Tech Elevator Reviews
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Joe O
Great Experience
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I couldn’t be happier with my experience. When considering other bootcamps, you might find framework-specific models that seem more advanced; learning Android development, for example. Tech Elevator’s focus on foundational concepts is what sets them apart. This way, students have an understanding of what the new technology is, but they also know how to work in the older technologies that businesses still rely on. I was pragmatic when deciding on Tech Elevator; some online-only bootcamps offer more advanced technology stacks, but I considered it more realistic to complete an in-person bootcamp. I’m incredibly happy with my experience.
I especially want to recognize my instructor, John Fulton, for his tireless work ethic throughout the cohort. Tech Elevator’s .NET curriculum is expansive, and you’d be hard-pressed to find somebody who could teach all of it. Since this was his first cohort, John had some serious learning to do. All of my doubts were eliminated after receiving John’s messages on nights and weekends. His innate curiosity drove him to follow up with answers to the smallest and most insignificant questions no matter how full his plate was. After teaching this cohort, I have no doubt that John will lead many more students to successful development careers.
I also want to acknowledge Tech Elevator’s Columbus career mentor, Katie Detore. Katie ended the bootcamp by giving all 28 students her personal cell phone number to ensure they stay in touch throughout the job search. The 98% job placement rate is no surprise after seeing how invested she is in each student’s career. Weeks after the bootcamp, I remain in touch with Katie, and she’s still invested in finding me my dream job.
Maybe I’m overly optimistic, but I couldn’t be happier with my experience.
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Corey Schnedl
Greatest Career Decision I've Ever Made
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Tech Elevator is an exciting game changer for anyone looking to make the leap to get into software development.
Before attending Tech Elevator, I was struggling to make progress in teaching myself how to code. I tried things like Codeacademy, Udemy, and countless youtube tutorials, but was never able to get to the point where I felt confident applying to a job as a developer. I knew about the growing demand for people with programming skills, and wanted to bridge the gap as quickly as possible. After a ton of research, I applied to Tech Elevator, and looking back, I could not possibly be happier with my decision to enroll.
The instructors at Tech Elevator were all incredible. Having been through four years at Ohio State, I can still say that my Java instructor, Casey Borders, is without a doubt the most effective, brilliant, and inspirational teacher that I have ever had in my life. He is extremely dedicated to making sure that you are as prepared as you can possibly be for your first job as a software developer. He truly has a talent for taking incredibly complex material and breaking it down into lessons that everyone can understand. He gave me a very strong foundation in coding and the more importantly, the confidence to walk into job interviews and nail any technical exercises with ease.
Along with the intense formal technical training that Tech Elevator offered me, I made drastic improvments to my professionalization skills. Very important details about what specificially to put in a resume, how to build a linked-in page that catches employers' attentions, and how to prepare for interviews are just three of the many skills that Katie and Terry helped me perfect over the past 14 weeks. I had the opportunity to meet with over fifteen amazing companies and was able to build my network in ways that I would never had dreamed of doing by myself. As someone who really struggled to have confidence in stressful behavioral interviews before Tech Elevator, I can look back with a sense of pride when I see how far I've come, all thanks to the countless hours of hard work that Katie and Terry put in to doing practice interviews with me. I owe my success landing my exciting first job as a software developer so quickly to their hard work.
Tech Elevator blew my expectations out of the water. It is everything that a coding bootcamp should be and more. I would reccommend it to anyone who is excited about technology and is looking to make a career out of it.
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JP
First Class Experience
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If there is one thing that sets Tech Elevator apart from any other educational experience I have had it is the People.
And for me, the people that set Tech Elevator so far ahead of it's competition came in three forms:
1. The Instructors
2. The Staff
3. The Students
The Instructors - During my time at Tech Elevator I was given instruction by highly skilled professionals who took the time to meet with me individually, who helped me in areas where I was lacking understanding, and who pushed me to try to solve problems in different ways to develop new skills. It wasn't just the my in classroom instructor who worked with me either, the classes are small enough that all the instructors at Tech Elevator knew who I was, the types of things I was working on, and could jump in to help when I had questions. Working at Tech Elevator and helping students is what these instructors do and they were always available (even late at night) to look at something with you.
The Staff - The staff at Tech Elevator went beyond all my expectations for availablity. From the CEO on down the people who worked there knew who I was, what I was working on, what companies I was interested in working for what, and were always willing to help. There Career Services are second to none, they seem to know everyone. Furthermore, you simply can't ask for more than having a team that is wiling to pick up the phone to call personal contacts on your behalf to help you get an interview.
The Students - Unlike a lot of environment it never felt like I was in competition with my classmates. Whether we were working on projects or individual assignments I knew I had a 15 other people I could turn to if I had questions. The students in my class freely shared there notes and diagrams and worked together so that we all moved forward. Additionally, I felt very confident in my decision to attend Tech Elevator, when I found out there where students attending their classes from as far away as Colorado and Texas. While it may not be typical, I certainly liked that when I came in on a Saturday to do some reading or to complete an assignment I could expect to see at least a couple other students there working on various projects. I never felt alone in this journey, and it was really nice to be able to count on my classmates when I had questions.
I had a great experience at Tech Elevator. I highly recommend the course, and at the very least you should look into the Tech Elevator program so you can use it as a measuring stick to see how other boot camps measure up. This experience is first class and it shows.
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Nate Anderson
Do it
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Fantastic program.I had been trying to become a developer for about 18 months before Tech Elevator landed in my back yard. While that helped contextualize what I was learning, it was by no means necessary. Several of the people in my class of 12 had never coded beyond a few things on Codecademy, and all 12 of us received offers.
Casey was a great instructor - able to dive deep into just about anything we asked him (and we asked a LOT of questions), but also up front when he didn't know something. He was caring, supportive, 100% engaged with the students, and went through the first few weeks with a nasty cold but still showing up every day ready to go. I did a practice interview with the current .NET instructor, and between the two instructors there is something like 40-50 years of experiences in the field.
While the technical instruction was great, from the first day of the program the focus was on getting that first job. Katie and Terry put in an incredible amount of work for us. Columbus was new for Tech Elevator, which meant potentially an uphill struggle for TE to get recognition and respect with area employers, but those two killed it. They both have a background in HR and recruiting, and not only did they know right people to talk to raise awareness for the program, they also were on hand to answer all our (my) slightly panicked questions. After many rounds of practice interviews, LinkedIn and resume reviews and personal branding workshops, I was able to walk into an interview feeling like if I wasn't hired it was the interviewee's fault. I got that much confidence in myself and what I had to offer.
Finally, I am working in Vermont. There was a tech conference here, during the program, and I flew out to attend. For anyone on the fence about TE, wondering if you'll be able to get a job outside Ohio, the answer is yes. While I wasn't able to utilize the network TE has built, the staff helped me navigate the long-distance job search.
Two final points: in my current job I'm using none of the technologies I learned at Tech Elevator, and the same is true for many of the others students. So don't worry too much about what your first language is. Finally, for anyone long hair and a beard - you don't have to shave to get a job! (I wish I had known that earlier)
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Hilary
Great Experience
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I quit my high school teaching job of nine years at the end of last school year to pursue a career in technology. I was enrolled at Ohio State part-time but was not looking forward to a 2+ year process. My mother heard the Tech Elevator ad on the radio and encouraged me to apply. They had run several cohorts in Cleveland but this was the first one in Columbus. I checked them out online and everything seemed legit - lots of positive reviews and students who landed real jobs. I completed the online assessment and was invited in for an interview and second assessment. I liked the staff members I met during the interview (on a Thursday), and was excited to find out I was accepted the following Tuesday.
