Code Platoon

My journey into professional software development started as I was transitioning from an Active Duty service member into a Navy Veteran. I came across the VET TEC program on the Veterans Affairs Education website. The VET TEC education courses are helpful for Veterans and Spouses that would like to transition and advance into the high-technology industry. The goal is to match up Veterans with a leading training provider to help develop those high-tech skills to quickly be placed in a high-paying tech job.

The program has a long list of approved providers. As I scanned through all of the providers, the one that stuck out most was Code Platoon's Full-Stack Software Engineering Bootcamp. It was a program that focused on giving Veterans the tools they need to succeed as a Full-Stack Software Engineer. Additionally, it's located in Chicago, near the same place every Navy Saylor starts their career at the Navy Boot Camp Recruit Training. 

Initially, my experience with Code Platoon started with the administration process. You begin by filling out some forms about your background. You provide some videos of yourself answering some interview-like questions. Finally, you're given some resources and some coding challenges to complete. Once you've completed that process and have done everything correctly, you'll be approved to start in the cohort of your choosing. 

I was a part of the PAPA platoon cohort, which officially started OCT 2021 and ended JAN 2022. Before the cohort starts, you are required to complete some prework. It's about four weeks of self-paced learning to get you prepared. The initial prework documentation outlined expectations, resources for help, and all the tools needed to set you up to be successful in the Boot Camp. At the end of the prework, you're given a live coding challenge with one of the instructors to ensure that you completed the prework and retained the information.

Now, the actual course can be pretty intense and fast-paced. Each week will become increasingly more difficult. You will need to show up five days a week on time, ready to learn. Every day starts with a live online workshop teaching new programing or career-building concepts. In the second half of the day, you will be applying those newly learned skills on your own or paired with other students in a paired programming environment. If you get stuck, you have access to a group of very skilled and knowledgeable instructors and TA's that will quickly help you out. Their goal is not to give you the answer but to help you develop the skills to find the answer.

Each week you'll focus on learning JavaScript, Python, Django, SQL, React, Data Structures, Algorithms, Version Control, Paired programming, Career building, and much, much more. Overall, the Code Platoon Boot Camp will give any Veteran willing to learn all the tools needed to succeed in the Software Development space.  Read less

I have a close friend and sibling who have attended other, more well known and very "prestigious" bootcamps and comparing Code Platoon comes out easily as good or better.

The curriculum was really, really good in my opinion. You build to create django+react fullstack apps, and I think the knowledge base is a really good foundation. 

The class was small and for the field very diverse. Read less

I was impressed with how this school handled remote learning. They were flexible with my time - so when my kid had some issues at school, I was able to deal with that and then get back to class. 

I loved being able to work as part of a team with other students. The students in class with me were other individuals who were extremely motivated to be there, and really made the experience shine.

The teaching assistants were amazing. We ALWAYS had someone to ask a question to. The alumni so far are great - anyone I reach out to replies within a few hours to connect.

I feel more prepared now to get a job than ever. Read less

Attending Code Platoon was a great experience.  The instructors and executive director are always looking to make the program better with each cohort and it shows in the resulting course.  As you would expect, the pace of learning is very quick and sometime hard to keep up with.  But, there are lots of people willing to help.  My cohort of 30 students had 2 instructors, 4 intern TAs (that were in class with us), and 9 volunteer TAs (for after hours).  By the end, I felt confident about being able to write a full-stack application.   Read less

I originally picked this bootcamp because of the updated and relevant curriculum and the too-good-to-be-true reviews that I read online. I can say that even with the great reviews, this bootcamp has blown away my expectations. The lectures are clearly taught, there are TA's available to help during and after class time, and the students are all willing to help each other succeed. Additionally the curriculum is reviewed and updated each cohort based on the weekly feedback from students, meaning that each cohort will be better than the previous one. I have nothing negative to say so if you are a veteran or military spouse sign up, keep studying, and don't be afraid to reach out on Slack to ask alumni for help .  Read less

Originally, I was set to attend another bootcamp until I found out about Code Platoon. I did a lot of research trying to figure out which bootcamp would best set me up for a successful career as a SWE and ultimately decided CP was my best option. What really convinced me was the reviews of past students I found on the internet. Everyone spoke highly of this bootcamp and emphasized the amount of support you would get from peers, TA's, and instructors. The reviews on the internet were right, I had a really amazing learning experience. It was very challenging, but I felt I had the support I needed every step of the way. 

