Codesmith Reviews
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Max M Verified via GitHub100% Satisfied
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I just finished up at Codesmith and don't think I could have made a better choice. Codesmith's top priority is fostering an inclusive, supportive community of dedicated problem solvers. The curriculum is as up-to-date as possible within an industry that's always changing. We had modules on React + Redux and Build Tools (Webpack), in addition to the more universal JavaScript curriculum. There's also an initial focus on data structures, CS fundamentals, and general algorithms, which I hear is lacking at a lot of other 12 week programs. While there's always assistance available from staff, fellows, mentors, and even the CEO, Codesmith is not a hand-holdy program.
Engineering best practices are taught through building and diligent problem solving, not by the typical question and answer approach. For some people, this may be perceived as a downside, but for ambitious programmers, it's an amazing environment that comes very close to simulating a real work environment.
They have top-notch hiring support and place a ton of focus on the job search over the last half of the program, and also encourage alumni to use their facilities (including a dedicated alumni room) after graduating. I feel like I could go on and on about all the positives from my time at Codesmith, but instead, I'll conclude by saying that if you love coding and are serious about advancing your career (this means willing to put in the work and perservering through struggle), then you will not regret coming to Codesmith.
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Wing Lam
Where Challenge Meets Community: My Codesmith Experience
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Before Codesmith, I was working at a tech company testing autonomous vehicles. While I enjoyed being close to cutting-edge technology, I found myself increasingly drawn to the software side, curious about the systems driving automation and intelligence. That curiosity is what led me to explore software engineering more seriously and, ultimately, to discover Codesmith.
I chose Codesmith because of its reputation for excellence, especially in AI and ML. What really stood out to me was how Will Sentance, the CEO, is constantly learning, staying on top of emerging technologies, and thoughtfully integrating them into the program for the benefit of the students. It signaled to me that this wasn’t just a bootcamp. It was a forward-thinking, evolving ecosystem built for long-term success.
The immersive program itself was incredibly challenging, but I’ve never felt so supported by a community that was not only skilled but truly caring. From my cohort mates to the instructors and fellows, there was always someone willing to jump in, pair program, or just offer encouragement when the imposter syndrome hit. That sense of belonging and shared determination made all the difference.
One of my proudest moments was collaborating on an open-source tool that focused on AI model drift detection, where I got to apply what I learned to a real-world engineering problem. Projects like that made me realize how far I had come, not just technically, but in how I approach problems, work in teams, and communicate as an engineer.
Now, as a graduate, I feel confident and well-equipped to step into the industry. I’m grateful not only for the technical skills I gained but for the personal growth and lifelong network I’ve built.
If you’re considering Codesmith: expect to be challenged, but also expect to be deeply supported. It’s a place where your potential gets pushed and your wins get celebrated.
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Peter L
Highly recommend, very rigorous
I cannot understate how great codesmith is. I received a job offer only 3 months after completing the bootcamp - in a tough job market nonetheless. Major coursework taught by great instructors. Minor coursework taught by previous graduates primarily. Eric K personally assisted me in my salary negotiations. They truly care!! -
J M
Best decision of my life
The full time codesmith program was tough and grueling, but their methods suited the way I learn new material. With the skills I learned, I was able to find a SWE job within 3 months. One year later and I’m back on the job market due to layoffs and I was able to use their career services to help find a new role and negotiate my offer. -
Timothy Kachler
Codesmith changed my life
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Attending Codesmith was one of the most challenging yet rewarding experiences of my life. The intensive program not only honed my coding skills but also taught me how to design applications, distribute work, and collaborate effectively within a team.
Before joining Codesmith, I had a good job in a different industry, so transitioning to a new career in my 40s was a significant risk. The support and encouragement I received made all the difference. One pivotal moment was when I emailed Phillip Troutman after attending one of his Hard Part meetings. He kindly agreed to meet for coffee, answering all my questions and helping me formulate a solid plan. His guidance was instrumental in my decision to take the leap and pursue a career in tech.
The people I attended Codesmith with are not merely friends and colleagues; they are family. Even five years later, I regularly interact with them both personally and professionally. The bonds formed during the program have been incredibly valuable, providing a network of support and collaboration that extends far beyond the classroom.
The program itself is rigorous, pushing you to your limits and beyond. But the challenges are balanced with a strong sense of community and camaraderie. Instructors and peers alike are dedicated to helping you succeed, creating an environment where you can thrive.
Codesmith prepared me not just to write code but to think like a software engineer. The skills I acquired go beyond technical proficiency; I learned how to approach complex problems, work efficiently in a team, and build scalable, maintainable applications.
In summary, Codesmith truly changed my life. It equipped me with the skills, confidence, and network needed to succeed in the tech industry. If you’re considering a career in software engineering, especially if you’re contemplating a significant career shift like I did, I highly recommend Codesmith. The experience is challenging, but the rewards are immeasurable. -
Erik C.
An intensive, transformative journey that equipped me with advanced software engineering skills and a strong community network
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Codesmith is an exceptional coding bootcamp that truly prepares you for a career in software engineering. The curriculum is intensive, focusing on JavaScript and full-stack development with technologies like React and Node.js.
The instructors are top-notch, bringing real-world experience and clear explanations to complex topics. The community-driven approach, with plenty of pair programming and collaborative projects, mirrors a real tech environment.
Job support at Codesmith is outstanding, with many graduates landing roles at companies like Google and Amazon. They provide extensive resources like resume workshops and mock interviews, and hiring and negotiation support, even after you graduate.
The sense of community is strong, fostering both technical skills and emotional intelligence. The admissions process is tough, ensuring that everyone in the program is ready for the challenge.
Overall, if you're serious about becoming a software engineer, Codesmith is a fantastic choice. The program is demanding, but the skills and career opportunities you gain make it worth it. -
Chet Hay
Best investment ever!
