Codesmith Reviews
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Spencer Wyman Verified via LinkedIn
Engineering Maturity
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My Codesmith story pretty different from most, but it has the same happy ending.
I come from a more technical background than a lot of people who come to Codesmith. I studied mathematics in college, taught math and science professionally, and was already comfortable with the basics of coding. To top it all off, I wasn't even very interested in web development, I wanted to work in Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence and was looking for a way to enter into that field.
Something about the culture, philosophy, and pedagogy of Codesmith drew me in, and I joined. It was an excellent decision.
During the program, I found ways to take what we were working on and make it interesting to me. I spent more time focusing on databases and algorithms, and focused my projects around things that related (however tangentially!) to Machine Learning.
Right after I graduated, the pandemic hit, and Codesmith hired me on to help deliver some of the lessons remotely and to help maintain their website. The managers at Codesmith knew my interests, and were kind enough to let me spend a significant amount of time developing their Machine Learning curriculum.
After I left at the end of 2020, I was able to build a web app that leveraged computer vision that I could show off to companies and demonstrate my interest in Machine Learning.
After a few months of job searching, I was able to find a perfect position for me – a software role developing tools for a machine learning team at a startup using computer vision to help diagnose cancerous biopsies.
To be clear, I'm not saying Codesmith will turn you into a Machine Learning engineer. What I got from Codesmith wasn't some specific set of skills or special knowledge. Instead, Codesmith provided me exactly what I was missing: the ability to spearhead a publishable project from ideation to deployment; experience working with a team of engineers on a project for extended periods of time; familiarity with the tools that professionals use; war-stories to tell of uncovering and overcoming daunting technical challenges. In short, Codesmith developed my engineering maturity.
If you too lack engineering maturity, and have the determination to work through the long hours and challenging curriculum, then I can't recommend Codesmith enough. I don't know what you are trying to achieve, but if you are creative and hard-working, you can leverage the catalyzing environment of Codesmith to make it happen. -
Justin Verified via LinkedIn
Can't imagine a better program
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What's brilliant about Codesmith is they don't just teach you languages and frameworks. About a third of the program is dedicated to actually building an open source developer tool that other engineers can actually use that will impress potential employers. This is a step beyond where most programs leave you and is critical to their graduates' success -- it gives you a huge leg up and something fascinating and deep to talk about in an interview.
I came in from a completely different background and only learned what JavaScript was half a year prior. I was no doubt intimidated by the rigorous curriculum, watching engineers only weeks ahead in the program write applications I never believed I could in that period of time. Soon enough, I was at the same level.
I faced challenges when it came to applying for jobs. That part of the process can be rough and is a psychological battle as much as it is a test of strategy and skill. Codesmith walks you through in very practical terms how to apply, and their strategy is great. But ultimately, graduates will come up with their own strategies and use Codesmith's as a springboard. In the end, what got me through was that Codesmith instilled a belief in me that I could do it, and that conviction, while sometimes quite small, carried me through. I eventually received an offer to the same generous tune of their average graduate outcomes, which I did not believe could happen.
You absolutely have to put in the work; applying to jobs will come easier to some than others. Know that you're embarking on a challenge. But as far as there being a better program out there for launching you into a Software Engineering career, I'll believe it when I see it. -
Brian Grosso Verified via LinkedIn
Invaluable Approach and Culture!!!
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I participated in CSPrep, the two week part-time pre-bootcamp prep program, and am eagerly preparing for the bootcamp itself. Codesmith is incredible for a few reasons. First their approach which involves building a complete, rock-solid foundation including understanding what is going on under the hood with the javascript engine using diagramming of the callstack, thread of execution, execution context, and memory, and precise technical language is great. Second, instruction is interactive and socratic and I can attest, as a current teacher, that the instructors know all of the good teacher moves. Finally the culture of everyone struggling through hard learning and not looking up code, pair programming and answering each other's questions and being kind and generous and supportive made me feel at home and overcome imposter syndrome. Codesmith is a community it is hard NOT to want to be a part of. This is a mission driven organization that has genuine educational motives at the forefront. I <3 Codesmith! -
Carlos Botero-Vargas Verified via LinkedIn
Amazing program, results speak for themselves!
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Codesmith is an environment where knowledge is built upon hard work, indeed, but most importantly, kindness. In all my time there I never received but words of encouragement, inspiration, and guidance. Every instructor and volunteer seem fully committed to you understanding why code works the way it does, not simply gimmicks or fancy tricks.
The curriculum is filtered through best practices, truly modern approach, and updated technical background, so you hit the ground running on your way to land that first job. Most importantly, you learn to incorporate new developments on JavaScript into your toolbox, to remain on the cutting edge of both the industry and the top echelon of professionals.
My appreciation of the profession and its growth greatly improved upward by the long hours invested in the course, but the results speak for themselves, the accompaniment I've received inspires me to work harder everyday to accomplish my life goals and make my instructors proud.
Truly, I can not recommend every course offered by Codesmith enough, there is where your hard work produces generous fruit. -
Mario Verified via LinkedIn
Changes Lives - Literally.
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The best investment I ever made, the people in my cohort alone are worth the money spent. Now imagine that, coupled with the intense immersive curriculum and the power house instructors, AND the leader of CS - Will S is an actual human being that's so down to earth, real, extremely helpful, and actually cares.
This is a no brainer, it's the real deal, I landed a role shortly after graduating and I got more than what I was asking for. When does that ever happen in life?!
If you have the funds or can get the funds, stop thinking, CodeSmith is the answer. -
Catherine L. Verified via LinkedIn
Great course if you're planning on committing to the Codesmith Immersive
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Pros:
- Great Curriculum: CS Prep teaches you the Hard Parts of Javascript and prepares you for the technical interview of the Codesmith Immersive. It provides a great starting point for students to understand the field of software engineering, as you pick up tidbits of wisdom while progressing through the course. Their supporting materials were also organized and helpful.
- Community: My cohort had an amazing community. Many of the students would constantly talk and joke through the Slack channel and Zoom chat. There were minimal difficult personalities, and the vibes were generally good.
- Accessible Instructors: All the staff at Codesmith are very responsive and supportive. I really appreciate how easy it is to communicate with the employees and find help on whatever problem you have.
