Prime Digital Academy

Prime was a huge leap of faith for me, and I am so glad I did it. Prime is hard, but once you commit to it and you succeed, it is beyond gratifying. Scott and Myron are so personable and patient. They really understand what it takes to not only teach, but to learn as a student. Although it is meant to and stretch you, Scott and Myron are amazing instructors. They are patient, thorough, and care so much about their students. Rachael is on top of it all- she is truly such a help behind the scenes and with helping you get yourself ready to job hunt. All 3 of them tell it like it is, but go above and beyond to watch us succeed. I definitely miss it already.

Prime is an incredible program! I’m so happy I trusted them to help me level up and develop new skills. Their approach prepares students for careers well beyond UX methods and approaches. Some of the takeaways include engaged, genuinely caring staff; reminders that you are not your work; practicing progress over perfection; learning how to embrace a growth mindset; working with real clients on actual opportunities; identifying and leveraging one another’s strengths; channels for open, honest conversations; a mentorship program for additional support ...I could go on. 
For context, my background includes a degree in graphic design from a traditional 4-year university. I’ve held multiple positions at companies ranging from corporate to startups were my responsibilities were skewed more towards either 
marketing and/or eCommerce. In 13 years since undergrad graduation I wasn’t able to establish a secure career path. This is what I was looking for.

Before applying to Prime I did research with people in UX roles to learn their path into the field; researched online programs; met with Prime alum; and had a call with a Prime staff member. Ultimately, I realized Prime was a path that would set me up for the most success – and I also didn’t want to be competing with Prime grads during the job hunt and/or in a role.

Fast-forward to being a graduate, the curriculum and support has more than adequately prepared me to take what I’ve learned and bring it into practice. When I was applying to jobs and interviewing Prime’s credibility allowed me have a much better response rate than I’ve experienced in the past, as well as stronger in-person conversations / interviews. I ended up receiving a job offer 2 weeks before graduation. Very happy I decided to attend Prime!

I attended Prime Digital Academy from Aug 2019 to January 2020.  
Amazing instructors and community. Solid technical instruction for people who are new to computers and for people who have programming experience.  Because of what I learned at Prime I got a job as a software engineer before graduation, started the next day. 

I came in not knowing if Prime was the right choice, if "full-stack web development" was worthwhile and hoped it was rigorous enough. Prime exceeded my expectations, I learned a ton about programming concepts and was able to build development muscles with hundreds of hours of practice building projects.  Their carefully crafted curriculum offers a challenge to new learners and scales for people already comfortable with programming.

We learned React (the most popular web development front end library) but you also design databases and the necessary relationships/tables, build it and then integrate it into the server you've spun up to provide data to your front end.  Thinking like a front end designer made my APIs and Database Schemas better, thinking like a back end developer made my UIs better too.

Two other benefits of Prime are the career services and the network of other Prime grads.  I felt very supported applying for jobs and having a network of people to help me learn about workplaces in the Twin Cities.  The career services team gets each grad ready for the job application, interview, and negotiation process.  I was able to consult them on my job offer immediately after hearing from my recruiter. After talking to graduates of other boot camps this really sets Prime apart.  

It's very true that you will get out of your experience at Prime Digital Academy what you put into it, and that if you work hard it can be a life-changing experience.  I graduated in October 2019, and even as early as May I really didn't have any fundamental knowledge in JavaScript.  Now, I've recently accepted a Front End Developer position at a local company and can't believe the jumpstart this has been for my new career.

The atmosphere at Prime is incredibly caring.  Everyone wants you to succeed - your cohortmates, your instructors, the career development staff, everybody.  You will become very close with your cohort and they'll almost feel like family as you go through a rigorous curriculum.  Some of the greatest moments are when you get to start building a solo project and really see how much you can flex the new skills that you learned.  The curriculum is delivered at a quick, but manageable pace, and it won't take long for you to learn a whole lot.

I would have liked to have had more instructor feedback following the solo and group projects.  A lot of work goes into those, and I think we could have learned a lot with some good, constructive criticism following the completion of that work.  Additionally, I think it would have suited the curriculum well to spend more time on new React concepts (such as Hooks in React 16).  While that was introduced, it would have been good to have more practice working with React code in a way that deviated from the way we were used to it.  Finally, I think more assignmetns where the job is to read code that someone else has written and interpret what that code is doing would go a long way toward improving code literacy.

