I am doing ALX and I work full time. The main thing is people think that they can work, do ALX AND have an amazing social life which is definitely not possible. I go to work and do ALX, and that's about it, I leave no time to do anything else. I do about 6-7 hours a day during the week, and I do about 13-15 hours on a Saturday and Sunday. It's possible if you sacrifice A LOT and understand that you have this opportunity and can't afford to take it for granted. I'm currently sacrificing everything, my social life, dating life, sometimes family and friend's events, that's the reality. It's a short term sacrifice for a long term goal, which is possible if you just put your head down and do the work.
This video is true. As a Computer Engineering graduate (from a Cypriot university) and Fullstack Developer, I can say that ALX actually rushes/summarizes a 4-year BSc. Software Engineering curriculum in that 1 year. ALX is not for beginners. I'm saying this because I have a beginner friend who enrolled in ALX. He kept asking me to do his assignment. I saw that they asked C programming and core computer science questions. Imagine a beginner doing something that I did in 2nd year in university! Shortly after, as expected, he had to quit. I could solve those questions easily because I was thoroughly trained in it. In university, I did programming using C and C++. People think software engineering is all about HTML, CSS, JS. Software is used to solve problems. Good software has good architecture. A beginner can give a solution to a problem with code (it can take like 5 seconds to output) but a real engineer will solve that same problem using core Computer Sci concepts and his code will output in like 2 milliseconds. Now this example I gave is crucial to big tech companies because they have large data. Google serves up to millions or billions of people daily. Why does their website not lag? Why does every one still get fast search results? Software Engineering! Thanks for reading.
This is a very profound argument, I agree majorly with the fact that the ALX is compressing a whole degree. The fundamentals, like data management and architecture are very important.
I'm pursuing software engineering too and this is my first year. People think the fact that they can code, it means they can write a software. My lecturer always says the students pursuing masters don't like the architecture part of the course. They will they will code all day
Most of them are not beginner friendly and these colleges will not say it, I joined boot camp $10k in debt no job and they need u to pay high premiums. I went back to Udemy and now taking one class at a time at my own pace. Boot camps are scams
I love how you've expressed your opinion. I'm currently doing the ALX program and I totally agree with you. My saving grace is I studied Computer Science. It's a 4 year's program combined into a single year.
I'm a student and currently in my second sprint, I think ALX gives you the reality check on wild ambitions, people think software engineering is a skill, and when we say skill, we imagine things like photography, makeup artist and baking, 6 months and you're making millions. In reality, it's like reading professional courses like medicine and law, you don't combine it with anything heavy, that's outright disrespect. I sleep for 4-5 hours a day, I give a close 6-7 hours and I have a 3 years background in tech, especially front end development, but ALX still made me, solve problems in my dreams, because doing while awake isn't enough.
Hey bro I have enrolled in the ALX SE program and am beginning of 20th of Feb so can u please tell what is taught in the first month so that I can learn abt it b4 we start f
@@davidpainzug5810 you can't start or prepare ahead because it's onboarding tasks. They're easy & doable, they're mainly about you & your commitment to the program. One of them asks about a time you almost gave up on something but for some reason you held on, how that made you feel & stuff like that. It's tasks that are along those lines. The real test is the probation period, that's where I personally saw flames. I'm not trying to scare you but this program is not for the faint-hearted. It needs dedication, willingness, courage & commitment.
@@davidpainzug5810 i just finished my on boarding and starting probation on monday. it not easy but u will definately scale through if u are serious dedicated . for the on boarding go research on emacs, vi, shell navigation, git and thank me later
I am in month 4, I enrolled for AWS ReStart at the same time, successfully graduated from the cloud computing program from AWS in January and now am pursuing solutions architect as I continue with ALX ..oh and on the side I am also a full time freelancer (academic writer and forex trader) and I am a father of two and a husband of one 😅Am I super man? Heck no, I just try manage my time better and enjoy excellent support from my family and peers in the various programs am pursuing. It can be done folks... all the best to the current active cohorts #DoHardThings #Cohort10
I understand your perspective, but let me clarify that software development is not inherently difficult. It is the individual or person who has chosen to advance their learning that may find it challenging. Starting with the basics is easy, but as one progresses, it becomes more difficult. However, once you complete a challenging task, it becomes simple for you. That is the nature of learning, as I have experience as a software engineering teacher, and mentor for the past three years.
Doing my last 3 months on the program, you're absolutely right ALX is not easy it's very difficult but also once you start getting used to how things work after a couple months it get just a bit easier.
Bro thanks for sharing , You're 100% correct , I'm currently on the program , I'm on Sprint 3 now meaning am almost done. Alx is no jokes... This thing almost ate me alive . I'm glad I persevered . Thanks for sharing .
@@whatever-mo4my hey. How is the program going for you currently ? I start in about a month and I’m a beginner and no have prior knowledge of programming or anything associated with it. I’d really appreciate your advice, thanks.
Software engineering is tough, you need to be determined and have a strong passion for it before you can succeed with it. I have been in the game for the last 16yrs and I enjoy every bit about it because it is like playing game to me but at times I do encounter bugs that can take me days to fix and at that point I lament on the challenges of being a software engineer but the joy comes when you finally overcome the difficulties ..
Please I would like to connect with you in any of the social media handles because I need to keep in touch with someone like you to enable cope better 🙏
I’m currently in sprint 2 as well about to start the AirBnB project and planning on specialising on Frontend Development but with what I’ve learnt from ALX I believe I could easily go full stack but just for my personal app and website development. Programming becomes easier but not simple when you know the prerequisites very well and don’t skip any step if not you’ll find it in upcoming problems to solve. My advice to anyone taking this path is to stay strong and never stop learning. ✌️
Got admitted to alx but the comments are scaring me. I have a degree in accounting and since this isn’t a beginner friendly course, you guys have succeeded in discouraging me already 🤣🤣🤣
My story is very similar. I still desire to switch to software engineering, but I guess I’ll be doing it on my own or probably go back to school. Cos this ALX program is not for the weak or people with jobs. Glad someone finally talked about this.
Oh man! 😂 I was in Cohort 8. 6 months into the program and I had to defer my admission for another 6 months (hopefully, I'll continue). I really wasn't learning as I wanted. It's a whole lot to digest in such a short period of time. ALX is fast-paced and not very beginner friendly!
Hey. Can one handle the handle the program if they are beginners. Let’s say fresh from high school but know your way around a computer? Will introduction touch on basics?
You exactly spoke my heart i started alx in the hopes that they will teach me new things, but more on creating a network , but they wanted us to dedicate 10hrs a day on a single thing, basically webinars and completely new exercises we never know about with out any pre tutorial, that's tough i think the only ppl who can use alx are ppl seating at home without any job or school
I disagree with you. My semester exams was meant to start like tomorrow and I started onboarding today. Though I must admit that the program is not an easy one, it's difficult, but it's very very possible if love to #do_hard_things
@@solomonnwante7304 bro you will see it your self after a week or a month. Alx is not a side hustle thing you either take it full time or you don't . You only have 24 hrs a day, if you are tough and complete tasks the give you in 10hrs you have 14 left if your a student school takes 6hrs minimum (depending where you learn and what) , then sleep, eating, family and friends take the rest. So tell me how you could do alx side to side with other things.? 🤔
@@27forlife 😂I'm not laughing but he will definitely see it himself😂🤣 probation will have him asking "please how do I defer?". I'm currently feeling the heat as I type this & I'm about to finish Sprint 1😵💫😭
@@27forlife but I have been in the program for over two months now, and I am not going back. Stopping is not an option for me. It's make it or break it mission for me.💪💪💪💪
@@sonwabiso_joy But I have finished probation nah and I am still moving. This is what I have longed for five years ago, I can't afford to miss it. It's my passion and love it and I will work hard for it. You guys comments has added fuel to my fire. I am going to finish ALX for finishing sake, but I will become a good software engineer. It's MAKE IT OR BREAK IT💪💪💪
I am in this program, and I feel you. It's a very hard task to hold on this program and the most difficult thing for me is to work with the team who doesn't even take this program seriously. and also we, in Africa, don't have the tools, connections, and the financial support to sustain yourself with things that you need to keep fighting. We are the real heroes that you won;t see on Hollywood. WE JUST HAVE TO TRY AND TRY AND NEVER GIVE UP .. Viva Africa.
This is my third time trying ALX and I'm currently 5 months in and on the verge of dropping out again 😂 What keeps me going is that fact I came this far WHILST juggling my university engineering finals. It's not easy and there are truly plenty moments of copy and paste just to keep up. It gets more tolerable the more times you try it honestly but definitely not much easier. I hope I see this true as finishing this program is part of my goals for 2023.
I totally agree with you. I enrolled in February last year, it was a tough journey. I literally be having nightmares of not finishing my task. I gave in all my time because as at that time, universities were on strike so, that was why I seized the opportunity. But after two months 😅, I got kicked out, I was even expecting that because everything suddenly became overwhelming.
Fam, it's crazy! All my cohort people quit and although I pushed myself I couldn't keep up, doing hard things is not for people who already are doing hard things as Africans living in Africa, the hours were exhausting and copying and pasting isn't my style of learning, 'hopefully, someone learns from your video and make the right decision for their mental health.
