After an intensive month learning the in and out of PHP /Laravel framework, we interviewed 3 of the 15 participants (Frederick, Memuna, and Olabode) of the recently concluded 2016 CodeCamp about their experience before and after the training and here is what they had to say…
Fredrick Mgbeoma
Tell us a little about yourself
My name is Fredrick Mgbeoma, a Computer Science graduate of the University of Port Harcourt.
Why did you apply for CodeCamp?
I have always had an interest in building software but I wasn’t able to combine school work back then with learning how to program because the education system’s major concern was working to get better grades. I started after graduation but wasn’t learning as fast as I expected so I saw Codecamp as an answer to my prayer and I applied.
What was your first impression at CodeCamp?
The intensity of the classes and it has been worth it.
What do you think gave you an edge during your Codecamp interview?
I’d say my strong desire and my passion for programming must have sounded convincing enough to give me an edge.
What was your biggest challenge with regards to what you were taught at CodeCamp and how were you able to overcome them?
A: My biggest challenge was Objective Oriented Programming (OOP) I was able to overcome it by repetitively trying and consulting my classmates during the review with my classmates the next day.
What project were you working on?
We worked on an event booking web app.
Where do you see yourself applying what you were taught at Codecamp?
Take this as a kick start to actually invest in solutions.
What is your advice for future participants at Codecamp?
Focus. Before you come make sure you are willing to learn. Avoid distraction if you really want to gain a lot.
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Memuna Haruna
Tell us a little about yourself
My name is Memuna Haruna, I studied Electrical Engineering and graduated in 2014.
Why did you apply for CodeCamp?
I was searching for opportunities to learn more and was glad when the opportunity came.
What do you think gave you an edge during your CodeCamp interview?
I was confident and I already had an android product I had developed which I included in my application.
What was your first impression at CodeCamp?
My first impression was that we hit the ground running on the first day.
What was your biggest challenge with regards to what you were taught at CodeCamp and how were you able to overcome them?
My biggest challenge was the MVC framework. I got good materials and I was able to overcome it by practicing.
What project did you work on?
We worked on an event booking platform.
Where do you see yourself applying what you were taught at CodeCamp?
I intend to apply what I learnt into a project I am currently working on – a forum where people ask techie questions and get people to answer. I intend to call it lorem ipsum.
What is your advice for future participants at CodeCamp?
Learn as much as you can, not just from the tutors but from fellow ‘CodeCampers’ to network and get as many materials as you can. Also, build relationships with other trainees. Don’t think you know too little and shy away from learning further.
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Abesin Olabode
Tell us a little about yourself
My name is Abesin Olabode, an undergraduate of OOU final year, I started learning in 2012 and took a break about 2 years ago.
Why did you apply for CodeCamp?
When I started learning how to program, I didn’t really know what to learn so I started learning HTML and CSS. After a while, I began to learn Python and Java. I expected that at Codecamp I would learn what is needed and of course I have gotten it.
What do you think gave you an edge during your CodeCamp interview?
I think it was because of what I built before I came here, I built a platform called Campushello.com, a platform that allows a student in Nigerian Universities book rooms online but it was built on WordPress and wasn’t too good.
What was your first impression at CodeCamp?
{Laughs} It was a very funny one. I walked into the room and obviously, everyone had already introduced themselves and Kene asked me where I was coming from and I answered: “I am coming from Alagbado, quite far”. Everyone laughed and my folks still fondly tease me by calling me by “quite far”.
What was your biggest challenge with regards to what you were taught at CodeCamp and how were you able to overcome them?
My biggest challenge was CSS but I overcame it because the environment was good for learning and I was able to ask a question on what I didn’t know. Kene, our instructor, was helpful with the classes and kept asking follow-up questions.
What project were you working on?
5 of us, my team and I, worked on the project meeting room booking app – cBookr. It allows users to book meeting rooms within CcHUB. It was an eye-opening project because it helped put into practice what we were taught. We actually used Laravel and presented the app during the demo day and got feedback.
Where do you see yourself applying what you were taught at CodeCamp?
I see myself applying what I was taught in my personal projects and also if I get an internship, I will apply what I learnt but if I do not get an internship, I will apply what I have learnt in the freelancing sites I am on and also I have to work on feedback I got.
What is your advice for future participants at CodeCamp?
Don’t think of CodeCamp as a place where you have to be familiar with many languages . The instructors at CodeCamp expect you to know the basics but be receptive to learning because you will be bombarded with learning here.
Find out more about the other participants https://cchub.africa/codecamp/
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