Learn Figma at These 13 Figma Bootcamps

I had joined Brainstation due to several people in my personal network who successfully transitioned their careers in a non-traditional way, into the software industry. While I had intended to attend in-person, the program was filtered into online which I was initially hesitant about, having heard so many great things about the in-person experience. I found that it took a bit of adjusting to learn online, but also helped me save a lot of time that I was able to invest back into further learning. 

I found the curriculum effective, but due to the delay in matching learning materials with the extreme speed of technology, a there were a few pieces that I think would have helped us hit the industry running faster (Things like PostgreSQL instead of MySQL from a popularity standpoint). Otherwise the comprehension of core concepts in web development were of the utmost emphasis. Having to explain concepts in Javascript and React in both a high-level manner but also technically really helped deepen understanding of the learning materials. I liked the frequent whiteboarding/code challenge sessions toward the middle of the program, and would love to see even more of it for future cohorts - my peers echoed that this was a primary stressor going into industry. 

The most impactful part of the bootcamp was definitely the value added by our instructors. Anyone can go on Codecademy or Coursera and put themselves through a software development class but the live feedback for industry best practices, explanation of concepts and theories when understanding wasn't fully actualized. It also really helped having someone who's worked in the industry to comment on what poor coding practices look like. When learning in isolation, you can develop bad habits for things like code structure, file organization and general best practices.

Eli Boninger and Joseph Young were the instructors for our cohort and I could not have better things to say about them. We spent the most time with the ever quirky Eli during the bootcamp, and his expertise in coding and passion for his students really came through. I loved his flexibility and willingness to go above and beyond for his students when they were curious about something outside of course material. Joseph has an electric personality and it was really fun to learn from him, it was easy to stay engaged when he was on screen. 

Now, immediately post-graduation we're showered with industry panels and support from career advisors, and it's essentially everything that Brainstation could do for me. The rest is up to me now, but I do feel that they've set me up for success.

I started the Software Engineering career track with Springboard in September of 2023 and completed it in November of 2024. It took me longer than expected (10-11 months is the expectation) to complete the course since I had to balance my schedule with a full time job with work related travel and many life events but the Springboard team was very accommodating and allowed me to finish in a timeline that worked for my situation. 

I already work in software as a business systems analyst but taking the software engineering track was valuable for me because it helped me get more in depth knowledge in the technical side of my work and a deeper understanding of what the developers on my team work through day to day. The course material in Springboard provided me a good technical baseline to continue my education in software because it gave me a good principled understanding of software development and how current web based applications generally work. 

Despite some of the technologies and frameworks being taught in the course not being the latest and most popular in the industry, the understanding gained from this bootcamp allowed me to explore and pick up new technologies very quickly because it gave me a good foundational understanding of how web applications work. So I would recommend not reading into which languages/frameworks are being taught in Springboard as a detractor from taking this course. The material is of high quality and Colt Steeles videos are very easy to follow and well planned out.

The CareerFoundry Data Analytics Program is an intensive and thoughtfully structured course designed for those aiming to excel in the field of data analytics. From a personal perspective, the program is well-suited for individuals at any stage of their career, whether they are beginners or experienced professionals looking to refine their skills. It combines a comprehensive curriculum with hands-on projects, allowing students to build a versatile portfolio by tackling real-world data challenges.

One of the standout features of CareerFoundry is its mentorship model. Having a dedicated tutor and mentor throughout the program provides consistent, personalized feedback, which makes learning more effective. The community aspect, through Slack and other forums, is particularly beneficial, as students can engage with peers, share insights, and gain constructive feedback on their work. This collaborative environment enhances learning and keeps motivation high.

In terms of content, the program covers a wide range of tools and skills, from foundational topics like data wrangling and visualization to advanced techniques in SQL, Python, and Tableau. The pacing is rigorous yet manageable, especially with the support and flexibility that the online format provides. The program's emphasis on real-world application ensures that students are not only learning theory but are also prepared for practical data analysis tasks.

Overall, CareerFoundry’s Data Analytics Program stands out for its strong curriculum, mentorship, and supportive community. It provides a robust foundation in data analytics, equipping students with the skills and confidence to make a successful transition into the field.