It's the copying and pasting that felt irritating for me too. It felt like the only way to cope and yet there was no integrity or learning in it. By the time you try to really learn and catch up you're already too far behind and previous concepts keep coming back. I stopped right before the specialization. Told myself there had to be better ways for me to learn.
@@shakanichiradza6979 dear you need to understand that how things work in Tech thats why there things like Stackoverflow ChatGpt , Github … in tech if a problem has been solved then you use the Solution you dont have to look for new solutions if theres a code on google copy and paste then you will learn after
This is no joke program, with 300k students and just 300 graduates. I was just accepted and will begin on February 20. I do have prior expertise in the field of software engineering, and I'm really looking forward to it.
I'm glad to see people finally speaking out, I also dropped out, the program is designed in a very confusing way, and those "lecturers" throw tasks at people in a very disorganized manner, no order in form of the study delivery, Im glad i didn't continue to waste my time.
Anything you start is always hard, but it takes a very dogged resilience to stick with it. I have a guy who's doing it and he's still on it. Anyhow, difficulties must be there in everything. As a typist who's bracing up to reach an average of 150+ words per minute, well, I can say, it's not been easy either, but determination, passion and consistency are my rulebook.
@@omojolajoshua Hehe. Well, not any more for me. Google says it's 40, but an average person indeed has lower than that. What's yours? I'm currently at an average of 100 words per minute with a record best of 151 wpm. So I believe in a few years, I'll be there without a doubt...😁
@@THEREALLEAGUEOFTYPISTSCOM2021 100, 151? That's nearly 3 words in 1 second. You should be looking at setting a Guinness world record. Can't even imagine more than one word per sec for any human. You're superhuman for sure.
I think 12 months is short. I studied SE at NIIT Port Harcourt from 2015 to 2017. 2 Hours a day, 4 days a week. It was tough but at the end of the day, you’ll have to pick a skill (or some) and master it. Whatever you can comfortably use to put food on your table.
I agree with this video. I am a software engineering student in a uk university and I must admit it’s not easy. Sometimes I question myself what I was doing but it takes time and one more thing, practice practice practice!
So true about the self-doubting. I have been there and you really must want it, be disciplined, and be ready to give up a lot of things. and of course practice is important
ALX SE is not beginner friendly programme, it's been about 6 months into the programme now and I recently had to quit my job to focus on the programme, before that -- ``no be beans``, working 8 to 5, Mondays to Saturdays was not a healthy lifestyle for me. I keep late nights, divided focus and attentions... actually despite all of these, I managed to keep up with the programme, but I wouldn't say I started the programme as a beginner. While a lot of people complained about the structure of learning, I wouldn't be surprised because I studied online for my first degree -- so the system is not so strange from what I have been used to (another factor that eases the overwhelming experience for me). Reading through a whole bulk of Manuals and online resources is not outside the scope of ALX's vision and mission statements, all these were part of the experience. The journey was not promised to be smooth -- a learning path of about 2 to 3 years compressed into 12 months is not going to be easy, keeps me wondering why one of the modules focused solely to motivate learners and teach them about GRIT and DOING HARD THINGS. Irrespective of the challenge, I still believe ALX SE is still a great addition to African Community as a whole, giving someone like me and tens of thousands of colleagues out there, a platform to follow their passion and the opportunity to learn and upskill their carrier. I love the fact that you had the right motivation towards learning sir, which is the right thing to do, as a whole lot of fellow colleagues out there will rather copy and paste -- but either way, the experience alone is life-changing, it will be safe to say that ALX SE IS NOT BEGINNER FRIENDLY.
I just applied and I have no prior tech knowledge. Is it doable? I am eager to learn and have the time to commit but I don’t know any basics on coding and programming. Thanks for your response
I fully agree with this video. I am an IT graduate (we did programming every semester) so I was familiar with some of the languages there but my goodness... I absolutely hated the program. Personally I wouldn't go back, I left 9 months in after some unenthusiastic work and several missed deadlines because when they say 70 hours a week they are not joking. Neither my degree nor any job I've ever had has ever required so much of me, so yeah, definitely not for me
You left 9 months in, damn. This is wild 😳. I've been accepted, and I really wanna succeed on this. With your experience, what do you think is the best approach to be successful in this program.
@@TheNoblegaz Well I think the video covered all the advice I could possibly give. You have to be willing to devote most of your life to this program for a year. If you merely submit some of the work for the sake of meeting the deadlines, maybe go back and retry it on your own for the sake of understanding. You will need to rely heavily on your community. In one of the first peer learning sessions I met a group of people and we started a WhatsApp group. At least you feel some support and solidarity (mine is mostly inactive now due to several dropouts). One thing I liked though is that you can still have your tasks graded no matter how late you are. 100% before the first deadline, 65% before the second deadline then 50% after both deadlines have passed. So always try to do your work and the additional tasks for extra grades and you will float.
I think what alx should provide or add to their mode of learning is probably 1hr of lectures instead of giving materials that can only solve questions 1 and 2, while leaving you to serious research of no destination. You want people to become engineers and you ask them to do things on their own. Is just like got addmission in school with no lectures and you expect students to graduate. Let's be sincere to ourselves the cohort forums aren't helping. It will be ok if they add lectures to it even if fee needs to be paid, and reduce the time frame from 10hrs.
I was in last year's cohort enrolled to the FMVA project however I never completed when I found a job, so basically it works well when you are unemployed. Very true bro!
I was in cohort 8 and got into sprint 2. After the airBnB project I knew I was wasting my time cus all I was doing from the first sprint was copy and pasting. I really wasn’t learning anything so I just dropped out. I’m thinking to go defer then start another time again. The program is way too challenging for a beginner that has no previous knowing of software engineering or codes
Hey I'm also currently a university student in a demanding course. ALX can be hard, in fact tough. There were times I thought of dropping out, but by the grace of God I pulled thro and I'm currently in my last 2 months of ALX. On the bright side at least u experienced the experience (no pun intended).
@@studymasterguide Hey. Can one handle the handle the program if they are beginners. Let’s say fresh from high school but know your way around a computer? Will introduction touch on basics?
@@valvee2163 Hi, the program is designed to take u from beginner level to expert level very quickly. If u know ur way around computers and have just graduated high school, I think it will be a great intro to the real world of coding. You'll learn to do hard things way before ur peers. Go for it 🦾😎😊.
Hello Adoga,, this is my opinion about ALX software engineering program, I was enrolled last year and then kicked out after a month due to failing to meet their deadline and average issues I re-applied again because I noticed the skill and some advanced knowledge we are offered are of value than the lectures I am receiving at the university, The truth is it requires you to dedicate a lot of your time learning and I think as a campus student One can multitask divide your time for classwork's and do ALx task when you're not in class. Yes the things learnt in the program are hard but with the help of slack and peer learning I find that your fellow students can help you understand those consepts,,,,I believe we are learning for the knowledge and skills and not for the grades that's why I don't recommend people to copy paste the answers
But I resorted to copy & paste because I'm a first timer I know nothing about programming, you have to maintain a score of 80% & above, you literally have 24 hours for a chance to be scored out of 100%. You're speaking from a point of privilege because you're in Uni doing the same thing but the approach is different, it seems. Prior knowledge should be a requirement for this program, I would never recommend it to absolute beginners, unless they're not dedicated to anything like school or work & are willing to learn new things.
@@sonwabiso_joy if you are an absolute beginner you might have the hardest time.Regardless, it may be the reason why you start viewing things differently. On copy and pasting, as a developer, you can count it as wasting your time, if you are going to copy and paste code without understanding how it works, you might as well just quit the program coz you will get very little value out of it. Best thing is to give yourself time and learn the basics of computing and programming, then join alx and still then it's not going to be easy, what sets you apart is your mindset! All the best.
Great video bruh. I'm a third year student and am also on my last three months of ALX Software Engineering program. Although I'm not a Comp science student, ALX has been amazing in growing my skills. I do agree that ALX is not a walk in the park, and they did warn us before we started by telling us, "Here we love doing hard things".😅 Software Engineering needs passion, persistence, patience and commitment.
I would not recommend ALX for someone just starting out in software engineering as there are many unnecessary things taught. I began ALX last year because I was looking for a certificate but upon reviewing the syllabus and teachings, I knew it would be a waste of time as many things taught would be irrelevant. If you want to start, it is important to have a goal and decide which area of software development you want to specialize in, such as WEB, MOBILE, DEV OPS, FRONT-END, BACK-END, etc. Once you have determined your specialization, find a mentor in that field and take relevant courses. Having a mentor will make the learning process smoother and being in a community will also help when you get stuck.
ALX is perfect. I'm in my last sprint now and I started it not even knowing what git was. It builds a solid foundation for every other technical profession you might want to migrate to, especially for those without an IT background. I am migrating to a DevSecOps role and after talking with an experienced DevOps engineer, I've come to understand that I already have most of the fundamental knowledge to migrate. I had a full time job till my third sprint and it's been cool.
i disagree with this. it is important that you are thrown into the field and immersed in great knowledge which will aid your decision to specialize.. how on earth can you specialize as a newbie without proper exposure to the things you tag "irrelevant"
I completed the ALX Data Analyst while working 40 hrs a week. I was totally drained in the first month. I had to take a break from both the course and work for 3 days to rest. Even though i was already a data analyst, that course took all my time. Luckily i managed to finish it and get the certificate, but it was intensed.
