Bootcamp was the beginning - the real learning came afterwards
Between 2019 and 2023, the COVID-19 pandemic brought global lockdowns, and with it, a digital explosion. Businesses rushed to go online, creating an unprecedented demand for software developers. Bootcamps flourished in this environment, promising a fast track into the tech industry. You could hardly scroll through the internet without seeing success stories or ads proclaiming, “I landed a job after just 3 months of bootcamp!” At the tail end of this wave, I joined a 4-month web development bootcamp — and in 2024, I started working as a full-time developer at esveo. One year has passed since then, and I want to share what that journey has really looked like — the expectations, the challenges, and what I’ve learned.
What I Learned in Bootcamp
My bootcamp focused mainly on JavaScript, React, and Next.js. We covered basic programming concepts and built small projects. Most of the curriculum was front-end focused. We had a few backend sessions using MongoDB, but not much. In fact, I was the only one in my cohort who implemented a custom backend in the final project. I understood why bootcamps prioritize front-end. It’s easier to grasp and gives students enough tools to build simple UIs — components, styles, and some interactivity. These skills can be applied to work immediately. But to be honest, even though we all finished our projects, a lot of things were still unclear. Why do we write code a certain way? What alternatives are there? Could something be done better? We didn’t have the depth to ask — or answer — these questions.
Joining esveo: The Real Learning Begins
When I joined esveo, I spent the first two months in internal training. This period was incredibly important — it gave me a real understanding of the things I had learned in bootcamp. I finally started to grasp the “why” behind the “how.” It was like I became a sponge — I was learning fast, and I was having fun. Soon after, I began joining real projects — mostly using Next.js — but now the scope was much broader. Suddenly, the shallow waters of bootcamp turned into the deep sea. It was overwhelming at times. One question would lead to five more. Each answer felt like opening a door to another room full of things I didn’t know yet. The articles, tools, patterns — it felt endless. But with that struggle came growth. And that mix of painful confusion and the joy of figuring things out became my daily life. It still is, in many ways.
The Power of Supportive Colleagues
Throughout this process, one thing made a huge difference: the people at esveo. I had so many questions, not just about code but about mindset, architecture, workflow — everything. My colleagues were always there to help. No question was too small. They didn’t just focus on the immediate task, but always thought long-term. That mindset is also what allows esveo to support customers in realizing their software projects stress-free, smoothly.
Looking Back: Was It Worth It?
Would I do it again? Absolutely. Bootcamp was my key into this industry. But the real growth happened on the job — by showing up every day, asking questions, trying, failing, learning. In this field, there’s always something new to learn, and that makes every day feel fresh. It’s not just copy-paste from yesterday — it’s constant evolution. I’m glad I made the decision to do a bootcamp. And although today’s job market isn’t as open as it was during the height of the bootcamp boom, I still believe it’s a great option — especially for people who don’t have the time or desire to spend years in a university or Ausbildung. It’s only a few months. You’ll know quickly whether this is something you want to keep doing — and that alone makes it worth trying.