Cons:
- Expensive: CS Prep lasts about two weeks, but there is only class four days a week (three hours on weekdays, six hours on Saturday). In my opinion, $875 is expensive for the amount of time spent learning, but the price does roll over if you get into the immersive. To me, CS Prep is not worth the money unless you are for sure planning on joining the Codesmith Immersive. -
Angel Verified via LinkedIn
Recommend CodeSmith
I attended CodeSmith CS Prep 2 weeks program. The program is structured very well. The instructor is knowledgeable and knows how to guide learners to build up their own coding logics step by step. CodeSmith provides a supportive platform so I can get much help when I need it. I will definitely recommend this program and pursue to join their engineer immersive programs. -
Harry Clifford Verified via LinkedIn
Learning: The Hard Parts
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I, like many others who attended Codesmith, was hooked the first time I attended JS: the hard parts. The approach to learning CS was the exact opposite of the dusty, archaic book-learning of computer concepts I experienced in college. It was not long before I signed up for the immersive program. I won't mince words: this program is spectacular. Attending the CS immersive was a highly formative process in which I learned how to learn. Codesmith is not a program where you can turn your brain off, hop on the conveyor belt, and expect an offer from IBM at the end of the process. It will challenge you. Your brain will contort in ways you hadn't thought possible. But in the end, if you've given it the diligence required, you'll come out with the mind of a highly capable software engineer.
Of course nothing can be perfect-- there are some issues that might be present in any (albeit quite successful) startup, and it must be said that this is likely not the best path for everyone. But I can say without a doubt this was the right choice for me, and I had no qualms in recommending the program to a friend who starts next month. -
Garrett Lee Verified via GitHub
Exceptional Culture and Results
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Codesmith's immersive program was an unforgettable experience. Not being given the answers to everything is quite uncomfortable, and can be quite overwhelming at times, but couldn't think of a better group of people to go through it with. The level of commitment and empathy shown by everyone from the instructors, to the residents, and hiring support made it all the more worthwhile.
The CIRR data speaks for itself, it's just whether or not you choose to believe it. I'll admit that I was pretty skeptical the first time I saw the reviews. Having gone through it all and meeting these wonderful people, I'm proud to be one of the testimonies that feels lucky to be a part of it. -
Kailee Verified via LinkedIn
Really enjoyed CS Prep!
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I enrolled in CS Prep with the intention of preparing for one of the immersives at Codesmith later this year. I wasn't sure what to expect going in but it was a great experience overall. The whole class (~30 people) was super supportive and encouraging of everyone. Our instructor, Sophie, was really knowledgable and seemed really invested in helping students and making sure they succeeded in the curriculum. I will add that going in I was surprised by how much pairing there was (every day), but I found it a valuable experience and the final project was a blast. I definitely plan to try to get into one of Codesmith's immersives after this positive experience. -
Yong-Nicholas Kim Verified via LinkedIn
Life changing learning & support
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I attended Codesmith after graduating from another bootcamp bc I didn't feel prepared to find a job at the level I wanted. As w/any endeavor, it's up to you how much you want to invest in your future, in time, energy, commitment, and community. Codesmith provided everything I could have asked for, and so much more. They don't just help you, they support you, for a lifetime. I found a great job after graduating, as did all of my classmates. Even more, having graduated 2 years ago, I recently needed help through a difficult time in my life. I knew I could turn to Codesmith for support, and of course, they were there. The people at Codesmith, the community they foster, and the spirit they engender, are radically empowering, perpetually nurturing, and practically innovative. A wonderful life changing experience! -
Chai Verified via GitHub
Just Attend CodeSmith
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Bio:
I am a degreeless self-taught engineer who started in 2019 and landed a front end web developer role in 6 months.
About a year later, I was stuck in a company I wasn't happy with and was not growing as a marketable engineer.
I had two choices to make:
1. Go back to school and get a computer science degree. (Solid route, but takes a long time)
2. Attend a boot camp. (Pricey and does not guarantee a job)
Why did I choose CodeSmith over a CS degree?
1. 3 months vs 2 years time span. (I had some college credits to transfer in)
2. CIRR reports had overwhelming positive statistics for Codesmith graduates.
3. I also had been coding for over a year and a half so I had experience coming in.
Summary:
So now you're probably reading this review to convince you why you should attend Codesmith. Well, just do it.
"Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day; teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime."
CodeSmith is not going to hold your hand and give you a golden ticket to a job. What CodeSmith will teach you is how to learn, how to solve problems, how to collaborate with engineers, and how to keep pushing forward with that stupid bug you've been wrestling with for days/weeks.
At the end of the day, CodeSmith is a FOR profit educational program much like your colleges down the road. You get what you make out of the program.
Pros:
- CodeSmith culture is amazing and collaborative
- Well structured full stack javascript curriculum with other niche topics sprinkled on top such as DevOps & Machine Learning with Python
- Data structures and algorithms unit
- CodeSmith projects are damn fun
- Great resume program
Cons:
- My cohort felt like a beta cohort as we were the 2nd cohort to be in a full remote learning environment. (Thanks Covid)
- Some units felt drawn out. (👀 DevOps)
- Some engineering fellows were downright amazing and others... meh not so much
- Some residents didn't really need to be there and I felt a major disconnect because of that. (AKA not looking for a job in the field just here to learn)
- Expensive
Advice:
At the end of the day, no program is perfect but CodeSmith is constantly iterating on their future cohorts to make them better.
With that being said, I learned a lot about myself in those 3 months, what I could do, what I couldn't do, and how I can become a better person/engineer.
I fully recommend CodeSmith to anyone who's interested or is reading this.
* If you attend the program, start networking and applying before the career lectures. This will help you practice interviews and get rid of your nerves. Thank me later.
Result:
Well if you're still reading this bravo and congrats! I'll answer the last question that's probably on your mind.
So... did you get a job? Duh. I applied to several jobs (probably 40-50) within a span of 1 month right before the program ended.
I received an offer 24 days after the program ended with a 66% salary increase. ✌️
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Alex Young Verified via LinkedIn
Positive review from Alum
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Codesmith is an excellent program for anyone looking to start a career in software engineering. Codesmith’s outcomes (success of a program’s graduates in the job market) are unmatched by other bootcamps largely due to the following: curriculum, emphasis on communication skills, hiring program, and culture.
Curriculum: almost all the concepts Codesmith teaches are important for a job in software engineering. As a student, I learned both ends of the stack as well the basics of databases and deployment. This was very important, since software engineering entails more than just programming.
Communication skills: students spend little time working alone and instead usually work in pairs or in groups. There are four group projects, with a four week production project being the longest of them. This four week project was very valuable as it simulated what an actual work environment looks like (ex: having daily standups, defining an MVP).
Hiring program: Codesmith dedicates the last two weeks to working on resume, applications and interview prep.
Culture: the work ethic at Codesmith is impressive. Students regularly worked from 9am to 8pm on weekdays and 9am to 5pm on Saturdays. Often close friendships were formed in the program.
