As a boot camp student, it’s been a bit surreal to sit in a classroom again. From what I’ve learned so far, if someone is contemplating a career in web development but doesn’t enjoy the intricacies of problem solving, or sorting through copious lines of code to discover that the malfunction is related to a typo, then web development is probably not the best career choice. In some ways web development is like untangling and enormous pile of jumbled-knotted rope. For some people, they’d take one look at the gigantic mess and either panic or walk away. For others, the appeal of a puzzle is exciting and the act of chasing down individual strands of rope to find the first end is satisfying.
In a traditional learning environment, a specific subject builds mastery over a defined period. A boot camp environment builds a broad knowledge base in a fast-paced learning environment. Simply saying the word ‘boot camp’ evokes images of military themed movies with a drill sergeant and new recruits where the intensity of the training is visible. The environment for a web development boot camp is similar in the level of immersion into a fast-paced learning environment that’s hands on, engaging, requires significant attention, time and energy. Learning anything new can conjure feelings of frustration, self-doubt or discomfort and it can catch some people off guard.
Learning is CHANGE. You may be familiar with the traditional “Change Curve.”
According to William Bridges, Managing Transitions, change is situational however transitions are psychological. Transitions have an ending phase, the letting go of old ways and old identities. The neutral phase is exploration and learning. The “old” is gone however the “new” hasn’t arrived yet. Last is new beginnings, a phase of new identities, new energy and discovering a new purpose. Every person experiences this differently with different reactions and at different paces. Let’s face it change, of any type, is difficult but it can be easier with the right tools.
Part of my non-technical background was spent as a certified practitioner of change management through Prosci Change Management. Their model for change, ADKAR, is simply fantastic and can be applied to any professional or personal situation, even web development!
Check out part two to learn more about this model and how it can help you.
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