Like many, I found myself at a career crossroads. My background was in public health, a field I initially pursued to make a difference. However, I felt increasingly unfulfilled and disconnected. The idea of a complete career change was daunting, but the tech world, particularly software engineering, sparked my interest. The pivotal moment came when I decided to enroll in a coding bootcamp. This intensive program became the catalyst for my transition, ultimately leading to my current role as an OpenShift Engineer Intern at Red Hat. If you’re contemplating a Career Change Coding Bootcamp, and wondering if it’s the right path for you, this is my story.
From Public Health to Tech: My Pre-Bootcamp Story
My journey began with a Public Health Sciences degree. I envisioned a career dedicated to improving lives, focusing on the social determinants of health. My first role as an environmental technician quickly dampened that idealism. Collecting air samples on construction sites felt far removed from “helping people.” Seeking a more meaningful role, I transitioned to a community coordinator position, assisting residents in Section-8 housing. While the nature of the work was more aligned with my aspirations, I still felt a lack of motivation and connection. Burnout crept in, compounded by insufficient pay in an expensive city. A quarter-life crisis was brewing, and the realization that public health wasn’t my long-term path became clear.
Seeking alternatives, I explored different avenues. My boyfriend, a software engineer, suggested coding. Initially, the idea seemed intimidating. Coding felt like the domain of geniuses, a category I certainly didn’t place myself in. However, inspired by the intersection of health and gaming at a tech conference, I decided to try some free online coding tutorials on freecodecamp.org. To my surprise, I enjoyed it. Building web pages, manipulating elements, and even JavaScript, weren’t as daunting as I’d imagined.
This newfound interest led me to research coding bootcamps in Boston. General Assembly’s (GA) 12-week Software Engineering Immersive stood out. Its location was convenient, and importantly, it boasted strong employment prospects for graduates. The cost was significant, but the potential salary increase in software engineering made it seem like a worthwhile investment. After visiting the campus and speaking with an admissions counselor, I decided to take the plunge. It was a leap of faith, marking the beginning of my career change coding bootcamp experience.
Bootcamp Immersion: My General Assembly Experience
The 12 weeks at General Assembly were an intense whirlwind. It was a period of rapid learning, long nights, and a surprising amount of Stardew Valley to de-stress. The curriculum was demanding, covering a wide range of technologies including HTML/CSS, JavaScript, Node, Ruby on Rails, Express, MongoDB, and React. While I might not recall the exact syntax of every language now, the bootcamp instilled crucial problem-solving skills. We learned about git, version control, and agile methodologies – essential tools in the tech industry. Crucially, GA taught me to approach complex problems by breaking them down into manageable steps, a skill that transcends specific coding languages. It provided a robust foundation to build upon.
Our first major project, building a tic-tac-toe game with a Ruby backend, was a significant challenge. Despite its apparent simplicity, this project pushed many of us to our limits. I personally hit a wall on day two and almost considered quitting. However, the instructors at GA were exceptional. They provided just the right amount of guidance and support, acting as mentors and problem-solving facilitators. They helped me overcome that initial hurdle, and the subsequent projects, while still challenging, felt more manageable. We also discovered the invaluable resource that is StackOverflow.
Beyond technical skills, GA’s career coaching, known as Outcomes, was invaluable. Weekly sessions covered resume and cover letter writing, LinkedIn profile optimization, interview skills (both technical and behavioral), job search strategies, and even salary negotiation. These sessions, combined with required homework, were instrumental in preparing us for the job market. The career support extended beyond graduation, proving vital to our post-bootcamp job search success.
Overall, my experience at General Assembly Boston was overwhelmingly positive. The supportive community, dedicated instructors, and comprehensive curriculum made my career change coding bootcamp journey successful and rewarding.
Navigating the Post-Bootcamp Job Search
Graduation day arrived on December 9th, 2019. The post-bootcamp job search was a challenging period. Having been employed since 17, unemployment felt heavy, compounded by the financial debt from the bootcamp. Some days were productive, spent working on applications at the GA campus. Other days were less so, marked by LinkedIn scrolling and application submissions that seemed to disappear into the void. Graduating in early December, right before the holiday hiring slowdown, didn’t help.
As the new year began, I resolved to intensify my job search efforts. I adopted a more structured approach, aiming for at least one coding interview practice problem daily and pushing code to my Github to maintain momentum and visibility. Networking also became a priority, leading me to attend numerous Meetup events.
One such event was TechTogether Boston, a hackathon for women and non-binary individuals. Despite feeling like a novice coder, I decided to attend, hoping for networking opportunities and perhaps some free swag. Joining a team of fellow first-timers, we brainstormed project ideas and prepared for the weekend event.
Around this time, amidst my intensified job search, I landed an interview for a full-time role at Grubhub in Boston. A college connection provided a referral, leading to a phone interview, a virtual coding challenge, and finally, an on-site interview. It felt promising, until I learned another bootcamp classmate was also a finalist for the same position. Knowing she was a stronger coder, I felt my chances diminish, and ultimately, I received the rejection email. It was a setback, making me feel like I was back at square one in my career change coding bootcamp journey.
The Hackathon Breakthrough and Landing a Tech Internship
Just moments after the Grubhub rejection, I walked into the TechTogether Boston hackathon. Surrounded by talented individuals and recruiters from major tech companies, I felt fragile but determined to make the most of the event. During the networking session, I approached the Red Hat table. Frankly, I wasn’t very familiar with the company at the time. However, the recruiter I spoke with was incredibly kind and encouraging, not dismissing my bootcamp background. Although they were primarily recruiting summer interns, and I sought immediate employment, I submitted my resume. The positive interaction lifted my spirits and motivated me to fully participate in the hackathon. Over the next two days, my team and I developed a project – an app designed to send discreet text messages to help users escape uncomfortable or unsafe dates. We presented our project on the final day, a rewarding culmination of the intense weekend.