@@ojochenemifridayjnr4176 I actually never attended any live event. Everything was virtual and the course was hectic. had to take a week off from work after I completed the course to recharge.
@@ojochenemifridayjnr4176 hi, I'm guessing he took the remote programme but the one you're enrolled in is the hybrid programme that requires you to be present physically and remote. I'm also enrolled in the hybrid programme and it's a requirement, they especially made it clear during onboarding.
Was the second time I am trying and cant keep up. C programming slowed me down but opened my eyes to a lot of other things about the computer system and other spheres of life. I'll strongly recommend to anyone and everyone to try ALX. Even if you can't complete the course there is a high chance you learn something new that will come handy later in life.
I'm a software engineer and to really understand u need the passion and practice everyday cause it's like math once in u miss practicing ue may forget how u did some codes, if you like solving problems or errors also software engineering will be good for you. Edit: But to me it's a bit fair all because I loved it since and coding is like a hobby to me.
Thank you for sharing!! We apparently were in the same Cohort, and I also had to re-enroll. I am currently also catching my breath, but I intend to restart in a bit and complete the training. Thanks again Double OG for sharing your experience. I feel much better hearing someone else speak understandingly about some the challenges faced during my first attempt at the program.
There are many certifications out there in software engineering better than Alx and self paced. You don't have to suffer from anxiety and burnout for a whole year. I know some people graduated from Alx and they are stucked to find a job in software engineering. In order to find a good entry job in SWE you should build a good portfolio and many valuable projects as you can. There's many good certifications out there from Google, Microsoft, IBM, Harvard, Stanford, EDX, and Coursera that will give you the credibility to become a good developer. Alx is not the end of the world.
I left after passing all the tasks. Mine was June 20222 cohort. I didnt like the style at all. People are forced to copy and paste except you have a knowledge of the concepts before joining. It took me 6 months to learn C before joining ALX and they want you to learn it in 2 months up to the advanced concepts. Nah! They will produce people good at copying and pasting. It had good stuffs too especially working directly with Shell for everything. Good one
Hey. Can one handle the handle the program if they are beginners. Let’s say fresh from high school but know your way around a computer? Will introduction touch on basics?
I've been on this program for 3 months, disappeared for 3 weeks (this week being the 3rd week of my disappearance) because it really needs one to be only committed to it, I'm still getting emails but I'm finna get kicked out😭First of all the program is not beginner friendly. It's easy to cheat because answers are available online, I resorted to copying & pasting because there's no time or sometimes the resources provided aren't enough. I realized I'm just chasing scores by this copy & past , rushing to submit before 1st deadline & gaining nothing in the process so nah I quit. I'll try again when I'm bored & have absolutely nothing else to do.
You didn’t talk about the WhatsApp groups that will be talking what somebody does not understand 😂,I quietly gave myself sense and started doing at my own pace! Researching while having in mind there’s a deadline! Rushing into it will finish you😂
Great video with great advice...copy and paste is very acceptable in software engineering though. There are concepts you won't understand as soon you want to and if you need to get a task done...you need to get that task done. I think another thing that helps is a support system of some sort sometimes you just need someone familiar to explain such certain concepts with familiar analogies and then you get it. Better luck next time.
The problem with the ALX system is that the tasks get more difficult. And if you did not understand the last one it comes back to deal with you in a future task
@@doubleogadoga Yeah that's pretty typical in such programs...and spoon feeding software engineers don't make them great engineers. If ALX is trying to raise great engineers(in 12 months) it stands to reason that the process will be a bit intense. IMHO its takes years of experience working on somewhat difficult real life problems(projects) to be a great software engineer. Again good luck on your next try...keep us informed
This is why Alt School Africa is the best. Beginner friendly and flexible, I got admitted to ALX November 2021 as well and into AltSchool by April 2022, I got Kicked out by ALX around May 2022 I guess, and I'm already trying to figure out numerous internship offers referred by Alt school on my mail lately as I'm graduating in few weeks time.
Currently am in Cohort 12 doing the program and also working but I have always been a multitasker and it has helped me alot in this programme couple with the fact that I have strong programming knowledge prior to it
I also joined and got kicked out around the same time. It's true, you need to manage your time wisely. I do freelance and had a lot of gigs around that time. Balancing with ALX tasks was even harder but I'll also retake at a later date when I have a lot of time on my hands.
I am currently in the ALX programme and I work full-time, overtime sef and also juggle side gigs. It's all about time management, a positive mindset and readiness to learn
I was on the program too, working and schooling plus Alx...it was crazy, I didn't have time to fully understand the program and I didn't just want to be copying..so, I had to quit!
Hey, Double OG Adoga, you are completely right. I was in the ALX program for Financial Analyst and tried to catch up with the pace but noticed I couldn't. So I stopped because I started realising I was running the program just to catch up with the pace but I wasn't fully understanding. The time given to cover the 21 courses is damn too small. Those 21 courses were powerful and interesting but intelligent-wise, I was trying to meet up with tasks and wasn't gaining much residual knowledge. To really do any ALX program and gain fully enough knowledge to stand out among the crowd and not just acquire one certificate you cannot defend, one has to devote at least 12hrs a day.
I did partake in ALX Virtual assistant program, it was a stressful experience but I was able to complete the course. i don't regret the learning , networking experience
@@chigoziedagoha6049 Congratulations to you, I had a friend who did it and finished it also...he was a remote worker. If you did FMVA and you work 8am-5pm, with additional 2hrs or more in traffic, well let me know your experience. Aside from that, I also never regretted the learning experience, I just couldn't keep up with the pace and task...and realising I was trying to finish the certificates but the knowledge ain't settling in my head.
Honestly, the time required was too much and considering we still have to take care of our lives and make ends meet, it makes it almost impossible to accomplish.
This is just the pure truth though. I work as a full time frontend developer alongside my ALX course and it will soon be six month I started. One of the thing I know helped me was my resolve to finish the course despite the inconveniences.
I’m a Software Engineer in the USA brother and researching is key to the job. You do copy & paste a bit in the real world. Knowing how to read that code, refactor it to what you need, and optimize that code is a skill in & if it’s self.
Just before people get the wrong idea, alx program is about the best possible course you can find out there. I'm currently 70% done with the data analyst program , even though I already have a strong SQL, python and pandas knowledge before taking this course, it was incredibly challenging because the course prepares you for tackling corporate demands eventually. But haven't said that, all you need to finish the course is commitment. You have to understand the expectation, like someone wrote below, 'software dev is not your regular skills acquisition journey. It's a profession'. It requires all of you at least until you become very proficient.
The keyword "I already have a strong SQL, python and pandas knowledge before taking this course" You cannot expect a total newbie to have the same experience
I like your boldness, it is not a joke and it requires all of you but I am giving a try this year, I have a lot on my plate now but in the third month of this year I will try to enrolled and give it a shut.
Props for having the courage to be vulnerable on this. Software engineering learning curve for your first job is pretty brutal and very very difficult to do "on the side".
Am on my first month on Alx and am not understanding anything about it coz I just finished high school last year and am a beginner in this software industry it's very tough I just want to drop out
When you try again, don't beat yourself to understanding software development entirely because the truth is you cannot. Become comfortable with researching whatever concept you don't understand and copy what you understand. Ask a lot of questions too.
I took my time just to be reading comments, wow ALX is difficult and highly compress 4 year degree program into 1 year. This issue of no lecturer to guide you also is the problem, we understand the program is free. Even the few guys from ALX giving free lectures also find it difficult to explain. Am in the program for 7 months now and am surviving with the help of UA-cam, stack over flow and google because i research every single thing. Nobody will explain this things to you better than videos from UA-cam. You talked about copy and paste well, all programmers do copy and paste but understanding the logics makes you a good programmer. With ALX, my way of thinking has changed.
I also dropped out last year. I could not balance it all with my work which involved lots of traveling and overtime. It's manageable if you are not working or your work does not consume much of your time.
I took it last year, unfortunately after doing almost 3/4 of the program , I couldn't finish... I have decided to take it again this year and dedicate all my time to it! This is because last year i experienced imense Improvement as a person and as a programmer,
Hey. Can one handle the handle the program if they are beginners. Let’s say fresh from high school but know your way around a computer? Will introduction touch on basics?
@@valvee2163 hey, I think this is one of the best ways to introduce yourself into the world of computing and software that you're interested in. You will learn a lot of basics but please be warned there is no hand holding or spoon feeding, your success and progress solely relies on the effort you put in, which is hard tbh... But once you start noticing the progress and improvement within yourself, then you'll know it was all so worth it. Go for it😁💪
thought i know a bit about computer and software i will finish the program with ease. the reality is i found it very hard to catch up with the task along with my full time job. any one starting alx, i would advice the to take it very seriously and make sure the have the time.
As long as you are not working, have steady light and data.. Alx would still be difficult but less stressful because all your focus and attention would be on learning. Alx is hard and don't let anyone tell you differently. After the first week of Git. You get slammed into C and fun fact C programming language is hard alx makes it harder sometimes you look at each task and think 'do I need this' ...24hrs for every project And if you are a beginner you need more than 48hrs to break down these projects and understand how they work and why they work like that Also, alx has a certain solution in mind meaning you can have a solution that works for one task alx would reject it till they get that solution
This is the comment right here!! That's why I always tell people that Alx may not be the best option for you as a beginner or if you're doing something else on the side.