Overall, those were the strengths of the program. In terms of weaknesses, the program relied too heavily on fellows. Fellows are past students who stay on with the program to train the next cohort of students. While the fellows usually worked hard to prep for lectures they had to give, they lacked the depth of knowledge that comes with multiple years of real work experience. I choose to attend Codesmith over finishing my last two years at the University of Michigan. This meant I lost out on the prestige of a bachelors degree, and on a broader and more rigorous education in computing. You'll want to consider these factors when choosing between a bootcamp and a bachelors/masters degree.
Currently I'm working as a full stack engineer for GoSite and consider Codesmith an excellent decision in hindsight. If anyone reading this has any questions or needs advice, I’m happy to talk. My email is youngalexj00@gmail.com. -
Midori Verified via LinkedIn
Codesmith helped me land a job when college didn't lol
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I'm writing this review about one week into my first full-time job ever as a mid-level SWE, where I've been learning something new basically every hour but without feeling overwhelmed or lost. I am comfortable asking questions to my boss and senior software engineers without feeling like a fraud and offering opinions in discussions and standups. Both of these things are because Codesmith helped me learn how to learn and how to do it with confidence.
Why + how Codesmith is able to accomplish its immersive program outcomes:- You basically have to do the equivalent of a college-level introductory class before entering. I graduated with a computer science degree and Codesmith not only makes you learn valuable computer science fundamentals in order to pass their technical interviews, but also specific JavaScript concepts that I never learned throughout college. Remember this when you feel like the material is too hard and that you're not smart enough to understand it. You feel that way because the material is hard, and you're trying to teach yourself a new skill in the span of a few months instead of four years! You're attempting a huge challenge and you should feel proud of that choice instead.
- Codesmith prioritizes cultural fit and learning potential over technical knowledge. I know this because as someone who stayed on as an engineering fellow, I conducted technical interviews for applicants. Here are some important things to understand about the interview process:
- When Codesmith rejects you, it is not because you aren't good enough to do the program. Codesmith's curriculum is extremely rigorous and fast-paced, and we don't want residents regretting their decision to spend $18k on a program where they feel completely overwhelmed. In asking applicants to re-interview, we are asking you them reinforce your knowledge and fully prepare themselves for the program, as mentioned in the first point.
- What I cared about most in interviews was determining if the person would flourish in the program and would contribute to the supportive + collaborative community that Codesmith works hard to maintain, as opposed to their technical ability. This is also true when interviewing for SWE positions at actual companies (at least ones that would be pleasant to work at): they care more about hiring a competent engineer with good cultural fit and a baseline level of knowledge over hiring a genius that can't work on a team or doesn't care about the work outside of writing code, and this is reflected in Codesmith's interview process.
- Codesmith spends time teaching computer science fundamentals, which means data structures, algorithms, and time complexity. In order to progress as an engineer, you need a foundation to stand on and to understand what your code is doing when it is executed instead of just memorizing syntax that can become outdated on a whim. If the bootcamp you are considering does not touch on foundational CS concepts and seems to only be concerned with teaching you some specific "modern" technologies, it is a BIG red flag for the quality of education.
- Expanding on the previous point, Codesmith ultimately wants you to become an autonomous, opinionated engineer rather than an expert in some specific tech stack. Especially in web development, frameworks, libraries, and technologies go in and out of style on yearly basis and anything you learn at a bootcamp may be obsolete 2-5 years from now. What really matters is creating a solid foundation in computer science, code design patterns, and system design concepts that allow you to jump off a cliff into learning any new technology with a really sturdy parachute. This is why Codesmith's curriculum places a lot of emphasis on the WHY of what you are doing: why would you use React over Angular or Vue? How does Node.js handle asynchronous JS and why does that make it a good choice for applications that needs non-blocking event processing? These under-the-hood concepts and informed opinions are what makes Codesmith grads stand out and why they can aim for mid-level positions.
- The hiring program is almost worth the tuition by itself (I'll get to what really makes the tuition worth it next), as my new salary would easily cover it. The CIRR outcomes really speak for themselves so I won't talk about it too much, but the difference in comfort and confidence I felt when interviewing for junior positions right after college and when interviewing for mid and senior-level positions after finishing Codesmith was hundreds of miles apart. Codesmith gives you a very detailed and specific guide for handling every aspect of the SWE interview, as well as lasting career support post-graduation.
- Everything I've listed so far in terms of academic material is stuff that could be found online with some creative Googling (which Codesmith also emphasizes as an important skill). But if I could do this kind of studying on my own, I wouldn't have spent a year unemployed before doing the program. What I really paid for was the incredible community created by the staff and the careful interview process that chooses good engineers that are also good people. In the pressure cooker that is a three-month immersive program, you will need an emotional support system to lift you up when you're doubting your abilities and I definitely found that in my cohortmates and the instructors. When I became a fellow and stayed on another three months to teach, I saw three more cohorts repeat the process of leaning on each other for support and guidance, and shedding tears at final shoutouts when the process ended. The supportive community continues even after the cohort is over as you go into the job search, as all the alums I contacted for advice were friendly and encouraging.
Ultimately, even though I was initially skeptical of Codesmith and it's weirdly high outcomes, I now understand how it is able to accomplish them after having done the program myself. The remote setting did not diminish the value of the experience in any way. If Codesmith doesn't seem like the right fit for you, I would still strongly advise that any bootcamp you pick meets the criteria described above, as they ultimately lead to long-term success in the tech industry (and probably other industries too). -
Winford Verified via GitHub
Run in the Right Direction
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If you are like me, you are probably skeptical about bootcamps and their outcomes.
I’m writing this review after accepting a mid-level software engineer position at a well-known company within 3 months of graduating. I also had to turn down several onsites and offers at other well-known companies. All this at the backdrop of a global pandemic and lockdown ( remote learning ). I say this not as a testament of my luck but through the lens of someone who has seen their cohort mates also receive dream offers ( who had no previous CS background ).
Codesmith is tough, but worth it.
Codesmith’s immersive program is tough, full stop. It will require work and dedication, but what I like about this program is that it gives you the direction to allocate your efforts in achieving that job-ready status. I have passed by other bootcamps and even seen some computer science graduates at top schools who have had trouble finding jobs 6-12 months out. Especially in this COVID lockdown environment. The harsh reality is that most if not all have worked extremely hard, but often not at the right efforts.
Specifically, I found that Codesmith emphasizes certain things that most programs/colleges do not. Things like modern cloud technologies or CI/CD or expanding beyond the typical “MERN” stack, or the focus on technical communication and definitely the hiring portion. All of these and more culminate into a candidate that embodies a certain engineering ethos.
It reminds me of the Tolstoy quote, “All happy families are alike, each unhappy family is unhappy in their own way”. There could be a million different reasons why someone is unsuccessful at career switching, but the focus should be on fostering specific characteristics that all successful candidates share. I found that Codesmith takes the guesswork out of what to focus on.
