Xccelerate

Was looking for an in-person DataScience bootcamp to keep me committed (to my career switch) and to meet like-minded people interested in ML and AI in HK. Happy to report that Xccelerate delivered in both thoses regards. Was also half the price of the nearest competitor. 

In-person courses offer face-time with instructors that I couldn't find in online offerings. I also got to work with people in a team, in person--something which I believe contributed to my job offer.

After graduating, I had a look around and found a place for a (junior) Data Scientist at an established startup within a month. 

This course has provided me with the right tools to transition from a non-tech job to a developer role. I had previously tried to study and practice coding and data science on my own, but after close to a year of trying I felt I was nowhere near my initial expectations.

 

The main benefits I got from this course were:

·      Affordability & Accountability on the part of the Bootcamp. It was a lot easier to start on this bootcamp than any other available at that moment. And it was very important for me that I wouldn’t pay for something that I would not use eventually – I only pay for the course if I get a job. If I don’t get a job in the next 6 months, then I don’t have to pay.

·      Curriculum. Since the first cohort, which I was part of, Accelerate has greatly improved their curriculum with an in-house study plan that focuses on Node, which is also more in demand presently. As part of the first batch of graduates, I had access to the new curriculum and hence the rating is based on it.

·      Continuous Support. After the course has ended I was not left to drift on my own but I was given support on how to improve my portfolio, presentation and also find a job. I tried to apply on my own to dozens of jobs, but I was only considered and interviewed for positions on Accelerate’s referral. Their credibility helps a lot in hiring.

·      Coding environment. Honestly, it’s so distracting to learn or work at home and also motivationally exhausting to do so. Kudos to those who can organize themselves on their own and do it. For me it was a great advantage to be in a workplace environment and surrounded with other people studying exactly the same thing. This way I knew my struggles were no greater or smaller than others’ and I could communicate in real time with other students and instructors for any issues that I encounter while coding.

The course truly opens my eyes to look at the digital world in a more user-centric, empathetic way. I get to know how great products are made and how great product managers / UX designers think. Learning this thinking skill is important to me as a digital marketing practitioner. I am ready to apply this skill to solve marketing problems more confidently and creatively. 

As a marketing manager, I understood the significance of data-driven decision-making but lacked the technical skills to fully utilize them. This course changed everything. Despite its challenges, the curriculum provided crucial insights, and the hands-on experience with real datasets boosted my confidence. The supportive instructors ensured everyone grasped the material thoroughly. Now, I employ data in better ways, completely transforming my approach to marketing.

The classes were so engaging and hands-on. What stood out was the great mentorship – my mentor provided personalized feedback and guided me through every step of my learning. One of the highlights was my experience working with real client projects, which I was able to add to my portfolio.

The data science full time course in Xccelerate is a premium experience for anyone who has the desire to learn. In 4 months time, the course offers most of the cutting-edge skill-sets and various milestone projects to enhance your portfolio. Indeed the most important merit is the harmonious community here, including all the teachers, staff and my favourite fellows who are all aspiring data scientists. If you have strong will to enter the data science realm, Xccelerate is definitely one of the better choices in Hong Kong.

 How the Bootcamp Helps me from 0 to a Coding Freshman 

I worked as an IT support before I ever join Xccelerate’s immersive software engineering bootcamp in March 2020. In the 4-month bootcamp, course instructors have presented me with the fundamentals we need in pursuing a career in web development, from the coding knowledge to the correct attitude and mentality. Emphasizing the importance of analyzing and breaking down a problem, they guided me to polish my problem-solving skills as well as foster my ability on independent work. The comprehensive syllabus gives me a solid basis on understanding different concepts we have to bear in mind in the realm of software engineering. 

The Technical Mentor Program launched by Xccelerate 

Working closely with partners in different projects in and after the bootcamp, I see the importance to reinforce my technical skills. The Technical Mentor Program just comes in handy to me. Joining of the program gives me a change in role – my previous teachers become my solid coaches and I gain the opportunity to see how Xccelerate, a professional enterprise, is running in real practice. Communicating closely with my instructors, participating in updating the course material to fit the latest tech trend as well as instructing newcomers, the Technical Mentor Program provides me a chance to further solidify what I have learnt in the bootcamp as a sophomore as well as a kickstart to my future career. 

From having no background in this field at all, to being able to develop prototypes for business specific projects. This course has helped me go beyond what I imagined I was capable of in terms of UX and UI design.  Being a new university graduate with a generic business degree, I was lost in terms of finding the right job that suited my specific skill set. I was able to hone in on specific skills, which were enhanced throughout the course and made me realize that the pathway of UX and UI design had really interested me.  This course dives straight into the fundamentals of User Experience Design. With the help of expert instructors in the field as well as a diverse group of peers, I was exposed to a whole new environment of sought after and in-demand career skills. A well-structured course plan that includes practical hands-on learning with real life scenarios teaches individuals skills that can be applied immediately. I would highly recommend this course for anyone that is looking to enhance their personal repertoire of skills as well as entry-level UX skills for job possibilities in Hong Kong.     

 

Accelerate's UX Course really opened my eyes to new ways of thinking, revealing the many processes that go into creating a great user experience. Coming from a non-business background, the course was really useful (and accessible) in breaking down a variety of key thought processes, involving aspects of consumer psychology, marketing, design, management and research methodology.

Our instructor, April, clearly knew what she was doing, and struck a great balance between teaching us the information and allowing us to discover it ourselves in a super hands-on curriculum. What was also incredibly beneficial was that with a small class, students were able to tailor what we were learning to our own fields (with April's help).

I’d really recommend this course to anyone looking to boost their understanding of the many ways in which consumers engage with a product (whether that be a website, a brand etc.)

I had a great experience on this course. I recently transitioned into a new role and wanted to learn more in-depth about digital marketing and growth hacking. 

While I was initially apprehensive after the first session (where we covered the basics) we soon started diving into some more advanced level marketing. Our course instructor Xavier was awesome and keeping us engaged and showed us some really cool use cases from companies I would never have thought about researching.

He did an excellent job of tailoring each session to our own projects. He clearly lives and breathes this stuff which was inspiring for us as students.

The Accelerate school is great. I've heard similar experiences from students taking their other classes and I will definitely be signing up for more. These guys are really passionate about what they do. 

The course provide great offline learning experience and allow high degree of freedom in campus. You can stay overnight and work hard in a quiet environment. The curriculum include essential knowledge for entering industry and staff is nice. Also, they provide CV reviews and connect students with a lot of companies.