Their solution is the solution they need.... not your own solution ... Well of course we are learning and your teaches expects you to reach a certain expectation for them to award you correctly.
I got kicked out after 1st month, I worked 10hrs and spent like 5hrs with alx, the annoying part is that I don't like C as a programming language it's too cumbersome when we have other programming languages that can be used. Coupled with the fact that I was expecting someone to teach and not to doing more research, I did a lot of research to the extent that I forgot what the last assignment was. I nearly lost my job cz I couldn't concentrate on the job. Omo I quit alx
You nailed it. It's almost as if you live in my brains I ask myself that question every after 2 weeks "do I need this?". But I'm only hanging on for Python & SQL, C is the worst programming language ever in my books.
Liked ur explanation of software engineering.. u have to talk to the programming language & software API (like numerous APIs on a browser & libz & modules for a language on a server)
God bless you my bro, I worked at Microfinance Bank, Mehn the stuff ain't easy and my laptop got issue along the way, baba when thr program remain one week to end I quickly go buy laptop and when i continued the program, i noticed i couldn't finish with the later time left. Also, today is the last day to submit the milestone, quiz, test and the likes. Also, the course is cool but at the same time it's cumbersome. Thanks for sharing Bro
I enrolled last year but it just was too much for me to handle , deadlines to meet up with, hours to understand things and all, I just had to leave it altogether.. I might enroll another time too but I will prefer altschool
Bro I have been there too. Managing a business and family. I had to dropout in June and pick it up November. To help me I just zoom out of everything and focus on on task and no meetings. True bro it's not for all
You'r absolutly right , before joined i have had diffrent certification on full stack javascript development , but when i joined ALX i felt like i know nothing and was giving my self too much pressure
Thank you so much for sharing this I'm actually afraid, I just enrolled, I have time and I feel like I'm ready to dedicate 10 hours a day, and even more, but the fact that I'll have a test after 1 month is a little bit scary 😂😂💔
@@doubleogadoga And like it'll be about what we studied in that month right? I mean is it that hard for someone who doesn't have a scientific background?
hi i enrolled too; do you know if there is any chance to get kicked out and not be accepted for the programme before even start it or they accept every applicants
thanks for sharing your experience with us cause i was to enrol in the program but i have financial challange and to purse such career with hustling is not easy
I started the program with the aim of learning but later on I was after completing the task without understanding and I don't like that . And hey, it's not for beginners, I join August and I stopped because it was draining me . I wasn't getting it the way am suppose to and I was productive at work, so I had to dropout. And go for courses that are self pace.
For me I think ALX tries to creates how the real life tech world is rather than teaching you the actual thing. Cuz most of the tasks given weekly are realistically not achievable within the given time frame but we move.
Even if you’re good at multitasking the programme needs all your time. I’m working and I’m finding it hard to balance everything. I have no social life just work which is 10 hours and I have to come back and dedicate time to ALX as well. It’s too much work crammed in a small amount of time. You literally have 24 hours to complete an assignment
Honestly, the tech field is not easy. Most of the learning paths are quite steep for new enthusiasts looking to enter into the field. Took the ALX data analysis nano degree program last year and was no joke. Had to cut off almost all communication and hardly had time for any other thing. Ended up breaking up with my girlfriend due to the lack of attention and communication. My advice to anyone who wants to take this course and any other program like this is that be prepared to give up a lot of things and I mean a lot. It requires sacrifice and if this is what you want be ready to make the sacrifice. It will drain you though but for the greater reward, I will say "GO ALL IN", make the sacrifice, and trust me it shall pay off.
Not yet but i have gotten an an industry training opportunity with a foreign company that could land me my first data analytics job if i successfully go through it. It has not been smooth sailing though I must say. Even after the program which I graduated last september it has been continuous practice, building projects and sending lots of resumes and cvs for data analytics jobs. For me this is the path i decided to take at the beginning of last year and I am prepared to ride it out the whole way.
I am doing ALX and I work full time. The main thing is people think that they can work, do ALX AND have an amazing social life which is definitely not possible. I go to work and do ALX, and that's about it, I leave no time to do anything else. I do about 6-7 hours a day during the week, and I do about 13-15 hours on a Saturday and Sunday. It's possible if you sacrifice A LOT and understand that you have this opportunity and can't afford to take it for granted. I'm currently sacrificing everything, my social life, dating life, sometimes family and friend's events, that's the reality. It's a short term sacrifice for a long term goal, which is possible if you just put your head down and do the work.
That is my current situation. I only have space in my life for ALX and work and that is about it.
How much does it cost to on board in there program
@@emmanuelpriceless free
@@emmanuelpriceless it's a study Nd pay later
.. but I think there is scholarship right now
@@yonathanalemayehu5700 okay well that's not the case for us, good luck with your endeavours!
This video is true. As a Computer Engineering graduate (from a Cypriot university) and Fullstack Developer, I can say that ALX actually rushes/summarizes a 4-year BSc. Software Engineering curriculum in that 1 year.
ALX is not for beginners. I'm saying this because I have a beginner friend who enrolled in ALX. He kept asking me to do his assignment. I saw that they asked C programming and core computer science questions. Imagine a beginner doing something that I did in 2nd year in university! Shortly after, as expected, he had to quit.
I could solve those questions easily because I was thoroughly trained in it. In university, I did programming using C and C++.
People think software engineering is all about HTML, CSS, JS. Software is used to solve problems. Good software has good architecture.
A beginner can give a solution to a problem with code (it can take like 5 seconds to output) but a real engineer will solve that same problem using core Computer Sci concepts and his code will output in like 2 milliseconds. Now this example I gave is crucial to big tech companies because they have large data. Google serves up to millions or billions of people daily. Why does their website not lag? Why does every one still get fast search results? Software Engineering!
Thanks for reading.
This is a very profound argument, I agree majorly with the fact that the ALX is compressing a whole degree. The fundamentals, like data management and architecture are very important.
I'm pursuing software engineering too and this is my first year. People think the fact that they can code, it means they can write a software. My lecturer always says the students pursuing masters don't like the architecture part of the course. They will they will code all day
Most of them are not beginner friendly and these colleges will not say it, I joined boot camp $10k in debt no job and they need u to pay high premiums. I went back to Udemy and now taking one class at a time at my own pace. Boot camps are scams
I'm in love with this reply!
I love how you've expressed your opinion. I'm currently doing the ALX program and I totally agree with you. My saving grace is I studied Computer Science.
It's a 4 year's program combined into a single year.
I'm a student and currently in my second sprint, I think ALX gives you the reality check on wild ambitions, people think software engineering is a skill, and when we say skill, we imagine things like photography, makeup artist and baking, 6 months and you're making millions. In reality, it's like reading professional courses like medicine and law, you don't combine it with anything heavy, that's outright disrespect. I sleep for 4-5 hours a day, I give a close 6-7 hours and I have a 3 years background in tech, especially front end development, but ALX still made me, solve problems in my dreams, because doing while awake isn't enough.
What you have developed there is a super power. Learning and solving stuff in your sleep is a dream for many people. Kudos.
Hey bro I have enrolled in the ALX SE program and am beginning of 20th of Feb so can u please tell what is taught in the first month so that I can learn abt it b4 we start f
@@davidpainzug5810 you can't start or prepare ahead because it's onboarding tasks. They're easy & doable, they're mainly about you & your commitment to the program. One of them asks about a time you almost gave up on something but for some reason you held on, how that made you feel & stuff like that. It's tasks that are along those lines. The real test is the probation period, that's where I personally saw flames. I'm not trying to scare you but this program is not for the faint-hearted. It needs dedication, willingness, courage & commitment.
@@sonwabiso_joy please I really want to know all the technologies I will go hime with at the end of the day
@@davidpainzug5810 i just finished my on boarding and starting probation on monday. it not easy but u will definately scale through if u are serious dedicated . for the on boarding go research on emacs, vi, shell navigation, git and thank me later
I am in month 4, I enrolled for AWS ReStart at the same time, successfully graduated from the cloud computing program from AWS in January and now am pursuing solutions architect as I continue with ALX ..oh and on the side I am also a full time freelancer (academic writer and forex trader) and I am a father of two and a husband of one 😅Am I super man? Heck no, I just try manage my time better and enjoy excellent support from my family and peers in the various programs am pursuing. It can be done folks... all the best to the current active cohorts #DoHardThings #Cohort10
Hence you spend your whole day working?
You are doing well..I tried the Alx program but I just couldn't meet up
So encouraging 🇰🇪
Unatumia account gani buda 😂
This is so inspiring.
I work full time and I just enrolled with ALX. I’m scared and excited 😣
I respect you for being truthful and transparent about your situation. A lot of UA-camrs don't speak about this.
Thank you so much
I understand your perspective, but let me clarify that software development is not inherently difficult. It is the individual or person who has chosen to advance their learning that may find it challenging. Starting with the basics is easy, but as one progresses, it becomes more difficult. However, once you complete a challenging task, it becomes simple for you. That is the nature of learning, as I have experience as a software engineering teacher, and mentor for the past three years.