So if you're curious/anxious at all about outcomes, I would compare different programs based on their audited results ( median salaries, % of graduates employed, etc ). -
Jennifer Verified via GitHub
By far the best software immersive program out there
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Codesmith has been, by far, the most rewarding experience of my life. Met amazing people who have become lifelong friends, and was able to leverage the hiring support to receive multiple FAANG offers in less than two months after graduating as a mid-level software engineer. The hiring support, including Uncle Eric, has been phenomenal - and far surpasses any type of hiring support or negotiation help you'll see at any other software immersive program or bootcamp in the country. You'll learn an immense amount in a very short time and the student projects are production level code, and are much more sophisticated, in-depth, and impressive than other 'student projects' coming out of any other program. It's a no-brainer to pick Codesmith. -
Brianna Verified via LinkedIn
Challenging and Rewarding
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After reviewing many coding schools and their outcomes, Codesmith seemed like the ivy league of bootcamps. Coming from a completely non technical background, I knew it would be hard to get in and even harder when I got there, but I hoped the outcome would be worth it. Bootcamps are definitely a quick way to get you on a different track, but not without extensive amounts of hard work. I studied JavaScript basics through Codesmith's CSX platform for about 2 months and took their 2 week CSPrep course before I was ready to interview. I failed my first technical interview but they gave me some feedback of what to work on and the next week I came back and passed my second interview with some more feedback on my weaker areas. I was able to get a scholarship for $2000 which helped, but the school is definitely still pricey.
The hours are very intensive and you have to know what you're signing up for. You are living and breathing code for 3 months straight and it can get mentally exhausting to constantly try to retain loads of new information. Sometimes you might want a break but you can't really have one. But with persistence, as a graduate I can say the hard work pays off. You truly learn what you need to know to secure that first software engineering job.
My personal experience was a little bit rough. I signed up for the onsite immersive program and I felt like I could learn best in that environment. Due to Covid19, after the first week the entire program was forced to go remote. Remote learning was not necessarily for me. It was a lot harder for me to get my work done from my home environment with all the distractions. Codesmith also has a unique teaching style. For each unit, they will give a couple hours of lectures on some new concepts and then throw you into a 2 day project with a partner where you feel like you don't have the slightest idea of where to even start. There is a help desk that the Fellows answer but the teachers aren't really around much. It is definitely frustrating at times but having to learn things the hard way through Google and lots of errors does help you remember and understand what you are doing. I do wish the lectures were a little more related to the code we would be writing and not just overall big pictures. After struggling for 2 days and probably not finishing your project, they give an approach lecture on how to do it and it make it look like a breeze. It helps to reinforce and understand what you struggled with, but some things would just be useful to know beforehand to be able to progress further in each project. You will have a growing list of things to go back and review but probably won't have time to do it.
After 6 weeks of these 2 day units, the second portion of the program is focused on building your own projects and web apps. This is where you get to really apply what you learned and also learn so much more based on what your apps needs are. It was so rewarding to have completed that first project and see the end result of what I coded from start to finish. It shows you that you can actually make cool things! There is one solo project and the rest are done in groups. Most of your time is spent on one prodution project which will be the focus of your resume. You have the opportunity to learn a lot from your group members and help each other out. In the real world you will likely be working in teams so it was good to see the dynamic beforehand.
The best part of Codesmith is the hiring support. They go through rounds of your resume and tear it apart (in the best way), they help you prepare answers to interview questions, and bring in people to practice mock interviews with. They have someone to help you negotiate your salary once you have an offer, and after you graduate there are meetings every week about the job search. You also have access to the alumni community and your own cohort mates for tips and references. The networking aspect is awesome. A few months after graduated I started my first job as a Software Engineer. The role isn't exactly what I wanted but now my foot is in the door, which was the whole point for me. I know after a year or so of experience under my belt I will be even better equipped as an experienced programmer to find the job I'm looking for. Overall, I wouldn't have been able to make this career change without going to Codesmith. -
Taylor Verified via GitHub
Amazing experience!
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I had a really wonderful experience at Codesmith. My cohort was amazing and I felt very supported by the staff throughout the immersive. I ended up with my first offer 6 weeks into the job search and was able to sign an offer with a base salary within the range reported on CIRR. I feel that Codesmith provides you with all of the knowledge and experience you need to succeed as a software engineer, but it is an extremely challenging and intense program and you'll probably have to work harder than you've ever worked before to be successful in the immersive and subsequent job search (be prepared for several months of 12 hour workdays and no time off). I'd highly recommend Codesmith to anyone looking to level up their skillset and move into a midlevel software engineering position. -
Ben Verified via LinkedIn
Supportive and Challenging
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It was reading these very same online reviews where I first learned of Codesmith. After seeing their outcomes on CIRR and attending a handful of free JavaScript -- The Hard Parts workshops, I chose Codesmith over other programs for what seemed like the exceptionally detailed attention they paid to the quality of their teaching and hiring program.
My experience was consistent with that initial sense; it was clear that the entire team had thought critically about how people learn and how to teach most effectively. And no small part of that effectiveness was due to the culture that had been thoughtfully created, one of warmth and encouragement that always seemed to be saying "This is new and challenging work, but we're there for each other and we'll figure it out together."
It's a remarkable community that, long after graduating and beginning work as an engineer, I feel lucky to be a part of. -
Taylor Davis Verified via LinkedIn
CS Prep
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I entered into Codesmith's CS Prep program with basically 0 formal experience with coding. I had done some self-study, but found i needed more of a structure. Though the program is only 2 weeks long, it definitely covers a large basis needed to start your coding journey. That coupled with lots of pair programing, and an awesome group project at the end, I actually feel like I understand why people love coding so much. Definitely would recommend taking the CS Prep program for anyone who is still very new, and not sure about a bootcamp setting just yet. It's challenging, and you get some practical experience. -
Travis Verified via GitHub
Codesmith is the Real Deal
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Everything about my Codesmith experience was exceptional- from the instructors to my peers to the technology, I found Codesmith to be worth every penny.
Some Background: I learned Python when I was younger, but I came to Codesmith with a Bachelors of Music and a year in the music industry under my belt. When COVID-19 became our new reality, I was searching for alternatives to performing, and learned JavaScript as I researched bootcamps. After completing CS Prep and passing my technical interview, I entered the NY immersive program (held online, to maintain social distancing), which I completed a month ago, and signed a six-figure offer today.