Weeks later, I received an unexpected email from Red Hat Early Talent Acquisition, inviting me to video interviews for two different internship positions. I was ecstatic and cautiously optimistic. I approached the interviews with the mindset of gaining valuable experience, trying not to get my hopes too high.
My first interview, with my future manager, was remarkably positive. It felt more like a friendly conversation than a formal interview. We discussed my bootcamp projects and experiences, and she provided insights into Red Hat and OpenShift. There were no technical coding questions. The second interview, with another manager, was equally positive, focusing on problem-solving approaches rather than technical skills.
After the interviews, I continued my job search, eventually receiving an offer from a smaller web consulting company. While the salary was lower than ideal and the commute was significant, I was prepared to accept, eager to end the job search. I requested a few days to consider the offer.
The very next day, I received an email from Red Hat – an offer for an internship on the OpenShift Engineering team. Suddenly, I had two offers to choose from. The decision wasn’t easy financially, as the internship start date was further out. However, recognizing the long-term career potential at Red Hat, and with my boyfriend’s continued support, I accepted the Red Hat internship and respectfully declined the other offer.
In total, from December 16th to February 20th, I applied to approximately 80 jobs, heard back from 9, received 4 on-site interviews, and ultimately secured 2 job offers. Landing the Red Hat internship felt incredibly fortunate. I attribute it to following the advice of my career coaches and persevering. My story is proof that a career change coding bootcamp can be a successful path into tech for anyone willing to put in the effort.
Frequently Asked Questions About Career Change Bootcamps
Is a Coding Bootcamp Right for My Career Change?
Considering a career change coding bootcamp is a significant decision. Finances are a primary consideration. Evaluate the bootcamp cost against the potential salary increase. For me, the projected salary in software engineering justified the investment. Also consider if your current employer might sponsor a bootcamp or rehire you in a tech role post-completion.
Beyond finances, consider your genuine interest in tech. Are you drawn to coding itself, or just the perceived salary and benefits? Software engineering involves constant problem-solving and continuous learning. If you dislike debugging or find learning new technologies frustrating, it might not be the right fit. Try online coding resources extensively before committing to a bootcamp. If you have some technical aptitude, perhaps from a field like mechanical engineering, the transition to software engineering might be smoother. For those with no technical background, like myself, thorough self-exploration and online learning are crucial before making a significant career change coding bootcamp investment.
You can also explore learning to code without a bootcamp. Many successful software engineers are self-taught. This path requires significant self-discipline, time management, and patience. The wealth of free online resources makes coding exceptionally accessible for self-learners and hobbyists alike.
What Makes General Assembly a Recommended Bootcamp?
Based on my experience at the Boston location, I highly recommend General Assembly. The instructors and staff were instrumental in my successful career change coding bootcamp experience. They fostered a supportive community and genuinely invested in student success. The curriculum was comprehensive, providing a solid foundation in relevant technologies and essential software engineering principles.
It’s important to research specific GA locations as curriculum, instructors, and local job market reputation can vary. Visit the campus, inquire about the curriculum, and investigate graduate employment statistics for any bootcamp you consider.
Many individuals, especially women, question their aptitude for software engineering. I certainly did. It’s crucial to recognize that intelligence isn’t necessarily innate; hard work and passion are equally important. Software engineering is about problem-solving and iterative improvement. Error codes are learning opportunities. Embrace the learning process, and don’t let perceived lack of inherent “smartness” deter you from pursuing a career change coding bootcamp.
Job Search Strategies After a Coding Bootcamp Career Change?
Treat your post-career change coding bootcamp job search like a full-time job – 8 hours a day, 40 hours a week. Start with the basics: craft a compelling resume and write thoughtful cover letters tailored to each role. Seek feedback on your resume and cover letters from career professionals or mentors.
Networking is crucial. Attend industry events, meetups, and online communities. LinkedIn is a powerful tool for networking and job searching. Actively engage with your network and connect with recruiters and professionals in your target companies.
Prepare thoroughly for interviews. Practice coding challenges daily using platforms like Leetcode and Codewars. Focus on fundamental data structures and algorithms. Watch mock interview videos to understand the process and common question types. Prepare for both technical and behavioral interview questions. Practice articulating your project experiences and behavioral scenarios clearly and confidently.
A portfolio is highly recommended, especially for career change coding bootcamp graduates without a computer science degree. Showcase your bootcamp projects and any personal coding endeavors. Utilize portfolio templates to create a professional and visually appealing online presence.
The job search can be lengthy and discouraging. It’s common for bootcamp graduates to take several months to secure their first tech role. Persevere, adapt your strategies, and seek support from your bootcamp career services and network. If financial pressures mount, consider a part-time job to provide structure and financial relief while continuing your job search.
Interview processes vary by company. Expect phone screenings, coding challenges (take-home or live coding), and on-site or virtual interviews. Coding challenges often focus on “easy” to “medium” level LeetCode problems. Be prepared to discuss your projects, problem-solving approaches, and your passion for software engineering.
Conclusion
My journey from public health to tech through a career change coding bootcamp was transformative. It was challenging, demanding, but ultimately rewarding. If you’re considering a similar path, know that it’s achievable with dedication and the right resources. Explore coding bootcamps, research your options, and take the leap. A career change coding bootcamp can be the catalyst to a fulfilling and successful career in tech.
About Me
Beyond coding, I’m a video game enthusiast and self-proclaimed nerd with a deep love for Star Wars. I enjoy makeup artistry, anime, and running. While I lack pets due to landlord restrictions, I share my home with my boyfriend and a collection of plants.
