I recently graduated from Code Platoon's full time 14-week immersive program.   Before Code Platoon I spent over a year teaching myself the basics of web development, but after a while it was obvious that I was going to need some help if I wanted to break into the industry.  I found Code Platoon and could not pass up on the opportunity that they presented and I am so happy that I chose to take the leap.  It was far from an easy experience.  The stronger your Javascript and Python skills are going in, the more comfortable you will be, especially in the first half of the program.  Code Platoon will have a lot of resources available to ensure that you succeed like TAs and mentors make sure that you utilize them. Don’t be afraid to reach out for help when you are stuck.  Sometimes all it takes for something to click is to see how someone else would approach the problem.  Just remember that there is a reason you are there, you deserve to be there, and trust the process!

 

I attended Code Platoon remotely from February – May, 2021.  I was able to attend through the DoD SkillBridge Program, of which Code Platoon is an approved program, during my last few months of Active Duty.   Though my entire experience was remote, It did not detract from the immersive experience and overall quality education.  In just a few short months, myself and others, all of whom were at different levels of experience, were able to go from writing simple “Hello World” scripts, to full-stack applications incorporating multiple 3rd party APIs.  This was done through a multitude of individual, as well as group work, that got each student used to the industry standards that we would each be expected to understand as we move into the job search.  The technology stack we used throughout Code Platoon included Python/Django, JavaScript/React and Postgres/SQL as well as HTML/CSS.  This exposed us to modern technology, that is in demand in throughout the industry, and also gave us a more diverse skillset, as opposed to a purely JavaScript based curriculum.  Code Platoon also offered numerous workshops throughout the cohort with teams and individuals in the industry to expose us to new technology or give us a more in-depth look at the tech we were learning.  In addition to this we also were given “Beyond Tech” workshops that helped students learn skills that went beyond just technology.  One of the beyond tech workshops I found particularly useful was the personal finance workshop, as I hadn’t had much experience with money management.   Code Platoon also offered an optional mentorship throughout the program that pairs students with a mentor in the industry.  I, being active duty Army at the time, was excited to have a mentor who was an Army Veteran.  With my mentor I was able to ask more in depth questions about the current tech industry, as well as learn new skills that may not have been offered in Code Platoon.  Lastly, the cohort offers an apprenticeship program, that gives students the opportunity to interview and potentially land an internship or fulltime job with partner companies.   This is an incredibly valuable option for students, and helps keep everyone motivated to work their hardest and learn the material as thoroughly as they can.  Overall, I can’t recommend this program enough to any Veteran, active duty service member, or military spouse!
 
 Pros: 
 - Strong Curriculum that exposes students to an awesome tech stack that is prevalent throughout  the industry.  

 

-Offers both technical and non-technical workshops to help strengthen students’ knowledge and preparedness to enter the industry. 
 
 -The apprenticeship program is an extremely valuable program that can help new programmers enter the industry with awesome companies. 

 

Cons: 

-If you have any prior experience coding, it can start off a little slow. 

 

- Being remote as of May 2021 (Though this may change), can present difficulties in some cases, though for the most part Code Platoon handled it well.  
 
 

By all means this is not an easy course. But if you stick to it and put in the time, Code Platoon will set you up for success! Before starting, learn BASIC Javascript and Python. This is what is covered in the first few weeks. By week 16 you will be making full stack web applications using React and Django. Checkout the Code Platoon youtube channel, there is plenty of videos, everything from class lectures all the way to graduation! 

While this boot camp was rigorous. I learned so much. I definitely recommend that you have a good familiarity with JavaScript and Python before you begin the program. Utilize your TA's, do not be embarrassed about what you don't know. They're there to help. They want you to succeed and will do whatever they can to help you. Try to study, definitely work on your problem-solving skills and algorithms throughout the course. Participate in the mentorship program. Also, remember to breathe, and take care of your mental health. This course is going to challenge you, but you can do it! 

