Codeup

Let me start by saying I do not have much of a technical background and I had not even heard of data science prior to 2021. After 11 years of active duty Air Force, I decided to transition to the Reserves and was trying to figure out what I really wanted to do. I happened to run into a coworker who was telling me about how he had enrolled into Codeup's Web Development course and something prompted me to check out the school where I came across the description for the data science course. I was instantly intrigued and somehow everything aligned so that I was able to get into their next upcoming course right before the cutoff. 

I won't say it was easy because I had to relocate and there was A LOT to learn but there's a big difference between doing something difficult that you find enjoyable and something difficult that doesn't satisfy you. You will be amazed at what you accomplish during the course. The class environment is set up so that you learn from your peers as well which is great because no one understands better where you are than someone else in the same position. The instructors do an incredible job of explaining the concepts in a way that even those with limited industry knowledge can understand and are always available and willing to provide one-on-one assistance as needed. You will learn everything you need to know start a career in the industry.

The placement team was also great with finding jobs for everyone no matter your situation. I was a little worried since I was from another state and was not looking for anything local to Texas but it turns out they have connections spanning across the nation and were able to get me set up with a position within a month of graduation. It does require some work on your part getting your resume polished, sent out, and, of course, doing the interviews, however, they provide guidance at every step and take care of the extra details that help seal the deal. 

I am incredibly grateful for everything I've learned from all the great people at Codeup and my cohort and will forever remember a few of the individuals that helped me through the process as one of those people who made a significant impact on my life. I have and will continue to recommend Codeup to anyone who is looking to get into the data science field.

I attended Codeup from September 2021 to March 2022 using VETTEC. The school is conscious of CDC guidelines and ensures the safety of students attending virtually and on-campus. While I attended online, they were starting to return to campus.

The curriculum focused on the data science pipeline, from acquiring and preparing data to exploration and using machine learning to gain business value from data. A student can expect to learn git, SQL, python and useful libraries, Tableau, and other useful tools a data scientist may use. Through the course, students are building a portfolio of projects to reinforce what they've learned in class, creating experiences to add to their resume, and adding talking points during interviews. These projects are pushed to Github daily to bolster a strong profile. Students will also learn and develop public speaking skills as they present their projects.

The instructors are incredibly knowledgeable and care deeply for students. Their patience and dedication ensured nobody was left behind and everyone developed a working understanding of each portion of the curriculum. Their adaptability to each individual's circumstances, feedback, and encouragement enhanced the student experience, even when things became difficult, and added to student retention.

Closer to graduation and post-graduation, the student placement team is constantly working to build a student's network, resume, and finding personalized potential placement options with employers. Everyone is working together toward ensuring a student's success, even after graduation. Instructors have 1-on-1 interviews with students and provide feedback while also providing opportunity for more practice if a student requests it.

I highly recommend Codeup to anyone, from any background, who is seeking to make a career change into tech.

Everything I have now I owe you codeup and the instructors there. Before Codeup I was struggling through a college program, working a dead end maintenance job. I heard about code up and that they were verified through the VA and did a ton of research (like your probably doing now.) And I was blown away by there success stories and job placement. So I pulled the trigger and started the application process. From the first day of the application process to graduation day I felt like I always had someone to guide and support me. The instructors there are top notch. Ryan is literally the Bob Ross of python. Maggie can help anyone understand the nuances of statistics and probabilities and the best part is.... If you're stuck, if you don't know what's going on all you have to do is ask and someone will help you. My fellow cohort mates have become life long friends through the bonding we did in those classes. And finally what everyone wants to know what about the JOBS?! Well I was hired at an incredible company BEFORE graduating. With zero outside experience and I wasn't the only one. To this day my LinkedIn is flooded with offers for interviews by head hunters. The process works, it's hard and it takes a lot of work,patience and understanding but I truly believe that everyone at Codeup had my back and I could call them today for help and they'd do what they could for me. If you're looking to break in tech I would strongly encourage you to consider Codeup. If anyone has questions about my experience feel free to reach out to me on LinkedIn 👍