The program is intense. I have multiple graduate-level degrees and this was as challenging if not more than all of those programs (including law school). The good news is that it's over quickly. The bad news is that it's over quickly. I loved everyone I met there - both staffers and fellow students, and once we got into the groove and got to know each other the 14 weeks flew by. The Java instructor, Casey Borders, is amazing. Patient and knowledgeable. A true coding wizard! You will be there from 9-4:30 most days. If you're like me and aren't always the best about getting things done at home, you should probably stay until you get all of your homework finished. Try not to fall behind as things can pile on quickly. The reading may not seem as exciting as the coding but it will help you be a better programmer and pick up the language and vocabulary to be an effective communicator.
Around week 10 is the Matchmaking Event and this is where the job-hunting really picked up for me. Before the event, we worked on our resumes, LinkedIn profiles, and interviewing skills through the Pathways component of the program. Each student has 8-10 interviews back-to-back. I was so nervous, but it was so helpful to be forced to get over the nervousness. After the event, I received 5ish follow-ups from employers who attended and tons of promising feedback. One of my second interviews was about 10-days after the event and I received a job offer about 3-4 days after that (a full 2 weeks before graduation). It is at a large national bank and the pay was at the top end of my anticipated salary range. Today was my first day of work and I'm excited for everything in store for the future. And so thankful to Tech Elevator for their expertise and assistance getting my foot in the door.
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Gabriel
Java Developer
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As someone changing careers, I felt the need for more formalized training in Web Development to get my skills and knowledge to a level that would enable me to land a job. The curriculum at Tech Elevator was exactly what I was looking for. With a thorough training in full-stack web development I learned all the fundamentals I would need to write a fully functional web application, and more importantly, have the skills to get a job. Another key factor I was looking for was excellent teaching staff. My instructor was everything I could have hoped for: knowledgeable, patient, experienced, and someone who loved teaching. The career assistance at Tech Elevator was also incredible. From major players like Chase and Huntington to smaller software development companies, there were plenty of connections made for us that made the job hunting experience much easier. If you are someone who is thinking about a bootcamp, I cannot recommend Tech Elevator enough. I am incredibly glad I did it.
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Dan
Great Success
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Short Version:
If you want to pursue a career in software development/programming, Tech Elevator is a great place to help you reach that goal. It’s not cheap (no bootcamp really is) and it’s not easy (harder than any semester I experienced in university), but if you put in the effort, you will succeed. At the start of the course, I had very little technical experience. By the end of the course I had 3 job offers. For the first time in my life, I was able to choose where I wanted to work. I didn’t just have to take whichever job was offered to me. Now I’m working for a great company and I have a career that has a lot of growth opportunity. I mentioned that the course is expensive, but my annual salary increased by more than the cost of the tuition. Everyone’s situation is different, but chances are that it won’t take you very long to break even.
Long Version:
First off, I’ll tell you a little about myself (Skip to the next paragraph if you don’t care about me…it’s fine…I get it.) in hopes that you’ll see that you don’t need to be a computer whiz with a technical background to be successful in the bootcamp or to break into this career field. I took 2 years of Computer Aided Drafting courses in high school, so I was comfortable with technology but I didn’t know anything about programming. I went on to college where I earned a bachelor’s degree in business. After graduation, I spent a few years as a Transportation Manager. After doing the same thing for a while, I reached a point where I got the urge to learn something new, so I enrolled in a Web Development course at a community college. I really enjoyed it, so I started looking at ways to make a career out of it but all of the educational routes looked like they would take 2-4 years since I was a business major and didn’t have many of the pre-requisites. I didn’t have the time to start college all over. That’s when I learned about coding/programming/dev bootcamps. I’m from Cleveland, so I was really surprised when I found that there were multiple bootcamps in the area. I visited Tech Elevator and another bootcamp in the area and came to the conclusion that Tech Elevator was the best fit for me. The deciding factors for me were the instructor and the focus on developing the soft skills needed to land a job (no matter how much I hated the soft skills…I knew that it was a weak point for me that I wanted/needed to work on).
Now let’s talk about the bootcamp. First of all, I think it’s really important to visit a bootcamp in-person so you can actually meet the people that will be teaching you and guiding you through this change in your career and to see the space where you’re going to be learning. You’re going to spend a lot of time in this facility with these people. With that being said, I felt very fortunate to be taught by an instructor that was so knowledgeable and experienced (lookin’ at you David Wintrich). There was also great support from Josh, Craig, Terry, Andria, Anthony, and Carol. The facilities and equipment provided at the Cleveland campus were great and I’m sure that quality will be continued in Columbus.
The course itself was great. We would start the day with a quick quiz so that the instructor could get an idea of our grasp on the previous day’s material. After reviewing the quiz, we would review anything else anybody had questions about, whether it was from the day before or 3 weeks ago. After reviewing, we would typically have lecture until lunch time. After lunch we would have hands-on work for the rest of the day. Sometimes we would work on our own, but we usually had a partner and did a lot of pair-programming (“Pair programming” is a practice where two programmers sit next to each other and work on code. The “driver” does the typing and the “navigator” watches over the code as it’s typed. The two programmers bounce ideas off of each other and they frequently switch roles.) Along with the hands-on work, you’ll often be assigned reading. Sometimes you’ll finish your work by 4:30 or 5:00pm, but you should really expect to put in more hours at night and on the weekends. The course was broken up into “modules” that were a few weeks long. After each module, we would complete a “mini-capstone” project where we would have a chance to build a small application that would encompass the material from that module and any previous modules. This was a good build up to the final capstone project which we got to work on for the final 2 weeks of the course before presenting them to our peers and families at the graduation ceremony.
I went to what I consider to be an academically strong university before I attended Tech Elevator. I’m not saying that to toot my own horn, but rather I want to give a baseline to others who have already attended a university. This program required more time and effort than any semester I ever experienced during my undergrad studies. They say that this program is like “drinking from a fire hose”. Sometimes it’s going to make you feel like you got hit by the fire truck after you’ve had your little drink. If you’re like me, you’re going to be uncomfortable, but it really is a good test of mental toughness. It shows you how much you can really do when you push yourself to the limit.
A great benefit of the program was all of the career assistance that was provided. Each week we had an employer come in to speak to us about their company and we frequently had guest speakers talking to us about topics ranging from LinkedIn profiles to emotional intelligence. The biggest benefit to me was the technical interview practice and the Employer Matchmaking event. The technical interview practice starts with a mock technical interview with one of the instructors and then moves on to a mock technical interview with a volunteer from a local tech company. The reason this was so great for me is that I felt like I flopped on this mock interview, but it was ok cause you’re being given a safe place to fail and the person interviewing you will give you a lot of feedback. After that practice interview, I pretty much knew what I needed to focus on and I felt so much more comfortable. I know that it helped me because I had nothing but positive feedback from all of my real technical interviews. The Employer Matchmaking event was a day where 20+ employers came in and held 30-minute interviews all day. I had 9 one-on-one interviews in a day and while it was kind of scary at first, I had a lot of fun and ultimately met my future employer (we’re doing great, thanks for asking).
