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Startup Institute - CLOSED

Boston

About Startup Institute

Location: Boston

Please note: This school is closed and is no longer accepting students. The SwitchUp team no longer monitors this page for updates, but historical information is available for reference.

Courses at Startup Institute help students build the technical skills and network that will launch them into the growing tech community.

Startup's 12-week part-time "nights & weekends" courses feature a number of career-changing benefits including access... Read More

Courses

Coding with Ruby on Rails (Nights & Weekends)

Cost: $9,500
Duration: 12 weeks
Locations: Boston
In-person Only
Course Description:

The web development track will give you advanced knowledge of Rails, training on how innovative companies are using it, time to hack, and mentorship from experienced developers.

The US Bureau of Labor Statistics says web development job opportunities will grow 27% by 2024. For the tech industry, startups, and established companies that want to innovate, a skilled developer is vital.

Our web development track focuses on Ruby on Rails. RoR enables developers to get products to market quickly compared to other languages. For companies, this means they can have an edge; for our students, this means that their skills are in-demand and highly employable. Using Rails as a vehicle, the web development coursework encourages logic and problem-solving skills that will enable you to overcome challenges no matter what language you’re working with.

The program begins with the fundamentals of model-view-controller architecture. Lesson delivery includes a series of Rails labs and opportunities to work on real project deliverables both individually and collaboratively. Weekly workshops will give you exposure to topics such as test-driven development, git, AJAX, and API’s. Throughout your eight weeks, you’ll engineer deliverables that prove your abilities as an effective developer and teammate.

Key Skills and Capabilities:

Setting up a dev environment: brew, Xcode, RVM, git
MVC basics: intro to model-view-controller architecture
Building and testing a Rails application
Source control management and cloud-based deployment
Employing collaborative approaches to overcome coding challenges

Subjects:
Git, jQuery, AJAX, MVC, Ruby on Rails, JavaScript, Spring MVC

Digital Marketing (Nights & Weekends)

Cost: $9,500
Duration: 12 weeks
Locations: Boston
In-person Only
Course Description:

Our digital marketing track will train you to become a comprehensive digital marketer: performance and content marketing, plus a focus on generating actionable insights from data analytics.

Marketing is about anticipating a customer’s needs and then creating the opportunity for a sale to occur. Today’s digital marketers are tasked with designing campaigns that speak to multiple audience segments, inspiring them into action, and measuring the results to make data-fueled business decisions.

Marketers in the innovation industry are scrappy, creative, and agile—able to drive big growth on a small budget and with limited resources. Our digital marketing track will train you to be a self-sufficient marketer, whose aim is to help a company increase their customer base by a factor of 10. Lesson delivery focuses on relevant industry tools like Google Analytics, AdWords, and Mailchimp. You’ll get hands-on experience with SQL queries and implement SEO best practices on your own landing page and customized blog. To deliver on these goals, you’ll learn content strategies to organically improve your rankings.

Key Skills and Capabilities

Email marketing and landing page optimization
Best practices for inbound and outbound marketing plans
Working with analytics platforms and SQL
Placing, testing, and optimizing paid advertising
Improving website visibility through content development and targeted keyword usage

Subjects:
SEO, SQL, Digital Marketing, Wordpress

Introduction to Coding (Ruby on Rails)

Cost: $859
Duration: 8 weeks
Locations: Boston
In-person Only
Course Description:

This class will teach you the programming language used by developers to build websites, games, and applications.

Learn how to solve real-world problems with code and what it takes to create interactive web applications. You’ll complete the class with a solid understanding of the language and a series of web applications to add to your portfolio.

You’ll also be introduced to industry tools such as Github, Unix, and Sublime. This class is great for coding novices who want to learn the fundamentals of web development.

Subjects:
Git, Ruby on Rails

Introduction to Digital Marketing

Cost: $859
Duration: 8 weeks
Locations: Boston
In-person Only
Course Description:

Marketing for the digital age is less about billboards and more about keeping your audience engaged between email and Facebook, and everywhere in between. This class will teach you how to create an effective marketing plan and put it into action using key industry tools.

Learn how to drive results using Google Analytics, content strategy, SEO, A/B testing, and email marketing. You’ll complete the class with a marketing campaign and a solid understanding of how to acquire and engage customers.

This class is great for aspiring marketers, marketers who want to learn new digital skills, or founders and small business owners who want to build their own marketing plans.

Subjects:
HTML, SEO, SQL, Digital Marketing

Introduction to JavaScript

Cost: $859
Duration: 8 weeks
Locations: Boston
In-person Only
Course Description:

This class will teach you the programming language that allows users to interact directly with a website or application.

