⬤ Hello
OK. So, Derek went to write the newsletter - and instead just wrote a damn book or something. I guess he had a lot to say but that's way too much for newsletter and the email. I promised we'd get back to people by Monday so, here's the short version:
It took us a little to warm up to 2024 - but now we're here!!
We're reaching out to everyone who's been patiently waiting, the people who wanted to wait until the next group, the people who just applied over the last few weeks, and a few of you who might be returning from a previous cohort.
Derek goes over most of the new info (in detail) on the latest video on our home page (if you haven't watched that) but the main points are that we'll be doing fewer groups but larger groups this year. We need more people to get more pair programming opportunities and we've built in an expected drop-off percentage after the first 1/4th for those who learn this isn't the right path for them. There's really only one way to learn that.
Entry will be $2,000 upfront and then you have a few options with how to pay for the rest. I can fill you in on those details when you're ready. We recently partnered with Meritize to get an option for you to pay as you go or pay later. We're shooting for a group of near 30 and we can start when we have enough commitments. (if you've already paid, well - you know it)
What else...
"AI" isn't going to steal our jobs anytime soon. The market is a bit rough at the moment (for other reasons) but on its way back - and will favor those who actually know how to do the job.
This ^ isn't going to cut it.
It's going to take a while to get all the exposure and practice, but if you go deep and really layer up, you'll have many more opportunities than the narrow "general jr full stack" dev that boot camps are seemingly pumping out.
It's all about layering up in order of importance.
You get it, or you wouldn't still be here.
Who knows what you'll find. Andy from alpha-four said he didn't like visual design. It was painful. He really wanted to be a full-stack developer, he said. And it wasn't until the very end of the course - after building his final full-stack project that he started thinking maybe he liked user interface design. We worked out another 2 months of visual design projects with him. Then he spent a while freelancing and practicing UI design. Fast forward to today where he just landed a job as Senior UX/UI designer. How delightfully unexpected. It's totally possible you guys!
Play the long game. By exploring it deeply now, you'll be able to find the unique cross-over areas.
OK, ready?
Let's get this year started.
💕 Ivy
🎉
Thanks for the update. I am excited!!
Tom