I don't even know where to start describing the experience of the last 9 weeks in the IN-PERSONtial UX/UI design bootcamp at Ironhack Lisbon. The quality of the training program is unbeatable. The professionals who make up the teaching staff are of the highest level, both as teachers and as human beings. The kindness and closeness, as well as the positivism in the low moments of such an intense experience, have made that, time after, I still feel moved when I remember them. Moreover, the on-site experience of the course has been crucial for me. I could not imagine it in any other format. The quality of the transmission of the contents, as well as the coexistence with the teaching team and the rest of my classmates, both in my course and those of WebDev and Data Analysis, would not have been of such a high level and would not have exceeded my expectations if it had not been in a face-to-face format. I highly recommend this formula. It feels like a summer camp and you feel it when you leave, but in this case you don't just take friends for life, you change your professional life forever. I miss you all!

From the start, I immediately knew I was going to enjoy the course! I appreciated how the lessons had us look at the history of design, given that we needed to have that understanding of related principles; I found myself coming back to review them while I was working on my unit projects. Everything was built via scaffolding, and I felt that my skills consequently were being reviewed and tested within every new unit. And, when I did have some questions and/or issues about how to proceed, the mentor that Designlab paired me with was there for me! Honestly, the feedback given to me by him was incredibly helpful and it's things like these that really enhanced my overall experience. The caveat is that sometimes, your mentors might not be as responsive as you would like, so it can be hit or miss, but there's no questioning the fact that having one is something that should be the default. Finally, I loved how both the practice tasks and unit projects got me engaged to the point that hours flew by without me noticing! I didn't think I'd be this happy and excited to work on something like what Designlab has to offer, but I'm oh so happy that I found them!

The course was full of practical content coming from latest technologies used in industry. I have to put my 120% to learn new things covered in the course. it started from basic things like html and css and ended up with django and mysql. Real project and being hands-on through the course helped me to upskill quickly.
Joel, our main instructor, has an incredible depth of technical skills, particularly in software development. His ability to break down complex concepts into manageable lessons made a significant impact on my learning experience. The hands-on projects and real-world applications he introduced us to not only enhanced my technical proficiency but also sparked my passion for software engineering.

I joined ReCoded Algeria Bootcamp back in june 2017, currently i'm still a student in it and will hopefully graduate by December, the whole bootcamp was nothing but an amazing experience, from the mentors, to the career prep teams, to the choosen students, to the provided materials and feedback, truly the best. It wasn't onlu great academically but felt homey as well with the shared love, laughter, memes and even personal experiences from everyone included. I HIGHLY recommend it! 

Not only does Avocademy do a wonderful job in their foundations course to prepare your skills for real world design projects, but the access and support for mentors is one of the most valuable resources I've ever had. They have a variety of mentors available for all areas of your foundational and career development needs. From general reinforcement and positivity, to real world experience, to career guidance in your job hunt, they will guide you for any decisions you have to make. I would not be where I'm at in my professional development without them and this has been undoubtedly one of the best decisions I've ever made!

Nuova Speranza - meine Reise zum Regenbogen. 

Nuova Speranza, so mein Desktop Hintergrund und DCI Mantra, in Anlehnung an einen meiner fantastischen Lehrer mit biografischer Verbindung nach Sardinien (sentimental bewundernde Grüße an Giaco und Rami, an Gaël, Anton, Nicole, Louisa, Ash, Metin, Albert, ...). Denn genau DAS beschreibt umfassend auf das Maximum reduziert in zwei Worten meine durchgehend/ausnahmslos positive Erfahrung mit diesem auf so vielfältige Weise großartigen Bildungsträger.

Nuova Speranza.

"Neue Hoffnung" also. Im Sinne von neuen, tragfähigen beruflichen Perspektiven, die vor meiner DCI experience schlicht nicht vorstellbar gewesen sind - und das war nur der Einstieg. 

Mit Bewilligen der Fortbildung durch die Agentur gab es nach gefühlten Nanosekunden auch schon ein detailliertes Kursangebot per Mail gefolgt von einem Anruf meines DCI-Bildungsberaters Bogdan Cosma., der Kursdetails nicht nur leicht verständlich erklärte, sondern in beeindruckend liebenswürdiger Geduld aber auch jede Frage sofort kompetent beantwortete, gar anbot, man könne ihn jederzeit mit jedem Kursanliegen anrufen selbst an Wochenenden. Ein schönes Beispiel für "normative Kraft des Faktischen", solches Engagement setzt Standards, schafft Erwartungen, ist Referenz, die andere erstmal erreichen müssen. So war Bogdan ganz nebenbei Markenbotschafter für DCI, sein Verhalten ließ einiges erhoffen für den inhaltlich durchaus sportlich-ambitionierten Kurs.

