Momentum

I was traveling for work and I wanted to make a career change to be closer to home and spend more time with family.  I decided that software development was the path I wanted to take.  I heard about Momentum from a trusted and respected friend who is in the industry and has worked with people that were involved with the program.  

I spoke with members of the staff before joining who were honest and genuine about what to expect and some of the challenges I would face and how they will guide me through it.  I could easily see why my friend recommended them and because of how sincere they were about being with me through the journey I signed up and have never regretted it.  The staff truly cares and Jessica, the CEO, is incredible.  I've never seen a CEO that knows every single student on a first name bases and is with you every step of the way.

From day 1 in the Momentum program, you dive straight in to code.  There is no wasted time and you get experience right away in Git, GitHub, HTML/CSS, JavaScript, Python, Django Rest Framework and React.  They live Agile methodology and do everything they can to get you job ready.  The material is dynamic so if more companies are looking for people with certain skills, Momentum will adjust to incorporate those skills.  It's intense and difficult but it's by design and later you thank them for it. 

One of my favorite parts was Friday Huddles where they have guest speakers from companies big and small like Google, IBM, Red Hat, Pendo, Spreedly, Tiny Earth Toys just to name a few.  Many of the speakers came through the Momentum program and you get a chance to talk to them in a casual setting and they have all been straight forward and honest about their journeys.

If I had to pick what the best thing about joining Momentum has been, it would be the community.  You are placed in a team based on when your program starts.  My teammates are like family now, we spent everyday together finding solutions to problems through coding all on zoom.  We had members in different states because of the remote setting and it didn't matter.  You forgot that they were in different locations and still got to know them very well and we would do anything for each other.  The thing I didn't realize before joining the program was that you join a team but you also join a community of past graduates, new students and staff all through Slack.  There is something about Momentum staff and students, maybe because 99% of them are career changes and share your story, but everyone and I mean everyone truly wants you to succeed.  I was amazed how you instantly get access to all these Slack channels and can read past threads with resources and if you reach out with a question, a ton of people who you don't even know jump in to help.  People share pictures and things that make them happy, share links for cool things related to code or meetups and you become a mentor for the next team too. It's a really great community of people and it just makes you feel like you made the right choice.

I know this is a long review but I have to end by saying the part that I had the most questions about before joining.  How does Momentum help me find a job in software development? I don't know where they found her, but Katie is their head of career services and she doesn't wait for you to graduate before helping you.  It's incredible how she's able to manage so many people but I feel like I know her just as well as my teammates. She has provided tools for resumes, cover letters, applying for jobs, networking, finding companies, tools I didn't know existed. Momentum's mission is to get you in the business and even after the lessons are completed, they are still with you until you find a job.  You are always part of the community and a member on Slack even after you find a job so you'll never feel that you are on your own.   I'm not the first to say this and I definitely won't be the last.. I wish I had did this sooner.

When I started looking for a bootcamp, I thought no matter where I went I would be in, learn, and be out. I was wrong! Momentum has been the best experience and I could not have chosen a better bootcamp. I've been telling everyone I know to sign up! From the moment you start speaking with admissions, it is a human experience! You feel the care they have for your success. The program is fast-paced but if you are willing to put in the work- it pays off. With a recent graduation I have already been in talks with six companies, including big tech like Google and Salesforce, and I am looking at salaries that are more than double my last. Momentum gave me these opportunities through their large and ever-growing network. The investment clearly pays off. The instructors are spectacular and working to build diversity and inclusion in the tech world. As a new teammate, you will never feel embarrassment for asking a question or seeking help, from instructors, peers, or grads. Support is everywhere at Momentum. You won't regret this choice. 

I thought the amount of time spent learning valuable programming languages and frameworks was appropriate, the coursework was rigorous, yet extremely apt and applicable to entering the tech industry, the instructors were amazing, super knowledgeable and supportive throughout the program, as were (and still are) Momentum's student experience manager, their director of career services, the rest of my amazing teammates, and the extensive, supportive alumni network. I thought the overall atmosphere and vibe, from beginning our journey with their admissions advisor, to our final presentations and guidance from the CEO herself, was fantastic. They celebrate and actively encourage diversity in an industry that is still very much white and male, which I very much admire. I really appreciated the connections made with industry people through Friday Huddles (that are open to alumni after graduation as well). They are there to guide you through every step of the job search process. I feel confident, prepared and in extremely knowledgeable and capable hands beginning the job search!