Here’s the part you are probably most concerned about… I ended up with 3 job offers (2 before the bootcamp even ended). I actually had to end the interview process with another company and I had pretty much stopped applying for jobs after I received my first offer (I’m not suggesting you do the same, I’m just saying I wasn’t struggling to find people that wanted to give me a shot). One of my offers came from a company outside of Tech Elevator’s hiring network and the company wasn’t even aware of the bootcamp, so I think that’s a pretty good indicator that I was equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary to land a job. Another interesting point is that although I was in the Java cohort, I ended up taking a C#/.NET job. So you’re going to learn the language for the course you enroll in, but that won’t necessarily pigeon hole you into that language because you’re going to learn the principles of Object Oriented Programming and you’re going to “learn how to learn” programming languages. You’re not just buying a fast-pass to a job though…you’re going to have to put a lot of blood, sweat, and coffee into this.
I realize this is a lot of information and that some of it might sound intimidating, but if you put in the work and you really WANT to do this, everything will be just fine.
My Advice:
Do everything. Read every page you’re assigned to read. Complete every project. Keep up with the work… you don’t want to fall behind. When you get stuck on something, set a limit for how long you will spin your wheels before asking for help. You’ll learn a lot by trying to figure out problems on your own, but there’s no point in spending 4 hours on one little problem. Take advantage of being surrounded by really smart people. Stick around or meet up after class with classmates to do work together. Do your own work, then compare with your classmate and talk to them about how/why they solved the problem the way they did. Give yourself some time to relax. The class material is important, but kicking ass on the ping pong table is also important. Enjoy the experience, because you probably won’t ever do anything like this again!
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Chris Andrikanich
Best Decision I Could Have Made
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Fourteen weeks of intense instruction at Tech Elevator led me to a great opportunity as a web developer in the industry. After 18 years, this was a risky move on my part, but to gain a marketable skill that allowed me to pivot into a new industry, it was the right one.
The experience David Wintrich brings to his instruction, along with an experienced staff, and a space that fosters collaboration and learning, for those who choose to venture through this boot camp, the tools for success are available and present.
The boot camp model isn't easy. But, Tech Elevator is structured for each student to get out of the program, what you put into it.
If you trust the process, focus, work hard, ask questions, and work together, then Tech Elevator will help you gain that marketable skill that will get you a great job in the industry.
You can read more about my story here: https://www.coursereport.com/blog/alumni-spotlight-chris-andrikanich-of-tech-elevator
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Carl
A rewarding experience
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Over the several years I worked as a scientist for a large corporation, I grew increasingly dissatisfied with my job, largely because I was doing more administrative work than problem solving. After beginning to learn a little programming on my own, I read about Tech Elevator in the newspaper and attended an open house; I then talked with alumni and spoke with people in the tech industry about Tech Elevator. I decided that a Tech Elevator bootcamp would be an economical, pragmatic way to learn an in-demand skill and find a fulfilling career.
My classmates came from a variety of backgrounds, levels of education, and professional experience; Tech Elevator is designed to meet anyone with the aptitude and desire to become a programmer where they are and help them succeed. The instructors break down technical concepts into essential components that can be easily digested by all. Daily quizzes, daily coding exercises, and frequent one-on-one check-ins help the instructors quickly identify if the class as a whole or an individual student is understanding the material. If you need additional help, a roaming instructor is available for study sessions. The curriculum builds upon itself, so each project gives you a chance to practice and solidify previous topics. The instructors, all of whom are accomplished software developers, are respectful, passionate about mentoring, enthusiastic about their craft, and available to answer questions at nearly all hours of the day or night.
The other half of Tech Elevator is the Pathway Program, which consists of soft skills development and career coaching; I think this program really sets Tech Elevator apart from other bootcamps. The Pathway Program helps you craft the narrative about why you want to get into software development and what transferrable skills your past experiences give you; with this narrative in hand, the Pathway Program takes you through a series of workshops that help you write your resume, build your digital presence (e.g. LinkedIn), practice interviewing (both technical and non-technical interviews), and make meaningful connections with industry insiders. Several workshops focused on the soft skills that are valued in the tech industry; while technical skills are important, good communication and team dynamics are just as valuable. The Matchmaking event, when dozens of employers come in to interview students, is a highlight of the program; I had several follow-up interviews that resulted from this event and ultimately accepted a job offer from a company I “met” through Matchmaking.
The bootcamp is challenging but rewarding - you will get out what you put in. I learned a new technical skill set, improved my soft skills, expanded my professional network, and even made some good friends along the way. I started at my new company a week after finishing at Tech Elevator and am now several weeks into my new career; I can attest that Tech Elevator prepared me well and I hit the ground running. I encourage you to explore Tech Elevator as your next step!
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Rich
A smooth sea never made a good sailor
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Prior to attending Tech Elevator, I had a largely unfulfilling job in sales, while working extra hours in restaurants on the weekends. I had an undergraduate degree from a local university, but didn't seem to be on a career path that I could be excited about.
I, like a lot of people probably reading this, kept coming across articles about programming and what a valuable skill-set it was. So, in my spare time after work, I started learning about the field of software development and programming.
After researching and learning some basic concepts over time, I began considering the field as a potential career match. And while I was excited at the prospect of one day getting a job in tech, I still thought it was a little far-fetched, and at the very least, far off.
Yet, through the serendipitous ways of the internet, I came across an advertisement for Tech Elevator, and my interest (much like yours I surmise) was piqued. After interviewing on-site for over two hours, and with a healthy dose of cautious skepticism, I was pretty much sold.
I received a call within two days notifying me of my acceptance, and after about a week's consideration, I was ready to take the plunge.I'd also like to note that the interview was, as intended, persuasive, but at no point was it sugar-coated to seem as though the process wouldn't be immensely challenging. And it certainly lived up to that.
Coming from a non-technical background, you will have to work harder in your spare time to keep up with the core concepts that other students may have already been exposed to. But you won't be alone. And, most importantly, you won't be without resources. From Craig, the 30+ year programming vet who's always willing to help outside of class and sprinkle in stories of the good 'ol days (or dark ages) of programming, to Josh and David, both of whom possess keen understandings of their subject matter, and how to explain high-level concepts to non-CS-degree'd folk; you won't be learning alone.You'll learn more acronyms than I knew could be composed from the English alphabet, and you will go through periods of self-doubt, but once you find that you have the ability to meet challengesand adapt to solving the problems you face, you will quickly understand why so many people enjoy this career.
I've now landed a job at a major local software company and can't wait to see what the future holds. So, if you are genuinely infatuated with computer programming and IT, and you believe you would enjoy a demanding, fulfilling career in the field, there is no better option than Tech Elevator. It truly can change your life for the better.
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Tim
Amazing Development Bootcamp
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Going to Tech Elevator was one of the best experiences I have ever had, and was a very wise choice. I was in the food service industry and really wanted to do something greater for work, I heard about Tech Elevator on the radio and after visiting I was sold. I started my bootcamp May 16th and recently graduated in mid-August.
