University of Toronto School of Continuing Studies Boot Camps

I am part of the first group of students to attend this bootcamp. Our cohort got off to a rough start with an instructor who was less than ideal. I found that Trilogy listened to our concerns and dealt with them professionally. We ended up with an amazing instructor, four TA’s instead of two, weekly review sessions and access to private tutors.  I feel that they are absolutely committed to see us succeed.  The career services part of the course is kicking into high gear and I find the staff tremendous. They offer detailed comments on our resumes, portfolios and github and are putting on career seminars weekly. This bootcamp is composed of working professionals and the students are from a wide variety of diverse backgrounds.  We are already planning to continue working together once we graduate in October.  

 

 

Investing in this program is indeed high-risk, but incredibly high reward. I have learned and applied so many different skills in such a short time that I look back on my own progress in disbelief. This program is NOT for everyone though - it’s called a bootcamp for a reason. Specifically, computer science is a unique area of study where you must rely on self-teaching in order to succeed. If you can’t find the drive to solve advanced problems and understand the way complex machines think on your own, do not waste your money or time. This is a decision about making a commitment to complete concentration. But if you do choose to commit to becoming a software developer, this program becomes a remarkable journey. As you rapidly pickup tougher and tougher skills every week, your understanding of software becomes stronger, and you can carry out larger tasks both inside and outside of school. When I write code and project plans for the employers I have met so far, they are baffled at how I’ve picked up such a clear and broad understanding of project development in only three months. In addition to the academic support, the career support is so motivating and helpful in guiding this change in lifestyle from non-developer to Full Stack developer.

I want to thank everyone at Trilogy and UofT SCS for enabling me to enter the richest and most exciting job market and granting me difficult but rewarding challenges to refine my skills.

Hello Course Seeker!

I am currently enrolled in the UofT program.  Unlike some of the anonymous posters on this board, my overall experiences-to-date have been rather positive.  Sure, there are little hiccups here and there.  However, one has to keep in mind that there is absolutely no program (that is delivered in real-time) in the marketplace that is without flaws.  It is not 100% scripted and edited like the online courses.  You are receiving live instruction from multiple instructors -- in other words, you have the opportunity to gain multiple perspectives on course topics/real-life scenarios from people who are living, breathing, and working in the same biodome.  

I love online courses myself, and have used them to supplement my learning... ...BUT! online courses (including those that may offer real-time chat instruction) cannot replicate the in-person classroom atmosphere that is key to learning.  After all, isn't this the reason why you are reading this?

If you are looking for the PERFECT program, you will be looking and procrastinating for a long, long time.... ....because there is no perfect program.  Programming itself is an ever-evolving discipine that demands a flexible and solutions-driven mindset.  The old adage applies here: "If you are not part of the solution, you are part of the problem".

The problems/issues that have been noted by previous posters are relatively minor in nature.  I say "minor in nature" because problems/challenges are what drive the real learning experience and growth.  The positive experiences far outweigh the negative ones.  I would much rather learn from my mistakes (and the mistakes of others) in a safe learning environment, as opposed to making the same mistakes in a live job setting.

Here are a few of my takeways for your consideration:

