Coding Dojo

I'm extremely skeptical when I see 5 star reviews. 

That said, I really can't give Coding Dojo anything but a 5 star review. I mean, I went in with no real knowledge of web technologies and came out of it with a job as a developer!

The curriculum (Web Fundamentals -> Python -> MEAN -> Java) was fast paced, but there are copious exercises, explanations, and videos on the online platform to refer to for extra practice or clarification.

That said, if you're onsite, you should really make the most of the amazing instructors there as well. They were always extremely helpful, stayed late, had great insight, and could effectively adjust their explanation styles to meet different students' needs. 

After finishing, Herman (the career advisor) provided a career readiness week which involved resume prep, interview exercises, LinkedIn, and more. Like the other instructors, he was available for further talking as well and had tons of great insight. (Not to mention he constantly handpicks jobs to email students about, sets up company and alumni events, and more.)

With all of that said, here's what you really need to know before starting: 

1. You get out what you put in. It's really that simple. Coding Dojo has tons of tools, but if you don't do anything with them or you do the bare minimum, then you're doing yourself a disservice, really.

2. You don't need any prior coding experience to succeed - it helps, but I know a number of students from my own cohort who didn't know anything about coding and landed developer positions shortly after the bootcamp ended. You may have to put in more effort to achieve the same results as others, but honestly, if you aren't willing to put your all into this, then maybe an intensive bootcamp isn't the best idea anyway.

3. It's an intensive bootcamp. It doesn't beat around the bush and try to make you think otherwise - if you want the best results, you will probably be spending 8-12 hours a day working on code. I (like many others) advise against trying to juggle too many other responsibilities while being at the dojo.

4. Just because you're there all day doesn't mean it has to be a slog. Your classmates are in the same boat as you, and even if you're of different skill levels, you should try to get to know them and be friends. Not only will this help grow your professional connections for once you leave the dojo, but it just makes the whole experience much more pleasant. 

5. Don't slack off during project week. I don't know how many people I saw do this. Don't be one of them. In some ways, coding is closer to painting than it is to math. Here, the instructors teach you different brush strokes and may have you paint a flower as a "belt exam" test. You now know some general techniques of painting, and during the entire week they give you to work on a personal project, you should try and see how you can apply these techniques. Maybe create a full garden of different flowers, or try and paint something entirely different! It's up to you, but just do something. I'd argue that applying your knowledge during project weeks is the most important part. 

So... should you choose Coding Dojo? 

If you don't have the time or can't make the commitment, then I would say no, no you should not. You will have a miserable time and won't learn much. 

BUT!

If you have the time to fully devote yourself to a coding bootcamp and want to learn real, practical skills and create actual projects, then yes, yes you should. If you have the drive, you'll get so much out of Coding Dojo.

The teachers are extremely knowledgeable and helpful, and I was impressed with the curriculum. Being able to completely focus on learning to code and not have my time divided with work and different classes was a game changer for me. I felt so productive at the dojo and it was amazing to have the help of my cohort when I got stuck. The 12 hours a day I spent there flew by because I was enjoying what I did so much. It’s a lot of work, but extremely rewarding if you’re able to put in the hours needed. I had taken a few classes previously, and that helped not feel as overwhelmed. I recommend doing as much coding and learning before you arrive as possible so it’s not as overwhelming and so you can better know if coding is for you. However, don’t put a boot camp off too long if you know it’s the right path for you because you can’t find the time to code and learn, which is what I did. Best decision I’ve ever made was to go to Coding Dojo.

I worked in marketing for almost seven years before I attended Coding Dojo, and, having recently graduated, I am excited for my future. Looking back to before I started the bootcamp, I can't believe how much I have learned in such a short period of time. I now have the skills to build a website with amazing functionality, unlike anything I was ever able to do before. The language stacks I've learned include Java/Spring, Python and MEAN (although I would have liked to learn React instead of Angular).

It's only been a couple of weeks since I graduated, and I'm keeping my head up about job prospects. I'm attending a lot of networking events and working my contacts to try to find quality jobs to apply to (instead of apllying to job boards in mass quantity).

Before I get into the review, I think it’s important that I state I had no prior programming experience before coming to Coding Dojo. I had a background in education and taught in the public-school system for 7 years before deciding to make the career switch.

I had a really good experience at Coding Dojo. It is true, you really do get what you put into it. They offer three full stacks and I feel like they really deliver on their end to teach you those technologies and provided resources but that’s only half of the equation.

