I’m Not 100% Sure if Software Engineering is for Me. What if I Change My Mind along the Way?

Steve’s story:
Hey there! So I've been binge-watching a ton of programming videos lately and I'm thinking, why not turn this hobby into a legit career? My buds are telling me to try software engineering or something like that, but I'm low-key scared to drop what I'm doing now. What if I hate it and wanna stop midway?

TripleTen Team:

Hi, Steve! Your doubts are understandable. It may feel overwhelming to choose a profession in a field you are not yet familiar with. Luckily, there are a number of things you can do to make sure you’ve made the right career choice, and TripleTen resources are here to help you. Try these steps:

1. Explore the website, FAQs, and blog articles. First, study TripleTen's website carefully, and read the descriptions of all the programs. You will also find an FAQs section here, which may be of further help.
   You can also read the articles on the TripleTen blog. They offer more in-depth explanations of how certain technology works and which areas it is applied in.  The more information you have, the better your decision-making process will play out.
   
2. Read students' stories and testimonials. To make sure you understand the program description correctly and that it works for you, read the testimonials from students who have already completed the program or are currently enrolled in it. There, they discuss the inner workings of the learning process, and you can find some tips that aren't on the main website.
   
3. Call and consult with advisors. You can fill out a call-in form on the main website and contact the program tutors and supervisors with any questions, as well as ask for advice. The managers will ask you some questions, find out what you like most, and help you choose the right program.
   
4. Take a career quiz. If you don't feel like scheduling a call, you can take an online career quiz. You’ll answer several questions and choose one or more options from the simulated scenarios. For example, you’ll be asked to choose what task you’d enjoy most if you decided to build a house ―  making a plan, exploring different types of buildings, decorating the interior, or making sure that all the systems work properly. Your answer will help the computer analyze which program is the best for you, and the results will be sent to your email address.
   
5. Watch our live broadcasts. Finally, you can watch live broadcasts in which program specialists and trainers talk about different programs, tools, and ways of learning.  Alternatively, you can watch a video about a typical day working in a tech company.

All these steps should help you get a comprehensive understanding of different career paths and programs. You will gain insight into how bootcamp functions internally, see real stories from our graduates, and learn important training details. This will make it easier for you to decide whether to start learning and choose a particular program. 

What to do if you’ve already started learning

Let’s say that you’ve  chosen SE, but realized that the software engineering bootcamp isn’t for you. Taking the time to understand what’s pushing you away (the study format or the profession itself) will help you determine next steps.

To get to the bottom of this, try answering the questions below. They will help you to clearly draw out the advantages and disadvantages of continuing vs. dropping out of bootcamp: 

• Am I succeeding in mastering the program? Is the pace appropriate for me?
• What do I find to be the hardest thing about it? Why?
• Do I have moments of procrastination while studying, and what parts of the program seem to cause them?
• What happens if I quit this program?
• What will happen if I continue studying?

However, if you decide that the format is not right for you — for example, you chose the full-time option, but you can't keep up with the pace of learning — or you don't enjoy the professional direction itself, you have several options. 

1. Study break. If you realize that you are struggling or find that the intensity of the program is wearing you down, you can always request one for up to three months. During this time you will still have access to the study materials and can continue your studies once you return.

2. Refund. If you do decide to leave the program, you will need to complete a refund form. Please note that the refund amount is calculated on the basis of the time that has elapsed since the start of the program. Here's how it works:

• If you have been on the program for less than two weeks, you can get a full refund.
• If you've studied for more than 15 days, but less than 42, you are eligible for a refund of 75% of the program fee. If your study period amounted to 43—175 days, you will get 50% back.
• If you have been studying for longer than this, unfortunately, you cannot get a refund.

The completion of the program curriculum is also taken into account. It is only possible to receive a refund before the mid-term point of the program. 

For example, you paid for the program, entered the group starting on February 21, and decided to quit the course on June 15. Only 113 days passed, but you studied at a faster pace and managed to cover 60% of the program curriculum by the date of cancellation. According to our policy, there will be no refund in this case.

Where else can you go after finishing the Software Engineering Bootcamp? 

Remember that a particular qualification does not have to limit your choice of profession. The Software Engineering Bootcamp gives you a wide choice of fields to work in after graduation: front end, back end, full-stack and web developer are just some examples of career paths available to you. You can also get into production and build your career as a team leader or project manager.

Of course, learning is not easy, and sometimes there are great challenges to overcome. However, the effort is more than worth it if you acquire a new career you genuinely enjoy!