How did you find your time on the bootcamp?

My time on the Northcoders course was everything I wanted it to be and more. The course was challenging but never frustrating and although some challenges were hard and took me way out of my comfort zone, I found that I enjoyed it there, constantly learning and pushing myself to learn more. I thoroughly enjoyed every exciting minute and didn't want it to end!

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

Before Northcoders my career revolved around the creative arts and events industry. I was performing, session playing and recording bands myself. Along side this I was a Musical Director for an events company. I managed around 130 freelance musicians to deliver around 300 events a year.

What was the support like on the course?

I found the support balance to be just right. There was a 10 minute rule that you ask for help if you haven't solved a problem within that time. I usually didn't ask for at least an hour or so as I felt it more valuable to keep going through the problem and attack it from as many angles as possible. The tutors definitely encouraged this and I appreciated being left to consider problems on my own rather than having my hand held all the time. That being said, when they did help, it was usually in such a way that you would work the answer out with them rather than just giving you the answer. I can't speak highly enough of all the tutors, they are some seriously amazing people.

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

The turnaround on application through to interview was generally quick and having a grad channel on Slack to specifically chat about what is going on was great. I was given links to prepare for tech tests and there was always someone to chat to from CLOS when I went in to Federation House too so there was plenty of advice and support. This was great since the intensity of the course wears off after a few weeks!

What advice would you give to anyone thinking about applying?

Learning to code in your spare time is really, really hard. You need a level of discipline that is constant to get you through the frustrating elements of coding. If you are thinking of applying, just do it, you won't regret it and you'll learn more in 3 months than you would in 3 years.

Anything else you would like to add?

I'd like to personally thank everyone involved in Northcoders for giving me such an amazing opportunity, accepting me on to the course despite only starting to learn to code a few months before and putting up with me throughout! It's been a genuinely magical experience that has opened my eyes up to so much and that is pretty much priceless in my eyes. Ta!