Before Codeup, I was a home-health, Speech-Language Pathologist Assistant. After a couple of years, I felt overworked and drained. Although, the work was satisfying, I felt I had to start thinking about what else I was good at. 
Then, as I was on my way to a patient's home, I found a Codeup billboard near Splashtown, a waterpark in San Antonio, that said “drive to a job you love” and I took it as a sign. I thought, “I want to drive to a job I love!” I had also heard from Codeup from someone I knew that went the Web Development route. She told me how Codeup changed her life for the better and that she was happy she made the transition from her previous career into the one she has now. She answered my questions, helped me through the whole process (application, pre-assessments, prework, scholarships, etc.) and frequently asked me how I was doing in my coursework. 
At first, I was a little worried about tuition payment, but once I got started in the application process, they held Zoom meetings where they would talk about all the funding options. They made it really easy and answered all of my concerns. I realized I didn’t have to be scared about the financial aspect. I applied to a couple of grants and was able to get about a third of my tuition covered through the Train for Jobs SA grant from Workforce Solutions Alamo. That really helped me. I also received a few different scholarships from Codeup and the rest of it was a loan from Meritize. 
It was difficult leaving something I was comfortable and familiar with to start something new with no data science background, but I’ve have always enjoyed these tech skills. Once we got into the pre-assessment work and then the prework leading up to class, it showed me, “okay this IS what I wanted to be doing.” I really enjoyed it, thought it was fun, and knew this was for me. 
Overall, I really enjoyed the program. We were in Zoom the whole time because of the pandemic, but they made it slow, nice, and easy. The instructors are great. Every single instructor helped me at one point or another, teaching things from ground zero and explaining everything really nicely in a way I can understand. They taught us how to learn. They didn’t just give us the work and tell us exactly how to do it. 
Now after graduating from Codeup, I’m a Business Intelligence Analyst at Liquid Web. I’ve been here almost three months now and I’m contributing to so many projects. I really feel like a true member of the team. I can figure things out for myself and my bosses are telling me how well I’m doing and how far I’ve come since working here. I didn’t have to ask for help or training, because Codeup prepared me well and taught me how to learn when I run into skills they don’t teach. It’s been really good.
I’m so glad I made this change. It was scary to take that leap of faith, but ultimately, I’m really glad I did. I love my job and I love what I’m doing. If anyone is a little sad or struggling to find their best fit, I recommend looking into Codeup and going through their process. I’m extremely happy where I am right now.

Just wow…

So much to say about Codeup! It was a life changing 22 week experience. 

I had always had an interest in coding and math. I spent almost a year through the pandemic trying to teach myself Python. I just couldn’t do it. Yes, there are loads of free resources and videos but there was no structure to help hold me accountable. I was eight months pregnant and about to graduate with my BA in Mathematics when I found out I was being laid off from my job. 

I took the opportunity to save up money and apply to Codeup. I was able to use what I had left of my GI Bill which helped so much. Codeup also helped me get a grant from the local employment office to help with the cost as well as a scholarship.

I started Codeup shortly after giving birth. To say the idea of attending an immersive coding bootcamp was intimidating and challenging is an understatement. I went from knowing very little about data science and programming to being very comfortable with the entire pipeline and fundamentals of it. 

From the admissions process all the way to landing a job, my experience was phenomenal. The school was challenging. I often felt like we were being water hosed with so much information but through the process, I created an amazing camaraderie and friendship with my teachers and classmates. We trusted the process and the curriculum. By the end of the 22 weeks I was surprised at just how much I knew. I was by no means the top of the class and I still had such a great foundation of data science and machine learning as a whole.

I learned all the foundations of data science, programming languages and relevant libraries, statistics and machine learning methodologies etc.. Every day we had a lesson on something new, then group exercises that followed. After the whole section, we either had quizzes, projects to present, or both. We created so many hands on projects that really helped us all learn so much and build up a huge portfolio. The process was a bit nerve racking but it made me so confident in the end.

Searching for a job was both exciting and scary. I had great support from Stephen in applying for jobs and preparing for interviews. In the end I landed my dream position at my number one choice company. I never in a million years would be where I am today without Codeup. There is nothing like the Codeup staff, instructors, curriculum, hands on projects, amazing portfolio, friends and knowledge you come out with. 

No, paying the tuition will not suddenly change your life. 

To further understand where I'm coming from, let's go back in time to what I was doing before I decided to enroll in Codeup.

I graduated with an MBA 1.5 years earlier than the typical course set up with a nearly perfect GPA. My first job (that I've been working at for over 5 years) was going to be destined to promote me, right? No. However, I think sometime after graduating with my Bachelor's and before the graduate degree, I realized that my 'perfect' and young resume wasn't doing me much good. I felt like I kept going to school to buy time in order to blow off rejection after rejection. So I decided to change the game up and learn how to code. There was no way (in my mind) that I would get rejected after this. I had interest in coding growing up in STEM programs, but I wouldn't be able to sit at computers for prolonged periods of time---until I discovered blue light glasses! 

So I enrolled in college again to do computer science the following semester after I graduated, but what I realized was that I didn't really want to redo college and have it not work out again. It's a lot of time to put out of my day when it was becoming more important that I start taking care of my financials. I looked into Codeup because my brother had did the web development program and it inspired me how quick he was able to get a great job through the program. 

But if you're interested in web development; then maybe the rest of this review won't be what you will experience. I chose to do the data science program, it's kind of more up my ally. I hope that it will help regardless! 