• Mistakes can and will occur with any learning institution.  As for myself, my concerns have always been addressed in a timely manner.  The most important thing from my point of view is that the individuals who deliver this learning program own up to the issues identified, and make good on them.  In other words, they do their best to rectify the issue at hand and improve the program for those who follow.  They have a structured quality assurance program in place to address/prevent issues, AND the resources to fix problem areas.  Does the program you are considering have a QA program in place? -- What if one or more of the key instructors in your program are no longer able to teach?  Can alternates be set up quickly? .... 
• Do your homework before signing up for the program.  If you are undisciplined with your time, a procrastinator, or someone who wants everything served up on a silver platter, then this is not the program for you.  You will need to make some sacrifices if you want your dream to come true.
• Many folks in this program have demanding careers and mouths to feed -- time is money.  This program delivers a good balance of formal lecture material, group exercises, and self-driven learning.  Team/pair programming is nice -- however, unless you have a lot of extra time on your hands, your time is probably better invested in reviewing the course material taught and supplementing your knowledge with perspectives from other sources (e.g. online courses).
• The curriculum is comprehensive, market relevant, and the exercises are well-documented (e.g. there is a GitLab repository that you can pull from and review prior to the next lecture, videos, etc.).  This is a battle-tested program with more material and support than you can shake a fist at -- Trilogy is not a small organization -- in fact, I am glad that they are the ones managing the program instead of UofT.  The instructors will not and cannot possibly cover every aspect of the course material provided -- there simply are not enough hours in the day to do this.  One can only learn so fast, even with full-time immersion learning.  I view the program as a curated guided tour.  How much you learn, how far you go, and the quality of the experiences is up to you.  These factors are entirely within your control.
• You get out of the program what you put into it.  If self-paced learning is your cup of tea, then online course programming may be better for you.  However, if your learning style is more structured with deadlines to keep you honest, then a program like this is a no-brainer.  If you don't feel at least a wee bit uncomfortable with the pace or overwhelmed with the material, then you aren't pushing yourself hard enough.  
• Do your due diligence and read the fine print.  Contracts are not always bad, as they confirm each party's obligations/responsibilities.  If you are considering signing up for a program that does not have a contract in place, how do you know what you are getting into?  If you didn't actually read the contract before signing up for the program, and now have "buyer's remorse", you will be in for a big surprise when your computer program doesn't work because you missed a "semi-colon" or forgot to use brackets.
• This is a premium product with moderate pricing.  In fact, I think this program is worth more than $10k.  You are not paying for couches, coffee stations, and unnecessary frills.
• This program will not get you a computer science degree.  If this is what you are expecting, then enroll in one or take the MIT open lecture series to learn more.  Future employers may ask you where you got your training from, but I highly doubt if even a small percentage of them will ask you to yank out a certificate or proof of completion.  Your personal portfolio and your ability to articulate solutions to real-world problems will tell all.
• If you have concerns about this program not being "tax deductible", here is a simple solution:  (1) Think like an entrepreneur and set-up your own company during the course; (2) Challenge yourself to build a revenue-generating commercial product before the end of the program.  You will soon discover that $10k is really not that big a deal.  Worst-case scenario, you deduct the tuition and tax expenditures against your company, and carry them foward to use in a future year.  
• The program I am currently in has three co-horts.  To me, this means that I have access to three times the instructors (the Saturday classes are taught on a rotating-basis), three times the number of colleagues to learn from, and three times the number of TAs that I can learn from.  Given the diversity of students and teaching talent, it would be my own fault if I do not engage others to maximize my learning experience during my time here.
• Not all instructors are created alike, and learning is a two-way street.  If you have concerns/issues with your instructor (or substitute with "boss" in a workplace settting), it is your responsibility to help them grow.  Give people a chance to learn/improve, and you will be forever grateful when you yourself become an instructor or boss one day (i.e. when you are at the other end of the stick).
• With regards to job assistance, the program has many resources to prepare you for future prospecting.  However, no teaching institution or individual will deliver a job with a six-figure salary to you just because you think it.  Putting too much emphasis on an institution's ability to hunt down job leads for you can be crippling on the mind.
• Bottom line:  This is a very respectable program and I would not hesitate to enroll in it again.  If you are highly motivated, self-disciplined, and driven to learn and apply the material, you will go far with this experience.  I am getting great value for my money.  You really can't go wrong with this program -- action is better than no action.  Just do it!

Hope this helps!

Deciding to pursue a career in data analytics was driven by my deep curiosity about the power of data, and propelled by the cannon event of getting laid off from my previous job where I worked for almost 7 years. The UofT SCS Data Analytics Boot Camp caught my attention with its comprehensive curriculum, offering hands-on experience in Python, SQL, NoSQL, data visualization, data scraping, and more. The program seemed committed to a practical and immersive learning experience, which convinced me to take the leap. I'm happy to say they delivered. 

My journey with the UofT SCS Data Analytics Boot Camp has been an emotional rollercoaster of "Eureka!" and "WTF's?" (read: Fudge) moments, but as my instructor reminded us to celebrate every small victory, the first always overshadows the second. The program's structure enabled me to explore a range of topics, from mastering coding languages to understanding data visualization intricacies and automating functions. The challenges presented were both stimulating and rewarding, pushing me to apply theoretical knowledge in case study scenarios. A standout aspect of the program is its emphasis on practical skills. 

