Actualize

I had tried a bootcamp that was not in Zoom meetings and used reading material instead. I can definitely say that having someone demonstrate the code in first, then trying it myself helped a lot. I would run into errors that the reading material hadn't covered, so I was left to Google it myself, but I didn't always know the specifics of the problem. Having someone there, that could look at my code in real time,  and give me feedback on how to get it to work made the learning experience so much better. They even gave us advice on Googling our problems so we could find a solution, which has come in handy many times. I could not recommend Actualize more, whether you're a total novice at computers or have some basic knowledge. It has been a great learning process and definitely worth the time and money!

You do 5 month plan or do financing with sub credit 680 score. You have 5 week prework with 2-3 meetup(3hour each day) each week for learning coding basics. After 5 week you start the 5 daily meetup schedule each week. It different depend on selection but for me Class Schedule 9AM - 2PM(PST) Mon through Friday. 15 Min Break at 10AM and 11:15AM and 30 min at 12:30PM. Course format: Instructor Demo(15-30 min) follow up with student doing lesson after for 15-30 min. There are 1-2 Teach Assistant to help during your exercise time. There are before and after help 2-3 times a week with a Teach assistant. No homework but there deliberate practice checklist(programming basics, loop, each) that is helpful to work on daily basis to learn key concept. Week 1 Ruby rails basics. Week 2-4 Ruby on Rails Backend API. At End of Week 4 you will be able to crud(build) Back End API. In between you learn how to setup and use git and github. Week 5 React Crud front end. Week 6-8 introduce to front end frameworks React,Vue,bootstrap,etc. Week 9- 10 introduce to different  libraries and technologies express, flask, etc. Week 11-12 Capstone and transition out of class: alumni slack, mentor program, support systems. You have career counselor (Sara- Amazing) which go through Linkedin and other channel to get job and through out the 12 week process both in class and out of class. Meetup is through zoom and slack is use for communication. Class videos are recorded and accessible after class if you miss class. You access through out the cohort. Max 3 absent days for cohart. Support system is great for during and after class. Instructor have access to slack if you need help access after class for reference. I came from retail and able to follow class with little problem. Use your resources Teacher assistance,  instructor, career counselors, mentors. Connect with me on linkedin.com/in/trung-dinh-9513543 . If you have questions. message me on Linkedin.

When I was researching bootcamps to find one to attend, there was a common theme of negative issues for many OTHER bootcamps (high-stress, quality of instructors, 24/7 workload), but Actualize seemed to have a curriculum and a solution to each of those problems. After going through the program, I think I made the best choice possible. The instructor was amazing and had gone through the program so he knew exactly what we were going through. We also had 2 TAs for 10 students so there was always someone available for to answer our questions. Actualize emphasized continual learning and really helps set the foundation of how to go about picking up new technology and languages for after the bootcamp. While there are tough moments during the bootcamp, I never felt super stressed and always felt comfortable with what we were learning or I knew that I could easily ask for help to make me feel comfortable. The best aspect overall is also the Job Hacking where you have a dedicated Career Advisor that can help you with whatever job related item you need. It can be as broad as updating a Resume/LinkedIn Profile or as specific of helping you craft a message to network with someone on LinkedIn. The support does not stop after the bootcamp ends also, since you keep meeting with your Career Advisor after and are paired with a Tech Mentor (someone that has gone through the Actualize program and is currently working in the field). Overall the experience and the resources are amazing, and I truly enjoyed going to class each day.

When researching bootcamps, Actualize stood out to me because of their teaching methods. Actualize focuses on a "Learn to Learn" style, so we spent a great deal of time delving into the fundamentals of the coding languages we worked with and as we neared the end of our cohort, we discovered that what we had learned, could also be utilized across many other languages! The primary differences were nothing more than syntax. Our instructor, Joey, was incredibly knowledgeable & kept the class energized throughout.

I chose Actualize because of the top reviews and all the good things the previous graduates and students had to say.  I can say after taking this class I feel more confident than I honestly envisioned I would prior to graduation.  Every instructor I had enjoyed their role as teacher and was always available to answer the questions, which was one of my main concerns when choosing a bootcamp.  The coursework was carefully chosen by the members of the company to make sure we were getting the most out of the 4 months and I feel I really did get the most out of it. The job advisors were also always available and provided us with the information we need to be prepared for interviews and how to put ourselves in the best possible situation to get job offers.  I also liked how the classes aren't too big.  If this is an industry you are thinking about joining and you're looking into bootcamps I can say with confidence you can't go wrong with Actualize. 

Choosing to switch careers is nerve wracking, so picking an institution to partner with that you trust will deliver on your goals is also a scary choice to make. I chose Actualize because of their reviews and curriculum, and they absolutely delivered. My instructor was a former educator (all Actualize instructors are) and that made all the difference in the world. Teaching is one of the hardest careers out there, and teaching coding a major challenge on its own. My instructor made the foreign concepts easier to grasp, and reinforced my confidence in believing I could do it. Everything from delivery to pacing to mentorship to job searching help, to additional resources made Actualize a decision I will never regret, and I know will propel me successfully into the world of software development. 

I chose Actualize because I knew I wanted to learn coding from professionally trained educators. I am so glad I chose Actualize for my bootcamp experience because the learning environment, curriculum and quality instruction was unparalleled!! I am actually sad that the bootcamp is over and will really miss my instructor and peers who I have developed a bond with over the past 3 months. I joined this bootcamp with no prior tech experience, and now through this course, I have gained a solid foundation of web development skills and feel empowered to make a career change into tech. I also really appreciate the job-hacking curriculum, resources and support services available for students even after graduation, as well as their tech mentorship program and networking Slack channel for graduates. Lastly, I really appreciate that Actualize values DEI and my instructor actively upheld an inclusive space. As someone in the LGBTQ+ community I felt comfortable and celebrated here as my authentic self. Look no further if you are considering pursuing a coding bootcamp. 

I chose Actualize because:

• The materials on their website had a sense of humor I responded to
• I was able to set up a financing plan
• The curriculum includes Ruby, Rails, JavaScript, React, and jobhunting skills/resources
• The schedule fit my schedule (11am-4pm Central Time Monday through Friday)

I came into the class with some technical background and still found the experience educational and worthwhile. I'm leaving the class with a bunch of ideas on things I want to build, things I want to try out, and the confidence to tackle new subjects/languages that I probably would not have tried exploring if left to my own devices.