I was in the .NET cohort and was taught by their lead .NET instructor, Josh Tucholski. Josh is extremely patient and is very knowledgeable about software development. The pace of the class was just right and it is very satisfying to leave everyday with more knowledge. Craig, who is on site just to help students, has over 30 years of professional development experience and is always very willing to help anyone who wants to understand the content better, or just wants to practice solving problems on the whiteboard.
I felt more than prepared to do technical interviews, and was able to answer any question that was thrown at me for junior development roles. The Pathway Program is great and they are always bringing employers into the space, which allows you to network and get first-hand accounts from people in the field.
Tech Elevator would be a great choice for anyone, you will learn a large amount about software development that will leave you extremely prepared for the career that Tech Elevator will allow you to get after your 14 week program is over. You will make a lot of friends, have a lot of laughs, and ultimately be putting your life in a much happier place. The team, atmosphere, pace, and career prep at Tech Elevator is very unique and would be extremely hard to find anywhere else.
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Sean
Its not always about a career change
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You’ve probably read countless reviews and stories involving people who have changed their careers and lives as a result of a coding boot camp. That wasn’t my case. My review is aimed primarily at those who may have a little background in IT but, for whatever reason, aren’t satisfied with where they are professionally. I worked for a Fortune 500 company for years on the database side and got “pigeonholed” into maintaining dead end proprietary applications.
A personal injury sidelined me and I looked into Tech Elevator’s Java program while recovering. I had already had some of the standard self-exposure to the language ( books, online tutorials, community college courses etc.) but what appealed to me when I visited at an open house was the opportunity to learn relevant, real world practices in coding. If you think that things will be limited to “Hello World” and a calculator app, then you might want to sit down.
I had already done some coding so I thought that most of it would be a piece of cake. WRONG! Throw out any preconceived notions that this will be “just another class”. You quickly learn advanced principles, proper techniques, how to apply them and most importantly, why. No need to fret, though, because the instruction is top notch and there is always support available when you struggle.
As for things not related to coding, the facilities were great and we had everything that we needed as far as laptops, software, books and other resources. I’d also like to stress that they went to great lengths to prepare you. This included having many professionals in the community come in and share experiences, answer questions and give advice. Invaluable.
Lastly, the payoff. At the end of the boot camp, I received multiple offers and actually chose to stop interviewing. I opted to work for an industry leader in healthcare involving data analytics for an increase in salary of more than $20K with potential through the roof.
I apologize for the length of this (there’s still so much more I’d like to share) but if you’ve read this far, you owe it to yourself to at least attend an open house and get a feel firsthand. Best of luck to you.
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Kaity
Amazing staff makes the difference
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I graduated from the .NET program in April 2016. I was previously working in advertising technology but knew that I'd need further education in order to pursue the more technical roles I was interested in. I attended an open house at Tech Elevator and was immediately sold.
The staff at Tech Elevator is incredible. Every member of the team is knowledgeable, supportive, and committed to your success. The .NET instructor, Josh, has a teaching style that makes difficult concepts easy to understand while keeping class engaging and exciting. In addition to learning more than I ever have in a 3-month time span, I truly enjoyed coming to class every day, even when the material was frustrating.
The Pathway Program provides career assistance through resume and interview workshops, employer networking events, and both technical and behavioral interview practice. I owe the two job offers I got before graduation to the Pathway Program and the team's willingness to go above and beyond to make sure I felt prepared for interviews.
I couldn't be happier with my time at Tech Elevator and would absolutely recommend the school. If you're curious, start with an open house.
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Brad
Doubled my potential
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It took me 2 years from hearing about coding bootcamps before I finally took the plunge into one. Despite having a college education, I had been stuck doing menial labor jobs, landscaping, cooking, and baking. This life grows old, and we all want to see our hard work blossom into rewards, so I decided to make a huge change into the IT field. I chose Tech Elevator over other bootcamps for a few reasons: 1) Length: Coming from a non-technical background, the extra couple weeks of learning was an invaluable both informational as well as allowing the knowledge to work its way into long term memory a little better. 2) Youth: This is a young program. I don't mean age, as my classes median age was in the mid 30's, rather that Tech Elevator is at least as passionate about giving us the tools to succeed as we are passionate about making our own lives better. 3) Staff: From Carol at the front desk to the instructors to the founders, everyone plays for the same team, and it's a winning one. Who doesn't want to be on that? These praises don't come at a price, the work is hard and at times frustrating. I am a grown man who now knows what it is like to want a hug because a computer bullied me today. You may question at time if you are following the right path, but if you stick it out and listen to what the instructors, mentors, recruiters, and even employers that are brought in, YOU WILL SUCCEED! Having no technical background and mere months of coding experience, I was inundated with recruiters and direct employers calling me. I had an offer from a great tech company on the West side that came from the employer showcase that Terry and Anthony work very hard on setting up. Within a week of graduation I was working full-time, with benefits, and can honestly say I have doubled my income from the previous year. As long as you know that you are worth investing in yourself, sign up ASAP and get your life moving in the right direction. If you read this far and have any questions, please pm me saying that we have worked together at Tech Elevator, and I will be more than happy to tell you more about my personal experience.
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Kenny
Get comfortable being uncomfortable!
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This bootcamp is the REAL deal. I came into this with a diverse background from the military, operations management, and sales. Totally off the wall careers, but I realized technology was the driving interest in each. I had researched the bootcamp model for a few years and even tried to teach myself but the book was out of date. So via networking while trying to transition into software sales, I was introduced to Tech Elevator. I had no idea I was about to change my life in just 14-weeks, but it happened!
I attended an orientation and heard from the instructors about curriculum, and the CEO about how this place could change my life, but I think what blew me away was how up front they were about the amount of work that would be required of me and the energy that would need to be invested in order to achieve graduation. I took it as a challenge and went home thinking there was no better place to learn than a place where I am challenged. I had in front of me the very opportunity I had always wanted, and all I needed to do was pass a pre-assessment, and an interview. Sounds easy enough, but it wasn't. I didn’t sleep for almost three days until I finally found out I was accepted, and then I thought to myself "and so it begins!".
From day one there was never a shortage on communication of what to expect and the plethora of resources available to me in order to be successful, but after brushing them off thinking I had this in the bag I quickly learned my second week I needed way more help than those who came from technical backgrounds. I think the feeling of knowing I just paid a bunch of money for something, and the fear of failure kicked in and I quickly started reaching out to fellow students to have study sessions. From week 2 through week 8 a group of us would show up to the 24-hour space and just bounce our problems off each other. It wasn't until I started talking to the instructors about it that I felt like a crazy man for coming in at 6am when class didn’t start until 9am. Looking back now aside from the top-notch instructors, I would say going through this with 14 other people who were going through the same issues made this a lot easier for myself. This allowed me to maximize my time and learning through out the 14-weeks.
The instruction I received was hands on applicable knowledge designed to teach you how to learn versus being hand fed the information. David Wintrich was my Java instructor, and learning from someone so highly regarded in the community as well as the vast amounts of practical knowledge he possessed was a blessing. This allowed me to repeatedly bounce ideas or concepts off the man who had built a BILLION dollar processing application. Impressed? Well I am. Having David alongside Josh, and Craig allowed me to get a feel for how to approach problems that I would see in real world situations, and how to plug away at a problem researching and tinkering until I felt that feeling of victory once it worked. I think having access to the folks who have "been there and done that" allowed me to feel confident walking away and making an immediate impact day 1 at my new job.