What do you need to mentor a person? I just enrolled at ALX and I could do with people like you.
hi am already 2 weeks behind with assignments. but am hopfuly that I will catch up.
@@christineogunde9238 no you can't trust me just go retry
@@christineogunde9238 hows your progress?
Doing my last 3 months on the program, you're absolutely right ALX is not easy it's very difficult but also once you start getting used to how things work after a couple months it get just a bit easier.
Well done to you Casley
this is awesome, i just started the program this month and will like to connect with you via twitter
@@obinnaharry8037 hey when sandbox not appearing on my intranet what can I do
@yonie click on the drop-down button at the top right of the page , it should be there
@@gerardokolie1829 thanks I'll try it
Bro thanks for sharing , You're 100% correct , I'm currently on the program , I'm on Sprint 3 now meaning am almost done. Alx is no jokes... This thing almost ate me alive . I'm glad I persevered . Thanks for sharing .
lovely, thanks for this. Would you like to come on my show?
Beautifull John👌
Hello im a total beginner and I like to contact for some questions regarding the program if that is possible 😢?
Sir can you please mentor me?
@@whatever-mo4my hey. How is the program going for you currently ? I start in about a month and I’m a beginner and no have prior knowledge of programming or anything associated with it. I’d really appreciate your advice, thanks.
Software engineering is tough, you need to be determined and have a strong passion for it before you can succeed with it. I have been in the game for the last 16yrs and I enjoy every bit about it because it is like playing game to me but at times I do encounter bugs that can take me days to fix and at that point I lament on the challenges of being a software engineer but the joy comes when you finally overcome the difficulties ..
Please I would like to connect with you in any of the social media handles because I need to keep in touch with someone like you to enable cope better 🙏
I’m currently in sprint 2 as well about to start the AirBnB project and planning on specialising on Frontend Development but with what I’ve learnt from ALX I believe I could easily go full stack but just for my personal app and website development. Programming becomes easier but not simple when you know the prerequisites very well and don’t skip any step if not you’ll find it in upcoming problems to solve.
My advice to anyone taking this path is to stay strong and never stop learning. ✌️
Thank you for this advice. I’m in Cohort 12 and currently in week two of onboarding. If you don’t mind, may I connect to with you on slack
I think advice even applies to every other thing in life. When we don't skip steps, things become a lot easier
Thank you for the positive comment
@leroypowell-louis499 can I reach out to you
@@cya_kingz5362 just search for my name on slack. It’s Le Roy Powell-Louis
ANYBODY CAN BE A SOFTWARE ENGINEER! and age doesn't have anything to do with it. What is needed is dedication and will.
thanks for your input
So not true
Dnt lie to ppl software engineering is not easy. Majority of y’all think when u code in python you are in engineers.
wrong , you need a specifc personality too to be good at it
What if you don't know English or BigO? You gonna make it into MAANG then? Doubt it
Got admitted to alx but the comments are scaring me.
I have a degree in accounting and since this isn’t a beginner friendly course, you guys have succeeded in discouraging me already
🤣🤣🤣
dont be discouraged, keep pushing. take this to help u plan better going forward.
My story is very similar. I still desire to switch to software engineering, but I guess I’ll be doing it on my own or probably go back to school. Cos this ALX program is not for the weak or people with jobs.
Glad someone finally talked about this.
I can’t cope too- thinking of dropping as an tired of coping and pasting style of learning
Oh man! 😂
I was in Cohort 8. 6 months into the program and I had to defer my admission for another 6 months (hopefully, I'll continue). I really wasn't learning as I wanted. It's a whole lot to digest in such a short period of time. ALX is fast-paced and not very beginner friendly!
I love learning, and I felt useless when I was doing the tasks without knowing what i was doing. I hated it. Beginners can't do it.
Hey. Can one handle the handle the program if they are beginners. Let’s say fresh from high school but know your way around a computer? Will introduction touch on basics?
Please how can one defer admission?
You exactly spoke my heart i started alx in the hopes that they will teach me new things, but more on creating a network , but they wanted us to dedicate 10hrs a day on a single thing, basically webinars and completely new exercises we never know about with out any pre tutorial, that's tough i think the only ppl who can use alx are ppl seating at home without any job or school
I disagree with you. My semester exams was meant to start like tomorrow and I started onboarding today. Though I must admit that the program is not an easy one, it's difficult, but it's very very possible if love to #do_hard_things
@@solomonnwante7304 bro you will see it your self after a week or a month. Alx is not a side hustle thing you either take it full time or you don't .
You only have 24 hrs a day, if you are tough and complete tasks the give you in 10hrs you have 14 left if your a student school takes 6hrs minimum (depending where you learn and what) , then sleep, eating, family and friends take the rest.
So tell me how you could do alx side to side with other things.? 🤔
@@27forlife 😂I'm not laughing but he will definitely see it himself😂🤣 probation will have him asking "please how do I defer?". I'm currently feeling the heat as I type this & I'm about to finish Sprint 1😵💫😭
@@27forlife but I have been in the program for over two months now, and I am not going back. Stopping is not an option for me. It's make it or break it mission for me.💪💪💪💪
@@sonwabiso_joy But I have finished probation nah and I am still moving.
This is what I have longed for five years ago, I can't afford to miss it. It's my passion and love it and I will work hard for it.
You guys comments has added fuel to my fire. I am going to finish ALX for finishing sake, but I will become a good software engineer.
It's MAKE IT OR BREAK IT💪💪💪
I am in this program, and I feel you. It's a very hard task to hold on this program and the most difficult thing for me is to work with the team who doesn't even take this program seriously. and also we, in Africa, don't have the tools, connections, and the financial support to sustain yourself with things that you need to keep fighting. We are the real heroes that you won;t see on Hollywood. WE JUST HAVE TO TRY AND TRY AND NEVER GIVE UP .. Viva Africa.
Can i ask you pls how long they take to respond you in email to know if your accepted to start there courses pls ihope you could answer me thank you 🙏
This is my third time trying ALX and I'm currently 5 months in and on the verge of dropping out again 😂 What keeps me going is that fact I came this far WHILST juggling my university engineering finals.
It's not easy and there are truly plenty moments of copy and paste just to keep up. It gets more tolerable the more times you try it honestly but definitely not much easier. I hope I see this true as finishing this program is part of my goals for 2023.
are you in cohort 13? if so lets so connect
@@enzi. is that the Aug 22 cohort?? If so then yes
@@enzi. hey im in cohort 13
@@meriemmmmouh3423 hello
@@meriemmmmouh3423 am in cohort 13 to...can we connect?
I totally agree with you. I enrolled in February last year, it was a tough journey. I literally be having nightmares of not finishing my task. I gave in all my time because as at that time, universities were on strike so, that was why I seized the opportunity. But after two months 😅, I got kicked out, I was even expecting that because everything suddenly became overwhelming.
Did you try again ?
Hey. Can one handle the handle the program if they are beginners. Let’s say fresh from high school but know your way around a computer?
Bro.. This might sound awkward you don't know anyway around computer when it comes to programming
This video was created with good intent. A good number of points will surely help many of us along the way. To the next 12 months!
Thank you Moses
Fam, it's crazy! All my cohort people quit and although I pushed myself I couldn't keep up, doing hard things is not for people who already are doing hard things as Africans living in Africa, the hours were exhausting and copying and pasting isn't my style of learning, 'hopefully, someone learns from your video and make the right decision for their mental health.
It's the copying and pasting that felt irritating for me too. It felt like the only way to cope and yet there was no integrity or learning in it. By the time you try to really learn and catch up you're already too far behind and previous concepts keep coming back. I stopped right before the specialization. Told myself there had to be better ways for me to learn.
@@shakanichiradza6979 what track please
@@abdulrahimuthman7922 I did not do any of the specialization tracks
@@shakanichiradza6979 dear you need to understand that how things work in Tech thats why there things like Stackoverflow ChatGpt , Github … in tech if a problem has been solved then you use the Solution you dont have to look for new solutions if theres a code on google copy and paste then you will learn after
This is no joke program, with 300k students and just 300 graduates. I was just accepted and will begin on February 20. I do have prior expertise in the field of software engineering, and I'm really looking forward to it.
I'm glad to see people finally speaking out, I also dropped out, the program is designed in a very confusing way, and those "lecturers" throw tasks at people in a very disorganized manner, no order in form of the study delivery, Im glad i didn't continue to waste my time.
ALX could be awesome if they organize better
At this moment I feel like I am wasting my time too and I think I should quit. #cohort17
Your last quote was awesome. "failing quickly to learn faster".
Great video. I'm currently enroll in the Alx SE program.
Glad it was helpful!
Anything you start is always hard, but it takes a very dogged resilience to stick with it. I have a guy who's doing it and he's still on it. Anyhow, difficulties must be there in everything. As a typist who's bracing up to reach an average of 150+ words per minute, well, I can say, it's not been easy either, but determination, passion and consistency are my rulebook.
150 what????
Do you realize the average person does less than 30?
true, any new thing is difficult
@@omojolajoshua Hehe. Well, not any more for me. Google says it's 40, but an average person indeed has lower than that. What's yours? I'm currently at an average of 100 words per minute with a record best of 151 wpm. So I believe in a few years, I'll be there without a doubt...😁
@@THEREALLEAGUEOFTYPISTSCOM2021 100, 151? That's nearly 3 words in 1 second. You should be looking at setting a Guinness world record. Can't even imagine more than one word per sec for any human. You're superhuman for sure.
