The Tech Academy

I gained a lot of self discipline from the Tech Academy.  You learn that the information is out there for you, but no one is going to spoon feed it to you, you have to go out there and learn it. If you're like me where learning new things takes awhile, but once you get it - you get it, then the self-pace setup at the Tech Academy is perfect. I worked a 40+ hour a week fulltime job, so scheduling was very important to me. Looking at other boot camps, the Tech Academy was the only viable with my schedule, and luckily so because I was able to teach myself and push myself to do a part-time contract very closely to a what a fulltime student would have done. Overall, that was my main gain, knowing my limits and when to push and when to hit the brakes.

It allowed me to put great content on my resume. Only having customer service and retail on my resume made it impossible for me to look good on paper to potential hiring boards. Completing the course work, linking my github, and working through building a great resume was the best take-away. Having the ability to speak to what certain code could do, or what programming language to use in a certain situation felt good. There is no better surprise than when you surprise yourself with what you know. 

I felt like a broad spectrum in mulitple languages is the best way to approach boot camp style learning. I'd rather know 70-80% about numerous languages than 100% in only two. The instructors are there to help should you hit any snags - though you are encouraged to really try and find the answers yourself. Almost every Friday they have Tech Talks where they highlight individuals or companys that will come in or Skype in and talk about the current market, and their experience with it. It's available to remote students as well. I will say though, a lot of the instructors are super talented, and while I know it isn't structered like a classroom, it'd be great if the instructors took portions of the curriculum and "taught it" to students. I know that even thought I had finished Python, if one of the instructors reached out and said they were going to highlight a portion of the language, I would absolutely want to be a part of that. Basically while it's up to the students to immerse themselves in languages I also think it would be helpful to have instructors offer that from time to time as well.

The job placement portion, which I felt like was the most important portion of the bootcamp was excellent! I worked with Michael as I was a remote student, and he is honestly on top of his game 100% of the time. By far, he offers the most tools to his students and stays on top of the group to make sure they are working just as hard as he does. I honestly feel like it's because of Michaels diligence that I pushed myself to be a programmer even though I wasn't in a job as one. I worked at my job, then I went home and worked as a coder - for seemingly no one, but knowing that some day all that freelance programming I was doing was only going to help me in the end - something Michael harped on. He wasn't wrong either, and within a month of looking for a job I was able to procure one.

The Tech Academy was a great experience for me overall. I am now able to be in the career I always thought I couldn't be in because of fear of leaving a secure job, or being too old to learn new things. Being able to tackle the curriculum at my own pace and my own hours really made my dream possible too. The instructors are really great and they will absolutley help you when you really need it. Again, my only feedback is that I think it would also be helpful to see a little more outreach from the instructors from time to time too almost like a mock classroom type of setting where students could attend and ask questions and get into the nitty gritty of the language - or something like that. Again, I went into the boot camp hoping I would leave with a change of career by the end of it, and that's exactly what happened.

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TECH ADACEMY REVIEW

 
   
 

1. What did I gain from doing The Tech Academy ? 

I got the right kind of start for a computer programming beginner: I learned the basics so I

could then become a self taught software developer. Since I have no previous

programming experience, I would have never figured it out on my own.

.It's so much better to have a curriculum, instructors, and classmates who will help you

learn what matters . Without that kind of help,it's easy to become confused, or at least

waste a lot of time, trying to sift through the overwhelming amount of information that's

available.

 

2. How has what you learned at The Tech Academy helped me ? 

 

Since I'm a beginner who is working off of a limited amount of developer skill,learning to

be extremely practical, and not a time wasting perfectionist, is enormously helpful when it

comes to being a good problem solver. The job market has proved that we get hired by

proving that we are a good enough problem solver. According to 

Erik Gross, The Tech Academy's Founder, when it comes to solving a software problem

that we've just been handed, talented software engineers are often at as much of a loss

as junior software developers are in general, when it comes to immediately having all the

information we need. So despite the fact that I'm not a software 

engineer, my Tech Academy curriculum has forced me by necessity to do the same

things we need to do at a developer job: solving the problem I've been handed by using 

whatever technical skills I possess, as well as being a good teammate, so other people

will like me enough to answer all my questions.  

 

 

3. What do you think of the curriculum so far ?

It's great that we are being exposed to enough of the programs and programming

languages that get developers hired. Being able to demonstrate that we have a

basic understanding of HTML/CSS, GitHub, Javascript, SQL, Python, Visual Studio, C#,

and the opportunity to develop in  PHP or .NET, is ideal for proving that we are ready 

or trainable enough to get hired as a developer. 