The bootcamp opened a lot of doors for me because I lacked a college degree, and it also gave me credibility learning from some of the best folks in the area. I do not think I would have the opportunity / career trajectory had I not taken this step versus going back to college. The technical aspect along with the touch up on my resume / LinkedIn presence from the pathway events set me up for success. Hearing industry leaders read my information and offer insight was invaluable. As a result to taking a risky leap of faith and praying for sunshine, I have stepped into a Technical Consultant role with one of the Software Industries top companies. Without Tech Elevator I would probably still be at that same job I once hated, just because I lacked the motivation to give four years away to a college. Forever in debt to the folks at Tech elevator.
Hope this Helps !
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Sam
Excellent and very thorough program
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I always had an interest in software development, and before joining Tech Elevator I was interested in transitioning into a new career field. It was by chance that I stumbled upon an article on FreshWaterCleveland.com about Tech Elevator, and they happened to have an open house that evening that I attended.
From that first introduction all the way through graduation, I was extremely pleased with the experience. It is very apparent that every staff member is dedicated to making this the best possible experience for those who are looking to join the software field.
I chose to take the Java development track, and had David Wintrich as my instructor. Out of all the teachers that I have interacted with over the years, David is definitely one of my favorites. He is very easy going, really knows his stuff, and is committed to making sure his students are succeeding and getting the most out of their education. I really appreciated that he made himself available whenever I needed, even after hours. I feel the cirriculum left me well prepared to take on a new role as a software developer.
Outside of classroom instruction, Tech Elevator also helps its students sharpen their soft skills that help them succeed in finding a job and navigating their professional lives. They brought in relevant industry experts to help with things such as resume writing, networking, and interview practice. Tech Elevator has an extensive network of employers looking for tech talent, and held a job fair for students to interview with a wide variety of employers. I was offered a position from a company that attended. They will also help you pursue opportunities with companies that they don't have an existing relationship with if you have a particular company you are interested in.
Overall, I can safely say that attending Tech Elevator was one of the best decisions I have made in my professional life. I encourage anyone interested in a career in software development to apply.
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Brendan
Fantastic
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I have nothing but good things to say about my time at Tech Elevator. The instructors are incredibly knowledgeable and are always willing to help students, either during or outside of classroom hours. The classroom and common room spaces are great. While challenging, the fourteen weeks flew by, and the instructors made sure they made class interesting and fun.
The career assistance was out of this world. Tech Elevator brings in a ton of great companies to talk to students. They also set up interviews with companies for students. You even get mock interviews and technical interviews beforehand to practice. I got a job with a company that I'm really excited about because Tech Elevator brought them in.
Before the class, I was skeptical about the bootcamp model. But Tech Elevator was unequivocally worth the time and financial investment. I'd do it again in a heartbeat. It was the best decision I've made for my career.
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Anonymous
Properly focused on employability
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My experience with Tech Elevator was overwhelmingly positive. At any bootcamp there are 2 major aspects. The first is the instruction in terms of learning integral skills. The second is the professional opportunities that the bootcamp opens. Tech Elevator, in Cleveland Ohio, fulfills both of these criteria at a very high level, especially the second one.
I will not speak to the coursework or instructor very much excep to say that my Java teacher had an excellent command of the material and was always available to help students. On the other end, he was willing to provide more advanced assignments if a student needed challenged more. However, in contrast to college, and traditional learning institutions, since there is no grading, it was up to the student to complete the work and challenge himself/herself. This is the nature of the bootcamp model thugh. You must have the interest and passion. Tech Elevator, nor any other bootcamp, will instill this into a student.
But where Tech Elevator shines is in its ability to provide professional opportunties. From day one they work with students in preparing forthe job hunt. A myriad of professionals are broulgh in to help with resumes, interviews and internet presence such as linkedin. Further, they help the student to craft a narrative which connects thei previous career with their prospective software developer desires.
After the students resume, LinkedIn, and interview skills are evaluated by a multitude of recruiters and coaches, Tech Elevator is somehow able to bring many employers on site to actually interview students. This is how I personally landed a job. Tech Elevator brought over 20 employers who all were seeking entry level software developers to the spacd for a matchmaking event where they interviewed each studen for approxmately 30 minutes. Beyond that amazing event, Tech Elevator's tirelessly working "career coach" and other staff with connections convinced prospective employers to either come to the learning space or make on site arrangements for interviews.
Like most things in life, you must put a lot of effort into Tech Elevator to get the desired outcome. But they provide an excellent framework and concentrated direction for your efforts. I am confident that if you are seeking a career in software development, then Tech Elevator will serve your purposes if you are willing to put forth the proper effort.
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Jonathan
10/10 Would Tech Elevator Again
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I recently completed the Java Applications Development bootcamp from January 2016 - April 2016. Prior to the bootcamp, I had some exposure to the IT industry doing QA, support and project management. I had a vague idea of what to expect, but no experience writing code. During my job search in the fall of 2015, I heard an add for Tech Elevator on NPR. I was intrigued, and decided to attend an open house in the begining of December. After observing the passion and knowledge of the instructors: Josh and David, it became clear to me that this was the next step in my career.
The class moves quickly, but I never felt lost or left behind. The combination of lecture and hands on projects/exercises really works well at enforcing the material. Subject matter is filtered to what would wil be relevant in the workforce, and covers the full stack. In addition, we were given exposure to popular tools that are used in the industry. The class is broken down into modules, and each module is capped off with a capstone project, typcially completed in pairs.
The Java instructor, David Wintrich, is patient, and easy to get along with. He presents the material in an engaging way, and readily made himself available for one-on-one assistance, if necessary. He was very encouraging, which was needed, as learning to code from the ground up was frustrating at times. He also drew on his work experience as a developer, giving us tips and insights that were helpful not only in applying the material, but later on during the job search/technical interviews.
The Pathway Program starts on day one, and runs parallel to the coursework. It included mock HR/technical interviews with real-world professionals, resume/LinkedIn assistance, employer matchmaking and networking advice. Once I stareted attending interviews, I felt prepared and confident.
I wasn't initially sold on the job search portion of the bootcamp, as the idea of landing a job as a developer after 14-weeks seemed both daunting and unrealistic, but boy did Tech Elevator deliver. I received multiple job offers from companies I met within the Tech Elevator hiring network within two weeks of graduation. I agree with some of the other reviewers in that you get the sense that the staff truly care about your sucess. Also the ping pong table is pretty rad. I would absolutely recommend this bootcamp to anyone interested in a career change.
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Lyndsey
Tech Elevator Exceeds Expectations
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I truly cannot say enough good things about my Tech Elevator experience. After feeling stagnant in my marketing career for quite some time, I became intrigued by the tech industry and the bootcamp model of learning. I attended an open house at Tech Elevator and listened to their team talk about the program and from there I was sold. Their passion and knowledge was clear, and I ultimately decided to quit my job and sign up. At the time it felt like a scary and risky move, but I was very quickly rewarded with the feeling that it was one of the best decisions I had ever made.