Instructors: While researching immersive programs, I was disappointed to learn that most (if not all) bootcamps are taught primarily by prior students, in the form of ‘fellows’. While your mileage may vary, in my Codesmith experience this turned out to be an unnecessary fear. The fellows were bright, eager, kind, and helpful throughout my three months in the program, and served as references during my job hunt. These folks are typically only kept on for three-month contracts after graduation, so I cannot guarantee that your experience will be identical, but Codesmith fosters a can-do attitude in the community, so I am hopeful that you will have a similar experience. (Note that some of the senior instructors are full-time employees and industry veterans, whom I also found to be great teachers)
Curriculum: The curriculum at Codesmith is primarily centered around React, Redux, Node.js, Express, and PostgreSQL. No other front-end frameworks are taught, and while MongoDB, AWS, and OAuth are touched upon throughout, the backend technologies other than Node are explored more shallowly. Codesmith’s approach to curriculum can be summed up in a phrase they’ve coined: ‘hard learning’. Enter my only gripe with my Codesmith experience- while the technologies they’ve chosen to focus on are excellent choices from a popularity-in-the-industry perspective, I do feel that Codesmith’s ‘heard learning’ approach sometimes leaves something to be desired. In particular, as projects become the focus of your days, the ‘hard learning’ approach becomes a burden more than a boon, as your energy is primarily directed towards your projects and the curriculum begins to feel frustrating rather than constructive. This is not to say that the experience is bad- rather, I simply found it to be a minor frustration that mars an otherwise enjoyable learning experience. By the end of the program I felt that I had made great progress in the core curriculum, and that can be attributed largely to ‘hard learning’.
Projects: Perhaps the greatest part of Codesmith is the project portion of your junior phase and the production project portion of your senior phase. In your junior phase, three projects punctuate the conclusion of the core curriculum, small affairs the last only a couple days each. These are the perfect on-ramp to working in a team environment on ‘real’ software (at least, something a little more substantial than a tutorial). The production project, however, is the crowning jewel of Codesmith. Students are required to work in teams to develop an open-source developer tool or similar project, in order to give back to the community and nurture a deep expertise in one technical area. By requiring these production projects to solve problems faced by developers every day, students acquire an intimate knowledge of a corner of the industry, experience that can be spoken to in job interviews with authority. In contrast to other immersive programs, where final projects are often mock-applications, Codesmith’s approach ensures exposure to real problems you will encounter in your career (and it looks great on your resume, to boot).
Job Assistance: Codesmith’s hiring program is exhaustive, and stresses the realities of applying to engineering roles. With lectures and workshops on interviewing, your ‘pitch’, negotiating, networking, resume development, and recruiters, the hiring program provides guidance on every step of your job search, and continues indefinitely post-graduation with weekly workshops for grads in the job hunt. Mock interviews with grads help to ease you into the experience of technical interviews, and the daily emphasis on algorithms and data structures throughout your three months prepares you well for mid-level interviews.
Overall: Codesmith was life-changing for me, beyond a new career and a new job. The people in my cohort were curious, intelligent, and bound by the common goal of bettering their lives. I cherish many of the friendships I made at Codesmith, and I can’t wait to give back to the Codesmith community in the years to come. -
Sam Verified via GitHub
CS Prep
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Some context on me for reference:
I aim to transition into the tech field for software development/engineering; I am working full-time in a somewhat connected position within an unrelated field, so I am aiming for the part-time remote intensive (PTRI) for now given current situations with COVID.
I enjoyed CS Prep and would recommend it to others. That said, this course requires foundational knowledge of JavaScript. Some exposure to functions/execution context, callbacks/higher-order functions, recursion, and closures will help you retain more information during the course as well. I found that this course doesn't teach those basics but rather provides a place to practice and flesh out thoughts/ideas with sample problems. Luckily, those basic/foundational materials are free on Codesmith's YouTube channel and are indeed helpful.
If you (like me) did not have that exposure to the concepts I mentioned previously, then you'll struggle but can catch up over time with enough work.
The best part about CS Prep was the pair programming and inherent networking within their Slack channel. The pairing was by far what helped me learn the best. -
Sheila Verified via LinkedIn
CS Prep
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Save yourself the time and energy I spent on researching bootcamps, and choose Codesmith. Before choosing Codesmith, I attended in person information sessions at every bootcamp available in NYC on Javascript, Python, Java, Ruby, Android, and iOS at Flatiron School, General Assembly, Fullstack Academy, Grace Hopper, Pursuit, Hack Reactor, and Galvanize. Codesmith stood out in the CIRR report with the highest salary post graduation because they elevate you to qualify for mid level to senior level jobs. Having viewed every Codesmith Meetup video tutorial, I found Codesmith to have superior teaching method using graphical explanations. I asked every bootcamp, "how many Data Structures and Algorithms questions do you cover", because that is the bread and butter of technical interviews. Most of them said zero, which explains why some graduates can't get job offers. CS Prep, the 2 week part time class, covers 2 easy level questions per night. The Immersive covers 1 easy or medium question per day. Since CS Prep is free (tuition rolls over) if you later join the Immersive 3 month full time or 9 month part time class, there's no reason not to take it. Lastly, Chris was my CS Prep instructor, and he is incredibly knowledgeable, enthusiastic, and patient. In 2 weeks, he significantly improved my understanding of recursion, OOP, higher order functions, callback functions, and closure. -
Danny Verified via LinkedIn
CSPrep
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After taking the CSPrep course, I have become even founder of the Codesmith path. I started knowing nothing and worked my way up through their csx program to prepare for the 2-week CSPrep course. The content taught was rather good, but what I found most valuable are the ideas they instill - instead of just teaching the code, this course also taught me how to become more well-rounded as an engineer, including being able to efficiently communicate with peers and how to get past a block in your logic. Overall, I really do enjoy this program and am looking forward to taking their full program. -
Joe Kinney Verified via LinkedIn
Challenging, comprehensive and fun
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Codesmith's online CS Prep course is a must take for aspiring software engineers who come from non-technical or non-programming backgrounds that are looking to apply for the full-time programs.
After majoring in math in undergrad and working in finance for 5 years, I decided to take the leap and pursuing Codesmith due to the quality of the curriculum and the stellar outcomes. Very quickly, I realized that passing the technical interview was a major challenge and milestone. The CS Prep program only runs for ~2 weeks, but during that time students learn about callbacks and higher order functions, closure and object oriented programming. We pair programmed on a daily basis and each collaborated with a group to create a project at the end of the course (my group made Yahtzee).
The enthusiasm and dedication on part of the instructor and other students was highly motivating and allowed me to quickly accelerate my coding ability, while developing relationships and genuinely enjoying the process. After CS Prep, I was able to pass my technical and will be participating in the NYC full-time immersive.
