Hey everyone! I'm really tired of working low-paying entry-level IT jobs, so I've decided to start learning programming. I've signed up for a 10-week Python programming bootcamp that starts in a month. I'm worried about feeling overwhelmed with all the new information. To prepare, I've been going through Harvard's CS50 course on YouTube and some topics on W3Schools. What else can I do to ensure I get the most out of my bootcamp and really understand what's going on?
4 Answers
Honestly, think twice about bootcamps—many don’t prepare you for the job market. It's better to have a broader experience alongside it.
Keep in mind some employers won't hire candidates with only bootcamp experience. They sometimes end up on a 'do not hire' list.
I understand, but I consider it more of a course that leads to a certified qualification from my country's education ministry. I’m aiming to build my skills further before I start applying for programming jobs.
Since your bootcamp is focused on Python, I recommend you really dive into Python beforehand. It's common for bootcamps to move at a fast pace, so having a solid foundation will help. Harvard even offers a Python course called CS50p which you might find beneficial. Also, check out programming-24.mooc.fi, it's highly rated. Whatever you choose, don't just passively watch—make sure to practice. Type out the code in your own editor, run it, and mess around with it to see what happens. Solve exercises on your own before looking at the answers.
Start your learning today, not just when the bootcamp begins. This way, the bootcamp can reinforce what you already know.
I actually started practicing about a week ago. I'm just looking for more resources before the bootcamp kicks off! 😀
I plan to do more than just the bootcamp. My goal is to work in programming within the next year!