I am very happy I chose Momentum as my software development bootcamp. I was deciding between Momentum and a larger national bootcamp to attend in the Spring of 2020, after the initial quarantine from COVID-19. While I attended Momentum's Full Stack program, I received first class instruction and support through SLACK and zoom, not just from program staff but from various alumni as well. Here are some of the reasons I would choose Momentum again:

• Support and instructional staff--while a small staff, I always knew who to ask for what. If I needed technical support, instructors were more than willing to spend whatever 1:1 time needed to ensure I understood key concepts and was able to keep up with the rigors of a full time, immersive course. If I needed socio-emotional support, I knew I could ask the Campus Manager to have a chat with me to get me out of my head, regaining confidence, and ready to get back to work. 
• The new program structure. Momentum is 16 weeks now and is broken up into four 4-week units. New students start about every 4 weeks. If something were to come up and I needed to take a break for personal reasons, I know I would be able to pick back up in just a few short weeks instead of waiting for a whole new cohort to start in several months. Additionally, these new teams are much smaller (under 10 students), so more 1:1 time with instructors is ensured, while still having access to the amazing network of students on other teams or alumni.
• Job Search Support--Here, in the midst of the COVID-19 economic downturn, I am in the interview process with four companies, all of which I was able to find someone who either works there, formerly worked there, or knows someone who does. The network you get with Momentum Learning is top notch, filled friendly folks who want to see you succeed and will help! The Career Services director, Katie Dunn, is a joy to work with and it's so nice to not have to job search alone. We have weekly 1:1s together, she sends me job postings I may be interested in, she submits my resume to her contacts in the industry, and we have a weekly job search group where we practice our interview skills. Additionally, she provides feedback on resumes! My job search support from a public university cannot TOUCH the level of support I've received from Katie and Momentum.  

Quitting your job to start a new career is daunting, to say the least. I was considering code schools, but I was not feeling confident any of them would be worth my investment. A local developer suggested I look into Momentum, and those feelings quickly changed.

I am so glad that I invested my time and trust in the Momentum program! Here's why: 
- Their curriculum is tailored to the needs of the local dev community. (They even have an advisory board whose members come from local start-ups as well as national companies.) 
- The instructors are knowledgeable, supportive, and creative. 
- The entire staff is genuinely invested in your personal success. 
- Career support, starting week 1! (And continuing throughout your career.) 
- Fantastic and diverse networking opportunities.

The program was very challenging and I felt well-supported the entire time. I graduated feeling confident that I could be a developer and that I could find a great new job. Thank you, Momentum!

One thing that really sets Momentum’s Immersive program apart is the network of software companies that are receptive to advising or hiring new developers. At the same time that I was learning new web development skills, I was meeting members of Momentum’s Advisory Board, visiting offices of local companies, and talking with past graduates about starting their careers. As a career changer, this was a huge value for me, as I was able to start getting an idea for where I wanted to take my career after finishing the program. This was enhanced by Momentum’s Career Services team, who suggested specific companies I should research or network with based on my interests and values. Before I graduated, I had a well-curated list of places I would be excited to work! I was excited to interview at multiple companies, each of which I had formed an in-person connection with before applying, which I believe had a huge impact in making it to final interview stages. Momentum’s Career Services continued to support me through my interviews, offering to give feedback or even just listen as I worked out my plans, and helping me to work through negotiation. Now nine months into my first software job, I am still growing both the coding knowledge and the network that I started as a Momentum student.

Completing the part time full-stack program was one of the best things I could have done to prepare me for my new career in software engineering. I was very nervous about completing the program while teaching elementary school full time, but my instructors were really flexible to help make it work. I’m excited to start a new career knowing that I have the right skills!
Great instructors and mentors! Accommodating and compassionate for students with disabilities 1-on-1 instructor sessionsSmall cohort classesCareer servicesWeekly job meetsWeekly guest speakersI couldn’t make many of the day time job/guest speakers meets, but they recorded them to watch later! 
I wish I could have taken the immersive course to fully dedicate my self to the program because it was so great!

Before joining Momentum I tried learning software development on my own. In the immersive course I learned more in the first few weeks about git and JavaScript than I could have hoped to learn after months of self teaching. The rapid pace at which I’ve taken on new skills and developed projects has boosted my confidence, and now that I’ve graduated I’m continuing to receive career support from the Momentum team and alumni network while I search for my first role. I truly enjoy coding, and without Momentum I would not be at the skill level I am today. 

