From Beginner to Coder: Coding Bootcamp Alum Matthew Kovach’s Journey

Even as a beginner in the coding field, Matthew Kovach started a transformative journey with the University of Illinois Chicago Coding Bootcamp powered by Fullstack Academy. With minimal prior coding experience, Matthew approached the program with an open mindset and a strong desire to learn. "Before starting the bootcamp," he recalls, "I had dabbled in HTML about 10 years ago, but beyond that, I was very green to the coding world. My knowledge of programming and modern technologies was quite limited."

An Accelerated Learning Journey

The bootcamp provided a fast-paced and immersive learning experience. "My bootcamp experience was very positive overall," says Matthew. "The pace of learning was highly accelerated, which was both challenging and exciting. However, the curriculum proved to be a strong and reliable resource, consistently pointing me in the right direction and providing the tools I needed to be successful."

He acknowledges that the accelerated pace demanded his dedication and commitment. "It was a fast-paced journey," he explains, "but the support and structure helped me keep up and grow my skills effectively."

Balancing Life and Learning

Balancing the demands of the intensive bootcamp with other life responsibilities presented a unique set of challenges for Matthew. He shares, "The most challenging aspect of the bootcamp for me was balancing life responsibilities with the intense workload of the program."

However, he found a solution that worked for him. "The Open Support Rooms were incredibly beneficial," he explains. "They gave me the opportunity to dedicate specific times to focus on my bootcamp homework, ensuring I stayed on track. This structure also allowed me to manage my time effectively and focus on my life outside the bootcamp during off-hours, creating a much-needed balance."

Developing Essential Skills: Beyond Coding

Matthew emphasizes that the bootcamp instilled valuable skills beyond technical knowledge. "The most helpful skills I’ve learned in this bootcamp are the importance of dedication and effective time management," he says. "These skills showed me that, with the right mindset and effort, learning new abilities and taking the leap to make a career change is entirely possible. The bootcamp provided me with the tools I needed to continue my journey into tech, including valuable resources and support from the career success team through additional workshops."

He also highlights the importance of the relationships he built during the program, stating, "The relationships I built during the program have been instrumental in guiding and motivating me as I pursue my new career path."

Advice for Aspiring Coders

For those considering a coding bootcamp, Matthew offers this advice: "Don't be afraid to take the leap into a bootcamp or a career change. However, if you decide to take that step, be ready to fully commit to yourself and the process. Success in this journey requires dedication, perseverance, and the determination to see it through, but the rewards are absolutely worth the effort!"

By embracing the challenges and leveraging the support provided, Matthew successfully transitioned into the exciting world of technology. If you're ready to start your own coding journey, consider exploring the University of Illinois Chicago Coding Bootcamp and unlock your potential in the ever-evolving tech landscape.