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RubyConf 2016 - Bootcamp Grads Have Feelings, Too by Max Tiu You’re a bootcamp student. You’re so excited to become a developer! Amidst your excitement about this new industry, you hear everyone say that bootcamps are a blemish on the community, that they’re a waste of time and money. “Maybe I’ve made a huge mistake,” you think. “I don’t know how I’ll fit in here." But you can make this community better! In this session, you’ll learn about the varied experiences of bootcamp students and grads, how exclusionary behavior can end up stunting our community as a whole, and what you can to do make a more inclusive environment for everyone of all skill levels.
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In the presentation "Bootcamp Grads Have Feelings, Too" at RubyConf 2016, Max Tiu addresses the stigma surrounding bootcamp graduates and highlights the importance of creating an inclusive environment within the tech community. Tiu shares personal experiences as a bootcamp graduate and emphasizes how exclusionary behaviors can stifle diversity in the tech industry. Key Points Discussed: - **Background on Bootcamps**: Bootcamps serve as alternative education pathways into tech, often offering more accessible entry for individuals who may not otherwise pursue a career in technology. - **Kaya's Story**: An illustrative example of Kaya, a pharmaceutical sales representative who seeks career fulfillment and becomes interested in transitioning to tech through bootcamps. Despite her enthusiasm, she encounters stigma that makes her doubt her choices and capabilities. - **Diversity and Access**: Statistics show that bootcamps enroll more diverse populations compared to traditional computer science degrees. About 20% of bootcamp graduates are people of color, and women represent 36% of bootcampers, illustrating the role bootcamps play in increasing diversity within tech. - **Challenges Post-Bootcamp**: Graduates often face barriers in job applications, including exclusionary degree requirements and negative perceptions about their education and skills. These challenges perpetuate feelings of inadequacy among bootcamp graduates. - **Value of Bootcamp Graduates**: Tiu argues that bootcamp grads bring innovative perspectives and energy to teams, which benefits organizations by fostering collaboration and creativity. - **Improving Inclusivity**: The discussion calls for concrete changes in hiring practices, advocating for realistic assessments over traditional degrees, and the introduction of apprenticeships and hands-on learning opportunities. - **Community Support**: Engagement through local tech meetups and initiatives, such as Rails Girls Atlanta, plays a critical role in supporting bootcamp graduates and promoting an inclusive tech community. Conclusions and Takeaways: - The importance of treating bootcamp graduates as individuals with diverse backgrounds and aspirations is emphasized. - Recognizing the contributions of bootcampers is vital for fostering an equitable tech community. - The talk encourages industry members to actively listen to and validate the experiences of bootcamp graduates, aiming for lasting connections and collaborative growth. Tiu concludes with a call to action, inspiring the audience to play a part in changing the narrative around bootcamp graduates and promoting inclusivity in the tech industry.
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