This course is a challenge and you will be pushed everyday. It is like a work out but for your mind. The curriculum is transferable and the skills you learn will carry on with you to your next position.  

I’m currently working in cloud services which uses a lot of different technologies than what I studied at Momentum. However, because I leaned the basic principles to software development and gained researching skills I was able to quickly learn at my new job. 

Additionally, their career placement is awesome and they have an amazing network of folks you can get to know. They truly care about their students and help guide them in finding their new career. 

Lastly, I would say my peers were amazing Y’all will end up helping each other so much. After I graduated I missed my cohort  and I still stop in to say hello to the everyone. This is a great Bootcamp and you will be so happy that you made the choose to go with Momentum. 

I was new to the area, and looking to make a career change into the Triangle’s Tech scene.  Code school is a pricey proposition, but Momentum’s job placement guarantee and stellar reputation made the decision easy.  

I got a solid education in HTML, CSS, Javascript, Python, Django, API design, agile methodologies and MINDSET.  Industry leaders spoke to us about a range of topics.  We were given opportunities for meaningful networking weekly, and given a personalized job plan.  During the latter part of the program and afterwards, they will reach into deep industry relationships to set up more introductions for you to network and job hunt.  (It’s who you know, right?)

This is a superlative program, and arms you with everything you need to go get a job at the end.  Your outcome is what you make of it, but Momentum will make sure you are well positioned for success!  I am thrilled with my decision to attend and would do it again.

The immersive course solidified my understanding of programming and taught me how to be an independent developer. Prior to attending Momentum, I had a basic understanding of HTML, CSS, and Javascript that allowed me to build very basic static websites. Momentum furthered my knowledge of front end development by introducing me to Node.js, React.js, and how to interact with APIs. They also taught me how to use Git effectively among many other things that improve your quality of life as a developer.

The Career Services offering was very effective and I was able to make several connections through their services which often led to interviews or offers.

The one request I had of Momentum was that they offer a full stack learning path, which I understand they are now providing.

The immersive class was strenuous and challenging, but worth it. I have tried for a long time to learn how to code on my or after work but always struggled to get far or learn challenging topics. Momentum gave me a place to learn and excel with a great group of peers, instructors and staff. On top of staff and instructors, there is a great network of volunteers and former grads that are always willing to help.

Not only will you learn the skills you need to start a career in software development, but you will have a chance to grow an incredible network with your peers and the introductions the team gives you! 

Because of all that, I give everyone apart of the Momentum Family my respect and know that if any future graduates come out of the class will be prepared for junior roles and will happily talk to them and refer them to my company or introduce them to my network. 

The Foundations classes were better than I could have ever expected. We covered A LOT in a short amount of time. Along with learning so many concepts, the instructors were more than helpful. Often times, they would go back over material or explain it differently just to make sure we fully understood what we were being taught. I’d recommend the Foundations classes to anyone looking to get a jump start on the basics of coding.

I was very impressed by Momentum’s Coding Foundations course. I learned much more than I expected about HTML, CSS and JavaScript in a short amount of time. The material for each class was carefully selected and well-taught. By the end of the course, I acquired the skills to make my own websites using HTML, CSS and JavaScript. I have learned enough so that I can access and understand online documentation and forum posts and build my skills further.

Momentum believes that anyone can learn how to code. I appreciated that the instructors were patient, encouraging, and never condescending. If you’re like me and have been frustrated by coding in the past, you’ll find that working with good teachers can make a huge difference.

I will be starting Momentum’s Immersive program on April 23rd.  Based on my experience with the Foundations course, the Immersive program will also be very worthwhile. If you are considering changing careers or you would like to gain more technical skills, I would encourage checking out one of Momentum’s Meetups to learn more about their courses.

I had the opportunity to get to know the Momentum Team during my time at The Iron Yard this past summer. At that time I was coming out of a long tenure in the music business and was looking to make a career change into Web Development. I visited this very site to better understand that company and program. I wanted to try and understand what I was embarking on (as many of you reading this likely are). What I read quelled my concerns, and I hope this little blurb does the same for you. 

Jessica Mitsch, Clinton Dreisbach, Amy Gori and Nicole Benham were all members of The Iron Yard Staff while I was there, and were acting in similar roles to the ones they have now. 

Every step of the way through the (at times very frustrating) journey they were ready and willing to help me. Be it to talk me down from a stressful week of heavy coding, or to alleviate my concerns of if I could do this at all. It's hard to look at the big picture while you're inside one of these programs, but in hindsight had it not been for them, not only wouldn't I have been able to do it, but I certainly wouldn't find myself employed, as I am now in the industry. 