Okay here it goes: 
It is true: you don't need prior coding experience or domain knowledge to do Codeup, it helps, but I didn't even know what data scientists did until after I started the program, I just had a very abstract idea. However, if you think just doing Codeup will land you where you want, then let me tell you: it's not magic. Being accepted is one thing, completing the course is another, but you need to put in the work. It will not magically land you the career of your dreams, and truth is that's where the individuality comes in. How easy or hard it is to land a job depends on personal preference, Codeup doesn't have an arsenal of catered jobs awaiting for you by the time of graduation---they could (depending on the job market) but again, it's not a magic spell that changes your life when you get the certificate. You'll still have to put in the work during the class, while you job hunt, and Codeup provides you with most of the skills you'll need to be in the running. 

Here's how the experience was: 
My instructors were great, they really take time to get to know you and will help you with whatever you need. I even reach out to them for help post graduation---and they're still super cheery to go over anything! I've had a lot of teachers/instructors/professors in my life, and the instruction team here is so engaged. They go way above and beyond! If you feel like you're struggling, reach out to them immediately. I don't know how many times I've been frustrated for prolonged periods when they cleared it all up in a couple of minutes once I asked. 

The curriculum: use it every day. If you're just getting into tech, just know it grows so fast. Is it every skill you will need? Depends on the company. However, what they are able to teach in the 22 weeks is an amazing foundation. If you need to learn more, it will probably stem from what Codeup teaches you. Unlike college, you'll have access to the curriculum/notes/solutions even after graduation. The projects you do in data science are realistic, you'll probably refer back to them a lot! 

The placement team: I don't know too much about all of them, but Stephen will take into account your personal preferences for jobs. He has set me up with valuable connections, and directed me to the position I have now. 
The job seeking process is mostly your own, you have to go out and find what you want to apply for; but when Stephen found me a job that would incorporate my business degrees and my data science education, he sent it to me right away. Again, it's not a magic spell. The Codeup certificate doesn't get you in the door, but it will give you the skills you need to land the job and be in the competition. 

You will be challenged, and maybe if you're like me, you'll cry a few times along the way. Upon graduation, I didn't end up getting a promotion with the company I've devoted years of my life to. BUT! I work in a completely new field, life's exciting, I feel valued, and I'm super thrilled. I would have never had this without going through the Data Science program at Codeup. 

If you're going to put in the work, and find reward in lifelong learning, then this program is right for you. Nobody will let you fall here. 

But once again, do not do this program if you think forking over the tuition is an even exchange for a career in 6 months. The kinds of jobs people land, the salaries, or the amount of time it takes to get one, vary! 

My review and experiences are limited to the Data Science program, which I attended remotely, in San Antonio.

Codeup is an amazing organization, to say the least. The program is split into two phases : 

• the instruction phase 
  • This is the 22-week section that provides the 670+ hours of instruction into SQL, Python, machine learning techniques and models, and so much more. You will be running through the entire data science pipeline (planning, acquisition, preparation, exploration, modeling, delivery) and creating real-world predictive models with actual data.
  • I have nothing but the utmost respect for all of the instructors in this program. They all possess the ability to break down the material into a digestible size, and they empowered us to become the data professionals we are now.
• the job hunting phase
  • Once the instruction phase is complete, you will be primarily in the hands of the job assistance team. Everyone will have different needs and expectations for this part, so going into specific details is pointless.
  • What I can say is that the job placement coordinator is great at what he does. He is always professional, guides you through searching for opportunities, and provides excellent support for all your job hunting needs. 

Getting into Codeup is difficult but if you are accepted it is 100% worth it. With a guarantee like this:
"This professional development is an ongoing, standard part of our curriculum, and continues even after graduation. Get hired within 6 months of graduating or 100% of your tuition back." The out-of-pocket cost is naturally high but there are a lot of resources to help offset or cover the cost. Veterans can use their GI Bill benefits or Vet Tech to pay for the program along with the monthly BAH stipend, San Antonio Workforce Solutions also has some great programs that can help you financially with the program.

I have already recommended friends to attend this program!

Going to Codeup was the best decision I could have possibly made. I had no prior experience with computer programming or data science. I chose to leave a successful seven year law enforcement career in order to change my family’s life. I knew that through Codeup’s Data Science program I would be able to start a career with more physical safety, better benefits, likely better pay… all around more piece of mind for my family. I was able to secure a job with an amazing company two weeks before graduation!

It is a tough 22 weeks! You have to put in the work, study, ask questions when you get lost, do not procrastinate… it is difficult BUT it is so very worth it. The admissions process is difficult (for data science) but there are resources to help, especially if you’ve never done data science before (like me). The instructors are amazing. The job placement coordinator works with you to get you jobs that will truly interest you. 

I can’t say enough how much I am thankful to Codeup for changing my life! Highly recommend. If you aren’t sure, just call and chat with admissions. It’ll be worth your time! 