Would highly recommend the course to anyone interested in the full-time programs!! -
Stephanie b Verified via GitHub
CS Prep
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I just finished attending CS Prep I must say I learned so much in such a short amount of time! The course itself was only two weeks and it can feel like it going definitely a little too fast but you are given all the recording of the classes to go over as many times as you heart desires! My instructor Matt was great, he was so caring and really wants you to succeed! I would message him with all my concerns and struggles. He would would write back with resources. I recommend this course to everyone, it is a great way to learn basics in javascript in such a short amount! If you are planning on attending the immersive program and are having trouble with certain areas, definitely attend! This course will give you the clarity you need to move on to the immersive program! -
Alfred Sta Iglesia Verified via LinkedIn
A Great Introduction!
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I'm trying to enter the industry so I was looking for the right boot camp to enter and wanted to get my JS knowledge to a respectable level. Running into and watching Codesmith's YouTube videos and subsequently joining some of their free workshops - I truly appreciated the teaching style they utilize which goes into greater depth in explaining what exactly is happening with our code. It really meshed with how I like to learn.
I had been immersing myself with hours upon hours of YouTube tutorials thinking and hoping that with enough repetitive exposure, the concepts would hold. And yes, they do... eventually. I'm the kind of person though that would usually say/think "Cut to the chase - what is actually happening here?? why? ... and how can I really control that?!" Codesmith was one of the few resources that I came across who would whiteboard solutions out and not just simply show the code and console. To me - understanding syntax and concepts is one thing, understanding what the engine is really doing and being able to communicate the whole process in a technical and professional manner is something else. Their approach spoke to my inner engineer and discussed what exactly is happening and why. Javascript for Beginners remained true to its name, sticking to fundamentals in its curriculum. This is not meant to be a slight, since if you're taking this course you're obviously a beginner. However, it was that Codesmith style of teaching which really helped cement those fundamental concepts in a way that code-only instruction never could.
I will say that I did have about a month of Javascript exposure via free online resources, so I didn't go in cold. But I'm career switching and even with all those free resources, spending a couple of Saturdays or so simply interacting and networking with other hopefuls in the field would have been worth the price of admission on it's own. Add to that excellent teaching by a Codesmith grad was just gravy! Sophie was prepared, engaged, patient and informative. Because of the Codesmith workshops that I had seen and attended, there was a bit of a high bar already set in my head and she didn't disappoint! It was an example of where their road could lead. If your goal is to eventually join their immersive program, the tuitions from their prep courses roll over so you really have nothing to lose!
If my goal was to just gain a bit of exposure or maybe explore some of the Javascript world, I believe the course would have been just as fulfilling. However, I would honestly say that it might get a bit too intense, interactive or technical if you're looking for more of an "anonymous hoodie in the lecture hall" type of learning experience. On the other hand, if you learn best by engaging and/or like to understand the dynamics of how things work, you should seriously consider looking into Codesmith.
Last note - If you haven't already, do some digging. Codesmith reviews are practically flawless. In my own research, I didn't come across any other schools that came close to this kind of student satisfaction. My own review will do nothing to change that =) -
Tommy Verified via GitHub
Better Software Engineer
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I already had several years of experience coding but always wanted to fill any gaps in my knowledge of Javascript and React. I initially visited some NYC bootcamps, but found them to be too basic. But when I sat in on a free Node.js workshop by Will Sentence I was impressed. I always thought Node.js was a hard topic, but Will broke it down into easy to understand concepts. I also learned so much from "the javascript the hard parts lectures" that I decided it was worth it to quit my job and join Codesmith in hopes of learning how to become a better software engineer.
A big obstacle to entering Codesmith is that you must pass a technical interview. Each student needed to invest time learning thru Codesmith's CSX resources to develop the technical communication and problem solving skills needed to pass. As a result, the quality and skill level of Codesmith students is above a junior developer even before they start. A big surprise to me, was that after graduating, passing the previous technical interview months ago gave me the confidence I needed to ace a few technical interviews, and let me cherry pick the job for me - 100% remote with "best 100 companies to work for" rating.
Once I started class, I saw the care and hard work Codesmith invested into their curriculum and assessments to solidify our understanding and help us master the software concepts. Everything is done thru pair programming, so you get to continue honing your technical communication and make good friends among the cohort. It was a much more enjoyable experience working with different students than working alone.
After graduating, I learned many valuable lessons from our hiring team who showed us how to get the most interviews. This team promises to help you even after you found your first job ! When I got an offer, I was told that I should ask for more (?) Our expert negotiator scripted for me what I was to say. I was very nervous, but I learned the art of how to properly ask for more and not risk losing the offer ! Trust the process.
Please note, everyone experience's is different. Since I already have experience, I got a lot more interviews with less effort, but there were a half a dozen other students who have no experience who got offers before me. -
Brad Morgan Verified via GitHub
Worth the Effort
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The program is intense but definitely worth it. There is a lot of information given in a short period of time but there is a strong, supportive network of people around that all help each other.
Starting out, you build on fundamentals like algorithms and data structures and grow from there, learning all of the core technologies you'll be working with on the job.
That knowledge is solidified by working on solo and group projects, ultimately building a project that brings all of the hard and soft skills you learn through the course into a tool that is released to the world.
The most valuable parts are the Hiring Program and support of the Outcomes team. Putting together a professional resume and presenting yourself as an engineer are the real benefits. And getting check-ins and help along the way during the process are great ways to keep motivation.
Trust the process, keep pushing and it will work out.
-
Randy Reyes Verified via LinkedIn
Hyperbolic Time Chamber
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Before Codesmith, I was working in front-end web development (HTML and CSS) for about 4 years. There was a point where I decided to bring my JavaScript game up to the next level and researched extensively around for a bootcamp that aligned with my goals. When I attended a free Codesmith workshop, I knew that it would be the right choice for me. What hooked me in is their emphasis on technical communication, under-the-hood understanding, and cultural growth.
The software engineering program is a hyperbolic time chamber, where you learn 4 years worth of college education in 3 months. It’s set up in a way where they teach the practical side of computer science through a series of solo and group projects. The program is intense, and although researching, parsing, and implementing for 12+ hours almost everyday takes a mental and emotional toll, it’s a small price to pay for a lifelong investment in financial stability, emotional well-being, and a community that supports you throughout the process (even when searching for a job).
Now after several months of job hunting, I’ve accepted an offer to be a Front-End Software Engineer at a company that shares the same core beliefs as me. I’m thrilled to start this new chapter, and this achievement reinforces a certain mindset: as long as you work with diligence and positivity, growth and success will come your way. Thank you Codesmith for changing my life. -
Alexander Verified via GitHub
Honest Review
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I was skeptical of Codesmith's advertisements and actually interviewed at 5 other programs. I started attending JSHP Lectures at night and eventually graduated from the program. TLDR: The process works, the results as advertised are true, and what you learn is truly incredible. The hiring program alone is worth the entire tuition. I had a phone call with the hiring team (Eric) and was able to negotiate a higher salary- the difference in salary is enough to pay for the entire tuition of the program.