So much of a person’s success is dependent on how willing they are to push themselves, make mistakes, and become comfortable with being uncomfortable. Making mistakes is HUGE, btw. If you come in with that mindset, there is no limit to what you can learn here at the Dojo and also life after graduating.

Back to the review! A typical day in the life of a boot camp student at Coding Dojo looks like this:

• 7:30-8:00am - Review assignments from yesterday and read up on today’s assignments.
• 9:00am – Algorithms/whiteboarding
• 10:00am – Group discussion over algo solutions
• 10:30am – Morning lecture followed by time to work on assignments
• 12:00pm – Lunch followed by more time to work on assignments
• 2:30pm – Afternoon lecture/Demonstration (Great chance to ask questions from the morning)
• 5:00pm – Technically the “end” of the day but most stay until 7:00 or 8:00pm to work together on assignments/projects.

There would be some days where the schedule was altered to better fit the needs of the cohort, but this was typically the structure for the day.

The instructors are FANTASTIC and were a huge resource for me while at the Dojo. They were always willing to offer assistance or provide more insight into other programming technologies. On top of that, they are good people that really have a passion for technology and sharing it with others.

The curriculum, the online platform specifically, is good. It’s nowhere near perfect and there were times I felt that new topics could have been introduced in a more logical order, but it does provide a good foundation for you to build from. Fortunately, they are frequently updating it and making changes.

To summarize, I don’t think I would have been able to learn as much as I did on my own in 14 weeks. Having other people to bounce ideas off of and collaborate with has proven invaluable and I feel has really set me up to be successful in my new profession.

The Coding Dojo is a bootcamp that truly believes in making a positive impact in the lives of its students. Coding Dojo is one of the few boot camps that have decided to teach its on-site students three full stacks. While some people may believe that this causes a too broad overview and does not have enough content have not gone trhough the program. During my time there I learned all that I could about the three stacks and have a deep understanding and can appreciate the subtle differences between the stacks. Each of the stacks that are covered have well over 40 individual assignments to be completed and then at the end of three weeks you have an exam that cover all of the information that you have learned. That final week of each stack is devoted to students creating a project in that stack that they just learned. This is done so that students can walk out of the course not only with knowledge but also three projects that the can then showcase to potential employers. Before coming to the Dojo I went through a university program and got a BS in computer science but was left with a feeling of what next because they only covered the basics and did not go far enough to make their students employable. Coding Dojo is very much different in that respect in that you can walk out of the program and be market ready. I will not lie its a difficult program from the time commitment to the concepts but if you put the effort forward you will great benefits from the program.

One of the most important aspects of a good bootcamp is to have quality teachers. I can honestly say that Coding Dojo has some of the best teachers that I have come across in a long time. Not only are they knowledgable in the different stacks but they actually care and want to see each of the students succeed. Its this caring attitude and commitment to the students that really put them above many others. Another "teacher" of sorts is the career services individual for the boot camp. Her job is to make sure that each student after they have completed the stacks is them ready and prepared to take their new skills to market. She makes sure that students understand and can produce resumes, cover letters, introduction letters, negotiation tactics, a stellar linkedin and other such important things. This was one of the first times that I have gone through something like this and it really does put your mind at ease and give you a direction that you need to follow in order to land that first job.

I really can not say enough good things about the program and I look forward to poutting my new skills to work doing something that I love.

To start, I will say that no matter which coding bootcamp you take, it will not be easy finding a job (unless the boot camp offers placement post grad). When I was looking at coding boot camps, it seemed like it would be "easier" to get a job because you will have a lot more projects than a regular grad student. This is not true. Yes, it will be nice to have projects but that does not give you an upper hand. However, even though it will be difficult and a struggle, it is not impossible. Additionally, for your first job, it will most likely not be the high salary job you're expecting, unless you have prior experience. In search for my first job I applied to everything including non paying internships just so I can get the experience. 

What makes Coding Dojo different from other places is that they teach 3 full stacks where most boot camps only teach JavaScript. This can either work in your favor or against you. In my opinion, I would look at the languages all boot camps offer, research the kind of jobs you want and then choose what is the best option for you. During the boot camp, I would feel like I'm at a good place with one stack but then the other stack would start and I would be back in the beginning. Because you're doing the same type of applications in each stack, it gets very easy to feel unmotivated by the last stack. I personally was VERY burnt out by the end of my third stack. If I were to do it over, I still don't know if I would choose to learn 3 stacks (a little of each) or go to a boot camp that teaches one stack (possibly learn a lot about the one).