If you are in San Antonio and looking into learning to code... either learn on your own through YouTube or choose a different boot camp. While you do learn a lot of information here, its not information that isn't already available on the internet for free. They do not care about you or your future career. The instructors are arrogant and condescending, the career placement teams do no research on the positions they just shove you into a position at one of their employer partners even if it has absolutely nothing to do with web development. Sometimes the placement team doesn't even keep their appointments with you and suggest you apply to X amount of job postings per week. Dimitri will post jobs that require Masters degrees and 10+ years of experience in the field in the slack channel in a bootcamp full of jr devs or devs still learning and disrespect you in front of the entire institution when you ask if there are any jobs that are more attainable. The instruction is completely unstable because the turnover rate for the instructors is extremely high. I had 8 instructors and 7 of them quit during my time at codeup. There are students who fail EVERY SINGLE EXAM, but still manage to graduate with you even though their final project is not even complete. The turn over for the placement team is just as high as the instructors turn over. If you ever have a question you could never go back and ask the person who put you in the position because they will have another job shortly after placing you. All in all... I shouldn't have wasted Vettech's money coming to this subpar institution and I hope no one else waste their time or money here either.

I first saw Codeup at the San Antonio Airport while I was working as a a travel technician for Wind Turbines. That was right around the same time I was beginning to think that I needed a change in my life. I wanted to be closer to home and do something I had a strong interest in, which was computers and technology. After researching Codeup, I found that they had a good record of their students getting hired. I also enrolled into the program because they had “in class” instruction. However, when the pandemic hit, I ended up doing the program 100% virtually and it did not affect my ability to learn. I went through the accelerator course and not only was I taught how to be a full stack web developer, but a Professional Software Engineer. I was taught and given tools to become a successful entry level software engineer, I do see the difference of how well prepared I am compared to others who came from different schools or backgrounds. I feel highly confident with the information and knowledge of coding in my new career at my new company. I highly recommend Codeup, trust the system they have in place. Trust the process, failure is the process. I can genuinely say Codeup is the Standard of Career Accelerators, especially in Software Engineering. 

CodeUp is an amazing boot camp for learning Software Development. They are also great with working with veterans who transition out of the military. As a veteran myself, they made the transition to civilian life seamless. They helped me with everything I needed to get done for the VA as well as help on getting a resume set up. The teachers do a great job of explaining the material as well as going in to further detail if you need it. They also provide extra help outside of class if you are stuck. I came to CodeUp with no prior knowledge of coding or how to use the terminal and they helped me understand a tremendous amount of new information. The hiring manager did an excellent job in getting me prepared for interviews, creating resumes, teaching professionalism, getting me connected to different companies and going to hiring events. He works with a passion to help each person succeed and it shows in his quality work. You can’t ask for a better team when it comes to the team they have there. From just out of the military to hired at USAA before graduation, CodeUp was one of the best investments I ever jumped on.

I attended Codeup as part of the Curie Cohort for Data Science from Feb 2020 to June 2020. I'm currently working as a Public Safety Innovation Specialist for the City of San Antonio.

First, if you are wondering if you should go to Codeup, short answer, absolutely. You could spend less money elsewhere and take 2 - 5 years to get where you want, or you can make the investment now and be there in 5 months. Easy choice.

A little background on me. I went to college for 3 years to get a Bachelors in Chemistry, but didn't finish the degree. I worked in security for 3 years, all the while slowly learning programming from online resources. It was a hugely inefficient mess. You have to research everything yourself and hope that what you are learning is up to date. If you do spend money, it is for an online certification that only means as much as the projects you have to show for it. You are usually dealing with pre-recorded lectures if there is video material at all. You will have to create a lot of your own projects without a lot of guidance. You will have to figure out how everything is done in the real world on your own by digging through other practitioners' projects. And you will make tons of mistakes along the way without realizing them because you don't have someone to help. All of this, and you have no guarantee that any of this time, money, and stress will ever get you a job.

CODEUP IS EXACTLY WHAT YOU NEED.

You will make more progress in 20 weeks than you could anywhere else. You will have instructors who are creating and adjusting the curriculum based on real interviews with employers and graduated students, so you know the material is up to date. You know the money you are spending is getting you a certificate that has value in actual companies. Your lectures are live and with a small class so you can get help whenever you need it. You will be given real open-ended projects that will prepare you for the real world. You will learn the correct standards for how work is completed so that you can hit the ground running in your new job. You will have instructors and your classmates to help you see your mistakes so that you can correct them quickly before they become bad habits. 

All this, and they have the only job guarantee that I have ever seen that isn't dependant on your background and is a full tuition refund. Many other services offer a job guarantee, but when you read the small print they require that you have a bachelor's. You really can't get any better than this.

So honestly, help your future self and get that application in now. You won't regret it.