At Barcelona Code School, we always say that coding bootcamps are not just about learning JavaScript or React — they’re about transformation. Àlex Olivé is one of those students whose journey captures the ups, downs, and real impact of what it means to take a bold step into the world of web and mobile development.
Àlex had a stable job in academia as a Program Coordinator at the University of Barcelona, but he was pulled toward the world of technology – "It was something I’ve always been interested in. I like being on top of new technologies, the development world and using the latest tools available to move forward."
But even with this, the decision to leave a secure job to pursue something new wasn’t taken lightly.
"Yes, for sure. Leaving your job it’s never an easy thing."
Àlex joined our full-time Web and Mobile Development Bootcamp, where he quickly learned what we mean by "intense."
"It was intense (what a surprise) and a bit frightening, but we had a great group and helped each other."
One of the biggest challenges he faced was the pace of the bootcamp.
"Managing the amount of information I received daily was my main struggle. I felt like I needed three days to understand one lesson, but the next day brought even more!"
So what kept him going?
"The colleagues there and the professor's kindness."
In high-pressure learning environments, it’s often the community and support system that make the difference. For Àlex, that sense of camaraderie helped carry him through the toughest days.
While the bootcamp gave Àlex the tools to start creating and building, he is candid about the fact that the journey doesn’t end with graduation.
"I want to create my own projects and websites to showcase my skills, hoping to get contracted for them. However, at the same time I want to work for a company to gain the experience I lack. I need to build confidence in the skills I have learned."
Looking back, he would have taken a slightly different approach to learning – "Maybe repeat each method, function, and so on until it becomes second nature for me." He still feels like he can prepare better before the interviews and become more confident in his skills.
This is exactly why we spend about 80% of the bootcamp doing coding challenges, exercises and projects. To practice problem solving on many coding challenges and develop a bit of a "muscle memory" for syntax, methods and tools as well. We can't stress enough how important it is to do all the coding practice we prepared for the students during the bootcamp as it is the fundamental way of learning programming.
"I enjoyed it some days, while others were less enjoyable. Overall, it was a good experience. I was pleasantly surprised by the group we formed and how we helped each other."
Despite the struggles, Àlex offers grounded and practical advice to those thinking of following in his footsteps:
"Come to class having practiced the previous lesson. Don’t hesitate to ask questions as many times as you need, in any way that helps you. Request the type of explanation that works best for you."
Àlex’s story is not the overly polished “before and after” narrative. It’s honest, real, and representative of what many learners go through when switching careers into tech. The learning curve is steep, and expectations can be a double-edged sword — but with persistence, support, and a focus on understanding the programming instead of just making code work to pass the tests, success is within reach.
Feel free to check out one of Alex' projects done during the bootcamp or connect with Àlex on LinkedIn.