 

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I attended the Tech Academy to catch up on modern programming techniques to augment my Software Sales and Business Development background.  I needed renewed confidence be more competitive in today's job market.  

The .net framework, website design and SQL databases have evolved since I started my career and the Tech Academy courses were a perfect way for me to learn and apply new techniques and the self pace is ideal for my lifestyle.  The instructors are fantastic and go out of their way to help you solve problems.  They do not just give you an answer they teach you how to find it on your own.  

The coursework was very helpful in landing a job as a Sales Engineer recently.  I had much more confidence and made a much better impression on many prospective employers.

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I'm a current student at the Tech Academy and have been participating for a little over a week. So far I've been completely blown away. As a relative newcome to programming I was hesitant at first to enroll in a coding bootcamp rather than a more traditional program, but I can confidently say now that I made the correct choice. 

The sheer amount of work I've been able to accomplish in such little time is staggering. I've felt supported and encouraged at all times in the program, both when I was working remotely and in-person. 

Not only have I been impressed at the pace and clarity of the learning materials, the Tech Academy seems to have well organized and effective job placement department. They hold weekly roundtables just to practice technical and soft skill interview questions in addition to personalized mentorship.

I would highly recommend the program to anyone looking for a fast track to learning how to code, but be forewarned- you will have to work very hard! If you're looking for a challenging but supportive environment, you've found the right place.

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I've just finished Tech Academy's first course, Computer Basics. A very intense and thorough overview of computer science for anyone, no matter what your previous knowledge. A large part of proficiency in any subject is having a good understanding of the common vocabulary of that field. This course of FULL of vocabulary and succinct descriptions.

This class gave me a good review and I've already started learning and understanding new stuff. I come from a background in computer science, but wanted to freshen up my skills and move into something new. I know what I'm saying when I say this is good material!

Sometimes the walk through the forest is so thick it's impossible to see where you're going,and it was kind of amazing to see such simple, understandable explanations and examples. This information can be used as reference material going forward and I'm looking forward to the next classes. I'm very sure I made the right decision to study here.

 

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After my second term at Oregon State studying Computer Science, I felt I was not learning enough for my intended profession as a developer, so I decided to search for other options.  The Tech Academy had the most extensive coding school I could find in the Portland area, so I decided to give it a shot.  

In the six months it took me to graduate, I developed a really strong base in multiple coding languages.  Because you learn the skills for web language, databases language, and general-purpose languages, you can get an idea of what you want to specialize in.

One thing to keep in mind about the Tech Academy is that you learn what you want to.  The instructors are very helpful, but its important to be self-motivated and not expect hand-holding throughout.  You are being held to your own standards while being provided great resources.  

The job placement folks are also really helpful and supportive.  

The Tech Academy was a great way for me to get my foot in the door at a software company, and overall a good experience.

 

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For some years I had contemplated making a detour on my career path to software development. But my background was accounting and finance and I did not acquire a great deal of programming experience in the business world except as an end user of many different products, and some very straightforward things such as SQL queries, some Visual Basic, and so on.

 

When I went to research coding schools in the Portland area, as I compared them I was looking for a school where I could acquire a broad base of software development knowledge, methodologies, and experience with some key programming languages such as JavaScript, Python, and C#. I was able to find all of these things offered by The Tech Academy of Portland and at a price that was very competitive with other coding schools in the area.

 

Additionally, I really appreciated the fact that the program is structured such that it is a great starting point for students regardless of what previous exposure they have had to computer science and software development in general. It also offers a flexible platform on which to study and learn whether you are local to the Portland area or not by allowing for remote study and allows the student to have some flexibility with their study hours by remaining open for a wide range of hours during the day, evening, and even weekends. This allows for the student to study full or part time depending on their situation while still having access to the instructors when they need it most. Learning and gaining skills in software development has been a great experience and I highly recommend checking out The Tech Academy if you are interested in finding a starting point for your journey.

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Walking into Tech Academy and receiving my interview upon enrolling into this school was a very fun experience. All the staff members were very helpful, funny and chill. In my experience going through high school and a few years of community college, it made me realize something about myself regarding learning. Some people like myself, learn at their best potential when they are in an “intimate” atmosphere. Meaning all the students, instructors and employees have a good relationship with one another. After my older brother graduated from Tech Academy and shared his experiences with me, I knew this school would be the perfect choice under my current circumstances. The self-paced, full-time/part-time, and remote or in-person schooling is a great option for students that are working at a job on the side. If you’re looking for an affordable school that will teach you all of the essential Software Developing knowledge in a concise and candid manner, with awesome peers and instructors, then this is place for you!