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Initially I was wary of bootcamps and decided to pursue a self taught route, but Will and his team along with currently enrolled students changed my mind. I’m glad they did! The decision to go to Codesmith saved me at least two to three years of working my way up in low level IT and web development roles. When I calculate the time multiplied by how much more money I made in comparison it easily justified the tuition. At my first dev job outside of Codesmith I was already making twice my previous highest salary. The program is great. I can’t recommend it enough. I currently work with another Codesmith alum and she’s a great dev! The program works! -
Cherie Zhong
Positive experience
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I had done the full time program in March of 2020 at the start of the pandemic and am now several years into my career as a software engineer. Without Codesmith, I would not have been able to make my pivot into the technical side of coding after being in tech for several years already. Through the program, I was able to learn full stack skills which I am still building upon today as well as a network and several friends I still have kept in contact with after this many years. I've also recommended a few people into the program who are also software engineers now. -
Maureen Onchiri
The Harvard of Bootcamps
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Choosing to enroll in Codesmith in 2021 was one of the most pivotal decisions of my life. After comparing Codesmith's outcomes on CIRR.org to other bootcamps, it was evident that this program was leagues ahead - I like to call it the Harvard of bootcamps :) From the free workshops, to the prep courses and the Software Engineering Immersive program, The depth and breadth of the course material were not only comprehensive but also finely tuned to meet the demands of the job market. The transition to software engineering, although daunting, was made smoother thanks to the supportive and empathetic culture at Codesmith. The Codesmith community was a constant source of encouragement throughout my journey.
Moreover, Codesmith's commitment to accessibility through scholarships speaks to their dedication to fostering diversity and inclusivity within the tech industry. I was fortunate enough to qualify for one of these scholarships, which not only made it possible for me to become a software engineer, but also reaffirmed Codesmith's ethos of empowering individuals from all walks of life.
Fast forward to the present, and I find myself once again navigating the job market following a layoff. The Codesmith hiring team has offered guidance at every turn, even for alumni. From resume reviews to mock interviews, and even negotiations, the support I've received has been unparalleled. Thanks to their assistance, I've successfully secured not one, but three offers—a testament to the effectiveness of the resources and mentorship provided by Codesmith.
I cannot speak highly enough of Codesmith. My experience has been nothing short of transformative, and I am beyond grateful for the opportunity to have been a part of such a remarkable community. I've already recommended Codesmith to friends and family members, all of whom have returned with glowing reviews of their own. If you're considering a career in software engineering, I wholeheartedly recommend Codesmith. -
Esther Witbeck
Shines in its post-graduation support
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In short, I credit Codesmith with my pivoting from a non-tech role to a software position. It isn't perfect, nor is the curriculum as exhaustive as I would have liked, but the selection of material is solid and the post-graduation support was stellar. If you're willing to work beyond what they provide you, Codesmith can be an excellent resource.
I attended the remote full time program. Day-to-day activities were built around working through introductory modules (basically partially-premade code with an explanatory blurb and pointers to documentation) with one or two other students, followed by discussion and going over a working example. Activity is relentless, which is 1) good news for learning and 2) exhausting. The latter half of the program is centered around work on an 'Open Source Product' (ostensibly actively maintained and of a high technical caliber; in practice, maybe a little more of a proof-of-concept exhibition, depending) with a 4-5 person team. There's really a lovely sense of community that builds from going through all this with the rest of your cohort, and that sense (and enthusiasm) is what manages to hold the whole thing together.
Instructors tended to be sourced from the pool of previous students. As a result, we couldn't always rely on confident answers or responses coming from deep expertise. The program's emphasis on keeping with a current and relevant curriculum does, however, mean there are plenty of strong anchors for students to begin researching on their own and with others. After all, this is the skill Codesmith seeks to instill; once on the job, it's up to the engineer to find the answer, be it through familiar documentation, Google, or trial and error.
No three month program, no matter how intensive, is going to bring anyone up to the level of an undergraduate degree. Instead, Codesmith is focused on providing its students with the hands-on skills and gumption typical CS students might lack. I'm appreciative of how much the curriculum pointed us to industry standards. It may not be enough for, say, lower-level programming, but it's certainly enough to get projects off the ground and eventually up to a quality people will pay attention to. The curriculum is also focused on making sure its students are able to speak about their work in a compelling and informed way, which turns out to a be a crucial part of standing out when looking for a job. The goal is to output the kind of people you'd like to work with, and that goes a long way.
What makes me feel the most positively about the experience is the support provided for alumni. Codesmith invests in its network and offers it up to you (to the level that you're willing to engage). The program will set you up with other motivated alumni for accountability meetings, provide you with resume and interview guidance, and host networking events--all of which is provided indefinitely after graduation. Once you've left Codesmith's hyper-structured days, the job search seems exhausting and ten times as difficult in comparison. The extra support is a godsend.
As with most things, you get out of it what you put in. Bootcamp attendance is not a guarantee of employment, and it's still possible to struggle with the material once the 3 months end. Unsurprisingly, the strongest graduates were those who had studied previously--I recommend doing the same so that students can get the most out of the process of building a project and self teaching.
Given the worsening market conditions, I've heard many tales of 6+ (or even 12+) month job searches (mine was 7). Sometimes the job search is unlucky or outright hostile. But Codesmith continues to produce working software engineers and keep its alumni network running. I'm glad I made the decision to attend. -
Anna L.
Best decision I ever made
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When I joined Codesmith, I was looking to make a big change in my life - I was working in social work and deeply dissatisfied with the amount of return I was seeing in my career. I was scared to pursue coding, because I didn't think I was smart enough and thought it would probably be too hard.
