Zip Code Wilmington

Zip Code Wilmington is the ultimate place from which to launch a career in software development. It's intense and rewarding. I would have never imagined I could learn so much in 3 months! I would whole-heartily recommend Zip Code to anyone serious about... Read More starting a career in software development.

Zip Code Wilmington is an amazing program. I came to this program as a recent graduate from college looking to learn more about the practical application of technology in the business world. I got more than I asked for from Zip Code. I learned so much... Read More in the short 3-months of the program. The curriculum is intense and will challenge you at every turn but it will make you a better programmer in the end. I came out of this program with new friends and a great support system. I have thoroughly enjoyed this experience and would recommend it to anyone who wants to become a programmer.

Zip Code Wilmington was 3 months of extreme preparation for the Software Development world. The pace was fast, but you have the support of your instructors, program alumni and fellow students throughout. The curriculum had all of the important subjects... Read More required to help you become an entry-level developer. Not only were we provided with the right knowledge, the staff works incredibly hard to get students placed at local companies. I had a job offer before the class ended and Zip Code exposed me to a majority of the skills and tools that my new job will require.

Going through Zip Code Wilmington was one of the best things that happened in my life. Being a stay-at-home mom for 7 years and trying to get back into the software industry was a nightmare. Zip Code has given me more than I could ask for. It has given... Read More me a strong hold on the language(Java), close friends from different ethnicities(before Zip Code, I had none), great instructors who are ready to be our mentors for life, a different perspective to life and last but not the least, a JOB that I never thought I would be able to land at, before 3 months.

Being a homemaker made people know me as someone's wife, but Zip Code gave me a new identity(made me to be known for what I am). I appreciate everything that every single person from Zip code has done, to make me the person that I am now.

I was a server before I joined Zip Code in September. I had to leave school because I could no longer afford it when I found Zip Code. I applied a week before their deadline and wasnt sure if Zip Code was what they said they were. It was too good to be... Read More true honestly. In three months you can get a full time job as a developer?? Sounded unreal to me, but i applied anyway. Three months later i have a full time job as a developer at JPMorgan Chase. The people at Zip Code really invest in their students and do everything in their power to help you, as long as you put the work in. Not everyone gets in, and of those who do not everyone gets through. It was hard but worth it.

Overall it was an awesome program that started my career in software development. I came from a background with very little programming knowledge and within 12 (100 hour) weeks, I finished with two competitive jobs offers (out of only 4 interviews). The... Read More program is crazy intense and will require no less than 100 hours a week in order to do well, but it is well worth it. Overall it is a great program and the staff at ZCW really cares about you and helping you succeed.

Pros:
Knowledgeable full time instructors who are experienced in the field.
Active alumni network. A large portion of the alumni community continue to visit Zip Code to help students after-hours.
The technical curriculum was designed with input from hiring... Read More partners so you know the skills you are developing are exactly what employers are looking for.
The staff will help you to prepare for a multitude of factors outside of the technical materials (resume, networking events, site visits, etc.).
You are always surrounded by inspiring and hard working people.

Cons:
You will be putting in a lot of hours. This is a reasonable expectation when you consider that you have less than 12 weeks to be job-ready.
Hand-holding is not a thing here. There are always people around to help you but you have to take the initiative to get help.

Overall:
Taking the plunge at Zip Code was one of the best things I have ever done. It was extremely challenging but I enjoyed every moment of it.
I was terrified to leave my job to do this but after a lot of research I decided it was worth the risk. The program ended on this past Friday. I start my new career next Monday.

When you are trying to start a career what the the essential things you need? You need the skills, you need someone who is looking for someone with those skills, and you need a way to get your foot in the door to prove those skills. A lot of the programs... Read More I researched only provide the first requirement, which is giving you the skills you need, and then they say good luck with your new skills. Zip Code Wilmington provides all three. Along with providing the skills and getting an excellent education, they partner with corporations around the area that are in need for people with the skills they are teaching. Although they teach in Java and Javascript, another main distinction is they actually teach software development principles and apply these principles to Java/Javascript which then can be extended to any programming language compared to many bootcamps that just teach a hot technology and cut corners. Many students that have graduated Zip Code Wilmington are working with languages other than Java/Javascript like C#, Python, etc. and they are thriving. Zip Code Wilmington doesn't make you a "Java Developer" and only allow you to find success within Java roles. Zip Code Wilmington molds you into a technologist which can be successful on any software development team no matter what the technology is being used. After all, the technology you use is the tool and you are the craftsman/craftswoman. You are the problem solver and one tool cannot solve every problem. And as if all this wasn't enough, you also have a strong tight knit alumni group in your network upon completing the course. All of whom can help you now and in the future. Going through Zip Code is life changing and I cannot be more grateful to all the people that helped make Zip Code happen and to the staff that keeps it going each and every day.

Overall, Zip Code Wilmington is an excellent program for those looking to change careers and willing to put in a ton of effort and hours to learning. The instructors and very helpful and knowledgeable. The head of school, Melanie, works very hard to get... Read More the students prepared for interviews. The cost of the program is absolutely worth it. I personally paid $2,000 out of pocket for the program and then my employer (after 6 months) will be paying the remaining $10,000 balance. I able to get my initial payment back within two weeks of starting my new job. It's a great program that I'd recommend to anyone considering it! The only down fall of the program was the curriculum at times was unclear and vague, but I was also in the 3rd cohort and with talking to current students the program is solidifying the curriculum.