I'm going to {{coding}} boot camp and moving to Los Angeles

My Plan

I’ve been in a long distance relationship with my girlfriend, Danielle, since January of 2020. She was born and raised in Los Angeles. She is an artist and educator, and you can visit her website here.

I’m excited to announce that I am committed to Tech Elevator’s intensive boot camp in Java web application development! This 14-week training starts on September 13th and ends on December 17th.

I am taking part in the National Live Remote cohort which features collaboration from students and teachers from across the country.

My plan is to live with my mom in Melbourne, Florida while completing the program. Afterward, I intend to seek employment in Los Angeles where my girlfriend lives.

If you know of any opportunities for Associate Developers, please send them my way! I’m seeking part-time work as a church musician as well.

Why I Chose Tech Elevator

While I researched many training programs, Tech Elevator, Flatiron, and General Assembly were my top three. Tech Elevator was my first choice for multiple reasons:

• They have a 90% job placement rate and student outcomes are audited by the Council On Integrity In Results Reporting.

• During the boot camp, there is a matchmaking event where 50% of students typically get a job offer.

• The instruction is remote and can be completed anywhere.

• I have a friend who had graduated from the program on a Friday and started a full-time job on the following Monday. Social proof is persuasive!

Why I’m Interested In Coding

As someone who loves music theory, coding is a stylistic and semantic wonderland. While the specifics of music theory may not necessarily transfer to coding, they both require an understanding of systems and hierarchies.

• Music theory informs performance and is a tool in composing.

• Web development creates the visuals of a website and organizes large amounts of data.

Coding is essentially an act of creation. I look forward to personal projects that support my musical endeavors, but also to other projects that I haven’t even thought of yet!

I am interested in the interdisciplinary possibilities of technology. What initially triggered my career shift is when a friend of mine became the director of Technology at the San Francisco Opera after attending a coding boot camp.

I thought that was such an awesome niche to find oneself employed!

Maybe I’ll be a Music and Technology Director at a church, or do freelance work, or maybe even start a business. However, I am leaning towards a traditional tech position for an Associate Developer so I can learn the ropes and find mentorship from Senior Developers.

The Admissions Process

About 50% of applicants to Tech Elevator are accepted to the program. These are the steps I completed to be accepted.

1. 25-Minute Logic Test

2. Application/Cover Letter

3. 60-minute Interview

4. 90-minute Logic Test

Staying Sane During The Boot Camp

The admissions team described the program as “demanding all the energy of a full-time job plus your favorite hobby”. With this in mind, I plan to keep myself mentally and physically fit.

I’ll be near the coast in Florida so I will make walks on the beach a priority!

In terms of mental health, I hope to develop a habit of meditation and reflective yoga.

The Boot Camp Curriculum

If you are curious as to what I’ll be learning, I’ve included an overview of the curriculum below.

Documenting My Experience

If you want to stay connected, I will be writing a blog post after every week of the boot camp. I will be sharing my experience and journey through an exciting time in my life. Come back to garrettjohnlaw.com to read the latest.

Alternatively, you can sign up for my free email newsletter. Submit your email below.

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