Diese positive Ahnung wurde dann ein ganzes Jahr lang weit übertroffen in einer mir davor nicht vorstellbaren Weise. 

Konkret bezogen auf DCI Staff: tatsächlich wären mir in durchaus abwechslungsreicher beruflicher Vita nie zuvor engagiertere Mitarbeiter:innen begegnet, die einen in jeder Form, jeder Funktion, in jedem denkbaren Kursaspekt, bei allen Schwierigkeiten bestmöglich unterstützt haben weit über die eigene Stellenbeschreibung hinaus. Genuin glaubwürdig authentisch mit Herzblut Lichtjahre über "Dienst nach Vorschrift" hinaus. 
Tatsächlich alle, denen ich das Privileg hatte, zu begegnen. 

Sie wollen Deinen Erfolg. 

Wenn Du also das tolle Privileg einer bewilligten Fortbildung im Digitalbereich hast, wirst Du einen qualifizierteren, philanthropischeren, engagierteren Bildungsträger kaum finden können. 

Idee und Konzept meines Kurses fand ich ohnehin super, sie entsprechen meinen Idealen von einer knallbunten Welt der Gleichen, die in liebevollem Respekt einander wertschätzend unterstützen. Was auch sonst. So hat man schlicht mehr Spaß. 

Von der Idee zur Tat:
Die konkrete Umsetzung schöner Ideale in gelebten Kursalltag fand dann auch konsequent statt, es war angenehmer Spiritus Rector des täglichen Miteinanders und machte den Stress sehr vielen Lernens neuer, bisweilen komplizierter Inhalte deutlich einfacher. 

Wenn auch nicht unbedingt einfach:
Der Kurs insgesamt ist durchaus anstrengend und fordernd, konnte mich an Grenzen bringen, was Leben ja erst spannend macht. Grenzen finden, überwinden, sich entwickeln. 
Seriöse Ambition und Motivation sind unbedingt erforderlich für erfolgreiches Bestehen. 

Eine tolle, manchmal schwierige, aber immer inspirierende Erfahrung mit wunderbar verschiedenen, klugen, anregenden Menschen, die ich nicht missen möchte.

Ob DU dafür geeignet bist im Sinne von "ist es meine Tasse Tee", lässt sich prima herausfinden im "Orientierungskurs" genannten Eingangsmodul von ca. 4 Wochen Dauer, in den einem verschiedene Aspekte des Web Developments näher gebracht werden. Das macht allen Beteiligten, also auch Dir, die Entscheidung leichter. 

Hast Du Dich für den Kurs entschieden und qualifiziert, erwarten Dich außer dem Tsunami neuen Fachwissens über modernes Web Development, das täglich mit praktischen Übungen vertieft wird, weitere klug konzipierte, praxisorientierte Module, die Dir den Einstieg in Dein späteres berufliches Setting erleichtern. 

Neben erwartbaren "how to" - Aspekten also (wie CD/Ci, git Workflow, Microservices vs. monolithic approach, Datenbankanbindungen ans selbst entworfene Frontend, Aufbau, Architektur, Gestaltung einer performant skalierbaren web application mit on demand rendered functionality etc.) noch die Vermittlung und das Üben sehr hilfreicher Softskills, die über Deinen späteren Erfolg entscheiden können. Alles im Team natürlich, wie es später auch wahrscheinlich im Job zu erwarten ist. 
Das Ganze spielerisch mit viel Lachen, dabei didaktisch klug wie inspirierend aufbereitet. 

Schließlich war noch Erwerb oder Vertiefen von Sprachkompetenz Teil des Pflichtprogrammes, in unserem Fall Deutsch oder Englisch. 

Schul- und Unibesuch sind bei mir nun schon einige Sommer her, aber ich kann mich nicht erinnern, je so komprimiert gelernt zu haben auf so vielfältige Weise, wie in diesem Kurs. 

Was gab es alles zu lernen, wen alles kennenzulernen. Eine tolle Erfahrung. 

Abschließend wünsche ich noch möglichst vielen Privilegierten nach mir diese sehr außergewöhnliche und schöne Gelegenheit zur Entwicklung eigenen Potentials, ihnen selbst und der Gesellschaft zum Gewinn. 