The curriculum is top notch, I don't think that get's mentioned in these reviews, but CP pays very careful attention to what and how something is being taught. As a former teacher, I really appreciated this aspect of the bootcamp. If you have the opportunity to attend CP, do it, it's the best coding bootcamp out there right now.  Read less

If you're a veteran, service-member, or military spouse I would highly recommend this program if you're serious about jumping into tech. 

Pros:
-This course teaches you both Python and Javascript. Many other coding bootcamps have you working in a single language such as JavaScript, which tends to constrict what type of projects or areas of development you can pursue. Having Python be a major language used during the cohort was great as the language works very well for web development, data science, or any sort of automation that you can think of.

-You also can participate in earning two free certifications (AWS CCP and Agile). This is voluntary, but I highly recommend at least pursuing the AWS cert. It was one of the primary factors that helped me obtain an internship before graduating. 

-Code Platoon matches students into apprenticeships each cohort. The number of apprenticeships available varies, but this cohort we had around ~10 available positions scattered across different sized companies in various industries. If you don't get matched in an apprenticeship you still get career service help afterwards.

-The education level of each student varies, which is nice if you're new to programming. If you're a newbie, you're going to be working with tons of people just like you, but also have a few people attend who have been coding for multiple years. At first you may feel nervous about working with the more experienced people, but I totally recommend it in helping you grow.

Thinks to know beforehand:
-This isn't primarily a Code Platoon thing, but coding bootcamps in general: be ready to do a lot of learning on your own. The instructors and TAs will help you along the way, but there's a high expectation that you will study outside of class to pick up concepts you feel fuzzy on. It's very easy to fall behind if you get lazy.

-You're not guaranteed a job after completing a coding bootcamp, Code Platoon or otherwise. Make sure you realize that finding a role is a grind and that you're expected to put in a lot of work on your own career development. When looking at my situation, I would say that I performed in the middle of the pack in terms of coding competency, yet still managed to find an internship before graduating. Finding a role all depends on your willingness to put in an effort.

-The program has just started putting an emphasis on remote learning, but a lot of things like apprenticeship placement are focused primarily for those in the Chicago area. They're making good progress, but expect if you're an attendee that about half of if not more of the apprenticeships will require you to at least move temporarily to Chicago. The other half are either scattered across the US or fully remote positions. Be ready for a lot of competition if you're looking for a remote gig. Read less

I attended Code Platoon as an in person student from May 2021 - September 2021. I did have prior knowledge of python. During my time there I learned html/css, javascript, python, Django, react, and other technologies. Along with that I learned soft skills that will benefit me in a team base environment. Along with the core technologies we also had guest speakers and workshops that gave you a different perspective of the coding world. The teachers at code platoon are absolutely amazing and technically knowledgable. Along with having the teachers help you with problems, we also had amazing TAs that were more than willing to help you with any questions on the lesson for the day. It’s encouraged to try the answer yourself because it allows you to grow as a programmer, but you have a network to reach out to. Overall I would definitely recommend this program to anyone that is on the fence about attending and glad I choose Code Platoon. Read less

Transitioning out of military life, whether you’re a veteran or a military spouse, is a challenging endeavor. Learning the skills and culture of the civilian workforce can be liking moving to a foreign country where you don’t speak the language. Code Platoon does an amazing job of helping to make that transition. 

Beginning with their boot camp prep course, they go above and beyond to help you be prepared to complete the rigorous 14-week curriculum. The curriculum is designed to give you the hard and soft skills needed to be successful as a software engineer while focusing on popular but enduring technologies that are in demand now and will continue to be relevant in the future.

I can’t say enough positive things about the instructors and teaching assistants. They are there to help you succeed, and they go above and beyond to achieve that goal. There’s no cutthroat environment at Code Platoon - everyone is supportive and genuinely wants to see you complete the program.

