Thanks for facilitating this, Don. Just happened to find this video (and your channel) because I’m considering Coding Dojo and wanted more perspective from people who have gone through the program. And to Maggie - thanks for staying... I appreciated your questions and it was cool to see the comparison of your experience at GA.
Hey Don, thanks again for this. I think this is actually a really good idea to have peeps from different bootcamps in the same video, hearing the differences and similarities.
Just found your channel after watching Tech Rally. I attended CD and left after about 5 weeks. To touch on some of the questions you ask the graduates, in my experience they will admit anyone who apply's. As far as the instructors we also had what sounded like a similar situation to Chris, 3 cohorts going on at the same time and 3 instructors. My main instructor was a former student and not a good instructor at all. When we ask questions they would just normally say something to the effect of "I will let you figure that out" if it was during our lecture their favorite thing to say was "We will get to that later" later never seemed to happen. Algorithms were also a struggle for all of us, no one understood any of it, they were really a waste of time to be honest. You can fall behind super fast, if you already don't know a fair amount when you start the bootcamp, lucky I new a bit and was able to keep trudging along. We started with about 20 and by week 5 about 7 of us had left. From what I heard about career services from my cohort mates that I stayed in contact with there wasn't much of one, they brought in a 3rd party to show you how to do a resume and application and that was about it. You can 100% learn more from free online than we did.
I'm interested in Coding Dojo, too. I work full time and I can't quit my job. Coding Dojo has two part time online options that may be a great fit for people in my position.
Thanks for doing this Interview Dom I'm between springboard and code dojo, this really helped me be stuck between the two choices, it seems that whichever path I choose I will find success. It seems the main difference comes down to cost where springboard will be 6-9 months 25-40hrs/wk full time and cost about $10k and code dojo will be more intensive about 4 months 50-80hrs/wk full time for $15k.
Keiko mentioned not feeling adequately prepared as a complete beginner to coding as far as the fundamentals, what different variables mean and why it’s being used or what its purpose is. I am planning to start a bootcamp next month. I am good with computers, but a complete beginner when it comes to coding. I understand bootcamps are not a CS degree, but many bootcamps, including CD, promote their programs to work for even beginners and it’s expected that the basics would be covered sufficiently before jumping into the details and specifics, but doesn’t seem they did that from Keiko’s experience. My biggest worry is what Keiko experienced and having trouble following along simply because I don’t have a background on the basics and fundamentals. I watched a few tutorials and can understand and follow along fine, but don’t know why a variable is used, what is the purpose, what is an int. Is there a class, playlist of videos, website, or any other source that would be recommended to fill in this gap before starting bootcamp to catch up to speed and feel prepared to understand the material of the course?
Hey guys, so I’ve been leaning towards the full time swe boot camp at general assembly, but I think I’m making the switch to coding dojo this July. If anyone wants to connect, let’s be friends and get to work 🤓
@@tinoleon7593 Yes sir, I can’t believe it myself! I went from never writing a line of code in my life, to building projects everyday since July. I made a complete career switch from healthcare!
Just graduated- here are my takeaways, The algorithm component of Coding Dojo is the massive failure. What's successful about it is that YOU ARE EXPOSED to algorithms consistently for about 4 months. When I say exposed, I mean just that- you WILL NOT participate. There WILL BE students online who have CS degrees, experiences (NOT BEGINNERS, (as the course is marketed to)), and they (along with some unfortunately autistic instructors) will make you feel incompetent, and not included. For me, this resulted in a total unwillingness to even think about algorithms until I finished the course. Every day will be started with algorithms. They have NO WAY of tracking your progress with algorithms. No one cares. It is not monitored. It is not a part of the course in terms of marks. Most people like me who had NO EXPERIENCE (not "oh yeah, ya know, Ive written some python before (meanwhile they've got a masters in CS )", I mean I wrote NOT ONE LINE OF CODE EVER before the course). You're likely gonna pay 20,000 dollars to do this course. Shortly after your first few weeks of the first stack, you'll realize that EVERYTHING you learn in the course (and more) is free on CZcams. Not only that, its at a better and higher quality than what you learn through the dojo and through their "learn platform." After the MERN stack, i wished that I could just keep studying on CZcams because I enjoyed instructors there, and their