We are now three weeks into our January full stack coding bootcamp, so wanted to catch up with some more of our students, allowing them to share their experiences of working with Tech Educators. We managed to speak with Full Stack student Matt Surtees on his experience with Tech Educators so far and how he is finding learning to code.
Hi Matt, so you have completed the first two modules of the bootcamp. How have you found it so far?
I feel like it's been a good start and I am looking forward to learning more, and pushing myself to new challenges. It has certainly been that, it is a challenge, but one that I am glad I have been able to rise to and am learning a lot in doing so.
What have you learnt so far and is there anything you found particularly interesting or useful?
I have come from a whole different industry, I have been in events before, managing a small team, ensuring that everything comes together in time. Coding is a bit like that in some ways, but it is new in so many others. I feel learning all of it has been interesting.
What are some of the biggest challenges you have faced so far and have you overcome them?
Having not learnt any of this before my biggest challenge would have been learning the new language and terminology. At first everything feels like it is new, but the team help you with that and everyone is in the same boat. I've also learnt that you are always learning, I think everyone is and that's okay.
How do you feel about the pace of the bootcamp and the level of support from the instructors, teaching assistants and your classmates?
All the staff are great, the support they give you is second to none! They will make sure you understand it, and go above and beyond. Having people around you physically, emotionally, all put together into a great group.
What are you most excited about learning as the bootcamp progresses?
Going into a whole new industry into something I enjoy. Learning new programmes and languages. Seeing how my learning is progressing. That's the thing that it is all about, there is no one part, it's progressing in so many areas, and doing it as a group. That's the power of working together.
I understand that you have come from the hospitality industry, that’s quite a change for you, how are you finding it?
At first it was very overwhelming, I am not going to sit here and lie and say in the first few lessons, it isn't. The thing that works is that the staff at Tech Educators can't do enough for you, to help you progress and succeed.
What has been the most enjoyable part of the bootcamp so far for you?
Watching my own progression, looking back at the first project I made to where I am now. That's a big thing for me, you can literally see the progress. You know there is more you have to do, but the progress is always there for you to see.
What would you say to people considering a bootcamp and possibly switching their career?
Go for it! What are you waiting for? The team here will support you every step of the way!
Is there anything else you would like to say?
I’ve thoroughly enjoyed doing this bootcamp, and I cant wait to see what I can achieve at the end of the 10 weeks!
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We wanted to thank Matt for giving us the time to speak to us about your time on the course so far, we will catch up again as the course progresses. To see if, like Matt, coding is for you, you can try our introduction to coding bootcamp, sign up today and dive into a new career opportunity.
About the Author
James has 8 years with Fortune 200 US firm ITW, experience of managing projects in China, USA, and throughout Europe. James has worked with companies such as Tesco, Vauxhall, ITW, Serco, McDonalds. James has experience in supporting start-up and scale up companies such as Readingmate, Gorilla Juice and Harvest London. James completed his MBA at the University of East Anglia in 2018.
