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Alchemy is closed
This school is now closed. Although Alchemy is no longer accepting students or running its program, you can still see historical information and Alchemy alumni reviews on the school page.
Alchemy offers a full-time, 25-week professional software development course live online. Alchemy is an innovation-driven code school where students learn from industry-experienced instructors. Daily interaction with senior developers means that students graduate proficient in the most in-demand tech stacks at a professional level including HTML, CSS, JavaScript, NodeJS, ExpressJS, Postgres SQL, Jest, and the React ecosystem, while also having the skills and mindset to move comfortably into new technologies. Students graduate with the skills vital to becoming a valuable part of a professional engineering team, including problem-solving, remote collaboration, emotional intelligence, and interpersonal communication.
Alchemy also integrates career development services for all students, and graduates earn an average starting salary of $80,000 and mid-level career placements (not internships or entry-level). The Alchemy team works closely with each student to create their own authentic, effective approach to career development. Career development support is provided to all students and alumni, both in the classroom and in one-on-one coaching, both during and after the program. Alchemy also collaborates with experts and organizations that are powering the tech community in Portland and beyond, providing students insider access to the industry.
Alchemy was formerly known as Alchemy Code Lab
I worked as a software developer for many years in an old, proprietary IBM system. My job allowed me to work from home, and my kids were a primary focus during those years, so I was content to stay with the job even though my tech skills were growing stale. Eventually, my family reached the point where I felt I could focus more on my career, and I began to look for ways to make a change.
I researched several programs to update my skills, including on-line code schools, PSU's N...
I worked as a software developer for many years in an old, proprietary IBM system. My job allowed me to work from home, and my kids were a primary focus during those years, so I was content to stay with the job even though my tech skills were growing stale. Eventually, my family reached the point where I felt I could focus more on my career, and I began to look for ways to make a change.
I researched several programs to update my skills, including on-line code schools, PSU's New Beginnings program, and in-person schools. Eventually, I decided I wanted an in-person, all-day program (to help me brush up on those interpersonal skills that might have gotten a little rusty after all those years working from home) with a fast-paced, in-depth, rigorous curriculum (I wasn't a beginner) that would give me immediately marketable and current skills. Alchemy seemed to meet all those criteria, and had (bonus!) a friendly, inclusive, and welcoming atmosphere. Alchemy lived up to my expectations in all areas. Despite my background in software, I was never bored or under-challenged. The frequent paired and group projects were an excellent way to re-learn how to code with other people, and I found my skills to be reasonably in demand once I graduated. After about two months of job hunting, I got two offers, both for jobs I was excited to take at a salary higher than I had anticipated.
PROS:
Alchemy instructors are experienced software developers, not recent code-school grads. My instructors were Marty (a co-owner) and Ryan (lead instructor), and both of them are extremely smart and knowledgeable developers. I never got the feeling that they were teaching out of their depth. Their fluency with and mastery of what they were teaching was always apparent.
The TAs (recent grads) are an excellent addition to the program. They provide lots of help, feedback, and encouragement. And being a TA can be a very rewarding experience. It's a great way to build your competence and confidence with the material as you look for a job.
Alchemy is a pleasant place to spend a lot of time. It's clean, bright, organized, has lots of plants and even a couple of resident dogs. Megan (co-owner) works hard to make sure the physical space supports and accommodates all the action that takes place there.
Alchemy solicits student feedback every week (and sometimes every day!), and they take suggestions and criticism very seriously. They are very flexible and never afraid to experiment with new ways of doing things.
Shannon, the career counselor, is the perfect person for the role. She works hard to connect with Portland employers and be an evangelist for what Alchemy grads can provide. She brings in knowledgeable speakers to share their expertise about the job-hunting and on-boarding processes. And she provides great support to individual students before and after they graduate, not only helping with writing resumes and cover letters, but also encouraging the under-confident, prodding the procrastinator, and soothing the anxious.
CONS:
It's a lot of work. Don't come here until you have the freedom to devote yourself entirely to learning. Especially toward the end, there were weekends where I had extra time only to get a little exercise and have meals with my family. All other time was devoted to software projects!
The open-source software world moves fast, and to keep up, the curriculum at Alchemy is constantly being updated and modified. Every cohort will feel that they are guinea pigs in at least one area. The alternative would be a canned, stagnant curriculum -- easier, yes, but less valuable.
SUMMARY:
Alchemy is the full package. I have no doubt I made the right choice.
Description | Percentage |
Full Time, In-Field Employee | 68.9% |
Full-time apprenticeship, internship or contract position | 22.2% |
Short-term contract, part-time position, freelance | N/A |
Employed out-of-field | N/A |
How much does Alchemy cost?
Alchemy costs around $24,000. On the lower end, some Alchemy courses like (free, online-live) DEVELOPER 101 cost $0.
What courses does Alchemy teach?
Alchemy offers courses like (free, online-live) DEVELOPER 101, (online, live) Professional Software Development Program in Full Stack JavaScript with Comprehensive Career Services.
Where does Alchemy have campuses?
Alchemy teaches students Online in a remote classroom.
Is Alchemy worth it?
The data says yes! In 2020, Alchemy reported a 91% graduation rate, a median salary of $80,000, and 96% of Alchemy alumni are employed.
Is Alchemy legit?
We let alumni answer that question. 67 Alchemy alumni, students, and applicants have reviewed Alchemy and rate their overall experience a 4.93 out of 5.
Does Alchemy offer scholarships or accept the GI Bill?
Right now, it doesn't look like Alchemy offers scholarships or accepts the GI Bill. We're always adding to the list of schools that do offer Exclusive Course Report Scholarships and a list of the bootcamps that accept the GI Bill.
Can I read Alchemy reviews?
You can read 67 reviews of Alchemy on Course Report! Alchemy alumni, students, and applicants have reviewed Alchemy and rate their overall experience a 4.93 out of 5.
Is Alchemy accredited?
Licensed as a Private Career School by the Oregon Higher Education Coordinating Committee (HECC). Open to students in the U.S. only.
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