How Do You Prepare For A Coding Bootcamp?

So you’ve decided to do a coding bootcamp – congratulations! You’ve just committed to an exciting and intensive journey of learning and development, personally and professionally, in a fast-paced career that is ever-evolving and in high demand.
But before you even step one foot in the classroom, preparations should be made now to ensure your success in the course and in your future career.

Evaluate yourself

Now is a great time for a bit of self-reflection. You have just committed to many weeks of intensive study, new ideas and tasks will be thrown at you on a daily basis. You need to be ready for this exciting challenge.
Take stock in yourself – what strengths do you possess that will help you in this new endeavor? What weaknesses do you have that may throw up roadblocks in your way, causing things to be harder than they need to be?
By addressing these traits now –  identifying the positives to use to your advantage and finding ways to cope with your challenges – can help you prepare mentally for the intense programme ahead.

Keep An Ear Out

One of the best ways to become inspired about a new endeavor is to listen and learn from the pros, those who are seasoned in the field of technology and are examples of who you are striving to become. Watch videos on TED Talks, read blogs on the latest in technology and web development, follow professionals you respect and can learn from on Twitter. Seek those who inspire you.

Sharpen your Online Presence

Gaining the skills is one thing, but being able to attract the right attention is another – and this can be done simply by making minor improvements to your online persona. Present yourself on your Facebook and Twitter accounts as the professional you want to become. Take the time to update your LinkedIn page. Consider creating a professional portfolio or blog using sites such as WordPress, Tumblr, or SquareSpace – no coding knowledge required.

Share Your Passion

There are loads of social groups focused on bringing the world of technology and individuals together in an informal, easy-going environment – geared towards collaboration among peers. Find a Meetup group in your city. If you’re a woman, check out Women Who Code and connect with other ladies involved in technology. Reach out to the coding community online. Whichever avenue you decide, being social is a fantastic way to of getting support from those who share your interests and are on a similar path in their career.

Prepare To Work

At Code Institute, our success depends on your success. We want to give you all the tools necessary to help you in your journey to becoming a successful full stack web developer.
Understanding the basics of modern programming before Day 1 of your coding bootcamp is crucial to your comprehension of the programme and ensures that you are on a level playing field with the rest of your classmates. If you’re not ready for a bootcamp, or just want to test the coding waters before taking the plunge, there are a number of free resources online that will help you understand if coding is the right fit for your personality.

Taking the time to prepare before your coding bootcamp begins will make the journey a little easier and the experience a little richer – ultimately leading you towards your goal of becoming a proficient coder.