content more, and I was learning faster. But the Java Stack afterwards was great because that is a higher level language. The takeaway here is that I left CodingDojo enjoying coding and WANTING to get better. This makes it worth it. Constantly it is reinforced that "to work at Google or get a good job" you will need to be a wizkid with algorithms. Well look forward to starting EVERY. SINGLE. DAY. In the course watching people do an algorithm, fight over whos going to share their solution, and do a REALLY BAD job (if any explanation at all) at explaining what the hell the algorithm is or more importantly why were doing it. You will have no incentive to participate here. I personally, paid for this course to be assessed, graded and follow a curriculum. As far as algorithms are concerned they may as well say the first day, "go study on your own" cause thats what youre gonna do. And you're paying 20,000 dollars. It was discouraging for me. And as a result, the start of every day in the bootcamp was BAD. Because I wanted to learn, but I couldn't. These algorithms happen WHILE were learning a TON of shit about Stacks and web development that we DO HAVE an exam on and we ARE TESTED on. So what's more important? The test of course. But instead of holding you accountable with algorithms (which were paying 20000 for right?), and helping you along, it's just a daily morning dick-measuring contest in who can find the solution, meanwhile the true beginners are all sitting with their cameras off probably either sleeping or eating or watching a movie, because if they ask questions, it makes them look stupid, or like why are you even here or like you're holding up the class or the teacher does even know or want or cant explain the algorithm to all the beginners within an hour. Its a very disorienting process. And theres probably no way for them to teach all this effectively in 4 months. BUT I can't help but feel like checking out other cheaper bootcamps (I saw some for 4000 or even 700) might have been worth it. If I could do it again, I would ask each bootcamp HOW WE ARE MEASURED OR GRADED ON ALGORITHMS AND DATA STRUCTURES, and HOW ARE WE GRADED/MEASURED in learning web development stacks. Coding Dojo makes a TON OF MONEY, and the way they do algorithms is very irresponsible and it's a ripoff. You will be mad about it like I am. BUT the takeaway from the dojo is as expected: You will be surrounded by people coding, you will make some small connections with people across America, you will code almost every day for 4 months, and you will be EXPOSED TO CONCEPTS and LANGUAGES. You will SEE the main areas of data structures and algorithms so that you know what to study afterwards. You will have lots of support for resume-building and job search tactics, as well as exposure in general to the industry. MAYBE by investing in yourself to code, you will take it personal and decide to do something long-term with coding and decide to face adversity and chase that dream of making 150000 dollars working from home.
I was accepted into the coding dojo and was on the fence. The pricing as well as the online aspect vs. in-person will make me think again. This plus their job search situations which was the reason why I wanted to take them in the first place. I think it is better suited for someone that already has some skillset considering the time allotted. This as well as the advice she received from her interviewer tells me this may not be the best avenue for my learning style. Thanks for this video...
It is really kind of scary and important to highlight the fact that Keiko has not been able to find employment along with most of her cohort since graduation. She mentions copy and paste and found that she was given the framework but not the necessary knowledge to feel confident and competent. This is really disheartening because it feels like even with an intensive as a program as CodingDojo and you still can't find a job without a CS degree just plain sucks to hear. I was really considering some of these bootcamps. Maybe someone else had different experiences?
I'm not qualified to answer this, but Python. It's quicker to learn and it's about as in demand as JS. Really though, try both of them and stick with whichever you like more.
I just looked it up, and I think that would make a great episode. I'll schedule the recording for around the middle of January, and the episode should be released within 3 weeks (at the latest) after that. Thanks for the suggestion Katie.
Thanks for facilitating this, Don. Just happened to find this video (and your channel) because I’m considering Coding Dojo and wanted more perspective from people who have gone through the program. And to Maggie - thanks for staying... I appreciated your questions and it was cool to see the comparison of your experience at GA.
Of course! I hope you find the right coding bootcamp for you. I'm glad she stayed as well.
I was looking for this. Interested in coding dojo so perfect timing
Definitely sounds like good timing. Good luck with the interview process if you move forward with them.
Hey Don, thanks again for this. I think this is actually a really good idea to have peeps from different bootcamps in the same video, hearing the differences and similarities.
