How did you find your time on the bootcamp?

It was a great experience and I’m so glad I did it! There’s no getting around the fact it can be challenging/intense at times, but everyone is in the same boat and you really feel like you’re part of a community. Seeing your code materialise into something tangible is really rewarding, especially in project phase where you get the opportunity to build an app from scratch.

What were you doing before the bootcamp and what made you apply?

I had spent the last few years working in SEND education and had reached the point where I was ready for a new challenge. I heard about Northcoders completely by chance – I had never done any coding before and quite frankly, I had never even considered it as a career option. I decided to delve into free resources like freeCodeCamp and CodeWars, and found I loved the creativity and problem-solving that coding offered. Software development also seemed like a career which would provide opportunities for continuous learning, which really appealed to me, so I took the plunge and applied to Northcoders.

What was the support like on the course?

Despite being run remotely (due to Covid), you’re constantly in contact with others on the course, whether this be through lectures, pair programming, or mentor sessions. The tutors are all lovely and approachable – they have a help system in place, so you can share your code if you’re struggling with a concept, or just can’t figure out why things keep breaking.

How much support did you receive from Northcoders with your job search after the course?

The careers team were always on hand to help with arranging interviews from the jobs board and Steph was really fast getting back to me if I had a question about a role, or needed some feedback on a CV/cover letter. It’s sometimes just reassuring knowing you’ve got a support network there if you ever need it.

What advice would you give to anyone thinking about applying?

I would say to check out some of the free resources available and if you enjoy it, go for it! There are so many great, free resources out there, which can sometimes be both a blessing and a curse. As a beginner it can be hard to know where to start and what areas to prioritise – something I found really useful with Northcoders was the structure that it offered. Also, everyone has to start somewhere and like any new skill it takes time to develop, so don’t be put off if things don’t click straight away.