While it was hard, the support and guidance I found in the Codesmith community was what helped me achieve my goals. From the moment I attended one of their free classes on a weeknight until after graduation, I felt welcomed and excited to be part of a community that clearly felt so passionately about the success of the students. My hard work and investment was rewarded by the instructors and fellows who were just as invested in me. After graduating, I managed to find a job within a month. When I was laid off from that job, Codesmith was there to support me in finding a new role (which I found two weeks later). I went from not having written a line of JavaScript to employed as a software engineer in under a year.
My story isn't everyone's, but I know it wouldn't have been possible without Codesmith, their support, and their curriculum. I felt capable and ready to enter the workforce after graduating because I was provided with a deep understanding of how code works under the hood and I was able to communicate my choices and ideas professionally.
(Full disclosure: I was incentivized by an offer of free merchandise to provide this review, but my words are 100% truthful and 100% my own) -
Eric Mulhern
From landscaping to IBM in 10 months
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Before attending codesmith, I was teaching music and landscaping part-time. I had previously done a bit of self-learning around programming, with free materials available online. After attending the 9-month PTRI program, I took on a paid 3-month mentorship position with codesmith. During that time I landed a full-time contracting role with IBM, which kickstarted my software engineering career and increased my income six fold.
Codesmith is not a silver bullet. You get out of it what you put into it. But it provides powerful support and a community of people going through the same hell as you and who motivate and grow alongside you, and the value of that is incalculable.
It's a non-stop deluge of information and you're exhausted every step of the way. I put in tons of extra hours studying and working on projects, trying to make the best product I can, and that effort paid off in the knowledge I took away from it. -
ALEX MCPHAIL
A great way to change your life
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Codesmith took me from a owning a cut-flower farm to working as a Software Engineer inside of 6 months. It is an intense, rigorous program that prepares you technically and academically to work in the field. The focus is empathetic and engaged learning and pushing you to research and work independently. You come out of Codesmith with some great technical training, but much more, you come out with the tools you need to keep learning. You will spend your whole career adding to your training, but Codesmith can help you get your foot in the door. -
Jin Y
Codesmith's immersive program and CS Prep course provided me with the essential JS/React and computer science fundamentals needed to excel in software engineering.
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My experience with Codesmith, having graduated from both their immersive program and the CS Prep course, has been absolutely remarkable. The immersive program delved deep into full-stack JavaScript and essential computer science principles, providing me with a solid foundation for a career in software engineering. The hands-on projects, rigorous curriculum, and supportive community not only enhanced my technical skills but also instilled in me the confidence to tackle real-world challenges. Additionally, the CS Prep course was instrumental in laying down the groundwork for my journey into the immersive program, offering a structured introduction to JavaScript and core coding fundamentals. Thanks to Codesmith's exceptional education and career support, I successfully secured a fulfilling role in software engineering and continue to benefit from their lifelong career guidance. Codesmith's commitment to excellence in software engineering education truly sets them apart, and I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to have been a part of their thriving community. -
Eric Esposito
A supportive and productive experience
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When it comes to changing careers and finding a job in the current market, it’s going to be difficult no matter which bootcamp you attend. Finding a job is always a difficult hurdle when changing careers into such a competitive field. All of that said, I can’t imagine a better value for your money when it comes to coding bootcamps. The course lectures are pretty good, but that is not what really stands out about this company. What really stands out is the forced collaboration with other like-minded engineers, and learning how to pair-program and work through challenges with other people. In my opinion, this is where the true value of this program lies. To be forced to work through cleverly-designed challenge units and projects with another aspiring engineer is an experience that is more valuable than any lecture could be. This forces you through the inevitable struggles of understanding how to set up proper dev environments, how to debug pesky Git flows and merge conflicts, how to teach a topic you feel strong in, how to learn a topic you feel weaker in, how to empathetically communicate and provide valuable feedback, how to gracefully receive constructive feedback… these are all extremely valuable ‘soft skills’ that Codesmith offers, on top of the official curriculum that they advertise. I became close friends with many brilliant people, and attending Codesmith was an experience like nothing I’ve ever done before. I definitely recommend this program to others looking for a positive, productive, and supportive environment to develop your engineering skills and learn most of the things you need to become a successful mid-level developer. -
Eric Stallings
Amazing Experience
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I attended Codesmith July-September 2019 after attending their free Tuesday and Thursday night workshops for about six months (which I highly recommend, they offer them virtually now) and taking their 2 week Codesmith Prep course. I had no other tech experience aside from self-teaching with FreeCodeCamp.
The application process was pretty thorough, and included a phone screen, a culture fit interview, and a technical screen. I was not accepted on my first attempt, which I was actually really happy to hear - they won't just sign you up and take your money, you have to have the basics of JavaScript down before they'll allow you to join a cohort.
The Experience Itself
I attended pre-Covid, in-person, in Los Angeles. Our schedule was Monday through Saturday, 9am until late in the evening. I think officially we were done around 8pm but there were a few nights were I stayed past midnight to work on projects.
The curriculum was really thorough, and really quick. Other students referred to it as trying to drink from a firehose. For the first 6 weeks, new subjects were taught in two-day blocks. There was an introduction to a new technology and practice project utilizing it on Day 1, and a sort of quiz project on Day 2 with a debrief. Students weren't "graded" on the quiz project, but if they were unable to complete it satisfactorily, a Fellow (teaching assistant) would schedule one-on-one time with you to go over the subject matter again.
Other projects included a Chrome Extension Hackathon and an Iteration Project, where students would build a project and then everyone would trade to get used to working in an existing codebase.
The first 6 weeks ended with a big test day, broken up into two parts: an algorithm section, and a fullstack application coding challenge. Students were required to pass the test to go on to the next 6 weeks, and you could only take it twice.