These are all very minor points of feedback - this program does an incredible job of teaching you how to think like a software developer, and provides you with the skills you need to grow professionally in this field.  I would absolutely recommend Prime for any person looking to get into software development as the way to go.

I was looking for a career change. I had little to no coding knowlege before decided to go into Tech.  I had a not so favorable experience with a startup program that went under third way through the first class.  I explored other programs but found none that would put me in the best postion to earn a job in Tech.  Then I found Prime.

Prime Academy is a fullly fleshed out coding school.  You will learn to code, the theory of code, solo and team project building, industry networking, interviewing techniques and all things needed to gain employment.  The staff is knowledgeable, intuitive, passionate, caring and determined.  You will not only become a software engineer.  You will become a better more well rounded individual that will be a true asset to any prospective employer.

I am now fully confident that I am prepared for a long and productive career in Tech. All thanks to the outstanding staff and awesome program created by Prime Academy.

I attended the Prime Digital Academy Software Engineering program in the beginning of 2019 and graduated in June. At first I felt unsure if this was going to be a smart decision because of the expense, but based on what I had heard about the program, I knew that I was paying for quality. I experienced this as soon as I visited the campus. I would show up to the campus during tier 1 just to get a feel for the buildings and for the people at prime. Nothing but welcoming hearts from every individual who worked there. None of them are the same, but they all have a common goal: *to see you succeed*. I spent a lot of time speaking with these people individually (Fred, Mary, Ally, Dane, and many current students.

It was a challenging program. I would not reccommend working while attending prime. On top of the work load, there are many curve-ball life challenges that I saw happening to pretty much everyone while I was there. Including staff. So many people had their own problems, and we all felt for them because it doesn't take long for your cohort to become a family. One of the things that Prime promotes is that you are engaged with your classmates so you get a true experiece of working with others, not in competition but in community.

To sum this up, expect to work hard in order to Read, Write, Speak, and Teach code. In the process, you'll have as many human experiences as you do machine.

I couldn't recommend Prime more highly. I was finishing up a PhD in philosophy and struggling on the academic job market when I decided to move back home to Minnesota and switch into an in-demand field. Prime quickly prepared me to become a UX designer and I got a great job within three weeks of graduating.

The Prime community and culture is fantastic. The instructors and staff are all exceptionally qualified, but you also learn a lot from fellow students and alumni (many alumni come back as mentors or guest lecturers). I felt motivated and supported throughout the program and even after graduation.

UX design is also a great field to get into from my experience. The work is fun and interesting, the people are great, and it pays well. If you're on the fence, apply now!

I had spent most of my professional career as a web generalist and have always wanted to get into user experience. Facing unemployment gave me time to examine what I really wanted to do and Prime Digital Academy gave me the opportunity to do it. 

A curriculum taught by instructors with experience as professionals, the course work is very hands-on with projects from real-world clients allowing us to practice user experience. The program encourages progress over perfection with solid support in every step, which culminated in a high-level team project and presentation. Support staff prepared us for the job market with guidance in interviewing, resume writing, networking, and public speaker as well as our own personal development. Mentors also supported us with their own professional advice and portfolio critiques. In addition, learning alongside my cohort gave 

My interview during career day, where I could really share my work and progression over my 18 weeks eventually led to my full-time position as a UX professional.

I am thankful for my experience at Prime and now get to work professionally doing something I love everyday.

 

After working in the service industry for far too long, I needed to figure out how I was going to sustain myself. Living paycheck to paycheck was both physically and mentally exhausting. My experience at Prime equipped me with the skills and mindset I needed to make a serious career change. A month after graduating, I was navigating competing offers that were more than three times what I'd ever made in my life- for positions that felt far more meaningful and exciting than my previous work. 

I can only speak to my own experience, so here it is: Prime was very intense and exciting. I learned new skill sets and methodologies. I learned how to network, how to market myself as a UX Designer, & how to navigate the hiring process. I gained confidence in public speaking and experience working with diverse, sometimes challenging teams. I gained access to an unbelievably supportive network of alumni. I made new, life-long friends. I was pushed out of my comfort zone and forced to work through my perfectionism. I feel that I left Prime not only with a deeper understanding of UX design, but with a better understanding of my own strengths and opportunities for growth.

The staff is incredibly supportive and inspiring. They push you, but would never want you to sacrifice your physical or mental well being.

Is it challenging? Yes. 

Is it intense? Yes. 

Is it worth it? YES!!

