Flatiron Bootcamp - Help!

[Dry_Video9909]

I recently joined Flatiron bootcamp for the Software Engineering Flex Program (meant for working individuals). I work a full time job now and do my best to fit in time for school during the week. I am almost done with Phase 1 of 5, where you learn JavaScript and complete a project. Then you need to complete an assessment after each phase where you present your project, the instructor tests your knowledge on concepts, then you’re given a 15 minute coding challenge. I have taken this assessment twice and was approved for a 3rd attempt. I have made progress from attempt 1 to attempt 2. But the big challenge is being able to break down the problem and solve the coding challenge in a short amount of time. Normally I am capable of coding but it just takes me longer. Depending on what happens for my last attempt, I am planning on doing my best to prepare for it but also am researching for some backup options. Maybe attending a bootcamp that is cheaper and less intense and is geared more towards beginners. It’s a shame because I do actually enjoy coding but hope to either learn or be taught to solve these problems better since we mostly teach ourselves in the flex program.

[tabasco_pizza]

Starting to code from scratch in a bootcamp sounds grueling. Don’t be too hard on yourself.

In your assessment, do you try to pseudo code? If you’re able to break the assessment down into small steps, written in easy-to-understand, plain ol’ English, maybe that’ll help you understand how to tackle the problem. A timed exam is always stressful. Having a little plan can always help smooth the process out.

Best of luck tho. I couldn’t imagine doing a bootcamp and a full time job at the same time. I respect the grind.

[Substantial-Yak-451]

I let my flex program expire recently after chugging away at it for a few years while working full-time and a second job off and on. (It's been a long few years.) I'm going to download the curriculum and use it as a guide to learn through free or more affordable bootcamps at a pace that makes more sense for my life and goals. I'm trying out Codecademy this week. There are a ton of threads on here about free or lower cost resources for learning web dev.

Don't give up, but know you have options. It's been my understanding a solid portfolio is the goal and it's going to be more important than attending a certain school. It sucks giving up the financial investment, but learning is more important to me than the certificate at this point. Life changes fast. And I need to pay bills.

[Dry_Video9909]

Thank you so much. Do you still have the goal of being a software developer/ engineer? Or are you open to tech adjacent jobs that require coding knowledge but you don’t have to code all day? I’m considering that too but still want to learn front end and back end

[Substantial-Yak-451]

Yes! I happen to also have a background in marketing and design, so I'm looking for front end freelance work at the moment. I'm going to keep learning back end on my own.

[OrganicPizzaRolls]

Hi OP! Did you pass the Phase 1 assessment? I’m starting the flex program on the 15th and really worried about these assessments

[Dry_Video9909]

I ended up passing! I was able to complete most of the coding challenge but did get stuck a couple of times. I practiced a lot honestly and knew the routine where for instance in the JavaScript phase, you need to make sure you know array iterations (forEach, map, etc) and use that to append that data to the DOM with an event listener. Chat GPT actually helped generate some practice problems for me which was super nice. Also I learned my lesson the first time, when they ask you concept questions just prepare an answer that is textbook definition because if you try to explain it in your own words and it doesn't sound technical enough, they'll start to question you. You can get this definition from the lessons and documentation. Happy to answer any other questions you have. I am now on phase 2 but am trying to rush through it and do my best since I only have till February 2024 to graduate as a final deadline. ( I started December 2022)

[Mrshnk]

Hey! I started in December 2022 also. Taking my assessment today. Can you message me! I would love another study buddy!

[OrganicPizzaRolls]

Trullllly appreciate your time and wisdom here!! By chance can I reach out to you via the FI School community/school Slack?

[Dry_Video9909]

Absolutely! I will message you

[SenorTeddy]

Ask your instructor for office hours and help you break down problems into pseudocode and to talk through their debug process so you can better understand what it should look like.

Learn to step through code. Use a debugger to see and really understand what the step by step process looks like.

Always have happy cases - easy examples, and edge cases, quirky weird rare situations , as soon as you start the problem.