Oh wow. This is awesome. I just hit my 70wpm milestone recently. Hope to get to your level soon!
I think 12 months is short. I studied SE at NIIT Port Harcourt from 2015 to 2017. 2 Hours a day, 4 days a week. It was tough but at the end of the day, you’ll have to pick a skill (or some) and master it. Whatever you can comfortably use to put food on your table.
I agree with this video. I am a software engineering student in a uk university and I must admit it’s not easy. Sometimes I question myself what I was doing but it takes time and one more thing, practice practice practice!
So true about the self-doubting. I have been there and you really must want it, be disciplined, and be ready to give up a lot of things. and of course practice is important
Thank you for sharing. I hope this works for me. Cheers to the next 12 months. 🥂
Best of luck!
Lets gooo! which cohort are you?
I'm currently enrolled and I felt shocked right at the beginning but you packed me up at last few seconds thanks mehn we gotta push through it 💪
Are you in cohort 12 same as me? Iam currently overwhelmed today I'll try to finish some work
@@yoniem9835sure
Are you too struggling with that dozens of work???
Do you really have to invest 10hrs of your time daily? Or it’s just an overestimation?
@@ragessa962 I won't know how multi tasker you might be but mehn it might take more than that. Trust me 😞😅
@@Emmy_Sploit I barely have 10 hrs to spare daily😭, I’ll enroll anyways, I’ll try my best to keep up
ALX SE is not beginner friendly programme, it's been about 6 months into the programme now and I recently had to quit my job to focus on the programme, before that -- ``no be beans``, working 8 to 5, Mondays to Saturdays was not a healthy lifestyle for me. I keep late nights, divided focus and attentions... actually despite all of these, I managed to keep up with the programme, but I wouldn't say I started the programme as a beginner.
While a lot of people complained about the structure of learning, I wouldn't be surprised because I studied online for my first degree -- so the system is not so strange from what I have been used to (another factor that eases the overwhelming experience for me). Reading through a whole bulk of Manuals and online resources is not outside the scope of ALX's vision and mission statements, all these were part of the experience. The journey was not promised to be smooth -- a learning path of about 2 to 3 years compressed into 12 months is not going to be easy, keeps me wondering why one of the modules focused solely to motivate learners and teach them about GRIT and DOING HARD THINGS. Irrespective of the challenge, I still believe ALX SE is still a great addition to African Community as a whole, giving someone like me and tens of thousands of colleagues out there, a platform to follow their passion and the opportunity to learn and upskill their carrier.
I love the fact that you had the right motivation towards learning sir, which is the right thing to do, as a whole lot of fellow colleagues out there will rather copy and paste -- but either way, the experience alone is life-changing, it will be safe to say that ALX SE IS NOT BEGINNER FRIENDLY.
Thanks for sharing
I just applied and I have no prior tech knowledge. Is it doable? I am eager to learn and have the time to commit but I don’t know any basics on coding and programming. Thanks for your response
@@valvee2163 Yes, but you really need to put in the work, and by `work` I mean `HARD WORK`.
I fully agree with this video. I am an IT graduate (we did programming every semester) so I was familiar with some of the languages there but my goodness... I absolutely hated the program. Personally I wouldn't go back, I left 9 months in after some unenthusiastic work and several missed deadlines because when they say 70 hours a week they are not joking. Neither my degree nor any job I've ever had has ever required so much of me, so yeah, definitely not for me
You left 9 months in, damn. This is wild 😳. I've been accepted, and I really wanna succeed on this. With your experience, what do you think is the best approach to be successful in this program.
@@TheNoblegaz Well I think the video covered all the advice I could possibly give. You have to be willing to devote most of your life to this program for a year. If you merely submit some of the work for the sake of meeting the deadlines, maybe go back and retry it on your own for the sake of understanding. You will need to rely heavily on your community. In one of the first peer learning sessions I met a group of people and we started a WhatsApp group. At least you feel some support and solidarity (mine is mostly inactive now due to several dropouts). One thing I liked though is that you can still have your tasks graded no matter how late you are. 100% before the first deadline, 65% before the second deadline then 50% after both deadlines have passed. So always try to do your work and the additional tasks for extra grades and you will float.
I was on the data analyst path and managed to do 2 out of three projects.
I think what alx should provide or add to their mode of learning is probably 1hr of lectures instead of giving materials that can only solve questions 1 and 2, while leaving you to serious research of no destination. You want people to become engineers and you ask them to do things on their own. Is just like got addmission in school with no lectures and you expect students to graduate. Let's be sincere to ourselves the cohort forums aren't helping. It will be ok if they add lectures to it even if fee needs to be paid, and reduce the time frame from 10hrs.
I was in last year's cohort enrolled to the FMVA project however I never completed when I found a job, so basically it works well when you are unemployed. Very true bro!
Sad that the FMVA got phased out
I was in cohort 8 and got into sprint 2. After the airBnB project I knew I was wasting my time cus all I was doing from the first sprint was copy and pasting. I really wasn’t learning anything so I just dropped out. I’m thinking to go defer then start another time again. The program is way too challenging for a beginner that has no previous knowing of software engineering or codes
Go back and continue with the copy and paste get the qualification and then give yourself time to learn at your pace
@@ScissorN did you complete the program
Man I’m a university student and this ALX SE program nearly made me fail my entire end of semester exams last year. since then I’ve never gotten back
I can relate to this I was in an internship also studying in varsity plus alx I ended up dropping alx
Hey I'm also currently a university student in a demanding course. ALX can be hard, in fact tough. There were times I thought of dropping out, but by the grace of God I pulled thro and I'm currently in my last 2 months of ALX. On the bright side at least u experienced the experience (no pun intended).
😂😂😂
@@studymasterguide Hey. Can one handle the handle the program if they are beginners. Let’s say fresh from high school but know your way around a computer? Will introduction touch on basics?
@@valvee2163 Hi, the program is designed to take u from beginner level to expert level very quickly. If u know ur way around computers and have just graduated high school, I think it will be a great intro to the real world of coding. You'll learn to do hard things way before ur peers. Go for it 🦾😎😊.
Hello Adoga,, this is my opinion about ALX software engineering program, I was enrolled last year and then kicked out after a month due to failing to meet their deadline and average issues I re-applied again because I noticed the skill and some advanced knowledge we are offered are of value than the lectures I am receiving at the university, The truth is it requires you to dedicate a lot of your time learning and I think as a campus student One can multitask divide your time for classwork's
and do ALx task when you're not in class. Yes the things learnt in the program are hard but with the help of slack and peer learning I find that your fellow students can help you understand those consepts,,,,I believe we are learning for the knowledge and skills and not for the grades that's why I don't recommend people to copy paste the answers
Time is the only constraint. To join ALX is to devote your life for 1 year.
But I resorted to copy & paste because I'm a first timer I know nothing about programming, you have to maintain a score of 80% & above, you literally have 24 hours for a chance to be scored out of 100%. You're speaking from a point of privilege because you're in Uni doing the same thing but the approach is different, it seems. Prior knowledge should be a requirement for this program, I would never recommend it to absolute beginners, unless they're not dedicated to anything like school or work & are willing to learn new things.
@@sonwabiso_joy if you are an absolute beginner you might have the hardest time.Regardless, it may be the reason why you start viewing things differently. On copy and pasting, as a developer, you can count it as wasting your time, if you are going to copy and paste code without understanding how it works, you might as well just quit the program coz you will get very little value out of it. Best thing is to give yourself time and learn the basics of computing and programming, then join alx and still then it's not going to be easy, what sets you apart is your mindset! All the best.
@@iankamandew9777 but that's basically & literally what I've just said so what's your point now bro?
@@sonwabiso_joy my point is you can do it, it only takes the right mindset!
This video makes me crave for it more... thanks chief for the enlightenment 💯
Great video bruh. I'm a third year student and am also on my last three months of ALX Software Engineering program. Although I'm not a Comp science student, ALX has been amazing in growing my skills. I do agree that ALX is not a walk in the park, and they did warn us before we started by telling us, "Here we love doing hard things".😅 Software Engineering needs passion, persistence, patience and commitment.
Can you mentor me
Same here , wouldn’t mind mentorship please…. Not going to bug tbvh
That’s amazing. You’ll finish great
In need of the mentorship too @bluetech
Can you mentor me sir?
I would not recommend ALX for someone just starting out in software engineering as there are many unnecessary things taught. I began ALX last year because I was looking for a certificate but upon reviewing the syllabus and teachings, I knew it would be a waste of time as many things taught would be irrelevant. If you want to start, it is important to have a goal and decide which area of software development you want to specialize in, such as WEB, MOBILE, DEV OPS, FRONT-END, BACK-END, etc. Once you have determined your specialization, find a mentor in that field and take relevant courses. Having a mentor will make the learning process smoother and being in a community will also help when you get stuck.
But it's a fullstack program... There's nothing irrelevant on that.
