Code Platoon

Could not recommend more!  I went from knowing basic Python and JavaScript to being able to create a full stack web application in a matter of less than four months, growing in so many ways.  Throughout the course the instructors and staff ensure that students are consistently in the "stretch zone," where we are challenged but not overloaded.  The patience, knowledge, and willingness to make us better engineers and people is what sets apart Code Platoon from many other organizations, and what made the experience so worthwhile.  Expect to work very hard, increase your hard and soft skills, and make new teammates that all share the military as a common background.  I cannot say enough good things about Code Platoon, Rod, Tom, Ankur, Jon, and the rest of the staff there.

14 weeks of instruction in JavaScript, Python, OOP, Django, React, PostgreSQL, & HTML / CSS.  Instructors, TA's, and mentors REALLY go above and beyond to help you understand the material. There's also career coaching, resume coaching, plenty of networking opportunities, etc.  The resources are truly endless, if you have a desire to learn.  On top of that, the available internship program is top notch.  I really can't say enough good things about this school.  Thank you, Rod, and everyone for making Code Platoon happen!!

I am going to assume that at least some of the people reading this are either veterans or military spouses that have come across Code Platoon and are trying to decide if the program is worth it. I just finished it and I can tell you with complete confidence that it is worth every bit of your time and if you have the opportunity, do the application and commit to the course. If you are worried about the cost, lucky for you, they work with many sponsors that provide scholarships that cover most if not all of the tuition. To add to that, the team behind code platoon also works with these sponsors to provide internships and sometimes full-time positions following the course for many of the students, which I'm not sure any other boot camps do. The course itself is top-notch and the instructors are super knowledgeable and attentive to all levels of ability coming into each cohort. It will absolutely prepare you for an entry-level position in software. The stack they teach is up to date with the industry and the concepts you learn will give you a good base for starting and continuing down this career path. At this time, the course is fully remote which I expected to be a hassle but It didn't detract from the learning experience in my opinion. 

I had a great experience at Code Platoon. The instructors are extremely invested in each student, and there is always someone to ask for help when you feel lost. I never really imagined that I could learn so much so fast. Also, aside from the coursework, the internship opportunities offered by companies to graduates at the end of the course is something that I had not read about being offered at any other coding bootcamp. The different kinds of scholarships and grants afforded to students to help with tuition also make this program a great opportunity for anyone able to attend Code Platoon.

The decision to attend a coding bootcamp was a hard one for me to make. I worried that the course would be too fast-paced and I would get left behind. Code Platoon immediately made me feel welcome and cared for and I knew it was the school for me. I never felt alone and there was always someone to help when I became stuck. I would highly recommend this bootcamp to anyone that is eligible to attend. It is a lot of work, but the instructors and TAs are there to support you. If you put in the work you will get through the course. This is the best decision I have ever made, and I am so thankful to Code Platoon for offering such a wonderful opportunity. I am proud to be a part of the Code Platoon family. 

Code platoon has 3 major things that after my exhaustive search for a DoD skill bridge program that others simply do not have:

1) A tech stack that forces you to learn multiple technologies and therefore become more confident in your ability to find the similarities in new languages and apply them. Don’t come here thinking you are just gonna learn JavaScript-everything-stack and leave it at that.

2) A comprehensive soft skills program covering topics like wealth management, inclusion and diversity, and career/interview prep. I had historically struggled with interviews due to excessive nervousness- but taking a day per question to bullet point out my response and practicing it throughout  the cohort (yes, including in front of the whole cohort of 22! Get out of your comfort zone!) made me realize that I am actually pretty damn good at interviewing, I just previously hadn’t been practiced enough.

3) A network of top tier companies that are completely and utterly invested in the product that code platoon delivers. No where else will you find 3-4 members of a company with a combined 35 years of experience come in to present their offerings, give mock interviews, check up on students, and ultimately give paid internships to them. With all the amazing competition in Chicago, this demonstrates incredible faith these companies have that the students they place there have learned to learn.