The last 6 weeks of program were dedicated to a Senior Production Project. You had to pitch an idea for a new developer tool or a refactor of an existing tool to the teaching staff and got the next 6 weeks to work on it. This was ostensibly to give you something cool to show off in interviews that wasn't a simple to-do list app. In fact, some of these projects have gone on to be awarded thousands of stars on GitHub and are still used today.
After my residency was done, I was asked to stay on as a teaching fellow for another two cohorts, and finished my fellowship in January 2020.
After the Program
I think were Codesmith shines is it's alumni support programs. Codesmith offers continuing support for graduates of any cohort, and this could be anything from resume review to mock interviews and networking. I utilized the mock interviews to prepare myself for the real thing many times.
I think my job hunt was about 2 months. I left Codesmith January 4th and accepted an offer in late February. For full disclosure, I accepted a compensation offer that was below that of my peers who had already been working, but I was more eager to jump into my first job and start gaining equity and experience.
I am still working at that company, and have since been promoted once and my compensation has increased by 50% of my starting comp.
Final Thoughts
If you're looking into a boot camp to get you started in Tech, Codesmith is my recommendation, if only for their alumni support alone.
I have friends who have done other boot camps that don't offer any support after the program, and they seem to be struggling more to find their first paid role.
I definitely recommend trying out their free workshops on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, which offer easy and more difficult JavaScript lessons. It's also a great opportunity to ask a teaching fellow about their Codesmith experience and the program itself.
I also made some really close friends in the program. We still have a group chat going to this day, four years later. One of them even attended my wedding. -
Kevin
Confidence in Skills Amid Uncertainty
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Switching careers can indeed be daunting, especially when faced with numerous uncertainties. Questions like whether investing in tuition will pay off or if someone without a tech background can succeed as a software engineer were definitely in my mind.
After leaving the military, I took the leap and joined Codesmith's full-time immersive program in 2019, embarking on a journey to become a software engineer. The experience was challenging; It often felt like I was constantly overwhelmed with information and barely retained it before moving on to a different topic. Yet, the structure at Codesmith, while intense, proved invaluable. Rather than passively absorbing tutorials, I was immersed in hands-on learning, constantly diving into code and problem-solving. This approach honed my ability to "figure it out," a skill that has become indispensable in my career.
"Figuring it out" may sound simple, but a lot of anxiety and uncertainty accompanies it. Yet, it's a cornerstone skill for any developer. For those considering Codesmith or similar programs, I encourage you to embrace this mindset. Ask yourself the tough questions: Is Codesmith the right fit for me? Can I afford it? What steps do I need to take to get there? The journey may be daunting, but the rewards of mastering this skill and embarking on a new career path are worth it. Start figuring things out! -
Juliana Morrelli
Toughest, yet most rewarding educational experience.
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I attended Codesmith in November of 2022, graduated in February 2023 and accepted a job offer 2 months later. This program absolutely changed my life, but was also incredibly challenging. Codesmith does a great job of giving you a strong foundation in both technical skills and soft skills. It was incredibly demanding but the work doesn't stop after the program ends; I put a considerable amount of time and effort after the program not only with the job search, but also fine tuning my technical skills in order to compete with the other people currently in the hiring pools. If I had to do it again, I would definitely pick Codesmith as a bootcamp but be prepared to grind. -
Khayal Alasgaroff
Empowering Career Transition
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As a former professional in hospitality management and marketing, my decision to enroll in Codesmith proved to be a pivotal turning point in my career journey. Codesmith transcends typical coding bootcamps, offering a transformative experience that caters to individuals from diverse backgrounds, including myself.
Transitioning from hospitality to the tech industry seemed like a daunting challenge, but Codesmith provided me with the necessary tools and support to succeed. The comprehensive curriculum, led by knowledgeable instructors, not only reinforced my existing skills but also introduced me to a wide array of cutting-edge technologies. The program's emphasis on collaboration over competition fostered a supportive community where I felt encouraged to grow and learn alongside like-minded individuals.
Despite the fast-paced nature of the program, I found the rigorous coursework and hands-on projects to be immensely rewarding. The 'under-the-hood' focus of the material allowed me to gain a deep understanding of engineering principles while honing my teamwork and problem-solving skills. Thanks to the invaluable guidance and resources provided by the Codesmith team, I was able to secure a fulfilling position shortly after graduation, leveraging the solid foundation and practical knowledge acquired during the program.
For anyone considering a career transition or seeking to enhance their technical skills, I wholeheartedly recommend Codesmith. It's not just a coding school; it's a supportive community that empowers individuals to reach their full potential. My experience at Codesmith has been nothing short of extraordinary, and I am grateful for the doors it has opened in my professional journey. -
Luke Roberts
Best career decision ever
Attending codesmith was easily the best career decision I haver ever made. The curriculum and instruction is truly top notch and the post-grad career support is amazing. You get limitless counseling and advice for life! -
Erika W
Excellent Immersive
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Codesmith is, without a doubt, one of the best immersives for software engineering. What truly sets it apart are the people who work there to create an environment that allows engineers to grow and learn. You can tell that the staff genuinely cares about their students. The curriculum pushes you to truly understand the fundamentals of engineering and to lean into the unknown. It's a lot of work and dedication, and it's so worth it. Go into it giving your all - and you will get everything out of it.
The alumni network and job support team are unmatched - they're dedicated to seeing their students succeed in an ever-changing industry. Eric Kirsten offers unparalleled advice when it comes to landing a job as a software engineer. The teachers offer invaluable insights into what it means to be a great engineer, and the entire staff provides you with advice, support, and encouragement throughout your journey. If you're looking for a program that offers a challenging curriculum (that will make you stand out as an engineer), excellent job assistance, and a community of people who will support you throughout - you've found it in Codesmith. -
S.S.
Was Excellent for Me
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Codesmith was great for me. Attending was one of the best decisions I’ve made, and I think it’s a really fantastic option for some one looking for such a program.