The cohort covered the full technology stack, from database to front-end development. Josh Tucholski, the .Net instructor, is incredibly knowledgeable and has a teaching style that makes it easy and enjoyable to learn from him. He's patient, thorough, and understanding, and is genuinely invested in you and your future. The same can be said about every member of the TE team. Everyone there actually cares about you as an individual and wants to see you leave TE for bigger and better things. And they help you do it! The Pathway Program that runs in conjunction with the day-to-day instruction was invaluable. It provided job and interview prep, employer matchmaking and networking opportunities, and the ever important "soft-skills" that are essential to landing a great career in today's job market.
Tech Elevator opened up a whole new world for me in regards to my career. The skills I gained throughout the program allowed me to knowledgeably and confidently interview with a number of companies that I may not have otherwise had exposure to. I had two job offers within two weeks of graduation, and am so excited about my new position and my future as a developer.
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Kevin
Best Professional Decision I've Ever Made
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I was enrolled in Tech Elevator's Java Applications Development course from January through April 2016. Before I started the program I had very little experience with programming and no practical experience at all with Java. My last job had absolutely nothing to do with programming. Within days of graduating, I already had job offers and am now employed full-time as a software developer.
The course was rigorous without being overwhelming. The day usually started off with a lecture on the programming concepts that were being introduced followed by demonstrations. Afterwards you can expect to be given individual and paired exercises to work to reinforce your understanding of the new material. The instructors are excellent and make themselves available to answer any questions you might have or review your completed code with you to help you improve upon it and make recommendations to assist you in writing more readable and professional code. They are also very receptive to feedback and will make changes to how they present the material to better suit the needs of their students.
The best part about the program is that at the end of each unit you will be assigned a full project to complete. You will be given specifications for an application and then you'll write the code for it. Writing programs really helps you absorb all of the material you've been learning and, by the time you will have completed the course, you'll have a number of programs you can compile into a portfolio and present to potential employers to prove that you really know what you're doing. This part really makes a difference and goes a lot further with employers than a resume alone.
The job support is also excellent. The school has its own hiring network of companies in need of junior developers and frequently hosts different kinds of events to bring their students together with recruiters from these companies. It was one of these in-network companies with which I ended up getting a job, so I can personally vouch that it is a worthwhile part of the program.
I highly recommend this school to anyone looking to make a transition into software development. It is well worth it.
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Anonymous
I did hit the UP button
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After making the decision to move from life science research into software development (without prior experience), I realized that a 4-year degree was out of reach; however, the bootcamp model of education taking less than 4 months appeared to gain traction nationwide, and I looked into the Cleveland area's options. Tech Elevator stood out as a spacious, friendly environment, run by an enormously qualified and engaged team who sincerely cared about moving their students' careers upwards.
I signed up and never looked back. 14 weeks of hard work during bootcamp included lectures, exercises and homework, but also the "Pathway Program", which makes you generate a proper resume, a professional LinkedIn presence, includes one-on-one interview practices and, importantly, involves a network of local employers who come in to showcase their company and to interview all students during matchmaking events. The latter events is what led to several follow-up interviews at companies for me, ultimately leading to my graduation on Friday and having a job offer on the following Monday, a pretty common outcome for our cohort.
The bootcamp provided us with a well-rounded set of skills needed to build a complete web application, using Java, SQL, HTML/CSS/JavaScript as main languages, and included unit testing and security aspects. In summary, I learned a lot about learning, in that I feel able to not only build web applications but also acquire additional programming skills as needed. What a great experience!
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Elizabeth Mis
Java Bootcamp Experience at Tech Elevator
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Before attending Tech Elevator I was working part-time in retail and playing music on the side. Though I didn't have a background in coding, I was into computers and technology. Once I heard about Tech Elevator, I started looking into programming and what I could do with it. I was fascinated and intrigued by the things a programmer can create with code. It didn't take me long to decide that I wanted to attend Tech Elevator.
The first 4 weeks were intense, but our instructor David was very helpful. He was understanding and patient with the students. We learned everything to develop a full-stack web application from scratch. I learned so much in 14 weeks and felt a great sense of accomplishment when we graduated.
After graduating, I had several interviews lined up and felt confident going into them. It wasn’t long before I had an offer from several companies. The Pathways program was helpful in preparing us for our career change.
Tech Elevator made a major impact on my career and I couldn't be more happy with the experience. If you're on the fence about going, check out one of the student open houses and get a sense of what it's like.
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Jim
My Tech Elevator Experience
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Prior to the class I had some experience building websites, and troubleshooting any computer and network difficulties. I had always had the desire to learn how to program, but I found it difficult to learn online, and the personal investment to attend a traditional university was unpractical for me. After completing the course I felt thoroughly prepared for the market place. I was quickly granted many interviews and was able to land my first choice.
After meeting with David and Anthony, I truly believed in their passion, ability, and confidence to provide the best possible path to achieve my goal of programming. David’s experience in the field was stunning, and Anthony’s network, boot camp knowledge, and plan to place graduates left me knowing that my future would be secure in their hands.
Throughout the class, what helped me the most was David’s teaching ability. His capacity to understand not only where the class as a whole was in terms of comprehension, but seeing where each of his students was individually was outstanding. He was able to magnificently tailor the curriculum to our own needs to help us progress. When I had questions, he continually was able to answer the questions in a way that allowed me to come to the conclusions myself. I have been in many classes before and have never had that sort of attention and support. Now, I feel exceeding confident that I am aptly prepared for my career in programming.
I feel very confident entering my first position as a junior developer. I know that I have developed my ability to code at an effective level for a beginner. Most importantly however, I know how to find the solutions to any complications I may encounter.
The opportunities I have available to me know seem endless. I can choose from nearly any industry, anywhere in the world to continue my career. As I progress in my career and continue to hone my skills, I look forward to seeing the opportunities that are sure to present themselves
The Pathway Program Tech Elevator provided us gave me great insight into the field and prepared me amazingly well in finding a beginning to my new career. The ability to hear from and ask questions to leading professionals in the Cleveland area, allowed me to understand what exactly I was getting myself into and how I could accomplish my goal. The value of a proper LinkedIn profile was aptly demonstrated and I was assisted in properly designing my own. Many different industry professionals continually critiqued my resume as I progressed through the course allowing me to state my abilities clearly and concisely. I found that the mock interviews were the most helpful process in guiding me to understand the questions that would be asked of me, and allow me to answer them properly.
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Daniel
Java Coding Bootcamp - Review
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As you go through life there are key moments that drastically change your course in life, and, for me, the decision to attend Tech Elevator was one of them. After more than fifteen years in retail I was treading water in a position that had become just a job to me, something I had to do to pay the bills. I had done some work on my own designing a website using HTML, CSS, PHP and a little Javascript, and I found it fascinating, but lacking direction and support I couldn't see myself getting a job doing it. What Tech Elevator offered was an opportunity to start a career that I had a passion for, something I wanted to do rather than something I had to do.
During the course, mornings were dedicated to lecture, and afternoons were dedicated to hands on coding exercises. This worked well for me because I find I retain knowledge best when I get to apply it, which in this case means writing code, and writing code is something we had ample opportunity to do. David, our instructor did a great job explaining the concepts and syntax of coding, and was always willing to answer questions before, during, or even after class in the evenings. We learned how to design and code Java web applications from start to finish, using the tools, frameworks, and processes that are in use in the field today. Overall it was a lot of work, I lived and breathed code for those three or so months, but it really prepared me to enter the workforce as a junior developer.
