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Candace Goodson
1,784 PointsHas anyone here actually completed the Fullstack JS techdegree?
Having a difficult time deciding whether I want to sign up for the $499 tech degree here for the Fullstack JS techdegree. Has anyone here completed it and had success getting employd? Most of the treehouse "stories" are people who have gotten front end jobs, but I'm more interested in back end. I understand that the projects and portfolio will be a huge plus since I don't have a CS degree, but still would like to hear someone else's experience.
Thanks! Candace
1 Answer
justin stark
32 PointsWhere are you getting $499 from
And also remember that you can create your own portfolio. The way I see it the tech degree is merely for those that need a bit of hand holding.
webdesignertroy
Front End Web Development Techdegree Graduate 14,718 Pointswebdesignertroy
Front End Web Development Techdegree Graduate 14,718 PointsThis may seem off topic, but it's not. Getting a Techdegree certificate (front-end or fullstack) and job hunting are two different beasts. I think people are making the wrong assumption that just because they have a CS degree or certificate, recruiters are going start knocking on their doors. Job hunting has little to do with or no correlation to the degree itself.
The degree only gets you prepared to do a specific job. Job hunting comes with its own set of techniques, were a moron could get a great job if he knows what he's doing and a genius could be unemployed for months if she doesn't know how to job hunt. For instance, when applying for jobs online you need to get passed the gauntlet of website algorithms and human resources, which is the first tier. These things are literally looking for keywords and phrases that line up with the job description. You will have to show them a "point-by-point" response in order to satisfy them (i.e., if the application description states, "Seeking extensive experience leading IT transformation initiatives...," your cover letter needs to read, "I have extensive experience leading IT transformation initiatives...[accomplishment here]"). Once you get called in for an interview, you need to tap into a different set of skills to appease the managers.
The only purpose for doing well in the Techdegree programs and getting a certificate is to probably do the job fast enough and well enough to go home at the end of the day and have a nightlife, see your family, etc. I would suggest you learn fullstack JS however you can for the sole purpose of learning fullstack JS so you don't struggle in a position. However, go see or hire a job consultant or someone with that similar background, separately, to help you find a good position you will appreciate and love. More importantly, don't let your decision to join or not join the Fullstack JS Techdegree program interfere with your reasoning of whether you will get the job with it or not. The certificate and the hunt are not related.