FAQs
Everything you need to know about Constructor Academy and our Bootcamps.
Prerequisites
Is some programming experience required for each program?
Many of the Full-Stack Development participants are beginners with some or no experience, while the Data Science students may have picked up some basic programming in industry or academia.
I'm not a citizen of Switzerland nor any other EU-member country: can I still apply?
Yes, we welcome students from around the world. We cannot, however, sponsor you for a student visa. If you're able to get a travel visa to spend 3 months in Switzerland, then we are more than happy to have you join us. Otherwise you’re free to join our programs via the remote option.
What coding level do I need?
Creativity, logical thinking, and reasoning skills are most important. Having basic knowledge of a programming language, like Python, as well as a basic understanding of data analysis, machine learning, and NLP, is useful. If you're a complete tech novice, you'll receive introductory materials designed for a 7-day completion, which will ensure you’re ready to fully participate in the course.
Remote attendance option
I’d rather participate from another location. Can I attend the program remotely?
Absolutely. For those interested in this option, please select it on the application form.
Is there a difference between the in-person and remote option?
None at all. You’ll be joining the in-class participants for the same program and follow via our live stream platform. You’ll get the same attention from our staff as if you were on site.
Application process
How does the application process work?
To be accepted, a potential candidate must make it through the following rounds administered by our team: (1) online application (2) non-technical interview (3) technical interview and (4) final decision. After completing the final interview, we will give you a decision within three days.
What’s the non-technical interview?
Lasting 20 minutes in-person or over video call, it gives us a chance to get to know you, your professional experience, motivation and goals for participating in the program.
What’s the technical interview like for the Full-Stack program?
Regardless of coding experience, each candidate must pass a coding challenge. The potential student will receive an email with a list of explained JavaScript exercises and tutorials to complete within 10 days. A date and time will be set and the candidate will be asked specific questions over video call by an instructor on what she/he has learned during this time.
I've been accepted ... now what?
First of all, congratulations! It’s time for you to get to work. We’ll send you a packet of preparation materials and exercises that you must complete before the first day of class. You won’t be alone and we’ll help you in the process.
What’s the technical interview like for the Data Science program?
The candidate will receive an email with a list of Python tutorials to complete before the interview. The interview date and time will be set such that there is around one week to get prepared for it.
On the day of the interview, the candidate will receive a data challenge by email and will have 2 hours to work on it. After submitting the results, a Constructor Academy team member will connect to discuss the results of the Data Challenge (around 15 min). Subsequently, a 30 minute Python coding assessment is conducted to determine the candidate’s structural and logical thinking. The whole process will take 2 hours, 45 min and be based on the tutorials sent before.
Programs
What type of job support do you offer?
Career development services are a core part of the program and we do a lot for you here in terms of coaching, CV/Cover Letter/LinkedIn preparation, job search strategy, interview preparation, hiring days … We also introduce you to as many companies in our network as possible, especially to those where our alumni work.
Which program is the best for what student?
Full-Stack Development is for those who want to be proficient in developing web and eCommerce applications. They usually come from a diverse range of industries and backgrounds. For those who have experience in a technical/quantitative field or an advanced degree in the sciences, Data Science is the best choice.
How many instructors will there be during the program?
Students can expect to have different instructors, each covering a wide range of topics. There will also guest speakers from the industry who will visit the class to give short talks on particular subjects related to the program.
How many students are there per class?
To maintain a high level of interaction and instruction, each class has an average of 10 to max. 20 students (in-class).
Why do we teach certain technologies and concepts and not others?
Our mission is to ensure that you get the most out of our programs. For this reason, we equip you with the most in-demand skills and technologies applicable for the local market.
Do I need to bring my own laptop for the course and what operating system do I need?
Yes, you'll need your own laptop. Any operating system, Windows or macOS, are fine. If you chose Windows, please install Ubuntu on your machine before starting the pre-work.
What other type of support will I have during the course?
In addition to the instructor, there will be Teaching Assistants (TAs). They will attend class with you and be a vital resource of assistance. The other students in the classroom, with whom you’ll form a strong bond, will also be a valuable source of help and collaboration. At Constructor Academy, it’s all about teamwork. The success of one student translates to the success of all.
In what language are the courses held?
For the time being, all of our programs are taught in English.
Campus
Do you provide housing assistance?
For those not living in the Zurich area, we will provide support and work with you to find lodging for the duration of the program.
Is it possible to visit the school?
Yes, please contact us via contact form if you are interested in visiting our campus.
Tuition
What financing options are available?
Together with our partner CHANCEN eG we offer you an Income Share Agreement (ISA). This allows you to fully concentrate on the Bootcamp while CHANCEN eG takes care of your tuition fees. Once you start a job, you will begin income-based repayment over a 5-year period. This financial aid solution is only applicable to our full-time Bootcamps in Munich, in-person or remote. You must be a German citizen or resident to qualify.
Are there any grants or scholarships available?
Yes, together with women++ we offer one scholarship per batch for our intensive bootcamps. All female applicants coming via women++ are eligible to qualify for a 50% scholarship.
Which nationalities are supported by CHANCEN eG?
For our Bootcamps in Munich: Germans, EU citizens plus Liechtenstein, Switzerland, Norway, Great Britain, Iceland, Monaco as well as USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Israel. For our Remote Bootcamps: Germans and current residents of Germany from the following countries: EU plus Liechtenstein, Switzerland, Norway, Great Britain, Iceland, Monaco as well as USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Israel.
How much does tuition cost and what does it include?
Please check the individual course pages for more information about the price as they can vary based on the location. The tuition includes (depending on whether you participate on-site or remotely) instruction, course materials, career services, ping-pong, parties, ...!
Can my company sponsor my participation?
Absolutely. If you are planning on returning to your employer afterwards, we are happy to speak with your manager to help facilitate this process.
When do I have to pay the tuition fee for the Bootcamps?
Full-Time Bootcamps: Upon enrollment, you are required to pay a non-refundable CHF/EURO 3,500 deposit to reserve your seat in the program. You will have 5 days after signing the enrollment agreement to then pay your deposit. The remaining balance is due by the end of the second week of the program. Part-Time Bootcamps: Upon enrollment, you are required to pay a non-refundable CHF/EURO 3,500 deposit to reserve your seat in the program. 1/2 of the remaining balance is due by the end of the second week of the program and 1/2 by the third month of program.
After graduation
I'm not a citizen of Switzerland nor any other EU-member country: can I get a job in Switzerland?
Unfortunately, we don't make the rules and it will be very challenging for you to be employed after the program. The good news is that what you learn is applicable towards a great career anywhere in the world!
Will I have a certification at the end of the course?
We provide a private certificate that proves that the program was completed.
What are a student’s chance of being employed?
Very high and certain! Our statistics report that the majority of our students find software developer and data science jobs or internships 3 months after the program finish. The remainder will find employment by the 6-month mark or shortly after. Some cohorts go faster than others, depending on factors such as the job market and available positions. Anyone who perseveres finds a job in the role they are seeking.
Do you have a placement rate?
As our alumni base increases rapidly, the career objectives are also becoming more diverse, making it more challenging to report an accurate job placement rate or average starting salary. While the majority of our students look for and find software developer or data science jobs, a significant amount could either be hired by Constructor Academy, return to their previous employer after a planned leave of absence, get a job branded by a different title, …
Which job positions can I apply for after the bootcamp?
Completing our Data Science Bootcamp opens up numerous possibilities in the tech job market. Here are some of the job positions that you can apply for as a graduate: • Data Scientist • Data Analyst • Data Engineer • Data Architect • Machine Learning Engineer • Business Intelligence Engineer