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The Tech Academy was an integral part of my current employment. The courses are sound and informative, the instructors are very kind and helpful, and the overall atmosphere is amazing. A long held belief of mine is if you want to know more about something, go look it up. Research it, find a mentor/teacher, and become the best you possibly can at whatever it is. From my experience, the Tech Academy supports this belief, and facilitates it wherever possible. For those people out there with the drive and ambition to gain mastery in coding, this school will help you to focus and funnel that energy into success. I learned so much from these wonderful people, and am grateful for their generosity and knowledge. Work hard, follow the guidelines they set, and you *will* succeed.

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I am currently graduating the Tech Academy. I found there program to be the best method any prospective software developer can use to enter the tech field. I learned software development on my own in my previous work experience and looked into degree programs to formalize my training after leaving my previous employer. This program can take anyone with the ability and interest from only knowing how to turn on a computer to a deep understanding of C#, Python, JavaScript, HTML, CSS, and Agile/Scrum development methodologies. They cover the basics of numerous languages with the resources to learn as in depth as a student wants with a constant focus in job placement and thinking like a developer.

 

With the assistance of their job placement specialists I was hired as a full time software developer before even completing the last steps of the program. They work with my schedule to allow finishing the studies at night, remotely from home, or on weekends understanding that I am interested in completing my education. I cannot emphasize enough how fantastic the experience was at the Tech Academy and highly recommend it for entering any IT field or just getting the knowledge as a manager to understand their development team. There is no better opportunity for the cost effectiveness, and the time it takes (about 15 weeks at 40 hours of studying per week).

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My name is Andrew Earls and this is my experience at The Tech Academy:

I have taught myself many computer languages and most of my experience with coding has been unprofessional. I have always desired to go to school for software development, but always lacked the funds and time. After working a high paying job for a company that had just gone under I was presented with enough time and money to attend a software boot camp. The Tech Academy having the highest ratings and offering a discount drew me in.

The curriculum is work at your own pace, which is nice. The approximate time of completion that is posted on the website and every curriculum, I feel may be a bit of an exaggeration, as I completed in nearly half of the time, however I can understand how someone not knowing anything about programming may take longer to complete the course. As the industry changes so must the curriculum, this leads to a lot of info constantly being changed and updated, which in my opinion is much better than paying for a five year old book that has lost all value and is no longer relevant.

The instructors were all very helpful and focused on connecting with the students, this is great if you come into class everyday, but also helps if you work from home. Some of instructors have not completed the course and even would join us in our studies. This was interesting and unconventional, but honestly it helped in making the environment a great place to study.

The job assistance. I am a shy guy. Interviews are not my thing. But these guys never gave up on me. They worked hard to help me perfect my resume, cover letter, website, and soft skills for any interview. At the beginning of my time at The Tech Academy, I was afraid of talking in front of people, but by the end of The Tech Academy I was sharing and interviewing like a pro, with confidence.

My overall experience, I was looking for a school that would teach me the skills I needed to know to land a job and start my career. What I thought I needed to learn and what I actually needed to learn was complete opposites. I thought once I knew the languages I would easily get a job, also not true. The curriculum was easy and it is my belief that children can learn how to code. Knowing enough to get a job and getting a job are two different beasts. The Tech Academy taught me what I needed to know to get a job, but they also gave me so much incredible support as I struggled through application after application. I would have never landed my job if not for their support.

The Tech Academy, unconventional, continually adapting, and very supportive. It is not what I expected, perhaps not what I wanted, but it is what I needed.

 

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The main reason I attended this boot camp was to land a coding job. Here's my experience:

1. It started with talking with the Registration staff about the program. They were helpful and not pushy (which I appreciated). I wasn't into the entry testing but I did it and passed.

2. The first course was computer basics. For me this was beneficial because I hadn't written code before. The first 2 or 3 courses really helped me understand computers and programming and I felt more confident that I could learn coding.

3. Most of the rest of the classes were on coding (Python, JavaScript, C#). It went pretty smoothly but there were some rough patches. The instructors helped out when I needed it. I had to wait a couple times but most of the time help was instantaneous.

4. The live project was awesome. I got to help on an app they were making and it allowed me to use some of my skills and I found out I had a bit more to learn... It was nice to do a real life project. 

