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Then & Now: General Assembly’s Career Services

General Assembly
October 21, 2024

General Assembly’s Career Services program is one of its biggest selling points compared to other tech bootcamps. Every GA bootcamp includes career coaching (from certified career coaches), exclusive networking opportunities, and a host of other career-critical learning resources as a core part of the General Assembly experience. GA knows you’re not just there to boost your skills—you’re there to boost your income too.

Since I took the Web Development Immersive (now Software Engineering Bootcamp), many things have changed: the curriculum, the shift from in-person to virtual classes, and more flexible part-time tech bootcamp options. But one thing remains constant—GA’s commitment to getting you employed.

Career Services and its job-training resources are available to graduates for life. Lifetime offers like that are rare these days, making it all the more valuable. Not to mention, GA’s partnership with LHH and its Career Resources Network significantly expands their reach, connecting bootcamp grads with even more companies and agencies eager to hire.

Then

When I was deciding whether to attend GA’s WDI program in 2017, Career Services was a major factor in my final decision. Sure, two of my close friends had landed solid jobs after attending, but I needed more reassurance before taking the leap. How could I be sure this investment in myself would pay off?

Attending an info session was a tremendous help. I remember vividly seeing a slide that said 90% of students land a job within the first year. While no guarantee, that proofpoint gave me a confidence boost. Despite doubts about my skills and whether I could handle the pace, I felt like I had a solid chance.

Each cohort is assigned a dedicated career coach whose sole job is to whip your career game into shape. They help you craft a standout resume, polish your LinkedIn, and organize your job search. You practice writing personal statements, doing mock interviews, and laying the groundwork for the ultimate goal—landing a job.

When I graduated from WDI in January 2018, I didn’t waste any time getting my momentum going. My Career Services coach, Jon (shoutout to Jon!), and I mapped out my personal goals and built a plan. Although I took the program in New York City, I was set on moving to California. Jon connected me with GA coaches in San Francisco and Los Angeles to assist me during a job-hunting trip I had planned.

My big break came when the LA campus staff informed me about a demo day with potential employers—and there was an open spot. A career fair was also taking place in Downtown LA around the same time. Sensing the opportunity, I packed my bags and headed west. While I didn’t land a job from the demo day, I got close with two companies. That experience convinced me to move to California permanently, and soon after, I landed a role at a company I’m still with today. Even better—one of those companies that almost hired me is now one of my clients.

The return on my investment in myself has been tremendous. It’s not just about the job—it’s about unlocking your full potential. You get out what you put in, and GA gave me the tools to reach new heights through hard work and self-discovery. Ask any GA alum, and they’ll likely tell you the same.

Now

In today’s competitive job market, GA’s Career Services is just as crucial as it was back then (if not more so). They continue to provide the tools you need to stand out, especially in an era dominated by AI and rapidly evolving tech skills.

Despite concerns that bootcamps might flood the job market and drive down salaries, my experience has been the opposite. In my company of about 450 people, we employ dozens of bootcamp graduates—many from GA. Technical skills are more in demand than ever. If you don’t keep up, you risk falling behind.

To reiterate, you get out what you put in—I can’t stress this enough. The classmates who didn’t take class or Career Services seriously struggled to find jobs. Those who embraced it fared much better. You’re already outside your comfort zone, so go all-in—build the resilience and grit you’ll need for the road ahead.

Pro tip: Don’t wait until the end of your program to start planning your next steps. Your career coach, the rest of the Career Services team, and all of the other resources GA offers exist because you paid your tuition—use them. I started planning about three-quarters of the way through my cohort, and in hindsight, I wish I’d started even sooner.

The Key to Landing Your Dream Job

GA’s Career Services isn’t just a perk—it’s the backbone of the tech bootcamp experience. From resume building to personalized coaching, they equip you with everything you need to succeed in a competitive job market. But at the end of the day, it’s on you. If you’re ready to hustle, push beyond your limits, and fully embrace the resources offered, the rewards can be life-changing. No shortcuts, no guarantees—just the raw reality of how hard you’re willing to go.

Explore your options and attend a free info session. No risks. No strings. Just opportunities awaiting you.

About Tim

A few years after graduating college, Tim realized his lifelong dream of becoming a sales trader. But after reaching the summit, he quickly realized his dream career was the wrong fit — for a litany of reasons. So at 27 years young, he had a “eureka” moment, quit his supposed dream job, and attended a General Assembly coding bootcamp. It was both the most radical and important decision he’d ever made. With help from General Assembly, he re-learned how to learn immersively, acquired domain expertise, and landed as an early employee at a scrappy tech startup — where he still works today as a Team Lead & Sr. Solutions Engineer. Check out Tim’s blog for everything from advice on choosing a coding bootcamp to no-nonsense LA restaurant reviews.

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