ALX is perfect. I'm in my last sprint now and I started it not even knowing what git was. It builds a solid foundation for every other technical profession you might want to migrate to, especially for those without an IT background. I am migrating to a DevSecOps role and after talking with an experienced DevOps engineer, I've come to understand that I already have most of the fundamental knowledge to migrate. I had a full time job till my third sprint and it's been cool.
i disagree with this. it is important that you are thrown into the field and immersed in great knowledge which will aid your decision to specialize.. how on earth can you specialize as a newbie without proper exposure to the things you tag "irrelevant"
@@ekaetteessien4932 please can we connect via twitter?
@@obinnaharry8037 sure, check for... @TinnieTweety or Tina Essien
I completed the ALX Data Analyst while working 40 hrs a week. I was totally drained in the first month. I had to take a break from both the course and work for 3 days to rest. Even though i was already a data analyst, that course took all my time. Luckily i managed to finish it and get the certificate, but it was intensed.
How would you rate the course?
I got into the Data Science program and I want to know if it’s compulsory to go to the tech hub every week. I live quite far from it Thanks
@@ojochenemifridayjnr4176 I actually never attended any live event. Everything was virtual and the course was hectic. had to take a week off from work after I completed the course to recharge.
Thanks, this is helpful
@@ojochenemifridayjnr4176 hi, I'm guessing he took the remote programme but the one you're enrolled in is the hybrid programme that requires you to be present physically and remote. I'm also enrolled in the hybrid programme and it's a requirement, they especially made it clear during onboarding.
I just got accepted, I don't have any background or idea but I hope I scale through.
Was the second time I am trying and cant keep up. C programming slowed me down but opened my eyes to a lot of other things about the computer system and other spheres of life. I'll strongly recommend to anyone and everyone to try ALX. Even if you can't complete the course there is a high chance you learn something new that will come handy later in life.
You will get better with time
I love doing things at the last minute. But in the current data analysis course am taking, it seems my approach won't work.
I'm a software engineer and to really understand u need the passion and practice everyday cause it's like math once in u miss practicing ue may forget how u did some codes, if you like solving problems or errors also software engineering will be good for you.
Edit: But to me it's a bit fair all because I loved it since and coding is like a hobby to me.
Thank you for sharing!! We apparently were in the same Cohort, and I also had to re-enroll. I am currently also catching my breath, but I intend to restart in a bit and complete the training.
Thanks again Double OG for sharing your experience. I feel much better hearing someone else speak understandingly about some the challenges faced during my first attempt at the program.
That is awesome! You got this.
There are many certifications out there in software engineering better than Alx and self paced. You don't have to suffer from anxiety and burnout for a whole year. I know some people graduated from Alx and they are stucked to find a job in software engineering. In order to find a good entry job in SWE you should build a good portfolio and many valuable projects as you can. There's many good certifications out there from Google, Microsoft, IBM, Harvard, Stanford, EDX, and Coursera that will give you the credibility to become a good developer. Alx is not the end of the world.
I totally agree with you. I started Harvard's course CS50 I'm learning a lot of new things while enjoying the experience
I left after passing all the tasks. Mine was June 20222 cohort. I didnt like the style at all. People are forced to copy and paste except you have a knowledge of the concepts before joining. It took me 6 months to learn C before joining ALX and they want you to learn it in 2 months up to the advanced concepts. Nah! They will produce people good at copying and pasting. It had good stuffs too especially working directly with Shell for everything. Good one
Same problem I had
No, you can’t make it through with copy and paste
Still going on ALX from last year’s August and I promise you it’s not easy
But you have to thrive
My friend can you pls tell me do I need experience in something and do I need math
Hey. Can one handle the handle the program if they are beginners. Let’s say fresh from high school but know your way around a computer? Will introduction touch on basics?
I've been on this program for 3 months, disappeared for 3 weeks (this week being the 3rd week of my disappearance) because it really needs one to be only committed to it, I'm still getting emails but I'm finna get kicked out😭First of all the program is not beginner friendly. It's easy to cheat because answers are available online, I resorted to copying & pasting because there's no time or sometimes the resources provided aren't enough. I realized I'm just chasing scores by this copy & past , rushing to submit before 1st deadline & gaining nothing in the process so nah I quit. I'll try again when I'm bored & have absolutely nothing else to do.
I feel your pain broooooo
You didn’t talk about the WhatsApp groups that will be talking what somebody does not understand 😂,I quietly gave myself sense and started doing at my own pace! Researching while having in mind there’s a deadline! Rushing into it will finish you😂
Omo I don tire hahahahhaa
Honestly those WhatsApp groups ehn! They tire me! You’re better off learning at your own pace
Aswear 😂...it is hard I can't lie😩
Great video with great advice...copy and paste is very acceptable in software engineering though. There are concepts you won't understand as soon you want to and if you need to get a task done...you need to get that task done. I think another thing that helps is a support system of some sort sometimes you just need someone familiar to explain such certain concepts with familiar analogies and then you get it.
Better luck next time.
The problem with the ALX system is that the tasks get more difficult. And if you did not understand the last one it comes back to deal with you in a future task
@@doubleogadoga Yeah that's pretty typical in such programs...and spoon feeding software engineers don't make them great engineers. If ALX is trying to raise great engineers(in 12 months) it stands to reason that the process will be a bit intense.
IMHO its takes years of experience working on somewhat difficult real life problems(projects) to be a great software engineer.
Again good luck on your next try...keep us informed
ALX is fast paced and it is not beginner friendly -- if you have previous experience in SE, please go ahead, otherwise it's not worth it.
Daamn...I just enrolled to the program and we're to begin on 20th February...these comments are giving me second thoughts
This is why Alt School Africa is the best. Beginner friendly and flexible, I got admitted to ALX November 2021 as well and into AltSchool by April 2022, I got Kicked out by ALX around May 2022 I guess, and I'm already trying to figure out numerous internship offers referred by Alt school on my mail lately as I'm graduating in few weeks time.
This is amazing. Would you like to join my show to talk about your experience?
Really?
@@doubleogadoga Okay sir. It will be my pleasure
@@zolac9732 Yea Yea
Pls the 20$ Alt school course enrollment is it once we are paying or there is still other charges attached to it boss
Currently am in Cohort 12 doing the program and also working but I have always been a multitasker and it has helped me alot in this programme couple with the fact that I have strong programming knowledge prior to it
We in same cohort tasks after task the deadlines yhooo
@@yoniem9835 same cohort here
I also joined and got kicked out around the same time. It's true, you need to manage your time wisely. I do freelance and had a lot of gigs around that time. Balancing with ALX tasks was even harder but I'll also retake at a later date when I have a lot of time on my hands.
Finally a realistic video. I need to see this type from other bootcamps. Its like a taboo to quit.
Wow this video just blew up from your channel..keep growing mahn
Appreciate it!
I registered for ALX but back then I had to juggle school and work plus ALX and I just left. Software engineering is not easy anywhere.
I am currently in the ALX programme and I work full-time, overtime sef and also juggle side gigs. It's all about time management, a positive mindset and readiness to learn
I was on the program too, working and schooling plus Alx...it was crazy, I didn't have time to fully understand the program and I didn't just want to be copying..so, I had to quit!
Exactly what happened to me.
Hey, Double OG Adoga, you are completely right. I was in the ALX program for Financial Analyst and tried to catch up with the pace but noticed I couldn't. So I stopped because I started realising I was running the program just to catch up with the pace but I wasn't fully understanding. The time given to cover the 21 courses is damn too small. Those 21 courses were powerful and interesting but intelligent-wise, I was trying to meet up with tasks and wasn't gaining much residual knowledge. To really do any ALX program and gain fully enough knowledge to stand out among the crowd and not just acquire one certificate you cannot defend, one has to devote at least 12hrs a day.
I did partake in ALX Virtual assistant program, it was a stressful experience but I was able to complete the course.
i don't regret the learning , networking experience
@@chigoziedagoha6049 Congratulations to you, I had a friend who did it and finished it also...he was a remote worker. If you did FMVA and you work 8am-5pm, with additional 2hrs or more in traffic, well let me know your experience. Aside from that, I also never regretted the learning experience, I just couldn't keep up with the pace and task...and realising I was trying to finish the certificates but the knowledge ain't settling in my head.
Honestly, the time required was too much and considering we still have to take care of our lives and make ends meet, it makes it almost impossible to accomplish.
This is just the pure truth though. I work as a full time frontend developer alongside my ALX course and it will soon be six month I started. One of the thing I know helped me was my resolve to finish the course despite the inconveniences.
I’m a Software Engineer in the USA brother and researching is key to the job. You do copy & paste a bit in the real world. Knowing how to read that code, refactor it to what you need, and optimize that code is a skill in & if it’s self.
Just before people get the wrong idea, alx program is about the best possible course you can find out there.
I'm currently 70% done with the data analyst program , even though I already have a strong SQL, python and pandas knowledge before taking this course, it was incredibly challenging because the course prepares you for tackling corporate demands eventually.
But haven't said that, all you need to finish the course is commitment. You have to understand the expectation, like someone wrote below, 'software dev is not your regular skills acquisition journey. It's a profession'.
It requires all of you at least until you become very proficient.
The keyword "I already have a strong SQL, python and pandas knowledge before taking this course"
You cannot expect a total newbie to have the same experience
I like your boldness, it is not a joke and it requires all of you but I am giving a try this year, I have a lot on my plate now but in the third month of this year I will try to enrolled and give it a shut.