It’s difficult to review a program like Codesmith because it’s (obviously, explicitly) not right for everyone and will hit students in different ways. For me, it was very good — one of the best uses of my time, money, and work that I’ve ever made.
I had a self-taught background coming into Codesmith, with several pretty specific areas of focus. The curriculum reinforced areas of my experience from different perspectives and introduced me to a wide variety of other technologies I hadn’t used before.
The material was thoughtfully-chosen, presented with a strong ‘under-the-hood’ focus, and well situated within the wider landscape of competing technologies. The projects went deep into engineering considerations and building well as teams. Overall, it gave me an extremely solid basis and tools for continued growth. I found a good position shortly after graduation and have felt very well prepared in that role.
A few considerations of pause / maybe it’s not for you:
- The program moves very quickly, often spending 1-2 instructional days on technologies that take months to become strong with. The better your pre-course background, the more you will get out of it. Students who struggled early continued to struggle throughout the course. I would recommend really mastering the pre-course work and maybe doing some other project before starting, in order to get the most out of it.
- On the same note, you cover a huge amount of content for the time. While you are given many tools to go deeper, you should have realistic goals for what’s possible in a few months. It’s a solid basis + survey that trains you to learn and dig in — but it can’t actually replace years of learning and experience.
- There’s not as much direct instructor support and evaluation on projects as I would have liked. You can get input, but no one is reviewing the quality of your code or your major design decisions in detail.
- The job market is pretty challenging right now and finding a job takes a lot of work and patience. Research this bit and make sure you know what you’re in for. It’s a legitimate path to a challenging and rewarding career, but it takes work and time. -
Paulo Araujo
Very well rewarded effort
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I had an excellent experience with great learning platform. I liked the way the course is structured, the lessons are clear and the material is extensive and complete. Would like to comment about the mentoring learning sessions, optional content and practice projects that certainly makes the difference for me to understand the concepts. Also the support for the program manager (Vineet Mishra) makes great difference always giving the support I needed. Thank you Vineet!
I surely recommend this course for everyone who wants to become a Data Scientists. Is worth of mention that I had zero experience with machine learning, AI and python but with a great effort I could complete satisfactory the program including with 2 projects with maximum scores. I am very happy to have chosen MIT IDSS with Great Learning!! -
Gus Woltmann
Excellent
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This program is undeniably challenging—extremely so. It's not a scenario where you can simply coast and expect to land a fantastic job within a few months. However, if you possess a genuine desire for this and are committed to putting in the hard work, the program can be remarkably effective. It stands out as an exceptional program, and it almost feels unfair to categorize it with other bootcamps because, in my experience and observation, it surpasses them by a wide margin. The hiring segment of the program alone justifies the cost. I give it a perfect 10/10 and cannot recommend it highly enough for those truly dedicated to pursuing this path. -
Etana Kopin
There's No Place Like Codesmith
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I'm just going to start here - attending Codesmith was one of the best and most life-changing decisions I have made so far. I decided on Codesmith amidst a sea of bootcamps because community is so important to me. I can learn anywhere, whether by myself or at another institution, or in any situation. But it isn't as easy to build or find a good community where the people are caring and supportive to each other, striving to better themselves and excited to live and grow. Codesmith's intent is to deliver the best possible experience in modern technology, to push your personal growth, and to create and foster an amazing community. And it delivers on all those aspects.
The content was always well thought out and is updated as our technology continues to change. But the special kicker is that there is so much open ended room for discovery and growth. There is no spoon feeding - you have to work for your knowledge. And by doing that, it is more ingrained and powerful!
And lets not leave out their hiring portion! There is a whole portion working on the resume, cover letter, speaking, and how to approach technical assessments and system design interviews. But then, after graduating, their career support is always there. 6 months later, a year later, you name it, they are there to assist! With all the assistance I just received a wonderful job offer, and the joy with all the Codesmith team was so authentic. They are in it for us for the long haul. And because of who they are, I am in it for the long haul too and will continue to support the company, students and alumni to the best of my ability. -
Mark
Developed an Engineering Mindset
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Process is long and difficult, but dramatic change requires dramatic work. Codesmith supports you through every step of the way including preparing for your technical interview, providing pre-course work, extensive coursework, and support during the job search. The staff really care about you and your success, and the contacts you meet throughout the journey will be lifelong friends. The community is incredible. The curriculum teaches you far more than how to use a technology, it really teaches you how to learn and think like an engineer.Pros- incredible community (from interview prep through post grad alumni network)
- rigorous and thoughtful curriculum
- will learn how to think like an engineer and onboard technologies not covered in the curriculum
- career support is strategic and empowering. The question is when will you get a job post grad not ifCons- hard learning is predominant teaching style and it is not for everyone. Try CS Prep to find out if you like it
- difficult to map out and make a timeline for getting into the program. Especially since some cohorts have a waitlist over a month ahead of the start date.
- major projects do not have code reviews of staff -
Rebecca
Challenging, great practical knowledge and community
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I recently graduated from Codesmith's East Coast Remote Program - the curriculum was extremely grueling and challenging, but the strong sense of community and support made it possible for me to not only get through it but actually enjoy the process of learning so much in such a short time. I chose Codesmith as a bootcamp because of its verified outcomes, and it did not disappoint - I had resigned myself to a longer-than-average job search process because of the downturn in the hiring market, but I got an offer and signed with an amazing company less than two months after my last day at Codesmith.
I want to especially shout out Codesmith's Eric Kirsten for his support in the hiring/negotiating process - he is one of those incredible mentors who you feel has your back at every step of the process. Working with him makes you feel like you can do anything! He gave me individual support outside of regular office hours when I was in the thick of the offer/negotiating process, and because of that I was able to negotiate my offer up considerably. I'm incredibly grateful to Eric and the whole Codesmith team! -
Victor H.
