Lifelong Learning @ UNB
UNB College of Extended Learning

Boot camps have become popular for individuals who want to enter the tech industry because they provide an intensive and focused learning experience that participants can complete relatively quickly.

Stephen Brown is one of those individuals. After an 11-year career working for a security systems company in Calgary, he wanted to move back to New Brunswick to be closer to family. He wanted to find a career in a field that would allow him the freedom to work where he wanted to live.

Stephen knew he wanted something that involved technology. Computer programming checked off all the boxes, and he enrolled in the University of New Brunswick's Coding Boot Camp. 

Stephen's experience with the UNB Coding Boot Camp has been very positive. 

"One thing that made it accessible for me was the funding I received from the McKenna Institute," he says. "That really made a difference," says Stephen. 

The program is fast-paced, and the structure well-planned. The course is broken down into modules, and each module includes several activities, beginning with basic instruction from the instructor and then progressing to more complex tasks until students can develop projects on their own or in teams.

"It's very hands-on, you get the instruction, and then you're doing the work—similar to what you would be doing in the workplace, so that's great," he says.

Apart from coding skills, Stephen says he also learned how to learn and find answers through research—skills that are invaluable in an industry where technologies are continuously changing. 

"You can't become an expert on something in a week, so learning where and how to look for answers was probably the most valuable thing I've learned."

He believes that he can offer future employers more than just programming skills, but also proactive problem-solving skills, project management and management experience, having served in leadership positions in previous positions. 

Even though the program is entirely online, Stephen managed to get to know his classmates and establish a supportive network. 

"We plan to keep in touch and have set up a group on Discord to help each other and stay connected."

The program offers services that give students a leg up when it comes to job hunting, including developing resumes and using LinkedIn. 

TechImpact, another program partner, fosters an employer network to connect graduates with industry professionals. They provide Tech Ready Training, a session that gives boot camp students industry-ready skills specific to the New Brunswick market including networking best practices, resume and cover letter tips, and skills to be prepared for a technical job interview.

"I was really impressed with TechImpact—the connection to employers they offer to us was huge. I am optimistic about my career opportunities in the industry, and I'm prepared and ready to find employment." 

Stephen's story highlights the advantages of intensive boot camp learning. In the ever-changing tech industry, continuing to learn to stay up-to-date and competitive is essential. For individuals looking for new career opportunities, coding boot camps offer an effective and efficient path to gaining the knowledge and skills that employers seek.

UNB is proud to partner with regional industry leaders that include our own McKenna Institute — formed in 2021 to help digitally transform New Brunswick — and TechImpact, an organization that promotes the tech workforce and is committed to growing the talent pipeline throughout Atlantic Canada. Together, we're investing directly into New Brunswick’s tech labour market.

New Brunswick residents who meet certain eligibility criteria may qualify for the McKenna Institute Tuition Support Program, which provides up to 75% off tuition for the 2022–2023 academic years.