The curriculum in general is decent, there are endless things to know about developing but they do a pretty good job of covering enough that you will at least be familiar with most basic topics. If you really work hard and stay focused, you will learn a lot by the end of the boot camp. You will be able to create things you never knew you could and it will feel great. One suggestion I would make is to really pay attention to how and why things work. I focused so much on making things work that I wasn't very good at explaining it at the end. 

As far as the job assistance goes, I don't have the best experience because when I started the person in that role quit and I didn't get the full benefit of what they could offer. Someone started right after I finished just in time for my career services week and was it was helpful, but there is only one person for many students, so its still not as involved as you may want. Their career service is good for advice on your resume, salary negotiation, and general advice for looking for a job. Just like anything else, you get more use out of it if you continue to reach out and keep in touch. 

Another good thing about Coding Dojo is that they continue to support you as much as possible after you're done. If you need help and they have some free time, the instructors seem to be very open to helping you. I personally have received help from instructors months after I graduated and I really appreciated it. Not sure if other boot camps are like this but its definitely a pro.

Want to be a developer? Want to code? Love learning and challenges?  Not sure about algorithms? What if you have kids, job(s), outside commitments? How do you do a full bootcamp at 70 hours a week in-person?  I don't know!  I do know that Coding Dojo Online Bootcamp has supported this mom, to three young special needs kids, while living abroad, like family, to meet my goals of learning (how to write code, algorithms, Python, MEAN) and I've seen them support and challenge and work with so many other students with a wide background of education.  They all truly believe you can code and YOU can!  YOU will!  All the staff, instructors, career services, fellow students, and teaching assistants are super sharp people with a heart of wanting to see their student be successful. 

Coding Dojo has a FREE platform to do algorithms, critical to development, to support new folks... get passionate, get on and do them before you get into a program (http://algorithm.codingdojo.com/).  When you finish this, sign up for the new FREE algorithms class online (http://www.codingdojo.com/academy/algorithms-i) and meet and learn from teachers and current and past students.  I don't know any other program that offers so much free support. Whatever time and energy you have to pour into learning... it will be matched by other students, teachers, TA's.  

Maybe you're wondering...

• how do I manage my time - I spend every morning and evening online coding or doing algo's... I use the messaging system they have to get questions answered most hours or collorbarate with students and share code and algorithms.
• how much time do I have to put in to be successful? - This will depend on how much "distraction free" time you get.  If I were you, I would get started on algo's ASAP and then ask all the time for help when you get really stuck.  Get ahead by looking at the previous sessions video's to know what you're going to be taught for the upcoming lecture. Doing this allowed me to ask in live lecture about concepts being taught that were unclear to me during the previous sessions recorded lectures.  I also spend a lot of time on algorithms.
• but aren't algorithms optional? NO.  Yes, but no. I used to hate algorithms and fear them but no more. Dive in and you'll be met with really passionate teachers and TAs who will help you master these and rock your interviews!
• Career Services has options for folks in the online bootcamps through Zoom and I've gotten to hear from other graduates in industry and do a resume writing workshop.  I have chatted several times with career services, they're great and send out jobs frequently to graduates to consider.
• Not getting the help you need.  Email your teacher or admin and tell them what you need.  I have no doubt you'll be met with compassion and your team will work with you.

If you're deciding on whether or not to attend Coding Dojo, I would ask myself these questions.

How long have you prepared for this?

Will you be able to show up everyday, no exceptions?

Do you have realistic expectations?

 

How long have you prepared for this: If you want to achieve your highest potential for success, do not decide you want to learn how to code, and then sign up for a bootcamp 2-3 weeks later. You need to prepare. You need to utilize as much online learning as you can, until you feel confident enough in your skills. Coding Dojo is an intense program, and falling behind typically leaves you behind the entire course. That's a place you don't want to be. Prepare for atleast 6 months before you sign up, that way when you get there, you can work from ahead and even complete the optional assignments. This will give you the most bang for your buck because already understanding the fundamentals allows you to better comprehend the coursework, as well as learn more advanced topics that other in your cohort won't have time for!

Will you be able to show up everyday, no exceptions: If you're unprepared and you miss class you've wasted your money. Even if you limp all the way through the program, you won't have gained enough of an understanding of the material to be competitive in the job market. 