IMO the best program in the US
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This is purely my opinion but I don't think there's a better program then Codesmith. Now maybe I'm biased because I just signed my job offer a month after graduating... However I also did heavy research into all my options including self studying and I chose wisely.
Overall my experience was that the staff are empathetic and encouraging, the residents are smart and motivated. I think Codesmiths secret sauce is the strong strong strong community they develop. I am very invested in my cohortmates success and continue to stay involved after graduating. But of course as with anything do your research, find someone who graduated the program to talk to. -
Josh
If you are driven, this is the best option possible.
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Attending Codesmith was one of the best things I've ever done in my life. The bottom line I'm sure everyone is looking for (because it's what I was looking for a few months ago when I was scouring these reviews deciding what route to take): I got a fantastic job that surpassed my hopes going into the program.
I'm going to start by saying that I believe Software Immersives (including Codesmith) are not for every one. The hours and workload are rigorous and the velocity is FAST. Between the pace of the curriculum and the sheer amount of your daily life it takes up, this is a very demanding program. Like most things in life, you get out of it what you put into it and I put a lot into it. If you're not ready for that commitment, I don't know that the outcome would be beneficial.
If you are ready for that commitment, Codesmith is an AMAZING option. Admittedly, I've never attended any of the other Immersives, but my experience at Codesmith was fantastic and I enjoyed just about every bit of it. The staff is incredibly welcoming and supportive (to the point that I joked with a friend that it had a happy cult-like feel in the beginning). But as you start to get into the immersive, you realize you end up needing that support and atmosphere to get through a program like this and Codesmith's faculty are fantastic at that.
Codesmith always talks about their curriculum being curated specifically from what is "in demand" these days, and having just completed the job search, I would wholeheartedly agree with this. The reason for the intense pace of the program is to get as many technologies as possible under your belt and although it often (possibly always) felt like I wish I spent more with one or another, I'm glad now to have been exposed to more so I could utilize that in the job search.
While virtually every instructor was great, I would like to keep this review as fair as possible, so I will mention that Codesmith does use a Fellow program wherein recent graduates do a lot of the review lectures or one-on-one reviews. I would say sometimes this wasn't ideal, as they were clearly less knowledgable than the instructors, but I will say Codesmith did a good job of always having important or new concepts taught by the instructors first. It does compare in many ways to a Professor/Teaching Fellow relationship in college.
When it comes to curriculum, I'm sure many of the people reading this review are considering the self-taught alternative like I was a few months ago. I feel that I'm a fast learner and pretty intelligent, so the self-taught route was one I seriously considered, and when it comes to curriculum, I do think a motivated, intelligent, self-starter could probably teach themselves most of the curriculum with free or cheap resources available online. 3 things ended up making Codesmith more than worth the cost for me in this regard: 1) the speed of the learning. I self-taught for about 3 months in the lead up to Codesmith and by week 2 or 3 in the Codesmith program, I had already surpassed what the amount I managed to self-teach in 3 months. 2) the curation of topics/technologies. There were so many things that I would have never thought to go teach myself, but Codesmith curates all their curriculum from grads see is in demand in the job search, so I learned it at Codesmith and sure enough, it came up in interviews or job postings time and time again.
And the third is my final point - the hiring program. I saw someone say that the hiring program itself is worth the full tuition (and let's be honest, with Codesmith's tuition, that's a heck of a statement to make). The hiring program is PHENOMENAL and the one part of Codesmith that I can point to and confidently say it taught me so many things that I would NEVER have come up with on my own. Everything from online profiles to resumes to how you communicate in interviews. They even got me asking for more money than I ever would have dreamed of asking for (and I ended up getting it). I'll shout out two people in the hiring program in particular - Eric and Samantha who were both incredible resources in my job search and the lead up to it.
All in all - if you're ready to work hard and devote yourself to this process - I don't think there's a better option than Codesmith. -
Shelby Carlin
Very Grateful to have found CodeSmith
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I recently signed an offer with my dream company as a software engineer, after completing CodeSmith. They had amazing great career support after the course and that really made all the difference to me. During a time where the job market was super bad (huge tech layoffs) I really needed support navigating the job search. Eric helped so much with such a positive attitude and helping with advice on startups, VCs and negotiations. Even the days I didn't have a offer in the pipeline it was super nice to sit in hear about what your peers were going through. They also had one-on-one tutoring sessions you could sign up for and do resume review cover letter review or white boarding practice and its was super nice to get feedback on the interviewing process areas. -
Jenna Hamza
medicine to tech in less than a year
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For three months of work, the course delivers *mostly* on its promise. Long days, long weeks, but the time flew by and the people were genuinely the best part. The coursework prepares you to *prepare yourself* for job interviews. It was a good launching point, but you still need to put in a lot of work to get a job after the fact. To say that you can easily get a mid to senior level job I would say is an overstatement. Perhaps if you're coming in with 1-2 years of experience that is doable, but as a beginner I would say junior to mid is a more realistic expectation - which is honestly still impressive for three months of coursework. That being said, I got a mid-level job in a little over 3 months after MANY rejections and coming in from a completely non-technical background. They pack a lot into 12 weeks and the feedback is top notch, but I'd be lying if I said I felt 100% prepared going into interviews. And maybe that's just my overachieving self speaking, but job interviews are a very nerve-wracking process that I'm not sure any bootcamp could fully prepare you for. Overall, I think it's worth the money - medicine to tech in just under a year total with Codesmith's help. -
Simon Chen
Worth every penny
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I attended Codesmith's Full-time Software Engineering Immersive (Central Time) program in January 2022 and it was the best decision I could have ever made. Prior to attending Codesmith, I was working in healthcare and didn't feel fulfilled with what I was doing. After doing some research, I decided to apply to Codesmith and was accepted into the program soon after I passed their interviews.
