Joana Jacome, a Portuguese graduate of the Spring Batch 2018, worked in client support before joining the Coding Bootcamp Praha. She came across programming tasks in her job. She realised she wanted to learn programming to make her work go smoother. Ultimately, she fell in love with web development so much that she changed her career and became an Applications Developer (Frontend) at the International Data Group.
1) What did you do before the bootcamp and why did you decide you want to learn programming?
Before signing up to the bootcamp, I was working as a Client Support Analyst where I was asked to troubleshoot software issues. If I was not capable of solving a bug, I would have to escalate the issue to the web development team. That experience sparked my interest in wanting to delve into the world of programming – I envisioned myself having the skills to solve complicated issues which I was not able to before.
When I got in touch with the bootcamp, they told me one of the prerequisites to follow a 12-week programme in Full Stack Web Development was to follow all the pre-bootcamp studies. And that is what I did. I studied HTML, CSS, Javascript, and PHP. The more I studied, the more I fell in love with programming. It gives me the potential to design my own websites. The creativity and the problem-solving skills that it requires to build a fully functional website attracts users to my website.
2) What made you choose the programme? What did you expect before the programme and were your expectations met?
I chose the Bootcamp Praha because of the structure of the programme and because they were clear that the completion of this programme would require my entire commitment in order to be successful. The program focused on front-end and back-end technologies – for now I would say I am more inclined to enhance my experience as a front-end developer.
3) How was your experience at the bootcamp?
My overall experience at the bootcamp was positive – I had amazing instructors who were always ready to challenge me to think when I was stuck. They encouraged us to research and make use of the resources that are offered to us as developers to surpass any issues that may prevent us from moving forward. Let’s be honest: this will be the scenario that we, as developers will face in a real job environment. We will have challenges. Knowing how to debug and to overcome problems by ourselves will help us with our own personal and professional development. During the bootcamp, I was pleased to see that my colleagues shared the same passion for programming that I did, and they were always willing to stop what they were doing to assist me.
4) What was the biggest challenge during the bootcamp and how did you overcome it?
The biggest challenge in the bootcamp was to absorb all the information that was given. But I surprised myself when I started to review the topics by myself after the bootcamp and all the information was pretty much consolidated in my mind. I was very pleased to see that. But we were constantly advised that programming requires practice – that is the pure truth, the more you do, the better you become.
5) What do you think about the job support?
The bootcamp helped to polish my CV and LinkedIn profile, and while I was still studying I was already receiving proposals. The bootcamp brought in tech experts, and we became aware of the challenges we may face.
6) How long did it take you to find a job, where do you work now and what is your position?
I completed the programme on July 13, 2018, and after applying to several companies in Prague, I got an offer at the beginning of August as a junior front end developer. After reviewing their expectations, I accepted and started working there. However, within a month I found a job that was even more suitable for me, so I am now starting to work as an Application Developer (frontend) for the International Data Corporation and I am looking forward to continuing to learn.
7) What would you advise anyone who is considering signing up for a coding bootcamp?
For anyone wishing to apply to the Data4You Coding Bootcamp Praha, I recommend that you follow strictly the resources provided before the start. Commit yourself to following the lessons, exercising after class is over, coming in the next day with questions and to collaborating with your team members to strengthen your knowledge. Get yourself ready to find the job right after the bootcamp.