What job role have you secured?
Software Engineer and Mentor at Northcoders on the Java Development bootcamp.

How did you find your time on the bootcamp?
My time on the bootcamp was incredibly rewarding and transformative. The curriculum was challenging yet engaging, pushing me to develop my skills and think critically about coding. I loved the collaborative environment, where I could learn from both my peers and mentors. The hands-on projects were particularly valuable, allowing me to apply what I learned in real-world scenarios. Overall, it was a supportive and enriching experience that set a solid foundation for my career in tech.

What were you doing before the Bootcamp?
I was working in recruitment for primary schools.

What made you interested in moving into tech?
I’ve always enjoyed problem-solving and the journey of learning something new. Tech uniquely combines both aspects throughout your entire career.

What made you choose Northcoders?
The excellent coding pre-course and the friendly communication I had before starting the course really convinced me that Northcoders was the right place for my learning journey. Changing careers can be daunting, and having a company with such amazing support made the transition much easier.

What was the support like on the course?
Incredible! You’re introduced to a dedicated wellbeing team early on for any pastoral matters. There’s also a separate careers support team that works with you weekly to help you upskill from a non-technical perspective and create standout applications for job positions. Beyond this holistic support, the mentors themselves are fantastic. They have a wealth of experience and a deep understanding of the topics. They take the time to ensure you grasp each subject by explaining it in various ways, demonstrating remarkable patience. The course also priorities job readiness by teaching best practices throughout. I particularly enjoyed the paired programming aspect, which helped me articulate my thought process while coding—something I wouldn’t have learned by studying alone at home.

How much support did you receive from Northcoders with your job search after the course?
Northcoders has a dedicated job site and excellent relationships with companies that recognise the quality and value of graduates from the course. I also received regular check-ins to support my job search. They offer mock interviews on demand, which I found incredibly valuable for boosting my confidence.

What advice would you give to anyone thinking about applying?
Have confidence in yourself! I often doubted my abilities, but the mentors helped me realise my potential throughout the course. I also spent time before starting to practice and solidify my knowledge of the resources, which proved to be really valuable.