Research!
Before you just jump into any bootcamp, you have to find a place that fits your needs. Do you prefer in-person class? Or do you prefer online? Some would argue that both are equally effective at providing students with the environment needed to learn. On the other hand, some people still feel like you get the most bang for your buck in-person. It all depends on you! So definitely take your time with this one.
Also, all coding bootcamps are not created equal! I have to admit, I make a lot of my decisions based on reviews and there are a TON out there. Of course, you would want to not just look at the good ones or vice versa but take it in as a whole. What is the common thing people love/hate about this place? Is this something you could get with or would this hold you back from being your best self?
Find your mental “safe-space”
One thing I didn’t realize before I joined bootcamp was how easily frustrated I can get. The first few weeks, I learned a lot about myself. The good and the ugly 😂. Trust me when I say, you will be evolved or destroyed! But don’t fret, because I am here to tell you, “YOU GOT THIS! JUST BREATHE!”. You are going to find some things tough, especially if you are a complete beginner. Just think of them as growing pains. Honestly, the best way to prepare, is to go into this knowing and understanding that it is okay to not know everything. It is okay if you're not grasping something that some other person did. There are so many resources and people in the tech community that love to help and offer support. Go onto this journey knowing you are not alone.
Immerse yourself
Another thing that helps, is to immerse yourself in all things programming. Follow other people in the tech community and engage with them. Try to stay on top of things relevant in tech. Do you need to be an expert? Absolutely not. Just knowing that something exists and this is why it’s relevant today can help when it comes to conversing with other techies. Watching Youtube videos about the languages and software you are learning can give you background and context. So if you don’t want to feel like a ‘total’ newbie in class, it is worth it. Meetups are another great place to go. These are really cool because you are interacting with people real time and also networking.
Find good books/podcasts
There are a ton of books out there about programming, but to me it’s not just about the technical aspect. Here are a list of books that I recommend to help you become not just a tech-informed person but a better version of yourself over-all:
The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle
How to Win Friends & Influence People by Dale Carnegie
Think Like a Programmer: An Introduction to Creative Problem Solving by V. Anton Spraul
Living By The Code by Enrique Lopez Manas
Most importantly, come with an open-mind
Be willing to learn. Be open to criticism.
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