Fertig. Können wir jetzt endlich Coden?
:)

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Nuova Speranza – My Journey to the Rainbow

Nuova Speranza – this phrase adorns my desktop background and serves as my personal mantra, inspired by one of my fantastic teachers with biographical ties to Sardinia (sending heartfelt, admiring regards to Giaco and Rami, to Gaël, Anton, Nicole, Louisa, Ash, Metin, Albert, ...). These two simple words perfectly encapsulate, in the most concise manner possible, my consistently positive experience with this exceptional educational institution, which is outstanding in so many ways.

Nuova Speranza.

In other words, "New Hope" – representing new, sustainable career opportunities that were simply unimaginable to me prior to my DCI experience. And that was just the beginning.

Upon approval of the training program by the agency, it felt like mere seconds before I received a detailed course offer via email, swiftly followed by a call from my DCI educational advisor, Bogdan Cosma. Not only did he explain the course details in a clear and comprehensible manner, but he also exhibited remarkable patience and kindness, promptly and competently answering every question. He even offered his availability for any course-related inquiries, including weekends. A wonderful example of the "normative power of the factual": such dedication sets a standard, creates expectations, and establishes a benchmark that others must first strive to match. In doing so, Bogdan became a brand ambassador for DCI, his conduct inspiring confidence in what was already shaping up to be an ambitious and challenging course.

This initial positive impression was not only fulfilled but consistently exceeded over the course of a year in ways I had never imagined.

Specifically, in terms of DCI staff: in my varied professional career, I have never encountered more dedicated individuals. Regardless of their role, every staff member I had the privilege of engaging with provided optimal support in every conceivable aspect of the course and every difficulty that arose – far beyond the scope of their job descriptions. They were genuinely, authentically committed, demonstrating a passion that extended light-years beyond mere "duty by the book."

They genuinely want your success.

If you have the privilege of approved training in the digital field, you will struggle to find a more qualified, philanthropic, or dedicated educational institution than DCI.

The idea and concept of my course already resonated deeply with me, aligning perfectly with my ideals of a vibrant, inclusive world of equals who support each other with loving respect. What else could one wish for? It simply makes life more enjoyable.

From theory to practice:
 The consistent implementation of these beautiful ideals into the daily course routine was a constant theme. This uplifting spiritus rector of our interactions made the stress of intensive learning – including occasionally complex new material – far more manageable.

That being said, it was not always easy:
 The course as a whole is quite demanding and challenging. It pushed me to my limits, which is precisely what makes life interesting. Finding boundaries, overcoming them, and evolving. Serious ambition and motivation are absolutely essential to succeed.

It was an extraordinary, sometimes difficult, but always inspiring experience with wonderfully diverse, intelligent, and engaging people I am grateful to have met.

Whether you are suited for this program – in the sense of “Is this my cup of tea?” – can be easily determined in the “Orientation Course,” an introductory module of approximately four weeks. This provides an overview of various aspects of web development, helping everyone involved – including you – make an informed decision.

If you decide to pursue and qualify for the course, you can expect not only a "tsunami" of new technical knowledge about modern web development, reinforced daily through practical exercises, but also additional well-designed, practice-oriented modules that will ease your transition into a professional setting.

In addition to the expected “how-to” aspects (such as CD/CI, Git workflow, microservices vs. monolithic architecture, connecting databases to self-designed frontends, building and structuring a scalable, high-performing web application with on-demand rendered functionality, etc.), you will also gain valuable soft skills. These are practiced extensively and can be critical to your success. Everything is, of course, team-based, as it is likely to be in your future workplace.
 All of this is presented in a playful, laughter-filled environment, with didactically clever and inspiring methods.

Finally, language skills were also part of the mandatory curriculum, in our case German or English.

It has been several years since my school and university days, but I cannot recall ever learning so much, so intensively, and in such a multifaceted way as I did in this course.

There was so much to learn, so many wonderful people to meet – a truly enriching experience.

In conclusion, I sincerely hope that many more fortunate individuals after me will have this unique and beautiful opportunity to develop their potential, for their own benefit and that of society.

Done. Now, can we finally start coding? :)

THS is the best place to enhance your coding skills. The whole journey in the Bootcamp was awesome. My instructors Prashanth, Pranish, and Akhil are excellent. They will teach you from every basic thing and will make you a professional.The atmosphere is very awesome. They
Motivated me in every way possible to improve myself.
Thanks to the whole team for improving my skills.

NextLeap gave me the foundations and my first job in a product role and I am thankful to the mentors who helped me with it. I would really recommend NextLeap to people looking to break into their first product role.