What I got from the first few minutes is study for 6 months to get experience before going
Just found your channel after watching Tech Rally. I attended CD and left after about 5 weeks. To touch on some of the questions you ask the graduates, in my experience they will admit anyone who apply's. As far as the instructors we also had what sounded like a similar situation to Chris, 3 cohorts going on at the same time and 3 instructors. My main instructor was a former student and not a good instructor at all. When we ask questions they would just normally say something to the effect of "I will let you figure that out" if it was during our lecture their favorite thing to say was "We will get to that later" later never seemed to happen. Algorithms were also a struggle for all of us, no one understood any of it, they were really a waste of time to be honest. You can fall behind super fast, if you already don't know a fair amount when you start the bootcamp, lucky I new a bit and was able to keep trudging along. We started with about 20 and by week 5 about 7 of us had left. From what I heard about career services from my cohort mates that I stayed in contact with there wasn't much of one, they brought in a 3rd party to show you how to do a resume and application and that was about it. You can 100% learn more from free online than we did.
Thanks for sharing Sarah and welcome to the channel!
Appreciate the effort everyone put into this video. Thank you everyone for clearing up a lot questions for us.
I'm interested in Coding Dojo, too. I work full time and I can't quit my job. Coding Dojo has two part time online options that may be a great fit for people in my position.
Best of luck if you do decide to choose the part-time program!
Did you ever end up doing part time?
@@OmgItsBlur no I didn’t. I came across an exciting and maybe rarer opportunity to work at a tech start up company in Columbus Ohio
@@git_t0v can I ask where? I live in Columbus and want to break into tech.
These videos are awesome! I am a software instructor at several schools. Listening to these perspectives is so enlightening and interesting.
Not a big hiccup. We still enjoyed hearing her experience. Great insight dude!
Thank you so much for this!
I'm considering CD
You're welcome!
Thanks for doing this Interview Dom I'm between springboard and code dojo, this really helped me be stuck between the two choices, it seems that whichever path I choose I will find success. It seems the main difference comes down to cost where springboard will be 6-9 months 25-40hrs/wk full time and cost about $10k and code dojo will be more intensive about 4 months 50-80hrs/wk full time for $15k.
It’s crazy people pay for bootcamp when you can achieve the same thing in 3 months with $20 and the right direction.
@@hoodbios Good luck with those CZcams tutorials & 1 Udemy course.
Thank you very much for this video! Very helpful in deciding which bootcamp to assist.
You're welcome!
Thank you brother for videos like this with the first hand student experiences.
You're welcome!
Keiko mentioned not feeling adequately prepared as a complete beginner to coding as far as the fundamentals, what different variables mean and why it’s being used or what its purpose is. I am planning to start a bootcamp next month. I am good with computers, but a complete beginner when it comes to coding. I understand bootcamps are not a CS degree, but many bootcamps, including CD, promote their programs to work for even beginners and it’s expected that the basics would be covered sufficiently before jumping into the details and specifics, but doesn’t seem they did that from Keiko’s experience. My biggest worry is what Keiko experienced and having trouble following along simply because I don’t have a background on the basics and fundamentals. I watched a few tutorials and can understand and follow along fine, but don’t know why a variable is used, what is the purpose, what is an int. Is there a class, playlist of videos, website, or any other source that would be recommended to fill in this gap before starting bootcamp to catch up to speed and feel prepared to understand the material of the course?
Hey guys, so I’ve been leaning towards the full time swe boot camp at general assembly, but I think I’m making the switch to coding dojo this July. If anyone wants to connect, let’s be friends and get to work 🤓
I’ll be joining Coding Dojo this October!
That’s awesome! I’m graduating soon from the program. Let’s connect brother!
@@shahbazmughal3911 did you actually make the switch to Dojo?
@@tinoleon7593 Yes sir, I can’t believe it myself! I went from never writing a line of code in my life, to building projects everyday since July. I made a complete career switch from healthcare!
@@shahbazmughal3911 that’s amazing bro! Which stack did you learn or did you do all three full stacks?
“I’m an angular fan boy” said no one ever until now
Just graduated- here are my takeaways,
The algorithm component of Coding Dojo is the massive failure. What's successful about it is that YOU ARE EXPOSED to algorithms consistently for about 4 months. When I say exposed, I mean just that- you WILL NOT participate. There WILL BE students online who have CS degrees, experiences (NOT BEGINNERS, (as the course is marketed to)), and they (along with some unfortunately autistic instructors) will make you feel incompetent, and not included. For me, this resulted in a total unwillingness to even think about algorithms until I finished the course. Every day will be started with algorithms. They have NO WAY of tracking your progress with algorithms. No one cares. It is not monitored. It is not a part of the course in terms of marks. Most people like me who had NO EXPERIENCE (not "oh yeah, ya know, Ive written some python before (meanwhile they've got a masters in CS )", I mean I wrote NOT ONE LINE OF CODE EVER before the course).
