The Best Chicago Coding Bootcamps Of 2023

As someone with no experience in coding, whether it be making a webpage or even writing a line of code. I was skeptical that I could learn all of the skills I needed to achieve the goal of becoming a full-stack developer in the future. Actualize was the best decision I have ever made, from my first interaction with Serena Green, who was my liaison to get in touch with the BootCamp and answered every single question that I had from how I was going to pay for the BootCamp and how we could fit it into my schedule. Serena was so able to answer my questions that my anxiety level came down, and I felt much more comfortable with my intention to commit to the BootCamp. As the program commenced, we had a five-week prework program, which gives you the basic skills you will need during the 12 weeks in person or (online part of the course). Personally, for me, the prework section of the BootCamp was challenging. As I stated before, I had no prior experience coding. My prework instructor, Kevin Mitchell, was available for questions and online time to meet with him during office hours and if we needed scheduled time to understand a specific topic. Amanda Hale and the actual TAs (Leah and Anna) teaching my cohort were excellent; as Actualize says, they are educators first and developers second. I can not STRESS how important this was in my experience. I learned how to teach myself different frameworks and languages and now teach myself a new concept almost every time I sit at the computer. One of the standout features of the Actualize program is their career-focused push with our cohort HR guru Sara Kercher. She and Amanda are completely in your corner to ensure you have the standout features and skills that recruiters at companies are actively looking for in candidates.  Sara and the team and Actualize support you after graduation to sharpen your skills and get the job you want and deserve! I loved every moment of my time as an Actualize Bootcamp student and would recommend it to anyone searching for something special that will change their life! 

Nickhil-- Acutalize Graduate September 2023

I would highly recommend Code Platoon to any service member or spouse looking to get into software development. I recently graduated from their Full-Stack Software Engineering course and I am blown away at the progress I and my classmates made in such a short amount of time. Having taken college classes both in person and online, code platoon offered the best learning environment/experience I have ever had. The staff is absolutely fantastic and only wants to see you succeed. Questions are only encouraged and the support offered even after class hours ensures that no student is left to struggle alone. While I had some experience coding prior to applying, there were students who had zero coding experience prior to applying who succeeded in the course. We also had several students land jobs prior to graduating thanks to knowledge and skills they gained from the course. 

The data analytics program is blessed with great TAs and a fantastic professor who does his best to make the class entertaining despite the material being challenging. With the support from the teaching staff a student will succeed if they put in the effort to learn and keep up with the coursework. After being in a beginner analytics role and finding this program through Google's algorithms, I cannot overstate how happy I am to have started on this journey and how useful the knowledge has been.

As a former student of Techtorial's SDET (Software Development Engineer in Test) program last year, I am delighted to share my outstanding experience with the program and the remarkable teachers. Techtorial's SDET program offered a comprehensive and well-structured curriculum that equipped me with the necessary skills to thrive in the field of software testing and automation. 

The teachers at Techtorial Academy were truly exceptional. Their extensive knowledge and industry experience were invaluable in guiding us through the intricacies of SDET. They fostered a supportive and collaborative learning environment, providing personalized attention and constructive feedback. Their dedication to my success was evident in their commitment and helping develop practical skills.

Techtorial Academy's SDET program empowered me with hands-on experience and practical projects, allowing me to apply my learning effectively. The program's emphasis on industry-relevant tools and techniques gave me a competitive edge in the job market.

In conclusion, Techtorial Academy exceeded my expectations. The teachers' expertise, combined with the comprehensive curriculum, created an exceptional learning journey. I highly recommend Techtorial to anyone seeking a top-notch IT programs and the guidance of dedicated teachers to kickstart their career in IT industry.

16 weeks may seem like a daunting time commitment, but the course is so worth it! The way the Data Science Dojo crew runs their bootcamp program is very thorough. The lessons and homework flow very intuitively. The modules covered build on concepts in a way that really helps with understanding. The instructors really promote class interaction which is good for tackling these topics in such a short time, getting our engagement rather than simply lecturing at us. They also encourage participation in a class Kaggle competition, which helps with additional free-form practical application of the concepts covered in class (plus some friendly competition for motivation). Most importantly, the instructors are very interactive, hands on, and passionate. They want to see every cohort succeed in their learning and you can see the labor of love that goes into teaching us, providing quality content both in the sessions and via the course site. This really sets them apart from other bootcamps, especially those provided online.

The course covers all the hot topics in the Data Science field, grounding in the perspective that the bootcamp is looking to prepare students with a broad range of experiences. I appreciate the context they provide and the thought that went into exposing us to a little bit of everything and the skills to jump in. 

Intensive 10 week course, where you learn lot of different basic to intermediate skill set regarding back-end Java developer and computer science itself. Even after graduation there is a jump plus stage where you are able to build more projects and review course materials that is learned during the course until you get deployed to a organization. This course doesn't only focus on technical skills but also allows you to improve your soft skill part and prepare you for the interview. 

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. 

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.

My experience at the Grace Hopper Program changed my life in a myriad of ways. Their curriculum is extremely thorough and as they say, "they will not let you fail." I think though, that besides teaching me their specific stack, GHP really taught me how to think like a programmer. Since graduating I've been able to teach myself so many new languages and technologies because of this experience. I chose the program because I'm a nonbinary student and wanted to go somewhere where my identity would be respected, and I absolutely felt that throughout my experience. My cohortmates, fellows, and instructors were so supportive and still are even now after I've graduated. The pair programming enabled me to learn to speak technically and work with others in this new environment, and the workshops are still useful for me to go through even now that I'm an employed software engineer. I cannot recommend the Grace Hopper Program enough for any woman or nonbinary person looking to get into the technical field.

Cybertek has equiped me with skills that could have taken me a very long time to acquire, its fast paced but with persistence and had work someone who is interested can hack it.