A FullStack dev bootcamp focused for veterans and military spouses with little to no prior programming experience. Code Platoon does a fantastic job teaching the fundamentals and advanced skills that you will need to succeed in coding. Their services go beyond just coding with full career prep and counseling.

Though the task seems daunting at the start, the weeks will fly by and you will not believe how far you can go!

 Great experience overall, very involved instructors, TA's, and guest speakers. 

In the overwhelming sea of bootcamp options, it's hard to imagine a better option than Code Platoon for members of the military community (I attended as a military spouse). From its emphasis on diversity & inclusion (so many scholarships available to under-represented communities) to its consistent willingness to re-assess the program curriculum, Code Platoon is a well-structured, intensive program that teaches the hard technical skills you would expect from a coding bootcamp along with invaluable guidance on necessary soft skills for those entering a new career.

The team is very explicit about the time demands of the course, but a welcoming support network of teaching assistants and alumni are always available, whether you're stuck on a concept from the day's class or wanting to dive a level deeper with an experienced developer.

As many have touched on here, getting the most value from the program requires more than completing the minimum requirements, and I highly recommend leveraging the provided community resources, from individual mentorship to resume reviews to job search assistance.

I have nothing but gratitude for the entire Code Platoon experience.  Life-altering may sound extreme, but that was genuinely the case for myself and many of my peers.

Everything about the cohort is intelligently planned and designed.   From dedicated instructors to an expansive network of TA's, mentors, career coaches, and speakers, Code Platoon makes every conceivable effort to prepare its students for a career in tech.

They're honest, transparent and forthright from the very start.  They remind you that the course is a full time commitment, and what's expected of you is that you put in your all.  The work is abundant, but the instructors are realistic and practical.  I and several of my cohort's graduates worked extremely hard, putting in several 12 hour days and pushing through consecutive weekends, but entirely by choice.  Regardless of the workload, the instructors always reminded us to prioritize family and self-care, and to build a healthy work-life balance.

You can expect instructors, TA's, and mentors that will bring their all to the table.  If you place your trust in the program, you can rest assured they'll have your back all throughout the cohort, and afterwards as well.

As a military member  I feel that this has been the greatest choice I have ever made. I can't believe how much we accomplished during my cohort and how much support we received throughout the program. I cant thank enough Code Platoon for helping reach my goals. 

Code Platoon is absolutely a vehicle to make your life better, as long as you're willing to work hard. If you pay attention, learn, and don't quit, you can become a software engineer. Code Platoon has dedicated personnel to help you through the application, the course, and the job search afterwards. There are teaching assistants available most nights to help you with any work not completed during the normal school day which is hugely beneficial. The day to day instructors Tom and Noa are great! If you just show up and do the bare minimum, you will not receive the full benefits of the program. If you are willing to do what it takes, you will be employable. My class was fully remote due to Covid, and although I would have enjoyed being in person, being remote had no effect on the high quality of the course. The pictures I've seen of the building and classroom look really nice.

Code Platoon is committed to helping all students in the program succeed in transitioning into software development and related careers. Outside of learning different programming languages, I also had the opportunity to learn from industry experts through the mentorship program, career coaching, and interview skills workshops. The instructors, TA's, and alumni are always available during and after classes. 

Overall, the program exposed me to programming best practices that are in great demand in the industry such as Agile development practices. After graduation, I feel better prepared for my next career adventure.

The experience here at Code Platoon was amazing. The overall curriculum was great as it incorporated both technical and softs skill curriculum which helps students learn to be a better overall software engineer. Before Code Platoon I didn't have a good resume, a strong Linkedin, or any idea on good interview practices such as white boarding and answering behavioral questions. Now, after graduating I feel I have obtained all the necessary knowledge and confidence to continue to grow as a developer and enter the work force.

Code Platoon supplies so many resources and opportunities to the students such as, Mentors and TA's who are volunteer industry professionals, Instructors that always makes sure students are understanding the material, as well as an ability to obtain a AWS certification while attending. If you are a military veteran or spouse willing to put in the long hours of work for the next 4 months to become a software engineer this bootcamp is for you.