norm, with some individuals choosing to extend their efforts beyond the structured schedule. The program unfolds in two distinct phases: the initial half, characterized by structured classes and learning modules, and the latter half, where the true essence of learning emerges through project work. My overall experience with Codesmith was truly exceptional. From day one, the atmosphere fostered empathy and kindness among the cohort, and this sentiment resonated with my personal encounters. Whether offering assistance or receiving help, each interaction was infused with a sense of fulfillment and compassion. The main instructors, mentors, and teaching fellows showcased exemplary skills and dedication. I attribute the extraordinary quality of my experience to Codesmith's meticulous vetting process and the nurturing environment they cultivated. Our class made it a collective goal to ensure that every individual felt comfortable with each topic, readily providing tutoring and support to one another. The unwavering commitment to high standards and positive vibes permeated throughout, leading to a transformative and life-changing experience.

Upon graduating from Codesmith, one swiftly realizes that the journey has only just begun, and it is an exhilarating prospect. The growth potential that lies ahead over the next 3-6 months is nothing short of inspiring. Personally, I was picky with the roles I applied to and only did 200 applications, which ultimately led me to secure my first role. In contrast, some of my peers took a more extensive approach, submitting 2-4 times that number. Unlike traditional universities, Codesmith does not simply hand you a diploma and bid you farewell. It is more akin to an anti-university, placing little emphasis on pedigree, titles, or mere pieces of paper. Instead, Codesmith's core values revolve around tangible outcomes. Remarkably & deservingly, many individuals in my cohort have successfully secured senior positions or are earning annual salaries exceeding $150,000. The support provided by Codesmith extends far beyond your initial job search. They offer comprehensive career assistance, regardless of whether you are seeking your first job or embarking on your third. While there were moments of discouragement during my own job search, they were fleeting thanks to the unwavering encouragement and motivation provided by the support team and my fellow peers. Eric Kirsten was of immense help during the process, providing positive encouragement and real-life stories to aid in the hunt.

Overall, if you are looking to change careers to be a Software Engineer, I give Codesmith my highest review. Keep in mind it will take a long time of grit and grind, but it will pay dividends. If you are interested in pursuing software engineering, I would teach yourself a first language and dig deep into if this is something you want to pursue. Allot at least a year for the full transition, and expect to give it your all each and every day.