You're likely gonna pay 20,000 dollars to do this course. Shortly after your first few weeks of the first stack, you'll realize that EVERYTHING you learn in the course (and more) is free on CZcams. Not only that, its at a better and higher quality than what you learn through the dojo and through their "learn platform." After the MERN stack, i wished that I could just keep studying on CZcams because I enjoyed instructors there, and their content more, and I was learning faster. But the Java Stack afterwards was great because that is a higher level language. The takeaway here is that I left CodingDojo enjoying coding and WANTING to get better. This makes it worth it.
Constantly it is reinforced that "to work at Google or get a good job" you will need to be a wizkid with algorithms. Well look forward to starting EVERY. SINGLE. DAY. In the course watching people do an algorithm, fight over whos going to share their solution, and do a REALLY BAD job (if any explanation at all) at explaining what the hell the algorithm is or more importantly why were doing it. You will have no incentive to participate here. I personally, paid for this course to be assessed, graded and follow a curriculum. As far as algorithms are concerned they may as well say the first day, "go study on your own" cause thats what youre gonna do. And you're paying 20,000 dollars.
It was discouraging for me. And as a result, the start of every day in the bootcamp was BAD. Because I wanted to learn, but I couldn't. These algorithms happen WHILE were learning a TON of shit about Stacks and web development that we DO HAVE an exam on and we ARE TESTED on. So what's more important? The test of course. But instead of holding you accountable with algorithms (which were paying 20000 for right?), and helping you along, it's just a daily morning dick-measuring contest in who can find the solution, meanwhile the true beginners are all sitting with their cameras off probably either sleeping or eating or watching a movie, because if they ask questions, it makes them look stupid, or like why are you even here or like you're holding up the class or the teacher does even know or want or cant explain the algorithm to all the beginners within an hour. Its a very disorienting process. And theres probably no way for them to teach all this effectively in 4 months.
BUT I can't help but feel like checking out other cheaper bootcamps (I saw some for 4000 or even 700) might have been worth it. If I could do it again, I would ask each bootcamp HOW WE ARE MEASURED OR GRADED ON ALGORITHMS AND DATA STRUCTURES, and HOW ARE WE GRADED/MEASURED in learning web development stacks. Coding Dojo makes a TON OF MONEY, and the way they do algorithms is very irresponsible and it's a ripoff. You will be mad about it like I am.
BUT the takeaway from the dojo is as expected:
You will be surrounded by people coding, you will make some small connections with people across America, you will code almost every day for 4 months, and you will be EXPOSED TO CONCEPTS and LANGUAGES. You will SEE the main areas of data structures and algorithms so that you know what to study afterwards. You will have lots of support for resume-building and job search tactics, as well as exposure in general to the industry. MAYBE by investing in yourself to code, you will take it personal and decide to do something long-term with coding and decide to face adversity and chase that dream of making 150000 dollars working from home.
Thanks for making these videos Don!
I was accepted into the coding dojo and was on the fence. The pricing as well as the online aspect vs. in-person will make me think again. This plus their job search situations which was the reason why I wanted to take them in the first place. I think it is better suited for someone that already has some skillset considering the time allotted. This as well as the advice she received from her interviewer tells me this may not be the best avenue for my learning style. Thanks for this video...
Of course. Thanks for providing your advice for other prospect students as well.
It is really kind of scary and important to highlight the fact that Keiko has not been able to find employment along with most of her cohort since graduation. She mentions copy and paste and found that she was given the framework but not the necessary knowledge to feel confident and competent. This is really disheartening because it feels like even with an intensive as a program as CodingDojo and you still can't find a job without a CS degree just plain sucks to hear. I was really considering some of these bootcamps. Maybe someone else had different experiences?
As a complete beginner would you recommend learning full stack Java script or Python? Also to potentially land an entry level engineering job.
I'm not qualified to answer this, but Python. It's quicker to learn and it's about as in demand as JS. Really though, try both of them and stick with whichever you like more.
can you do one on LearningFuze?
I just looked it up, and I think that would make a great episode. I'll schedule the recording for around the middle of January, and the episode should be released within 3 weeks (at the latest) after that. Thanks for the suggestion Katie.
what is pre work out?
Don, what bootcamp did you go to?
Fullstack Academy
You rock
I just want friends...
-Jalen