Do you have realistic expectations: Bootcamps do a good job at advertising. 14 weeks gets your 70k with a 99% job guarantee, except for that fact that they don't get you a job, lol. You have to do that yourself, and honestly right now bootcamps don't have that great of a reputation in the job market. Put yourself up against graduates with CS Master degrees, and Bachelors degrees which will be most of your competition. Your foundational knowledge that you gained at the bootcamp usually won't match up. I'm not saying don't look for a job, and i'm not saying you can't find one. Some people from my cohort already have jobs and we've been out about 3 weeks. I'm saying your expectations should be to learn, to learn how to keep learning, and to build. And if after all of that a job happens, take it as a bonus. 

Coding Dojo has been the best decision i've made in life to this point. It's not perfect. There are things that can be a lot better. They need more instructors. Some of the learning platform can be confusing. I wish they taught Java or PHP instead of Ruby. It definitely is a cash grab, but that's not to say that it's not worth it. If you ask yourself those three questions above, and then make the right action according to each one, you'll come out of the Dojo with a good understanding of how to code, some cool projects under your belt, the ability to keep learning(they even open up extra platforms when you graduate), a certification from the state that says you know what you're doing, a guide on how to jump into the job market(career week), and a real sense of accomplishment. I haven't looked for a job but I have already made money working on contracts. It's a skill that you'll start off not having and end up having. Take it serious, and it will benefit you. Highly recommend the Dojo. What up Matt! 

I stepped foot into the Dojo with several years of non-tech working experience, some very basic understanding of HTML/CSS.  I stepped out of the Dojo 14 weeks later with a solid understanding of Python, Ruby on Rails, Python, and much more (frameworks, libraries, servers, working within a terminal, etc),  but most importantly, I left the Dojo with the ability to pick up just about any language or framework tossed at me if given the opportunity.

I can honestly say I would have not been able pick up on the technologies I have mentioned above, within a 14 week span if it was not for Coding Dojo. Period.  With that being said, I will reiterate what some of the folks here have already mentioned...

This is absolutely, 100%, a program that you get out what you put in.  If you want to exit the Dojo with any type of traction in regards to landing a job as a developer within the first few months after graduation, you will have to work hard/long hours, weekends, and whatever else it takes for you to understand the concepts that are being taught.  It will be challenging, you will get frustrated, you will contemplate why you signed up for this; but I can assure you you will meet some like minded folks that will be there right there by your side, you will share aha! moments, you will learn from prior mistakes, you will become better by the day, and ultimately you will become a self sufficient developer.

Along with the above I will leave you with this.  The program is not perfect, nor should anyone expect it to be.  There is always room for improvement, and I have personally witnessed the continuous improvement over the months.  Whether it be additional content on the learning platform, layout of the facility, implementing career service activities throughout the course of your boot camp, etc. This will only get better and I am actually kind of jealous now that I think about it.

I would definitely recommend Coding Dojo.  I am grateful for the program, the instructors, and the cohort members that took the journey alongside me.  

I came into coding dojo with no programming experience. I was a university student who just wanted to learn how to code in python, and I didn't even know if I would like coding. However, Coding Dojo made me fall in love completely with programming and the skills I learned have opened me up to opportunities that most university students are unable to participate in. Coding Dojo is not easy. It will require long days (like 12-16 hour days) and a lot of effort to learn everything. They also intentionally leave some things out of the instruction to force you to learn how to learn on your own (like you will in the real world), they say that they don't just train you to become a programmer, they train you to be self sufficient. So basically, you'll get what you put in. 

The instructors are phenomenal and relatable, probably because some of them are previous students and have been through the rigourous course. While no one is forcing you to come into the dojo, watching my cohort push through tough assignments and working together really motivated me to perform at my best.One of the best features about attending a onsite bootcamp is the help and support you get from your cohort. You push and pull each other all the way through. Which I loved and was used to from my prior military service, it was almost like having a battle buddy. They are basically the only reputable coding school that takes the GI Bill, and they know how to migrate through  VA benefits, which means less stress on you.

 You really get exposed to a good cross section of web development however, I cannot understate the time commitment that is expected. The pace was grueling, but I somehow found myself waking up every morning re-energized and excited to learn new things and interact with my classmates and the instructors who are genuine and actually fun to be around. Soon, I will be graduating and will have learned three full stacks, developed the ability to self-learn new languages, and made life-long friends.

I defenitly would reccomend Coding Dojo to anyone that would like to dive into the programming world, it might be rough getting used to the different learning structure but it is defenitly worth it.