Gain a solid understanding of programming techniques, JavaScript fundamentals, and how to use JavaScript and jQuery to make interactive websites. You’ll complete the course with a team project to add to your portfolio.

This class is perfect for people who have dabbled in HTML and CSS, back-end developers who want to learn front-end skills, entrepreneurs who want to manage a development process, and the curious looking to learn how to code for the first time.

Subjects:
JavaScript

Introduction to Web Design (UX/UI)

Cost: $859
Duration: 8 weeks
Locations: Boston
In-person Only
Course Description:

This class will teach you the fundamentals of HTML5, CSS3, and the principles of responsive design.

Gain front-end coding skills and build a web experience for your portfolio that will function seamlessly across devices.

This class is perfect for aspiring UX/UI designers, graphic designers who want to learn to code, back-end developers who want to build a front-end skill set, web designers who are new to responsive design, and entrepreneurs who want to build their own website.

Subjects:
CSS, Illustrator, Mobile, Photoshop, Bootstrap, Responsive Design, Sketch

Sales & Business Development (Nights & Weekends)

Cost: $9,500
Duration: 12 weeks
Locations: Boston
In-person Only
Course Description:

The sales and account management track will prepare you to masterfully nurture a sales funnel, and to convert prospects into loyal customers.

Selling for high-growth requires resourcefulness. Salespeople at rapidly growing companies face very different challenges than their corporate counterparts. You may have to build your company’s sales process from scratch, or sell a product that is still in development. You may have to validate a market or industry on your own with few resources or guidance from leadership. Your role will demand an integrated approach, often working alongside marketing teammates to ensure a cohesive customer journey.

Our sales and account management track will train you to excel in the most critical revenue-driving role. From prospecting and lead generation to account management, you will learn that sales is both an art and a science.

The curriculum focuses on developing the essential skills for selling in the innovation sector, and provides tools and processes for managing the sales cycle. Lesson delivery emphasizes a practical and interactive approach, as salespeople from local companies share their expertise and lessons from their own experience. Instructional presentations are supported by hands-on challenges that invite students to engage with the tools, strategies, and problem-solving techniques that make it possible for salespeople to exceed their quotas.

Key Skills and Capabilities:

Customer engagement throughout the sales cycle
Objection handling and closing techniques
Inbound and outbound sales strategies and best practices
Managing long-term client relationships
Defining expectations and relationship building with your sales manager and team

Subjects:
Business, Entrepreneurship, Sales

Web Design + UX/UI (Nights & Weekends)

Cost: $9,500
Duration: 12 weeks
Locations: Boston
In-person Only
Course Description:

Our web design track will train you in front-end development and interface design with an emphasis on user-centered principles. You’ll juggle code and design as you learn how the most innovative companies create great digital products.

As a web designer you will be tasked with taking a product and turning it into an experience. You’ll need to balance dynamic visuals and interactivity with optimal performance.

Built on the product development life cycle, the curriculum simulates real-life challenges to prepare you to successfully take a project from concept to launch. Lesson delivery focuses on teaching relevant industry languages such as HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and jQuery. You’ll also get hands-on experience with local designers to learn about wireframing, low-fidelity mockups, and rapid prototyping to help you work quickly and take your designs to the next level.

KEY SKILLS AND CAPABILITIES

HTML, CSS, CSS3, JavaScript, and jQuery
Best practices and techniques for responsive design
Conducting user research and testing
Wireframing, low-fidelity mockups, and rapid prototyping
Effective portfolio presentation
Requirement: Students must bring a computer with a Unix environment (i.e. Mac OSX or Linux).

Subjects:
Design Principles, Responsive Design, JavaScript, UX

Startup Institute Reviews

Average Ratings (All Programs)

Startup Institute logo

4.7/5 (139 reviews)

Anonymous
Graduated: 2015

8/29/2015

Overall

Curriculum

Job Support

"A program that will undoubtedly set me (anyone) up for success and happiness."

Attending Startup Institute was the best life/ career decision I possibly could have made. Granted, I haven't been out of the program for very long, but I can already tell the skills (soft and hard) and network I am taking away from this experience will... Read More

Anonymous
Graduated: 2015

8/29/2015

Overall

Curriculum

Job Support

"Absolutely the most amazing experience"

The staff is absolutely world class. They establish a culture amongst the students that bonds us within a week. Every moment of the day is maximized and you really come out, not only with an amazing network, but an amazing group of friends. I can't thank... Read More

Anonymous
Graduated: 2015

8/29/2015

Overall

Curriculum

Job Support

"You can teach an old dog new tricks"

I went to startup to help rebrand myself. It wasn't that I had so much to learn but that I needed help trying to figure out what my brand should be. SI helped a lot!