Their career services team is also top-notch. They work with you to craft an amazing resume, assist in your job search, and prepare you for the interviewing process. They’re so good that I had a job offer before graduation!

If you are transitioning into software development and meet the requirements to apply, I strongly encourage you to do it! You won’t find a better boot camp. Read less

I attended Code Platoon as a remote student from May 2021 to September 2021. It is an intensive 14 week course to teach full stack software engineering, tech industry norms, and the skills necessary to grow over time once the students enter their first jobs. I entered Code Platoon with some knowledge of computer science, and having written some code, but the amount and variety of problems, solutions and techniques we learned over the 14 weeks was awesome. The course uses Python and Javascript as the main languages, and a variety of approaches to styling. Additionally, there are excellent career coaching opportunities in the weekly Beyond Tech discussions on topics from salary negotiations to Imposter syndrome. A variety of workshops and lectures also round out the curriculum, with topics from cyber security to data structures featuring. Lastly the program offers an apprenticeship program which is geared towards Chicago based attendance. If you can make the move to Chicago work to attend the course in person, you should consider it as the positions available through the apprenticeships are dope. This cohort had one remote apprenticeship, and six in person apprenticeships available to a class of approximately 22.

This course had two primary instructors who are technically adept, passionate about the material they teach, and genuinely work to improve understanding of their students and to help them succeed. Additionally, there are volunteer in-industry assistants available in the evenings to go over problems, as well as student TAs who bring a wealth of knowledge and talent to help out when the going gets tough. With the variety of help you can get when stuck, it's really handy because it's going to happen. There's just too many problems to solve that you won't run aground on a few of them. The instructors understand that, and have also made lectures from previous cohorts available on youtube to help guide your solutions.

Attending remotely was a requirement for me due to family and my partner's employment, and I still had a blast with this school. There were many long nights, but I am graduating this program with a whole lot more certainty that this is a career field I can succeed and thrive in. If I had known more about how the internship/apprenticeship program worked, I would have more seriously considered attending in person.

If you're interested in software engineering, I recommend this course. The skills and understanding you can gain are awesome, and I'm glad I went with this program. Read less

I recently graduated from Code Platoon's full time 14-week immersive program.   Before Code Platoon I spent over a year teaching myself the basics of web development, but after a while it was obvious that I was going to need some help if I wanted to break into the industry.  I found Code Platoon and could not pass up on the opportunity that they presented and I am so happy that I chose to take the leap.  It was far from an easy experience.  The stronger your Javascript and Python skills are going in, the more comfortable you will be, especially in the first half of the program.  Code Platoon will have a lot of resources available to ensure that you succeed like TAs and mentors make sure that you utilize them. Don’t be afraid to reach out for help when you are stuck.  Sometimes all it takes for something to click is to see how someone else would approach the problem.  Just remember that there is a reason you are there, you deserve to be there, and trust the process! Read less

 I attended Code Platoon remotely from February – May, 2021.  I was able to attend through the DoD SkillBridge Program, of which Code Platoon is an approved program, during my last few months of Active Duty.   Though my entire experience was remote, It did not detract from the immersive experience and overall quality education.  In just a few short months, myself and others, all of whom were at different levels of experience, were able to go from writing simple “Hello World” scripts, to full-stack applications incorporating multiple 3rd party APIs.  This was done through a multitude of individual, as well as group work, that got each student used to the industry standards that we would each be expected to understand as we move into the job search.  The technology stack we used throughout Code Platoon included Python/Django, JavaScript/React and Postgres/SQL as well as HTML/CSS.  This exposed us to modern technology, that is in demand in throughout the industry, and also gave us a more diverse skillset, as opposed to a purely JavaScript based curriculum.  Code Platoon also offered numerous workshops throughout the cohort with teams and individuals in the industry to expose us to new technology or give us a more in-depth look at the tech we were learning.  In addition to this we also were given “Beyond Tech” workshops that helped students learn skills that went beyond just technology.  One of the beyond tech workshops I found particularly useful was the personal finance workshop, as I hadn’t had much experience with money management.   Code Platoon also offered an optional mentorship throughout the program that pairs students with a mentor in the industry.  I, being active duty Army at the time, was excited to have a mentor who was an Army Veteran.  With my mentor I was able to ask more in depth questions about the current tech industry, as well as learn new skills that may not have been offered in Code Platoon.  Lastly, the cohort offers an apprenticeship program, that gives students the opportunity to interview and potentially land an internship or fulltime job with partner companies.   This is an incredibly valuable option for students, and helps keep everyone motivated to work their hardest and learn the material as thoroughly as they can.  Overall, I can’t recommend this program enough to any Veteran, active duty service member, or military spouse!
 
