Dev Support
writes on November 15, 2022
Are you looking to become a developer and wondering if Treehouse will prepare you for an entry-level position?
Yes, you can get a job by completing a Treehouse Techdegree. Techdegrees are Treehouse coding bootcamp programs that equip you with the coding and soft skills you need to land your first entry-level tech job.
In this guide, you’ll learn about Treehouse Techdegrees and how to prepare for an entry interview. Let’s dig in!
Treehouse Techdegree vs. Tracks
Treehouse Techdegrees are online, self-paced bootcamps. They train and certify learners as proficient developers without a degree in as little as three months.
Each program offers a guided curriculum across different fields of tech development. They are made up of lectures, assessments, and workshops focused on getting you job-ready.
They differ from our Treehouse Tracks. Tracks are a great way to access coding education if you’re looking for shorter, less-intensive courses.
Tracks are helpful if you’re not yet sure what to specialize in or you’re looking for relatively short, knowledge-booster sessions. They’re also more affordable as they are less in-depth than our Techdegrees.
If you’re ready to turn coding into your career, that’s where Techdegrees comes in. You’ll gain certifications and enjoy exclusive privileges, such as access to the Treehouse Slack group and real-time support.
Treehouse has five Techdegree programs aimed at teaching you how to start coding. These are:
- Front-End Development: Learn to build beautiful and responsive user interfaces for websites and applications. The course teaches you how to use HTML, CSS, and JavaScript for front-end development.
- Full Stack JavaScript: You’ll learn how to develop both the front-end and back-end of fully functional websites and software apps using JavaScript.
- UX Design: Here, you’ll gain the skills to design websites and apps that provide seamless user experiences. This Techdegree will teach and certify you in the acts of site design and user research.
- Python Development: This program teaches you how to build software apps and basic command lines using the Python programming language. It certifies you as a professional Python developer.
- Data Analysis: In this bootcamp program, you’ll learn to analyze and interpret large data sets from Python, spreadsheets, and databases.
Still not sure if Treehouse is worth it? Explore our Techdegrees in more detail before making up your mind.
How Long Does it Take to Complete a Treehouse Techdegree?
If you dedicate three hours daily to studying, you’ll complete the:
- Front-End Development Bootcamp in four months
- Full-Stack JavaScript Bootcamp in five months
- UX Design Bootcamp in three months
- Python Development Bootcamp in two months
- Data Analysis Bootcamp in four months
This is based on the analysis of Treehouse students’ learning patterns.
How to Put Treehouse Achievements on a Resume
Under your education section, you can create a sub-section for the Treehouse program, including the topics and projects you’ve completed.
When outlining these points, place emphasis on the projects and courses that are most relevant to the job. Make sure to highlight the qualities, achievements, or projects that you think would interest and compel the interviewer to offer you the job.
The section for your Treehouse experience could look something like this:
| Treehouse Full-Stack JavaScript HTML, CSS, & JavaScript Basics: including programming concepts, selectors, JSON, transitions, objects and array methods, building a processing form, and developing a random quote generator Frameworks and Libraries: including Node.js, Express, and React, creating command line apps, creating HTTPS servers, and debugging Node apps DOM and Object-Oriented Programming: including CSS selectors, pagination, content filtering, and building an object-oriented game show app Database Management: including SQL, building a REST API, database design and modeling, managing — creating, updating, and deleting — data records in a database, using Ajax and Fetch, developing an employee directory with API, building a React photo gallery app, and creating a library manager |
You can also add a link to your Treehouse profile or GitHub profile after uploading your projects. If you want to make sure future employers see your Techdegree certificates, you can also embed them in a LinkedIn profile under Licenses & Certifications.
Preparing for an Entry-Level Interview
Getting ready to land an entry-level developer job? Here are the five best interview tips you need to know.
Pick a Programming Language
Choose a programming language depending on the role you’re applying for. For instance, if you’re applying for a position as a Java developer, you should master Java.
Also, consider the primary language of the company you want to work with – is it one you can code well, or do you need more practice to master? Overall, your chosen programming language should be reliable and easy to handle.
Treehouse has various resources, including Techdegrees, Tracks, and a catalog library, to help you learn your preferred programming language.
Create a Portfolio
Creating a portfolio is an essential part of your job quest.
You can show interviewers your previous projects, how you handled them, and what they can expect from you as an employee.
That’s why Treehouse Techdegree programs are designed to include real-world projects, such as chatbots, inventory storage apps, and searchable web galleries. Together, these projects can form a portfolio that will showcase your skills, creativity, and thought process.
Practice Beforehand
Before going to your interview, practice technical and behavioral questions that are likely to come up.
You can join developer forums on platforms like Quora, Slack, or Reddit to research likely interview questions. You can also ask developers you know in the same (or higher) role for potential interview questions, or use mock interview platforms like Interviewing.io, TechMockInterview, and LeetCode.
Here is a list of nine questions to give you an idea of entry-level interviews:
- Why are you interested in [the role you’re applying for]?
This is to understand if your goals align with their mission. If the company has a value proposition, find out what it is before your interview.
- What related projects have you worked on in the past?
This allows the interviewer to find out whether what you’ve worked on in the past will be useful for the role you’re interviewing for. Don’t forget to mention that you’re open to learning new things.
- What programming languages do you have experience with?
While it may be necessary for your career path to master one programming language, build some foundational knowledge on others. It shows a broader understanding and your readiness to learn different things.
- Describe your process for completing a project
The interviewer wants to understand your processes, your uniqueness, and whether you’re a good fit for the team. They also want to test that you know what you’re talking about.
- What is one problem you encountered during a project and how did you fix it?
Problem-solving is an essential soft skill for any role. This question aims to inform the interviewer about your problem-handling skills.
- What is your experience working as part of a team?
The interviewer is looking for the confidence that you can work both independently and in a team.
- How do you stay up-to-date with new industry trends?
Companies want developers who keep their skills sharp and are current with tech development trends.
- What are the most important skills you should have as a [the role you’re applying for]?
The interviewer wants to know whether you understand the key responsibilities of the role.
- Why should we hire you for this position?
This is not about how good you are. Instead, the interviewer wants to know if you researched the company and understand its brand mission.
Share why you’re passionate about them and how your expertise and values will help contribute towards achieving these goals.
Review Common Coding Concepts
Before your interview, review common coding concepts and the basics of computer science. You should familiarize yourself with common terms and basics so you have answers if interviewers ask.
Take time to study different concepts of data structures and algorithms. And depending on the entry-level job you applied for, learn more role-specific topics.
Learn the Background of the Company
Researching the company you’re applying to is a non-negotiable in landing your first job.
Find out what the company is about, and what its story and brand mission are. You can find out such information on their “About us” page.
This way you’ll be able to come up with impressive points throughout your interview on how you’ll be a valuable addition to the organization.
Start Your Coding Journey With Treehouse
A Treehouse Techdegree program is all you need to master the required skills and get ready for your new job.
Whether it’s a front-end, full-stack, or software developer position, Treehouse comprises a collection of guided, comprehensive bootcamps to prepare you for your career.