If the cost is holding you back, I encourage you to speak with the staff about scholarships. There are several orgs in the twin cities who can help fund your education, especially if you identify as a cis or trans woman, or a non-binary individual. I was honestly surprised by how easy it was to get a scholarship. Ask about them early & act fast when they become available.

I was skeptical at first, knowing that there are a lot of boot camps popping up, but Prime is the real deal. They put a lot of effort into making sure they're teaching tech that's relevant.

The instructors are top notch, and enthusiastic about turning people into engineers. It's also great to have a group of peers going through the same thing as you, and very motivating. 

I came in with programming experience, so the things I found most valuable about Prime were the network and career help. Knowing how to set up your resume, who to talk to and how, and just having some confidence was very helpful for finding a job.

I came into the program knowing very little about programming and in 20 weeks with the help of the instructors, my cohort-mates, and everyone at Prime I'm starting a job as a Software Engineer at a local company. I've gained the skills to learn any new tech and search the web for related information. I've learned how to communicate efficiently with people and have also learned valuable soft skills in an incredibly welcoming environment. A literal safe space to be who you are and grow into what you want to become.

It's hard for me to speak or write about my experience at Prime without sounding like I'm exaggerating.  But I wouldn't be going to the trouble of writing a review at all if I didn't think it was an outstanding educational experience.  In fact, I've found myself telling friends that in many ways, Prime was more valuable to me than my Master's Degree.  Before attending Prime, I taught at the college level, and I was initially skeptical about the whole "boot camp" model.  I kept hearing glowing reviews from a few friends who had attended the Full Stack Development program, but it wasn't until I visited campus and had some conversations with the staff that I started to understand how rigorous and multifaceted and awesome the Prime curriculum is.

When I was looking at UX bootcamps, I also visited General Assembly in Manhattan, and it seemed large and impersonal compared to Prime.  I was also unimpressed with the class session I sat in on -- it seemed like a passive lecture, presenting the same information I'd seen in online tutorial videos.  In contrast to that, Prime is hands-on from day 1, with tons of opportunities to practice new skills as you learn them.

People are Prime's number one asset, and I can't say enough good things about the staff.  They truly get to know every student, and give everyone access to an incredible professional network and helpful career development activities in addition to the regular curriculum. The primary UX instructors are not only experienced designers with impressive resumes -- they're skilled teachers who know how to immerse students in a brand new career and help them succeed.  They are 100% dedicated to students, and they're always available to help. They also have deep connections to the tech community in Minneapolis and beyond, and they share that access with students.  

If you're considering attending Prime, the best way to start is to schedule a visit and talk to people.  Talking to students and instructors is what convinced me that it was a place I could spend 3 months of my life, and I couldn't be more glad that I did.  An immersive program is not for everyone -- it's intense!  Expect to spend 60-80 hours a week working on new skills and building a portfolio.  I honestly enjoyed the intensity most of the time, but I'm sure not everyone would.  But a couple weeks after graduating, I'm already starting a UX job that I love, and it definitely feels like the hard work paid off. 

Talk to people and visit to decide if it's for you, but I highly recommend Prime.  

I cannot say enough positive things about my Prime experience. It was a wonderful, life-changing time for me, and overall I believe they did a great job of setting my cohort mates and I up for success in the Twin Cities tech community. My instructors were fantastic, and it was clear from Day 1 that they truly cared about our success, and were very passionate about their work, often working late to answer our questions/offer help. The support/admin staff were also amazing, as they devoted so much of their time helping us with soft-skills, resume/cover letter guidance, and even arranged a "Career Day" for us where we each had several actual job interviews with local businesses. Also, I really appreciate how Prime is constantly seeking to improve and change their curriculum based on current tech trends/needs in the TC community. Finally, the environment at Prime is extremely welcoming and comfortable for all types of people and backgrounds. And the bond I developed with my peers was unexpectedly deep for me, as I gained not only immense amounts of knowledge at Prime, but several new friends as well.

That said, it is a very demanding curriculum, can be mentally and emotionally exhausting at times, and will challenge you in countless ways. But ultimately I believe that what you get out of the Prime experience is what you put in.  I devoted nearly my entire life to Prime for those 4 months, and it paid off immediately for me.  If you aren't ready to give it your all, I would not recommend Prime, as it truly requires a 100% effort.   The only small criticism I have of Prime is that the first few weeks devoted quite a bit of time to non-coding related discussions/speeches/exercises. While I recognize their importance, I would have liked to see those things pared down a bit in order to fit more coding/learning in.    Overall though, I had an amazing experience at Prime and would recommend it to anyone willing to put in the effort and jump-start an exciting new career!