Another major component to the Tech Elevator course is the Pathway Program. This is a series of workshops and panels with industry insiders centered around giving you the skills you need to actually get a job using the coding skills you're learning. Coming from someone who had worked at the same company for 14 years and had little experience with interviewing and resume writing, this was invaluable to me. Practice interviews, resume building workshops, improving your Linked In profile, the whole team supports you from day one in getting you ready to land that first job. They even bring employers to the school so you can get that valuable in person connection. I felt like everyone wanted to see me succeed on a personal level and they were willing to go out of their way to help me make it happen.
Overall, I can say that I highly recommend Tech Elevator. As I mentioned, I had done some self study previously, but Tech Elevator offers benefits you can't get learning on your own. You get top notch technical training, from instructors with a ton of real world experience, and you get the support of a team dedicated to helping you start your new career. But the proof is in the pudding right? What was my outcome? Well, I accepted a job offer within a month of graduating with a starting salary that doubled what I made before the course, doing something that I truly have a passion for. Like I said, there are moments that change your course in life, and if you're looking to make a change, I'd say Tech Elevator is a great place to do it.
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Christopher
Java Bootcamp at Tech Elevator
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After several years working in industry (international trade) I wanted to study coding both to add to my skill set and to open up new career paths. Tech Elevator's lead Java instructor, David, brough his extensive career experience into the classroom - he proved to be a great teacher, really devoted, and I felt he truly cared about the progress of our class, often responding to email queries on homework assignments late into the night and early mornings, and also working one on one to bring me forward on topics where I struggled.
The bootcamp covers full stack web development from back to front end, which means a lot of material in the time period. So workload is high, and pre-reading / pre-preparation definitely important… The school provides all this.
The resume and interview workshops targeting tech jobs were extremely valuable, as was being plugged into Tech Elevator’s professional network of employers and recruiters- a huge bonus of studying at this school, particularly if you’re network is not in this field.
After gaining these skills, I feel confident to go into software development positions, and intend to keep learning more skills as I go forward, which will open more and more doors for my career.
I should also mention that the people (both classmates and the school staff) were really friendly and I built some great new friendships over the course.
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Anonymous
Improvements needed
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This program yes is fast, but almost too fast. I believe to help people understand coding and software engineering they need to have more instructor hours for one on ones or homework help. Also I'm not sure if this is a regular thing with them but I had an instructor who was awesome always set time aside for the class, then with 5 weeks left they decided to part ways with him last minute and gave us a new instructor, who wasn't bad but had to take on all of the classes and just seemed to be all over the place like its been awhile since he touch coding and wasn't sure of himself. -
Anonymous
Not Worth It
Graduated from Tech Elevator December 2024.
Applied to multiple jobs and haven't even gotten an interview.
I learned some things, but I don't think it was worth 16000 dollars.
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Anonymous
Good Start, More Learning Needed After
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I recently completed the Full Stack Java-based National Live Remote Program from Tech Elevator. I am a career changer coming from a lengthy STEM career into the Software / Web Development world. This is a review of what I experienced and how I feel after completing the bootcamp.
The Good:- Most Instructors are very good. Understand that they are trying to squeeze as much material as possible in a short amount of time. They are willing to help answer as many questions as possible and will give you time if you request office hours.
- Java content and Database content are great. The daily assignments provide the rhythm and rigor needed to absorb the content taught.
- Alumni Curriculum support provides constant refreshers of the material taught during the bootcamp and can provide a learning experience with smaller groups.
The Mediocre:- The HTML, CSS, and JavaScript portion of the curriculum is rushed. Vue.JS is an easier-to-learn framework but React has the most market share and would have been the better choice for increasing employability.
- The curriculum covers the fundamentals and practical skills with basic web applications but many employers ask theoretical questions that involve an understanding of Data Structures & Algorithms. You will need to acquire this information on your own. Putting in the time to study and do problems like LeetCode, HackerRank, Code Signal, Code Wars, etc. is something you will have to do.
- The professional development portion of the bootcamp (called "Pathway") is mostly geared to those with no professional experience. If you have any successful interviewing and resume experience, then this part of the bootcamp won't provide much value other than a few required mock interviews and working on your elevator pitch. This extends into the Alumni Pathway support as well since it is just a repeat of the content discussed during the bootcamp.
The Bad:- Understand that the current market (this review being written in Q1 2024) is extremely tough. Talking with the admissions team, they made suggestions that there was a large set of employer partners or company contacts they had access to, and leaving the bootcamp employed was very likely. The reality is far from that. There is no job guarantee.
- During my cohort, the few companies that came to this matchmaking experience were either companies or institutions that weren't hiring at all, companies centered around Tech Elevator's physical campus locations, or contracting companies that were taking extreme advantage of market conditions to offer new developers low wages, with harsh contracts that require your to uproot yourself at a moment's notice. The matchmaking experience seems to have been better for those who went to a campus-based program.
- The quality and experience of pair programming projects like the mini-capstones and Final Project are dependent on who your partners are. If you have a team of passionate/dedicated people then your projects can turn out to be amazing. It is very possible to get matched with people who have no desire to do the work or learn. You will then have to complete the project on your own. I encountered this myself and know of others who also had a poor experience due to individuals who for one reason or another didn't care. Some of them have no business being in the bootcamp as they are not willing to put in the work to learn. If their time during the bootcamp is evidence of their work habit, they will not succeed. ChatGPT and other AI tools can only take you so far.
To summarize, the technical portion of the bootcamp is great for covering the basic concepts and being able to produce web applications. You will have to expand on the topics and do deeper learning to be able to have a chance at finding work. The professional development portion of the bootcamp is only OK. The likelihood of leaving with a job other than a predatory contract position is extremely low in current market conditions. The key to finding work is to find programs at companies that accept bootcamp graduates for apprenticeships or entry-level positions, or become self-employed via freelancing, or network as much as possible and hope you make a connection with someone who can make hiring decisions or at least influence them enough to get you an interview. If you can't pay for the bootcamp outright, get the income sharing agreement over the loan as the current market makes the prospect of finding employment during the grace period of a loan extremely challenging. I was fortunate enough to find employment through an entry-level program within my loan grace period after graduating. -
Anonymous
My Tech Elevator Experince
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Initially skeptical about the effectiveness of software engineering bootcamps, I conducted thorough research, interviewing alumni and reviewing various programs. Despite common concerns about inadequate career coaching and outdated curriculums in many bootcamps, my experience with Tech Elevator (TE) was remarkably different.
At TE, I found the curriculum to be an excellent foundation for an entry-level engineer. The instructors and staff were consistently accessible, offering substantial support with coursework and real-world coding projects. The Pathway Program was a highlight, enabling me to secure my first job through TE's Matchmaking partners. TE's commitment extended beyond the curriculum, with consistent personal follow-ups and a surprising level of dedication, exemplified by my Pathway director's presence on my first day at my new job.
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Anonymous
Great foundation. Wonderful teachers and overall experience.
