How did you find your time on the bootcamp?

Without a doubt some of the most challenging, rewarding, gratifying and intense months I've ever experienced. There's this wonderful balance between hard graft and caring support from staff, tutors and mentors which kept propelling me forward even in the moments I thought ever so slightly "this is too hard"! My colleagues are awesome and I am very lucky that Northcoders not only taught me how to code but also provided the means to enjoy a fabulous community - my cohort.

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

Operations - Product - Project - Office - { fill the gaps } Manager. Good pay and steady jobs in good companies, nonetheless I wanted the ability to be creative and finish a working day saying - I've built this. Ultimately, and to put it plainly, I was bored. Being a self-confessed geek with a penchant for tech, I always felt that I could do much better than sitting in never-ending meetings.

What was the support like on the course?

Code reviews, mentorship, the opportunity to mentor others and never-faltering support from everyone - peers and tutors. I particularly appreciated the mentor sessions as they helped me overcome my own personal insecurities... and those were quite a few tbh!

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

I had a career before Northcoders so writing a CV and cover letter weren't new to me. However, Northcoders provided me not only with the right contacts in the industry but also with the tools to enable a career change and the belief in myself and my new acquired skills. I have a job I love, with a great boss, using a tech stack I love, with a team I love - all thanks to Northcoders.

What advice would you give to anyone thinking about applying?

A year ago, Brexit happened and I found myself resigning from a solid job 2 days before the vote. As an European living in Britain, I questioned the soundness of my decision and what chances I had in finding another job - if any - and when. Learning to code felt like a cool bet - but hold on, aren't coders amazingly smart? I am not btw, and I don't think I would be where I am if I was learning in my own time. I was very fortunate to be selected for Northcoders when my coding skills were pretty much non-existent on the basis of potential. The fact that I have a job in the industry now, 9 months afterwards just means that anyone, can do it.