So you are interested in a career in User Experience? GREAT CHOICE! UX designers are in high demand and the market is growing fast. The Problem: even entry-level UX positions are seeking candidates with 1 to 3 years of experience...but how does one gain the experience necessary to land their first gig in this field if no one will give them an opportunity to get their foot in the door? The Solution: Prime Digital Academy. This 18-week immersive course will not only provide you with a foundational understanding of the industry so you can talk the talk, it also affords students the opportunity to demonstrate what they've learned by partnering with real companies to solve real UX problems, so you can also walk the walk. By the end of this program, you'll have the direct experience and polished portfolio necessary to be taken seriously in any job interview. And it doesn't end there...after graduation, you'll become part of a well-connected and supportive group of Prime Alumni & Staff that are only a message away...talk about a lifelong competitive advantage!

I attended the User Experience Design program from December 2017-April 2018. Three weeks after graduation I started my first job as a UX Designer. One thing that really impressed me was that even alumni who were unemployed a few months after graduation told me they'd do it again without question. The experience is truly that remarkable and transformative.

I cannot imagine how any program would do a better job of preparing for this career shift than Prime Digital Academy. Experienced professional instructors, caring and knowledgeable staff, and a solid curriculum based on the skills that employers are looking for. One major benefit of Prime is that you'll build a portfolio by doing meaningful projects for real clients. There's no substitute for learning by doing. 

The flip side is that it's a lot of hard work, stress, and strain on personal relationships... but only for a few months. If you're committed to a change and prepared to give 100%, then I can recommend Prime with no reservations. You'll get out what you put into it.

I never thought that 18 weeks could change my life's trajectory so drastically. I was at a plateau in my career as a contract graphic designer and was tired of always struggling to find work. I always wanted to find my way into UX but was always shut down during the interveiw process in a job market that is amazing for UX. Feeling down on my luck, I decided to go to Prime so I could identify my shortcomings and improve the quality of my work. Prime offered me exactly what I needed for me to succeed: an amzing support system, REAL industry expereince, a huge network, great friends, and an incredible place to learn and grow. 

Be ready for an intense 18 weeks. It is a lot of work but if you can stick it out you will not regret signing up.

Overall, my experience at Prime Digital Academy was positive and I am very glad I attended. I received the fundamental knowledge I needed to begin my career in full stack programming/development. I would highly recommend that anyone looking for a relatively quick way to get into this industry, they attend Prime.

With that said, I feel my experience at Prime could have been better. I believe our cohort's instructors were not fully devoted to their position as educators. As a pair, they really required the students to come to them with their questions. On its face, that sounds fine... but in reality, a lot of us didn't know what questions to ask. The pace of Prime is very fast and it is easy to not realize when you're not grasping the fundamentals of something.  Also, as a pair, they were not the most approachable individuals... They weren't aholes or anything, but they had the more "generalized" engineer personality, not necessarily the personality type required to be great instructors. Not to my surprise, both of them voluntarily left Prime to return to engineering positions after our cohort graduated. 

Now, the majority of the other instructors at Prime have been there for a long time, and they are absolute rockstars - from what I understand. Talking to other Primers, they have nothing but glowing reviews for their instructors... I think our lot just got a bit of bad luck. ALSO, the entire staff are some of the greatest and most caring people I have ever met. The experience at Prime is pretty intense and they are always there - and encourage you - to talk to. They become a sort of family to you, and it is pretty awesome... definitely will not forget a couple of staff members in particular. 

There are a lot of other perks as well. You will have access to endless coffee, RAMEN NOODLES, and PB&Js. Also, they have a great mentor program and 2 awesome careers days. Plus, they emphasize soft skills - public speaking, communication, etc - which is awesome because if forces you to get out of your comfort zone and really forces personal growth.

Post graduation you continue to have access to all of Primes resources - even your Codeschool accounts (For a few months). They also have a weekly thing called "Alumn Scrum" which is pretty boss. It is aimed at assisting you in your job search and continuing education and personal growth.

Lastly, I would reiterate that Prime delivers the fundamentals - or base - knowledge needed to get into the industry. It is in no way comprehensive. If you are looking for a comprehensive educational experience, you are better of getting a CS degree... but if you are comfortable with entering the job market not fully understanding what you know and needing to learn as you go... Prime is for you.