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I really enjoyed the classroom structure and exercises. I learned the most from the Capstones and really liked how available the teachers were for questions. The pathway program provided great insight in how/where to apply to jobs and with resume structure. I wish there was exercises/learning that leaned more into computer science areas and in breaking down more complex technical interview questions. A decent amount of interview questions are on topics not covered in class (bits in particular). -
Anonymous
Good Experience
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During the summer of my senior year pursuing a Computer Engineering Degree (May 2023 - Aug 2023), I had the privilege of participating in a meticulously structured and enriching educational experience. Armed with a strong foundation in the field, I found the course to be both accommodating for beginners and challenging for those with more seasoned expertise.
I am uniquely positioned to address the perennial debate between traditional college education and the intensive bootcamp approach. While I hold my alma mater in high regard, it's important to debunk the notion that a bootcamp is equivalent in difficulty to a Computer Science or Engineering degree. My summer course, although intensive, provided me with significantly more flexibility to maintain a well-rounded life – a luxury I often found scarce during my university years.
Drawing a distinct comparison, my academic semester encompassed a demanding load of subjects, including Cal 3, Embedded Systems, Algorithms, and a Capstone project that required mastering a new backend framework on the spot. This workload underscores the stark contrast between the two paths. The college experience placed a higher onus on independent problem-solving and time management, fostering a comprehensive understanding of diverse programming languages and algorithms. In contrast, the bootcamp immersed me in an accelerated and all-encompassing learning environment, emphasizing a specific language and framework. However, success in a bootcamp is contingent upon one's dedication and effort, and the subsequent job search presents its own challenges.
In summation, both avenues have their merits. The traditional college route cultivates resilience, self-reliance, and a broad spectrum of technical proficiencies. Conversely, a bootcamp necessitates swift and intensive absorption of knowledge, focusing on specialized skills. Securing employment post-bootcamp demands personal commitment and perseverance. Ultimately, the journey you choose will shape your growth, and while not without its challenges, triumph is attainable in either scenario. -
Anonymous
Great experience!
I had a very positive experience with Tech Elevator. The instructors were very knowledgeable, and there was plenty of support for anyone who was struggling with certain concepts.
Pros:The curriculum was well laid out and paced well.
Cons:It is a lot of content to get through in a short time, but that is expected.
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Anonymous
Great Instructors, amazing bootcamp
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I am thrilled to give Tech Elevator Java Bootcamp a glowing 5-star review. My instructors were extremely knowledgeable and provided great guidance throughout the program. I feel well-prepared for my career change upon completing the TE bootcamp, and I am excited to put my new skills into practice. Overall, my experience at Tech Elevator was fantastic, and I would highly recommend this program to anyone looking to enhance their technical skills and make a successful career transition. -
Anonymous
Most Intense 14 weeks of my life
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Now I will start off saying I was in one of the remote classes, but the time spent will be remembered well. 14 weeks of cramming coding knowledge into my brain. I spent maybe 50-60 hours a week on the subject matter. It was intense but the instructor and class I was paired with maybe it go by so fast. Today is my graduation day and I still remember clearly the first day like it was yesterday. I learned so much and am glad i chose TE as my bootcamp. -
Anonymous
Good curriculum, but Part-Time program needs some improvement
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After my interest peaked in coding, I decided to go "all-in" and picked Tech Elevator as my bootcamp of choice after hearing good reviews from number of friends. The curriculum really offers a solid base for entering the development realm, and I really enjoyed the 30 week timeframe as it offered more time to digest the material. However, you get out of it what you put into it. If you study a lot and make an effort to truly learn and grasp the material, you'll do well. If you scrape by knowing the bare minimum to pass your assignments, don't expect to get a job soon after graduation. The part time program is very low-key, and although the syllabus outlines policies to follow, they are not strictly enforced. Many students neglect to attend class and pair programming sessions, leaving other students hanging, but there were no noticeable consequences for this behavior. It sometimes felt like the institution was more interested in our tuition payments than our success or their reputation. A number of students also had issues with the availability and quality of the instructors, and while I will admit that my cohort got the short end of the stick, this was not a huge issue for me personally since I am a good self-learner. The academic fellows are SUPER helpful and are the life support of the program. I did learn learn a lot and received 2 great job offers through match-making, so the program was definitely a good investment and worth it for me; however, if you're not a self-motivator and/or get a lot out of lectures/visual teaching, the part-time program may not be for you.
Pros:
-Good curriculum -Help is usually available in a decent time frame from the Academic Fellows -Matchmaking is a great way to get your foot in the door to jumpstart your career
Cons:
-Poorly enforced policies -Faculty issues (hopefully this was just a series of unfortunate events for my cohort...) -End of module projects are not graded, so many people get away without doing/completing them -lack of individual projects to showcase to potential employers -
Anonymous
An overall great experience!
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I started this bootcamp with very limited knowledge of programming/software development and now I can say 6 months later I have my first job in the technology field as a software developer. I was an in person student at the Pittsburgh, PA campus. The campus is very nice and you have 24/7 access while attending, complete with table tennis of course! The Pathways program at TE is wonderful! They really get you ready for those first few interviews and teach you so much. Listen to them and don't dismiss those sessions! The technical instructors were fantastic! It is a lot of information to gain in such a short amount of time. I will say it is not about memorizing but about figuring it out and piecing out the puzzle. In the beginning when first starting the program the days can feel very long and like you need a ton of help but as you move through the program you will find that you need less help and you now what you are doing. My number 1 tip when starting this program though is to check out the plugins that you can add to your IDE/development environment. Rainbow brackets really helped me at the beginning of the journey. Overall, definitely worth it! Everyone is supportive and they want you to succeed. If you're on the fence I would say apply. I have already referred quite a few friends to the program. -
Anonymous
Life-changing course
Tech elevator gives you freedom to choose part-time and full-time coding bootcamps. At Tech Elevator, students can learn coding as well as HTML, CSS. SQL, API etc. It has great student and instructor ratio that help instructors to give extra time to students. Wow! experience. -
Anonymous
Well worth it.
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Tech Elevator completely changed my career trajectory for the better and it accomplished that in only 16 weeks for a price that's much cheaper than getting a traditional degree. The program is hard and will challenge you every day, but if you put in the work you will succeed. Trust the process. Absolutely amazing teachers, academic fellows, and career services to support you every step of the way. Start the homework the day it's given and do the pre-work before class and you will see your skills improve throughout the course. -
Anonymous
Terrible
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The pathway program is a series of useless material, which may not be useful if you have prior work experience in literally any field. The program does not prepare you for technical interviews, which is a crucial part of the interview process for tech jobs. The 6 month job assistance offered is limited to meetings with someone from TE, who only provides generic advice. The matchmaking event was not productive, as most employers were not hiring and the few that were required a bachelor's degree. The instruction provided is rushed, but not bad. However, they do not cover important topics such as data structures and algorithms, which can be encountered during the interview process.
I had a poor instructor, and the campus director was not responsive to requests for a switch. Overall, the program is marketed as a workforce development program, but it is not worth the cost if the instruction is not tailored to the student's needs.Madeline Khurma of Tech Elevator
Director of Alumni Relations
Jan 25, 2023
We appreciate your feedback and are sorry to hear that the career development portion of our program did not meet your expectations. We have a diverse student population with varying backgrounds, and our instruction is based on those new to a tech career. With over a 90% job placement rate, we typically get positive feedback regarding the Pathway Program curriculum, but of course, are always open to constructive feedback from our students. Please feel free to reach out to alumni@techelevator.com with further comments or suggestions. We would love a chance to offer more value and additional career guidance.