Know before entering: This is not like other programs, it's very intense. For those willing to work extremely hard, pull long hours, and push your limits of learning- this program is for you. The results are there, it's a lot of work to achieve them but they are possible. You will accomplish things you may not think are possible, and have such a deep depth of knowledge coming out of the program. There are many engineers in industry who will not have the depth of full stack web development that Codesmith grads have.
Highlights about the program: You'll meet people who will become true friends, you'll overcome obstacles together, and achieve some incredible final products. You learn a wide range of topics across the full stack web development space, essentially taking an idea to a fully deployed web application. The hiring program is fantastic, even after graduation there are meetings and lectures to attend, you never stop learning. The negotiation part is great.
Constructive advice: I would like to see TypeScript incorporated into the core curriculum, it's an essential part for most companies now so it would be nice for it to be formally taught. Some aspects could be a little better organized and the days may be restructured to be less "interrupted", especially when building projects.
Overall, I'm very happy to have gone through this life changing experience. It's incredible how much can change in such a short window of time. -
Ashley Verified via GitHub
CSPrep Grad
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Review of CS Prep course
I'm writing this review because it wold have helped out a lot when deciding whether or not to take the prep course.
So, I took the CS Prep course right before the onset of COVID19 lockdowns with the goal of getting into Codesmith right after. The program was designed to prepare you for the immersive and to allow you to pass the technical interview, and that's exactly what it did! Looking back, I didn't really need to take CSPrep - I had a fairly good grasp of all the concepts and went through the CSX platform fairly quickly. But nevertheless, I would still highly recommend taking CSPrep even if you do feel prepared. The course offered me a lot more than just preparing for the interview. It also:- Got me used to Codesmith's teaching style
- Got me used to pair programming, which is a huge part of Codesmith's overall teaching strategy
- Got me more comfortable with not knowing things. Codesmith really pushes your limits and tries to make you uncomfortable so you can get used to knowing how to handle yourself when you don't know something.
- Gave me a community of friends. Codesmith is also really big on community (which you can probably see in almost every other review here), but attending CSPrep gave me a lot more insight on just how important it is. I still talk to the people I worked with in CSPrep and we even helped each other get into the program by offering advice, conducting mock interviews for each other, and just motivating each other in general. I've seen a lot of people from my CSPrep cohort in my current Codesmith cohort (PTRI 2), which goes to show that the curriculum really is there to help you succeed.
TL;DR - Codesmith's CSPrep program is really awesome! If you have the money to take the course or can apply for CSPrep scholarships, do it. You won't regret it! -
Jason Verified via GitHub
Software Engineer Immersive Program
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Just a little blurb about bootcamps and bootcamp reviews in general: No review or seminar you attend will give you a full and accurate understanding of how great a bootcamp actually is. When I did my own extensive research when choosing a bootcamp, I attended many info sessions, looked at many webpages, and read many a review.
What Codesmith does differently, and what pulled me in, was attending one of their many free, public weekly workshops. Meant for just anyone interested in learning programming, this truly showed me what Codesmith is all about. I saw how they emphasized core engineering values: community, culture, and strong interpersonal skills - not just technology and the knowledge to build things. Because of Codesmith's popularity and strong outcomes (look at the CIRR report!), you will be in an environment of 30+ people (cohort sizes being around 20-30, but that doesn't account for your mentors, your instructors, and all the support staff), all of which are a resource for you to improve your chances of succeeding. Codesmith believes in hard-learning. There's no hand-holding and the curriculum is not easy, but what you get is a strong community and support system that exists even after graduating (job searching is as hard and time-consuming as the bootcamp itself!).
Before Codesmith, I was a college-educated minimum, wage worker. Within a year of starting my programming journey, I have gotten two fix-figure salary offers, and relationships with people that will last a lifetime.Chelsea of Codesmith
Director of Programs
Aug 12, 2020
Hey Jason - thanks so much for sharing all this information on your Codesmith experience. I am so happy for you and so excited to see what you accomplish at PayPal! -
Jonathon Gonzalwz Verified via LinkedIn
Worth it!
Just got a job. Job search is tough but wouldnt be able to do it without CodesmithAnnie of Codesmith
Hiring Support Program Manager
Aug 12, 2020
Hey Jonathon- can't wait to hear about your work at Chopra Global. We're lucky to have you as part of this community! -
Duane McFarlane Verified via GitHub
Amazing Experience
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I was accepted into Codesmith for the July 2019 cohort (cohort 13). When I decided to attend a bootcamp, I chose Codesmith because of their weekly workshops on Thursdays "JavaScript: The Hard Parts." The people and the way they dive under the hood of these JS concepts sold me instantly. I've never heard of execution context etc before that. The instructors are not only incredibly knowledgable, but incredibly patient and passionate about teaching. From day 1 I knew it was the right choice.
You can learn these technologies anywhere, but what separates Codesmith from other schools are the people. Everyone is a resource (instructors, staff, and your seniors). They have non-tech related workshops like battling imposter syndrome, implicit bias, etc. It is a very welcoming, warm environment. Which is great, because the curriculum is hard. Extremely hard. There is no hand-holding. As a resident, you are forced to navigate the unknown and read documentation, debug, and hit those blocks (thats where the growth happens).
Towards the end of your stay, and well long after you graduate, they provide support in your career. You can schedule 1 on 1's with fellows and staff to go over everything from resumes to algos. They helped me tremendously. I've since landed a Software Engineer role, and I am grateful for their part they played. -
Angie Changpagne Verified via LinkedIn
The Future Of Cutting Edge Education
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Codesmith is the cutting edge of what education ought to be. Prior to this, I had a Computer Engineering and Economics background, though in reality at University I had very little idea of what I really wanted to do, with both an entrepreneurial spirit and also liking the technical side and hands-on work. I needed a way to master and apply these goals. I soon realized that Codesmith was my proof of concept; it gave me drive and focus and you will learn how to embark specialization in the engineering field to acquire the strongest competitive advantage in a constantly tidal industry.
The first time I attended one of Codesmith’s free workshops was in NYC, prior to permanently moving to LA and entering the Venice chapter. It was one of Will’s lectures on the hard parts and examining industry trends. Aside from having the ability to clearly explain complex concepts to many non-traditional crowds with backgrounds ranging from Ex-Finance, Ex-Law to Ex-Biology and applying them to modern applications, Will is also extremely energetic and inspiring; in a way he is much like a motivational tech speaker as well as an entertaining and informative lecturer who advocates for dynamic learning. After attending the free events and preparing for a month and a half, I applied and got into the Venice cohort for Autumn.