  The knowledge and resources are there in spades. These four individuals truly have a meaningful grasp on what it means to make this transition, and they have the relationships to help you on your path. More than that though, it's all done with an unmatched level of empathy. They don't want you there just to fill a seat, they want you there because they genuinely care about helping you take that terrifying leap into a new career. 

I can't recommend this group enough, I'm excited to see all of the Momentum students come out of the program and into a new life for themselves and with this team at your back you really can't set yourself up any better.

Two years ago, I was stuck in a job that I didn't like and heading nowhere. It took me a long time to build up the courage to leave my steady paycheck and try something completely different, but I'm so glad I did. I left my job and enrolled in a coding bootcamp called The Iron Yard and it was one of the best decisions I ever made. In the two years since I went through the program I stayed involved as much as I could to encourage students that made the same hard decision that I did. I was very sad to see The Iron Yard close down but then I was thrilled to see Momentum rise up to take its place. 

I have met with and had in depth discussions with everyone on the team at Momentum and I truly believe they will succeed in this market. They all have such a genuine heart and passion for how life changing a career in tech can be. They also believe that these skills should be accessible for everyone and want to help students achieve their dream. Jessica and Clinton, the co-founders, have a vision for how to help the tech community in the Raleigh/Durham by training up developers the right way. 

There isn't a doubt in my mind about the care and attention everyone on the Momentum team will give to each and every applicant and student that comes through their doors. I intend to particpate in their "ongoing education" courses they will be offering for people that are already in the tech field but would like to learn a new skill. 

If you are thinking about changing things up and getting into the tech industry I would encourage you to at least talk to someone on the team at Momentum. Once you do, I think you'll see what I see: people that are passionate and engaged about helping people switch careers and learn a new skill. You won't regret it.

Momentum Learning Inc. was founded on the principle that "all people have the ability to learn and, in turn, deserve a high-quality education experience — because knowledge has no finish line." As a professional educator myself, I could not agree more with Momentum's approach.

Momentum Learning, Inc. provides relevant training targeting the skills needed to succeed in the modern-day tech industry. Their course options range from full-time immersive code courses (for the career changer) to part-time classes (for the technology professional), and additional customized training (for organizations and businesses). Having graduated from The Iron Yard Durham, one of the first national code schools and a jump start for Momentum Learning Inc., I have experienced first hand what an immersive code course can do for professional development in technology. This experience helped cultivate the person I am today and enabled me to transition from educator to developer over the course of three months. 

The Momentum Learning Inc. team is comprised of many of the same professionals who have either been through The Iron Yard experience (as I have) or ran the operation itself. Jessica Mitsch and Clinton Dreisbach, co-founders of Momentum Learning Inc., always aspired to open up their own code school to serve the local community, inspire entrepreneurs, and continue developing transformative tech education.

You will not find a more passionate, engaged, experienced, driven, or student-centered team of professionals than that of Momentum Learning Inc. Furthermore, you will not find a more seamless transition into a successful code career anywhere other than Raleigh-Durham, NC. Having gone through multiple moves to get to where I am today, I quickly realized that Raleigh-Durham is the hot spot for jobs in the tech industry. Both Jessica Mitsch and Nicole Benham (Campus Manager at Momentum Learning Inc) have provided me with career services and job assistance well beyond my graduation date. Their dedication to delivering excellence and transforming tech education is beyond compare.

I plan on taking their customized training course so that I may sharpen my skills in areas of code that will boost my ability to further contribute to my companies values. So, why choose Momentum Learning? The real question here is why not? You have nothing to lose, everything to gain, and the most spectacular team to see you through it all.

I came into Momentum being skeptical, thinking that with these types of programs I'd credentialed and have to learn on my own afterward. I very much in the wrong. It's a strong program. The curriculum is well tailored to the group and where they are at. The projects we were assigned taught us the concepts on how to learn things for ourselves. The remote nature, which I was skeptical about given how deep we were into the pandemic, proved really good. I learned how to learn technologies, code, and work remotely on a team--skills that absolutely necessary for the current development climate. The career services are excellent too. You start slow, during the learning phase, and they pick up and you move along. "Phase 5", finding a job afterwards, is much more manageable if you just follow the advice and council. These folks are pros and they are looking out for you. I could not recommend this bootcamp more to those looking to break into the field. Come as prepared as you can, and schedule your life such that you can but all your focus into this. It's intense and rewarding.