The program itself was about 3 months long with a very rigorous curriculum. I was incredibly nervous going into the program at first since I was coming from a non-technical background. However, the instructors did an amazing job breaking down the topics taught in the lectures and always encouraged students to ask questions if they had trouble understanding anything. Each unit taught in the program is followed by an assessment where students have the opportunity to work on mini applications in order to demonstrate their understanding of the unit/topic taught that week. There were some assessments that I didn't do too well on but I loved that the fellows/teaching assistants would always go above and beyond by scheduling one-on-one tutoring sessions (we call them APCs) with those students that didn't do too well on the assessments. I also had the opportunity to work on multiple projects, with one of them being an Open-Source project where my group and I built a developer tool that addressed caching issues in software. These group projects were one of the highlights of the program, as you get to learn so many new technologies and see what it's like to work in a team of engineers. Through these group projects, I also made many new lifelong friends and learned other important skills such as agile project management and technical communication.
Codesmith also provides their graduates with the opportunity to work as a fellow/teaching assistant, which was what I did after graduation. As a fellow, I was able to teach several approach lectures and hold APCs/tutoring sessions with new students, which helped reinforce a lot of the skills/technologies I had learned in the program.
Codesmith also provides their students with extensive hiring support, which I found to be extremely helpful. I was able to improve my resume significantly with their help and learn how to best answer questions asked in an interview setting. With the help of their hiring support, I was able to receive 3 job offers by the end of my fellowship.
As someone who transitioned into tech from a non-traditional background, I understand why many people may be hesitant to go through such programs/bootcamps. They are not cheap which is why it's important to find a good program that will truly help you break into tech. Looking back at the past year, I'm glad I enrolled in Codesmith as it has literally changed my life by allowing me to work in a career field that I am genuinely passionate about, earning more than I ever thought I would have. If you are considering attending a software engineering program to help with your transition into tech, Codesmith is a great option! -
Andy K.
Absolutely loved every minute of it
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Hello! Here is my experience with Codesmith. Hopefully this helps you in making a decision on whether this is the right program for you and whether to take the leap.
I worked in technology in a tech-adjacent role before the program (Technical Operations). I had worked with software engineers but was not an engineer myself.
When the pandemic hit, like a lot of us, I took the time to step back and re-examine my life. Was I on the right path?
I decided I loved tech but wanted to “level up” my career. And to start exploring software engineering bootcamps as a vehicle for doing so.
I only “toured” one or two bootcamps in addition to Codesmith. I think I just connected with the people at Codesmith right away (the Codesmith alums leading the weekday evening free sessions). They just seemed really real and approachable and friendly, but hardworking and bright at the same time.
I took advantage of all the prep tools beforehand: CSX (independent self-service learning platform), JavaScript for Beginners (paid group course) and CS Prep (paid group course). The prep courses provided multiple benefits: (1) I learned a lot about software engineering/coding (2) I could dip my toe in and see if I liked coding (in general) and (3) see how I liked the Codesmith style (in particular).
I really enjoyed the prep and felt confident that Codesmith was indeed “the real deal.” (The instructor at CS Prep, for example, was a Codesmith grad, working in the industry and told us about his experience, so it was all becoming more and more real.)
I was ready to apply to the immersive! I did not get through on my first interview attempt, but the feedback and support was incredibly helpful. I was not really discouraged at all because it is very normal to need a couple attempts to refine your approach before you get that exciting call that: YOU’RE IN.
I did some light prep (maybe another week or two) then applied again. I was accepted and started right away (next available cohort). The program was 100% remote.
What to say about the program? It was really, really great. As you have probably read, it really was “eat, sleep, code, repeat.” Learning on all fronts: algorithms, deep computer science concepts, learning particularities of JavaScript, etc. It was fast-paced but doable.
It might seem counter-intuitive, but the hiring program comes quite late in the program. You are really pushing, learning and building right up until the end.
The hiring program is excellent and what you might be imagining: drafting a resume, revising it, interview prep, job search strategy and practice.
Before I knew it, the program was over and it was time to hit the street and APPLY. There was some variability in how quickly people from my cohort were hired: some were hired in 2 weeks, some it took a couple months. It took me just under a year after graduating.
That said, I took on my job search in fits and starts. I had additional projects I was working on outside of coding at that time. I would say if you finish the program, and you go ALL IN on your job search from day one - following all recommendations from the hiring team, getting a job within 90 days of program completion is a very, very reasonable expectation.
But ultimately, I wanted to do some additional learning and prep before applying, and I don’t regret it. I had a lot of great interviews and ended up at a company I really love as a mid-level software engineer.
There were definitely ups and downs, but any experience that really pushes you to GROW, go outside your existing boundaries, push your comfort zone.. it will be hard at times! It will be emotional at times! But totally worth it.
Here are some FAQs. These are the questions I had when I was sitting in your exact same position, reading reviews on this exact same site…
FAQs
Are the outcomes real?
Yes. They are 100% real, and include people from all prior-to-codesmith life backgrounds. Do not worry if you didn’t go to college or have a non-traditional background. They will take care of you.
What do you recommend before making a decision on a bootcamp?
Get to know the school before making a decision. Take the CSX courses, enroll in CS Prep, go to a virtual open houses, all of it. How do you feel? Do you like the teaching style? Do you vibe with the culture? At the end of the day, it’s not just about the program that has the highest outcomes overall - it’s about a place where YOU can thrive and be successful.
What advice do you have before starting the program?
Get your life (reasonably) in order before starting. You don’t need to tie up every loose end in your life, but mentally be ready to go 100% all-in for 12 weeks. The less distractions outside of Codesmith during the program, the better.
Anything else I should know?