5. Finally, I got into the job placement section. They have a short class on job placement and a job placement director to help students. At first I had thought that I would just be handed a job but this wasn't the case. I had to apply at various places and it was rough for me because I'd never had a tech job before. Luckily the school helped me out a lot and after 3 weeks I got hired.

I am now making three times what I made before going to The Tech Academy. Anyways, I basically went from never coding to having a coding job. I am glad I went here. There you go

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I learned how to create databases and to manage the data within. I also learned new logic for how to program in these databases, which I believe will be a good precedence going forward for other languages that I will learn, even if the syntax is different. I also learned how to really dig into sites like Stackoverflow and the like to help me find solutions to problems that I may not have been able to do otherwise. By learning how to research solutions I believe I'll have an easier time on the job in the future, as I'll be able to dig up my own knowledge without having to ask questions all of the time.

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I learned that Python can be used for just about anything in software development and that it does it quite well. I plan on using Python to create a website with a database attached. I also intend to write some "Quality of life" scripts with it. Scripts that could cut out endless "copy + paste" tasks and maybe even a script that updates my desktop background automatically. I'm also interested in what games I could create using the PyGame module or a similar one that focuses on game development.

  I gained confidence in knowing a programming language and the ability to start writing a program without much hand-holding. The drills near the end of the course were great practice and I feel much more proficient at how to google for answers, which is a skill in itself. I also feel that I have a great jumping-off point for getting into other languages due to being able to compare ideology from something I already am familiar with.    To summarize my experience, knowing the bigger picture of how a language works and what it can do was a real eye opener. I feel as though a door has been opened and I've taken my first big steps into creating original programs. I would highly recommend to anyone in this course (or any course for that matter) to create an account on Stackoverflow.com. It's an incredible place to ask questions and a community you'll benefit greatly from as a developer. Read less

Python was my favorite course so far. The versatility of python is amazing. Using python to connect to databases and write other types of code (like HTML/CSS or SQL) is VERY powerful and I can only imagine the possibilities. Because of how versatile Python is, I anticipate using it in various personal and professional applications.

I gained a lot of 'thinking like a developer' from taking this course. For instance, the ability to plan out how to use Python to achieve certain goals/functionality within an application and then, piece by piece, making that happen. More importantly, I learned a lot about what it means to be committed to finding a solution. In one of my drills, I spent a lot (perhaps too much) time trying to figure out what was WRONG with my code. Learning to follow along with tracebacks/logs and make changes based on the errors given can save a lot of time and headache when you think critically about what those errors really mean. 

A lot has changed in my life from when I started Python at The Tech Academy until now so this was a big achievement for me. I'm proud of what I learned and I hope the critical thinking and problem solving skills I've exercised during this course will follow me into all aspects of my life.

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I discovered WordPress and received a good overview of how it works. I also gained some knowledge in what current website designs look like, which is valuable even though it is likely in a state of flux. 

If so many large and well known websites were made using WordPress, then I would very likely be working with it in the future, if not directly through WordPress then with the coding that WordPress creates.  Additionally it creates a basic idea of what sort of layout design might be needed to make an idea work. (oh well wordpress does it like this, I know how to make that happen with the code, I can do that or something similar.) 

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After partaking in the live project i was able to really strengthen my HTML and CSS skills there were a few new things that i learned as well. But the biggest benefit was gaining a huge respect for JavaScript and a strong desire to learn more. Also working on a scrum team was amazing and it help because its a reminder that your not alone. Everyone putting their minds together and creating something so interactive and cool filled me with pride.

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The course on computer basics, has open my eyes. At first, I though it was overwhelming. As my course progresses I learnt more about the front and back end of a computer. This is a career choice, I won't give up. It's not complicated like people claims to be. Knowing what's behind the scene of any software, application or hardware is rewarding on my work challenges a head. I really thanks Jesse, one of the instructors for his wonderful help through this course. Read less

I learned about data types in JavaScript, if statements, while loops, arrays, functions and how jQuery is a library of functions that can be used in adding already programmed features. I also learned that using HTML for content, CSS for styling,  and JavaScript for more features and functionality, work well for making the front end of websites.
   I had learned a little bit of JavaScript before this course and this course really seemed to cement those concepts and I felt more comfortable with JavaScript after this course. Also, there was an opportunity to work on debugging skills.
   Learning JavaScript is not only good for developing a nice front end for a website but with it also being an object oriented language really lays the foundation for learning other object oriented languages.

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