Anonymous
Graduated: 2013

8/29/2015

Overall

Curriculum

Job Support

"Much more than a coding boot camp"

As a Web developer that had already switched careers once, I attended Startup Institute in the summer of 2013 to enhance my open source development skills and gain employment at a startup.

The Web development track was a solid foundation for those looking... Read More

The surprise for me was that because of the way the program was designed, I got much more out of it than I ever expected. I took advantage of opportunities to also grow my skills in other areas.

On top of the soft skills taught to the whole cohort, I was able to sit in on sessions in sales, marketing and design that interested me. This allowed me to tailor my experience to my interests and areas that world help my career.

My only disappointment was that the job opportunities through the program were mostly geared toward entry level candidates. I think this will improve as the network grows and the program attracts more diverse candidates.

Probably the best thing about Startup Institute is the people. From the staff to the instructors from local startups and the other students, everyone was great. I was able to build a strong network of companies and people more than willing to help out people in the startup community. This is important to remember when choosing which curry to attend.

Overall, it was an amazing experience and I would recommend it to anyone in any stage of their career.

Bill
Graduated: 2014

8/29/2015

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Job Support

"Career Switcher"

SI gave me access to leader in the Chicago tech space. The classes were topical and hands on which allowed me to add immediate value to my new employer.
Working for a StartUps can be hard, and SI prepared me for the challenge.

Mike McGrath
Graduated: 2015

8/29/2015

Overall

Curriculum

Job Support

"Immersion at it's finest"

The pros:
You build a diverse network
You will get a job after the program ends
You make life long friendships
You have mentors that check in to make sure everything's going as best as possible for you
You learn the skills you need to bring value to the... Read More

Cons:
There are none

Anonymous
Graduated: 2015

8/29/2015

Overall

Curriculum

Job Support

"The Startup Institute did *so* much to help me with a change of career."

I just finished the web development track at the Startup Institute in Boston. When I first signed up, I was excited but also a little skeptical because they promised so much. Now, having gone through the program, I can say that I was absolutely blown... Read More

There are three components to the program: cultural immersion, networking, and technical. The first two are intended to help you meet leaders and potential co-workers in the startup community, and it was highly effective. I left the program with 70+ new professional contacts--developers, designers, recruiters, VPE's, CTO's, and even some CEO's. Many of these people will be or are making hiring decisions, and I feel like I'll be able to call on them now and at later points in my career. To make the most of the technical program, I do recommend that developers have some experience coming in. This experience doesn't have to be intensive: I was transitioning from a career in English education myself, so as a computer hobbyist I worked through some Coderbyte challenges, read some cs books and tutorials, and also built two hobby Rails apps before attending. Having a little bit of experience under my belt helped me make the most of the technical curriculum and especially our partner project. As with all boot camps, you get out of SI what you put into it.

In addition to a network and technical skills, SI does provide job search support after the program has ended. We're one-and-a-half weeks out from the program, and the majority of my fellow students have placed into positions or are negotiating their offers. After the program, you'll have the opportunity to meet weekly with SI staff and fellow job-hunters to share tips and share opportunities. So, as you make the career transition, you won't be alone. SI advertises that 90%+ of their graduates have jobs within three months of graduating. From my experience attending the Startup Institute and also talking with other cohorts, this number is accurate and for most students the job offers come before the program has ended, or within two weeks of its end.

One last thing to mention: The sense of community. SIB works to recruit students who work well with others and on a team--and, in context of the program, there are definitely a lot of opportunities to work with, get to know, and make friends with your fellow students. The social experience is important. You'll leave SI with technical skills, and also a network of friends and colleagues that you can stay in touch with throughout your career.

You should sign up! SI is awesome.

Molly E
Graduated: 2015

8/29/2015

Overall

Curriculum

Job Support

"Startup Institute helped me make a difficult career transition seem more manageable and taught me what I need to know so it will never be so hard again!"

Startup Institute helped me build a strong network in the startup community in Boston. I know tons of people to ask for advice now and landed a job that I love.

Justin
Graduated: 2013

8/29/2015

Overall

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Job Support

"Great Program"

Completing the Startup Institute was one of the best career choices I could have made. It expanded my network in an amazing way and taught me valuable skills to work for some of the best startups around.

Nikhil Hathiramani
Graduated: 2013

8/29/2015

Overall

Curriculum

Job Support

"An Invaluable Experience"

There are a only a handful of moments in your life that garner your dearest attention, a special place in your memories. My time at Startup Insitute falls into that category. I simply wouldn't be the person I am today had it not been for the full throttle... Read More

If you're looking for that career change, or simply an excuse to stop procrastinating and make a change for the better, then Startup Insitute is for you.

Related News

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Justin Miller, VP Marketing at Startup Institute - 10/5/2017
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