Because the outcomes are so good, I assumed they would somehow be “automatic” or “just happen” - they are not! It’s important to stay active and engaged every step of the process. The results will absolutely come, and you will find your place, but remember involvement on your part is a huge part of this process. Keep your foot on the gas every single day. Push hard!
Closing words
TLDR: (1) get to know the school, (2) make a decision, then (3) JUST GO FOR IT. It is a leap, but that’s part of the fun. You’ll do great! -
Bryan
Still being supported by Codesmith three years later
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I graduated from Codesmith three years ago and never really thought about my relationship with Codesmith after securing my first job. I was recently laid off and I can say that Codesmith is still in your corner after graduation. We have access to lots of resources, such as resume reviews and mock interviews. I was also able to successfully negotiate with the help from one of the advisors.
Three years ago, I was glad that I picked Codesmith because of their curriculum and how the program grew me as an engineer, but now I am also grateful for the continuing support that I have received from Codesmith! -
Parker Hutcheson
Incredible Experience
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I had a really positive experience with Codesmith - throughout the program and beyond. I originally was on track with another boot camp that I found to not be challenging enough and lacking in support. I reached out to an academic advisor at Codesmith and immediately felt more welcomed. I switched to Codesmith at the last minute and am so thankful for that.
The community is super positive, all the staff is so friendly and helpful. Going through the 3-month immersive is really challenging, but it's much easier to do it with people that care. I felt like I learned a lot of different topics to be able to work in a full-stack role upon graduating. I definitely think that you'll need to continue to study and learn in your role out of Codesmith, as there's just too much you can possibly learn in a 3 month period. But it's definitely enough to get you into a mid-to-senior level role.
The hiring support was and still is stellar! Probably one of the biggest reasons I recommend Codesmith. I found a role soon after graduating, and after being there for a month, I found the work environment to be really toxic. I decided to leave and find another role - and the Codesmith hiring team was SO supportive. They continued to check on me, offer me support, and just made me feel not alone through the process. I ended up getting four more offers soon after and joined another company I'm much happier at.
My final thoughts: The community of alumni here is a HUGE asset. I still communicate with most of my cohort and have made great friendships online and offline - despite being in the remote program. I cannot recommend Codesmith enough if you're looking to get into Software and land a really solid job. -
Quyen Calixto
Amazing Experience
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I had an amazing experience at Codesmith. It allowed me to connect to so many engineers from all facets of the world. It is an intense program but the applicants they accept as well as the instructors and fellow are all so supportive. I would not be able to make it through the program on my own without the Codesmith community. Even though we graduated from the program, we have built a life long connection to so many people that can help us and that we can help in the future. I would have never thought I could learn all the things I learned. No regrets. -
Joseph
Great Software Immersive Program
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I am a true Codesmithed-swe. I came to Codesmith with zero experience in coding and began by studying for their prep courses. I was skeptical about landing an actual software engineer job, but It took me less than 7 months from the start date of the prep courses to get the first offer; two months of prep, three months of the immersive program, and two months of job search. My experience throughout Codesmith was great. Thank you, Codesmith! -
Ali Elhawary
Single Best Educational Experience I've Had
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I was recommended Codesmith by an alumni that was a close personal friend, and from CSX, their online learning platform, I learned all the fundamentals of Javascript that I apply to this day. The technical knowledge that is provided by the class is amazing, but the community of my cohortmates and alumni is what ultimately provided the help that I needed to land my current position.
The hiring portion of Codesmith was also almost as valuable as the technical knowledge. In fact, many students that are already software engineers probably find the hiring portion the most beneficial as the logistics of finding a job can be just as difficult as the interviews themselves. The class also provides an in depth session on negotiation led by Eric Kirsten which completely changed my perspective on salary and offer negotiation. With Eric's help, I was able to raise my initial offer up by about 15 percent which is almost equal to the price of the entire course!
If you're looking for the place to prepare you to take that next step on your journey to a career in Software Engineering, Codesmith will be that place. -
David Behmoaras
The Real Deal, Focused on Results
Codesmith is the real deal. The curriculum is rigorous with a focus on front-end (JS / React / Node) that really prepares you for web development in the real world, and it is taught by professionals. Codesmith is also has a very robust recruiting program that is comparable to what you would have at an elite business school - which is GREAT for job placement. -
Graham
Codesmith is a great choice!
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I did the Codesmith Full-Time Immersive program online from July-October of 2021 after having previously gone through the JavaScript for Beginners, CS Prep, and self-guided CSX courses. I cannot recommend Codesmith enough for anyone looking to change careers like me!
I came from a totally non-technical background as a teacher, and I was able to land a job as a software engineer a couple of months after graduating.
Looking at the coursework, and the teaching techniques I saw while I was in the program with my critical, educator's eye, I can also say I was definitely satisfied with what I got. The curriculum was on target with what you need in this industry, and all of the instructors I interacted with were helpful, friendly, and willing to go the extra step to make sure that you understood the concepts. They do really push you during the course, and sometimes you will feel like you're falling behind, but it's by design. Some concepts you will get over time, and with repeated iterations, and most importantly, the instructors won't actually let you fall behind. They keep track of everyone's progress, and they are willing to give additional help to you in the areas that you find most challenging.
Additionally, despite doing the online course and only ever seeing people through computer screens, Codesmith did a really good job of building a community. My cohort-mates became my friends during the course of the immersive!
I also want to emphasize the strength of the post-graduation career help. It was really easy to stay in touch with the staff even after the program was done, and they have numerous staff who are mostly dedicated to helping people with the job search process. I was able to get help on my resume, advice on how to present myself as a strong candidate, and information about how to go about accepting an offer once one is made. This information was especially helpful for me since I was coming from the education field where the job search process is very different, and I wouldn't have known many of these things otherwise.
Again, I definitely recommend Codesmith if you are serious about the software engineering field, and if you are willing and able to put in the time-commitment and the work!