 Pros: 
 - Strong Curriculum that exposes students to an awesome tech stack that is prevalent throughout  the industry.   -Offers both technical and non-technical workshops to help strengthen students’ knowledge and preparedness to enter the industry. 
 
 -The apprenticeship program is an extremely valuable program that can help new programmers enter the industry with awesome companies.  Cons: -If you have any prior experience coding, it can start off a little slow.  - Being remote as of May 2021 (Though this may change), can present difficulties in some cases, though for the most part Code Platoon handled it well.  
 
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By all means this is not an easy course. But if you stick to it and put in the time, Code Platoon will set you up for success! Before starting, learn BASIC Javascript and Python. This is what is covered in the first few weeks. By week 16 you will be making full stack web applications using React and Django. Checkout the Code Platoon youtube channel, there is plenty of videos, everything from class lectures all the way to graduation!  Read less

While this boot camp was rigorous. I learned so much. I definitely recommend that you have a good familiarity with JavaScript and Python before you begin the program. Utilize your TA's, do not be embarrassed about what you don't know. They're there to help. They want you to succeed and will do whatever they can to help you. Try to study, definitely work on your problem-solving skills and algorithms throughout the course. Participate in the mentorship program. Also, remember to breathe, and take care of your mental health. This course is going to challenge you, but you can do it!  Read less

A FullStack dev bootcamp focused for veterans and military spouses with little to no prior programming experience. Code Platoon does a fantastic job teaching the fundamentals and advanced skills that you will need to succeed in coding. Their services go beyond just coding with full career prep and counseling.

Though the task seems daunting at the start, the weeks will fly by and you will not believe how far you can go! Read less

In the overwhelming sea of bootcamp options, it's hard to imagine a better option than Code Platoon for members of the military community (I attended as a military spouse). From its emphasis on diversity & inclusion (so many scholarships available to under-represented communities) to its consistent willingness to re-assess the program curriculum, Code Platoon is a well-structured, intensive program that teaches the hard technical skills you would expect from a coding bootcamp along with invaluable guidance on necessary soft skills for those entering a new career.

The team is very explicit about the time demands of the course, but a welcoming support network of teaching assistants and alumni are always available, whether you're stuck on a concept from the day's class or wanting to dive a level deeper with an experienced developer.

As many have touched on here, getting the most value from the program requires more than completing the minimum requirements, and I highly recommend leveraging the provided community resources, from individual mentorship to resume reviews to job search assistance. Read less

I have nothing but gratitude for the entire Code Platoon experience.  Life-altering may sound extreme, but that was genuinely the case for myself and many of my peers.

Everything about the cohort is intelligently planned and designed.   From dedicated instructors to an expansive network of TA's, mentors, career coaches, and speakers, Code Platoon makes every conceivable effort to prepare its students for a career in tech.

They're honest, transparent and forthright from the very start.  They remind you that the course is a full time commitment, and what's expected of you is that you put in your all.  The work is abundant, but the instructors are realistic and practical.  I and several of my cohort's graduates worked extremely hard, putting in several 12 hour days and pushing through consecutive weekends, but entirely by choice.  Regardless of the workload, the instructors always reminded us to prioritize family and self-care, and to build a healthy work-life balance.

You can expect instructors, TA's, and mentors that will bring their all to the table.  If you place your trust in the program, you can rest assured they'll have your back all throughout the cohort, and afterwards as well. Read less

As a military member  I feel that this has been the greatest choice I have ever made. I can't believe how much we accomplished during my cohort and how much support we received throughout the program. I cant thank enough Code Platoon for helping reach my goals.  Read less