Thank you so much Timothy. Give it a go, there is nothing wrong with failing.
Props for having the courage to be vulnerable on this. Software engineering learning curve for your first job is pretty brutal and very very difficult to do "on the side".
Thank you JT
Am on my first month on Alx and am not understanding anything about it coz I just finished high school last year and am a beginner in this software industry it's very tough I just want to drop out
When you try again, don't beat yourself to understanding software development entirely because the truth is you cannot. Become comfortable with researching whatever concept you don't understand and copy what you understand. Ask a lot of questions too.
I surely am wiser now
I agree with u 100%
@@thembiadoorns yeah software engineer don't memorize all the concept . you just have to know what to search for not straight answers
I took my time just to be reading comments, wow ALX is difficult and highly compress 4 year degree program into 1 year. This issue of no lecturer to guide you also is the problem, we understand the program is free. Even the few guys from ALX giving free lectures also find it difficult to explain. Am in the program for 7 months now and am surviving with the help of UA-cam, stack over flow and google because i research every single thing. Nobody will explain this things to you better than videos from UA-cam. You talked about copy and paste well, all programmers do copy and paste but understanding the logics makes you a good programmer. With ALX, my way of thinking has changed.
I also dropped out last year. I could not balance it all with my work which involved lots of traveling and overtime. It's manageable if you are not working or your work does not consume much of your time.
its really exhausting
Wow, such a wonderful honest opinion and advice as well. Thank you very much.
You are so welcome!
I took it last year, unfortunately after doing almost 3/4 of the program , I couldn't finish... I have decided to take it again this year and dedicate all my time to it! This is because last year i experienced imense Improvement as a person and as a programmer,
Let's try again this year
Hey. Can one handle the handle the program if they are beginners. Let’s say fresh from high school but know your way around a computer? Will introduction touch on basics?
@@valvee2163 hey, I think this is one of the best ways to introduce yourself into the world of computing and software that you're interested in. You will learn a lot of basics but please be warned there is no hand holding or spoon feeding, your success and progress solely relies on the effort you put in, which is hard tbh... But once you start noticing the progress and improvement within yourself, then you'll know it was all so worth it. Go for it😁💪
@@iankamandew9777 thank you so much. I was discouraged for a minute there but with this, I’m ready to give it my all😇 🙏🏽
@@valvee2163 i wishes you the very best.
thought i know a bit about computer and software i will finish the program with ease. the reality is i found it very hard to catch up with the task along with my full time job. any one starting alx, i would advice the to take it very seriously and make sure the have the time.
I always say it. If you’re a newbie to tech, please enroll for self paced programmes. You definitely can’t keep up with the pace of the ALX SE Program
Where can i access it
As long as you are not working, have steady light and data.. Alx would still be difficult but less stressful because all your focus and attention would be on learning. Alx is hard and don't let anyone tell you differently.
After the first week of Git. You get slammed into C and fun fact C programming language is hard alx makes it harder sometimes you look at each task and think 'do I need this'
...24hrs for every project
And if you are a beginner you need more than 48hrs to break down these projects and understand how they work and why they work like that
Also, alx has a certain solution in mind meaning you can have a solution that works for one task alx would reject it till they get that solution
This is the comment right here!!
That's why I always tell people that Alx may not be the best option for you as a beginner or if you're doing something else on the side.
Their solution is the solution they need.... not your own solution ... Well of course we are learning and your teaches expects you to reach a certain expectation for them to award you correctly.
I got kicked out after 1st month, I worked 10hrs and spent like 5hrs with alx, the annoying part is that I don't like C as a programming language it's too cumbersome when we have other programming languages that can be used. Coupled with the fact that I was expecting someone to teach and not to doing more research, I did a lot of research to the extent that I forgot what the last assignment was. I nearly lost my job cz I couldn't concentrate on the job. Omo I quit alx
You nailed it. It's almost as if you live in my brains I ask myself that question every after 2 weeks "do I need this?". But I'm only hanging on for Python & SQL, C is the worst programming language ever in my books.
@@sonwabiso_joy C is very cumbersome, with phyton you write short codes, but with C, oh my God. .
Liked ur explanation of software engineering.. u have to talk to the programming language & software API (like numerous APIs on a browser & libz & modules for a language on a server)
God bless you my bro, I worked at Microfinance Bank, Mehn the stuff ain't easy and my laptop got issue along the way, baba when thr program remain one week to end I quickly go buy laptop and when i continued the program, i noticed i couldn't finish with the later time left. Also, today is the last day to submit the milestone, quiz, test and the likes.
Also, the course is cool but at the same time it's cumbersome.
Thanks for sharing Bro
I just started my ALX SE journey after being dropped mistakenly now im behind my class and its been very tough
I enrolled last year but it just was too much for me to handle , deadlines to meet up with, hours to understand things and all, I just had to leave it altogether.. I might enroll another time too but I will prefer altschool
Wow, great video on the reality of the program. Awesome take 👍
Bro I have been there too. Managing a business and family. I had to dropout in June and pick it up November. To help me I just zoom out of everything and focus on on task and no meetings. True bro it's not for all
Anybody can be a Software Engineer provided they're willing to be consistent, persistent and focused in it.
Not with the way ALX is doing it
😂😂sorry but Alx would humble you I've seen developers really good developers be dumbfounded by alx project
@@ashleejohn1806 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣 leave the werey make e dey run e mouth 🤣🤣🤣🤣
Alx is actually a full time program for anyone without any programming knowledge. To be a part time learner you need to have knowledge in programming.
Accurate
You'r absolutly right , before joined i have had diffrent certification on full stack javascript development , but when i joined ALX i felt like i know nothing and was giving my self too much pressure
Thanks for your honesty, it is important
I love everything this guy has said. He hits the nail on the head...Thanks bro
You're welcome
Thank you so much for sharing this
I'm actually afraid, I just enrolled, I have time and I feel like I'm ready to dedicate 10 hours a day, and even more, but the fact that I'll have a test after 1 month is a little bit scary 😂😂💔
The tests will hi you before 1 month. You will have 24 hour deadlines
@@doubleogadoga
And like it'll be about what we studied in that month right? I mean is it that hard for someone who doesn't have a scientific background?
hi i enrolled too; do you know if there is any chance to get kicked out and not be accepted for the programme before even start it or they accept every applicants
the tests are very easy if youre ready to dedicate the time to study.
Don't copy and paste code if you don't understand
ALX is not easy .It needs full attention
True oo. It need full attention.
100%
Even with the full attention, its still not easy.
thankyou@doubleog my question is based on cheaper classes. i'm a lower income inner.
Am so encouraged by this video... Thanks for your sincerity.
Just finished applying for the February cohort. Thanks for the motivation lol
Did the FMVA program whilst juggling a full time job, lasted 2 months then had to drop out. It's sad it was phased out
You gave it your best, and that’s all you could’ve done. Be proud of yourself and may you reach the success you desire 👏🏽🎉
Thank you so much!!
thanks for sharing your experience with us cause i was to enrol in the program but i have financial challange and to purse such career with hustling is not easy
Things will get better and you can do it again! Do not give up.
thank you sir
but your content was helpful
especially to who is getting in the Alx program
much love here boss
I started the program with the aim of learning but later on I was after completing the task without understanding and I don't like that . And hey, it's not for beginners, I join August and I stopped because it was draining me . I wasn't getting it the way am suppose to and I was productive at work, so I had to dropout. And go for courses that are self pace.
Yes I agree, many of the people who are still in the program are experienced software developers.
For me I think ALX tries to creates how the real life tech world is rather than teaching you the actual thing. Cuz most of the tasks given weekly are realistically not achievable within the given time frame but we move.
Even if you’re good at multitasking the programme needs all your time. I’m working and I’m finding it hard to balance everything. I have no social life just work which is 10 hours and I have to come back and dedicate time to ALX as well. It’s too much work crammed in a small amount of time. You literally have 24 hours to complete an assignment
Honestly, the tech field is not easy. Most of the learning paths are quite steep for new enthusiasts looking to enter into the field. Took the ALX data analysis nano degree program last year and was no joke. Had to cut off almost all communication and hardly had time for any other thing. Ended up breaking up with my girlfriend due to the lack of attention and communication. My advice to anyone who wants to take this course and any other program like this is that be prepared to give up a lot of things and I mean a lot. It requires sacrifice and if this is what you want be ready to make the sacrifice. It will drain you though but for the greater reward, I will say "GO ALL IN", make the sacrifice, and trust me it shall pay off.
May I ask you did it pay off for you I mean did you land a job at the end?
Not yet but i have gotten an an industry training opportunity with a foreign company that could land me my first data analytics job if i successfully go through it. It has not been smooth sailing though I must say. Even after the program which I graduated last september it has been continuous practice, building projects and sending lots of resumes and cvs for data analytics jobs. For me this is the path i decided to take at the beginning of last year and I am prepared to ride it out the whole way.
@@gamelikofijerome5829 How many Months is the Data analytics program?
@@kelvinrobast5608 approximately 4 months
My guy I dropped out too. I found a better boot camp. I wasn't learning anything just bunch of stuff everyday that I couldn't make complete sense of 😭
Please which one did you find?
Pls which boot camp did you join??