The entire Codesmith team and existing students were extremely warm and welcoming and ensured we had access to the best resources and mentorship. The daily programming had a fluid and well thought out schedule and the team is extremely approachable when any trepidations arise. Unlike my past encounters in engineering classes or even engineering sororities/frats, I did not feel excluded or minute anymore. I felt that I had a voice and a true impact. I felt level on the playing field if not leveraged, and I felt empowered.
The culture at Codesmith is what every tech firm’s culture aspires to be like; it is hosted by a community of intelligent, enlightened, tolerant people which allows you to diversify your network outlook. The culture there will become your greatest advocate as you make the advance through pair programming and project based learning. You realize that there are many different methods to the same goal, the same problem, but raining on new ideas, constant brainstorming, feedback and examination is what will make you quick to adapt and highly performant to the environment. You also acquire an ability to skillfully embed creativity into the applications and systems you build, to ideate as well as decide on the key trade-offs behind design choice. Pursuing this is what will cultivate the depth of knowledge and leadership skills to thrive with any company.
Codesmith is not just a Software Engineering training program and its experience extends beyond the bounds of the 3 month immersive. It teaches you micro and macro career planning, careful decision making, and how to design and implement scalable, efficient systems in computers and in life. We learn to constantly pivot and to feed into our curiosity to grow in the direction of personal and professional development.
The hiring support is exceptional. The team consists of former alumni from Ivy Leagues, successful Entrepreneurs, Angel Investors and a range of well versed backgrounds both in and out of the field who were committed to my success every step of the way. Amid the rise of the global pandemic, Annie from the alumni support team remained just as resourceful, available, and was extremely adept at checking up on us in our job exploration and interview process. The team gave us the roadmap to success using industry knowledge and best practices to achieve our highest potential and held us at very high standards.
After I received offers from different companies, Eric gave me advice and key insights on negotiation strategies for salary, benefits, equity and pushed me to have the courage and confidence to do so. As a woman and minority in STEM, I have always felt the very present stigma of imposter syndrome and the victim mentality. I’ve felt discouraged from negotiating a contract at times, that I should just willfully accept the best offer presented to me as many women who have been conditioned to feel this way can relate. However, this time was different. After having the guidance from Eric and the entire hiring support team as well as many CS(CodeSmith) Alumni who have been at the exact same position, I was able to finally realize the value of having a different background than the majority and to see that as an asset. I ended up successfully negotiating an extra $10K on an offer and accepting a Software Engineer position at my dream company!
I have to say, I am equally as proud to be an Alumni of Codesmith as I am of my Alma Mater, and in many ways I have grown more professionally and industrially from Codesmith’s impact than I have from any other traditional schooling, organization or institution. This program outlines an extraordinary blueprint for modernizing education and the way it impacts career viability, professional progression, and is an archetype of education for the future. With that being said, I think it’s time to change your future now and let no time go to waste.Annie of Codesmith
Hiring Support Program Manager
Aug 12, 2020
Hey Angie- it was such a pleasure working with you and I can't wait to get updates on how your role is going! Glad to have you as a mentor for future Codesmithers entering the field. -
Jimmy Verified via GitHub
Software Engineer
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I am a recent graduate and I can confidently say that Codesmith is an amazing immersive program that teaches you how to become an amazing engineer.
The immersive program itself is a combination of hard computer science, pragmatism, and an empathetic community. It teaches you to be patient with yourself, to cuddle with the struggle, and to power through hurdles so that you can gain a deeper understanding of what Codesmith calls "the Hard Parts." It's a blend of pair programming and project-building using modern technology stacks. The instructors themselves are passionate, accessible, and empathetic, which are exactly what students need when learning these difficult-to-grasp topics. You'll get a lot out of this program, but keep in mind that you also have to be able to put work in as well.
At the end of the day, this bootcamp itself is more like an immersive program. You'll feel like you've been learning for a year, but in reality, it's only been a few months. You'll also come out quadruple times more wiser in the engineering world and ready to tackle most engineering problems that you'll face.
Thank you again Codesmith, it's been a wild ride. Happy to say that I've enjoyed the experience and to start a new chapter in my life! -
A Chao Verified via LinkedIn
Worth every penny
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The experience going through the Software Engineering Immersive program is extremely difficult. The hours are long, you're being pushed to grow in so many more ways than just coding and technical ability. But that's what makes it a unique bootcamp amongst all the others.
Of course, Codesmith teaches all the technical stuff, but its true value comes in teaching you how to learn on your own. The course is structured so that you run into blocks, and learn as you push through them. There's plenty of help and support along the way, making sure that when you leave Codesmith you have the confidence and ability to tackle any problem. -
James Scaggs Verified via LinkedIn
CS Prep worked for me 👍
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Before CS Prep I would watch a solution video in CSX or FreeCodeCamp and understand the solution but would always have trouble coming up with the right 'idea/approach' to a problem on my own.
I had already worked my way through most of CSX, often times getting stuck on some of the harder problems in the closures and higher order function sections. When I say stuck I'm talking like trying multiple different approaches to the same problem for an hour or so for a day and having to come back the next day.
CS Prep helped me bridge that gap. Now I don't feel lost for ideas when I see a problem and I also don't find myself going down rabbit holes with a wrong approach.
I learned a lot about how important it is to pseudo code and talk out loud through your logic. I used to spend about 10% of my time on pseudo coding, 50% coding, and 40% debugging. CS Prep helped me shift my mindset towards more pseudo code which has lead me to much less debugging and frustration.
If you've been to the Hard Parts workshops you will be familiar with the style of teaching. It's an engaging style of teaching where the instructor calls on different people to walk/talk through code line by line while giving advice on technical communication.
Look, if you've made headway on some hard learning and really want to boost your confidence and analytical problem solving abilities then I think CS prep will help you like it helped me.
Not only that but you'll meet some great people of all different skill levels, improve your technical communication, become a better pair programmer, and be on your way for a technical interview for an immersive.
Shout out to our instructor Chris who personally helped me work through some tough problems and prepare for my technical interview. -
Faraz Verified via LinkedIn
Beginner JS Course
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I attended the Beginner JS Course through CodeSmith. Overall, the experience was really good. Typically, the workshop spans over 2 weeks, however, this particular session was crammed over a weekend. It was intense. I think it gave a flavor for how the immersive program would feel like.
I'm familiar with some of the basic aspects of JS like loops and functions. During the course, I was able to ask detailed/ specific questions. I like how the lectures are designed. Each student will get multiple opportunity to explain how JS would work in a given scenario - the responses are technical. This is great because communication is a huge part of programming.
The pair programming was a great experience as well. I got to work with a few folks that were more experience than I was and some that were less experience. I choose Codesmith because of the format and strongly recommend it.