While the boot camp provides an excellent foundation, it's important to acknowledge that it serves as a launchpad. The fast-paced curriculum requires absorbing a large amount of information, and the real learning journey extends beyond the classroom. To excel (is there a pun with Excel here? Let me know!), I found it helpful to dedicate additional time to personal research and studying supplementary resources. This commitment to extend your learning is key to your success in the program. 

I highly recommend the UofT SCS Data Analytics Boot Camp to anyone interested in getting started with data analytics. I am still new to the field of Data Analytics but going through this program has given me launchpad I needed to get started, not to mention the incredible instructors and support staff that are always available to help. The program equips you with essential field skills and fosters a dynamic learning environment that encourages growth and collaboration. I am grateful for the opportunities this program has presented, and I look forward to leveraging the skills gained in my future endeavors.

I had the privilege of participating in the Digital Marketing Bootcamp course at the University of Toronto, and it was an exceptional experience. The program was an intensive dive into the world of digital marketing, spanning various aspects, from SEO and content marketing to social media advertising and data analytics.The course was led by industry experts who brought real-world experience into the classroom, making the content both practical and insightful. The curriculum was up-to-date with the latest digital marketing trends, ensuring that students gained relevant knowledge. The interactive nature of the course allowed for hands-on experience, which was crucial for applying the concepts learned.One aspect that truly stood out was the level of engagement and collaboration among fellow participants. The course fostered a strong sense of community, where students actively shared their experiences and insights, enriching the learning process.Furthermore, the University of Toronto provided excellent resources and support, from a well-structured online platform to access to helpful materials and tools. The instructors were responsive, and their feedback was instrumental in refining our skills.


In conclusion, the Digital Marketing Bootcamp at UofT was a fruitful learning experience. It not only equipped me with a comprehensive understanding of digital marketing but also provided me with the practical knowledge and networking opportunities to excel in this field. It was an investment in my career that I value greatly

An amazing program that gives you skills to succeed in the field. Each module feel like a puzzle piece and once everything is completed, the whole big picture along with the little details becomes visible and you realize that you have transformed. The things, the lingo, the software which made no sense prior to the start of the program suddenly become the skills you acquired in the matter of 6 months. This power-packed course is demanding, exciting, and enriching all at the same time. 2 years worth of schooling  packed in a six month capsule. Kudos to the people who designed it. And equal amount of appreciation goes to the instructors and TA’s who despite of having a full-time career take education very seriously and care a lot about their students. 

I recently completed the Full Stack Bootcamp at the University of Toronto, and I can confidently say it was an invaluable experience. The comprehensive curriculum equipped me with the technical skills and knowledge needed to excel as a web developer.The instructors were top-notch, providing excellent guidance and support throughout the program. Their expertise and passion for teaching made the learning process engaging and enjoyable.The hands-on projects allowed me to apply what I learned and build a strong portfolio of work. By the end of the bootcamp, I felt confident in my abilities and ready to take on real-world challenges.

Stagnation and dissatisfaction of my current career prompted me to look for a change, my love for tech combined with the opportunities in the industry made it a no-brainer. Now, how does a 35 year old with no experience enter the tech world? The UofT SCS Full-Stack bootcamp was hands down the best option to make the leap! 

My experience with the program has been a rollercoaster of emotions, but ultimately very rewarding and I have optimism moving forward, something I did not have before. I have already recommended the course to others and I advise the utmost organization, focus and a willingness to face challenge head on.

Going into this curriculum, I have had some prior knowledge to web development however, I found after completing the boot camp, I knew so little. This boot camp was very fast paced and packed so much useful information. I learned so much in the past 6 months than I did tinkering by myself within a year and a half. I feel so much more confident now to enter the professional world of full stack development and I couldn’t be more proud of the progress I made in this bootcamp. I highly recommend this boot camp to anyone interested in full stack developments but be prepared to put in HOURS of dedicated time to learning and programming!