The Importance of a Support Community when Learning to Code

By Samantha Anderson

Last Updated: January 23rd 2023

Learning to Code with a strong support network

It's NOT a nice to have, it's essential.

Learning to code is a challenging and rewarding experience.

It requires a lot of hard work and dedication, BUT...

It's incredibly fulfilling.

Especially when you succeed.

Let me tell you about ONE thing that can make all the difference...

The difference between wiping out like you hit the biggest speed bump at the bottom of a sledding hill vs total success as you cruise past everyone else who's buried in the snow.

Because some things are going to fail you:

Motivation will dry up.

Coding challenges will make you want to quit.

Doubt will lie to you and say "you aren't smart enough."

But this ONE thing can reverse all of that.

I'm talking about having a support network.

It's irreplaceable.

I'm not just making this up.

The last graduate I spoke with, Andrew, it made all the difference in his journey.

One of the most important things that can help you succeed while learning to code is having a strong support network.

The value of a strong support network while learning a new skill, and how networking and community can help you navigate the world of coding, is irreplaceable in your learning process.

Having others to fall back on when you have questions or are lacking motivation to continue through difficult concepts is a wonderful asset, BUT it can be hard to find a community if you are new to the industry.

Some great ways to build your network are to attend networking events, participate in online communities, and build relationships with industry professionals.

What if I told you there was an affordable way to learn coding while making personal coding connections?

This is where Nucamp’s coding bootcamps come in.

You gain a supportive community of instructors, classmates, and alumni that share your coding goals when you join Nucamp.

An important thing to realize is that joining a coding bootcamp it’s not just about learning to code.

It is also about learning to work with others and becoming part of a community of like-minded individuals who can support and encourage you along the way.

Besides helping answer questions you have and providing external motivation, your coding community is there to practice and leverage networking.

Reading the word networking might have given you “the ick” as some might say, but we aren’t talking about an awkward approach of a stranger and giving them an elevator speech.

Networking in this context is about connecting with your classmates and instructors, so you can learn from their experiences, share your own knowledge, and build a community of peers who can help you succeed.

This might be chiming in when someone asks a question or giving feedback on a classmate's project.

A strong support network while learning to code is also having a group of people who understand what you're going through.

This can be especially helpful when you're struggling with a difficult problem or feeling overwhelmed by complex concepts.

Having access to people who understand what you're going through can help you feel less alone and more motivated to keep going.

Another important aspect of networking is it helps you build connections in the industry.

A coding bootcamp like Nucamp is a great opportunity to meet professionals in the field and learn from them.

You can learn about different career paths and get a sense of what it's like to work in the industry.

Additionally, networking can help you land a job after graduating from your bootcamp.

Many companies prioritize hiring applicants with an internal recommendation, and having a connection in the industry can give you an edge over other applicants.

Networking and community building can help you learn from others, make connections in the industry, and have a group of people who understand and support you.

Remember to take advantage of networking opportunities and build relationships with your classmates and instructors.

With a strong support network, you can navigate the world of coding with confidence and achieve your goals.

N

Samantha Anderson

Marketing Manager

Part Illustrator, part Graphic Designer, and part Digital Marketer—with a sprinkle of sales savvy and a dash of empathy. I'm all about using my creativity to craft captivating stories through both illustration and writing. When I'm not at my computer, you'll find me drawing nature inspired patterns and portraits on my other favorite screen: my iPad. To keep myself inspired (and to get away from my slight tech addiction) I garden, golf, and go on nature walks with my dog and cat leading the way.