GW Boot Camps

Fast-paced class, but it’s expected because you learn the skills to be a well-rounded candidate in the industry. Data analytics is becoming a standard skill in all industries now and from this program I was able to apply my new skills at my current job and was able to identify opportunities for improvement. The instructors were top notch! Aside from the instructors being knowledgeable and experienced they were very committed to helping you succeed. From experience if you fall behind, do not fake it and do not wait, just ask for help. It’s better to spend the time going over with help than falling into a three hour rabbit hole.

With interactive activities and comprehensive projects, I was able to turn my knowledge into action. This boot camp provided ample support outside the classroom and constructive feedback on each graded activity. All in-class activities were well explained. Each class had a new topic broken down into laymen's terms for people (myself included) with no experience in the field. It was easy to follow, if I had any questions I felt invited to ask the instructors. Both the instructor and TAs were reliable and respectable. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend this boot camp to my friends or family!

The Cybersecurity Bootcamp at George Washington University is a fantastic program for anyone interested in pursuing a career in cybersecurity. The curriculum is presented in a clear and easy-to-understand way, and the instructors are approachable and knowledgeable. What sets this program apart is the focus on practical skills, which gives students the confidence to apply what they learn in real-world scenarios. Overall, I found the program to be an excellent investment and highly recommend it to anyone interested in this exciting and growing field.

This course taught me I am so much more capable than I think I am. Growing up, I didn't think I was any good with computers or coding and that there wouldn't be a place for me in the tech industry. However, I was unhappy with my current job prospects as someone with chemistry/biology degrees and knew I wanted something that allowed for more creativity while still being challenging. I had doubts from time to time as to whether I would finish the course with the confidence to break into the tech industry, but I made it and I surprised myself with straight 100s on every assignment. I've made lifelong friends too, which I didn't think would happen as an introvert. I'm grateful for the opportunity. The only thing I might suggest to the Bootcamp Team is that I would've appreciated it if my assignments provided some real-world advice if there's nothing to critique.

I took the data analytics bootcamp with little programming background, yet for the sole purpose of improving my skills as entrepreneur, or better put, “not to be dumb in today's data driven/informed world”. What I experienced was far more than what I expected. After 6 months of the bootcamp, I was not just equipped with skills to confidently use python to extract data from different sources, transform and load it into databases (including into salesforce as a bonus), analyzing the data and building predictive models with machine learning and finally visualizing the results with a professional look using JavaScript, but the bootcamp covered a very wide range of topics with a hands on approach that helped one to learn how to work in teams and even lead. 

My experience goes without mentioning my instructor, Dartanion Williams and his team. Dartanion did not only put in the hours but will cunningly used a combination of tough love and loads of patience such that no one was left behind, and yet those sought a more challenging experience were satisfied too. More personally, I was coached on team management skills in the world of programming and data analysis-a priceless lesson for any entrepreneur. This is a bootcamp I would recommend without hesitation to anyone with dedication to see it through.

The Beginning:

My first week in Cyber Security Bootcamp seemed to bring a lot of information to take in but I felt I was able to have it all under control. I was changing careers with no IT background but was ready to embark on my new path. Around week 3, I started to get frustrated as everything was moving fast, looking at what syntax to apply, being exposed to new concepts, security programs, confidentiality, risk management, and many other tools within the Cyber Security world.
With my frustration, I was too embarrassed to ask for help because it left me feeling vulnerable with the other students in my class who I safely assumed knew more than I did and later learned we were all in the same boat.

Communication is key:

I thought, here I am a smart woman, I have a Bachelor's Degree in Criminal Justice, a Master's in Terrorism Studies and I can't figure out this Cyber information. Something was not processing in my brain. I reached out to my Student Success Manager, Gemini Sanford who was truly was amazing. Gemini took time to speak to me, hear me out and understood exactly where I was coming from but wanted me to see the process through with her support and guidance. Gemini stayed in constant communication with me to ensure I was receiving the support I needed to succeed. After speaking to Gemini, I understood I had to do my part which was to reach out to my instructor, and teacher assistants if I needed assistance as they would not know I needed help if I didn't say something. 


Within the 30 weeks of boot-camp, we had many activities, some of which we worked on individually and other actives we worked on in group settings. Over the weeks we got to know one other and looked forward to each class session. I learned to ask questions, however, I have to admit my frustration grew but it was because I was being challenged in an unfamiliar area. 

Our instructor, Dan Iannoti did an amazing job to teach this course as he would relate a lot of the material to his personal experience in the Cyber Security Industry which allowed us to understand and process the information. Dan has an extensive background in Cyber Security and has been a great inspiration and leader to our class. I appreciate his willingness to always extend his assistance before and after class. 

Erica Watkins and Anthony Kwon, our teaching assistants were an incredible team. They were patient, extremely helpful and offered assistance before and after class hours. I would have not made it without you. 

Conclusion

If you asked me in the beginning if I would have seen myself completing this course, I would have said no. I had great class team mates. My experience has allowed me to feel empowered within the Cyber Security industry that is ever-growing. This experience has made me confident and continues to be amazing with the ongoing support that I have with the staff at GW Bootcamp. 

I would like to thank Gemini, Dan, Erica, and Anthony for not giving up on me, and knowing I could make it and see this boot camp course through. 

Thank you for reading.

Elsa Clark

It was a really great experience to complete the GW boot camp. The instructor, Dartanion Williams, is a very wonderful and professional person who always is there for students. He just goes beyond your expectation to make sure every single student feels confident about topics. The program covers up-to-date coding and data science topics which can help you feel confident transitioning to a new career or make your current coding career even more solid. I'd suggest this boot camp to anyone who loves to get into a data science career.