For background on ProTech, read our blog post Update on ProTech and New Continuing Education Programs for Seekers and for information on the first new continuing education course, check out our blog post Introducing Our New Cloud Deployment Course for Seekers. We’ll share details on our first new continuing education course designed for NSS Data Seekers in the next couple of weeks.
NSS is excited to announce the launch of our second new continuing education course for our Web Development Seekers designed specifically as part of the ProTech program.
In our recent research, we found that a lot of NSS Seekers have faced job interview questions dealing with data structures and algorithms. Many of these Seekers expressed this as a key area of focus to improve their technical interview performance and their ability to have more in-depth conversations about problem solving and their thought processes. We heard similar feedback from NSS alumni based on their experiences working in technical roles after bootcamp. These alumni pointed out the value of learning more about computer science fundamentals, especially when working alongside teammates who come from a more traditional college computer science background. A foundation in algorithmic thinking and data structures also helps build foundational knowledge for those who want to go more deeply into topics like machine learning, AI, etc.
Course Overview
This free 10-week part-time course introduces learners to the core data structures, algorithms, and performance concepts most commonly tested in junior-level technical interviews. It equips students with practical strategies and ample hands-on practice to approach live coding challenges with confidence, and participants will receive a certificate upon their successful completion of the program. The class will meet virtually two days per week, with each session lasting two hours. The course is led by a live instructor providing guided instruction, real-time support, and collaborative learning opportunities. Students should also expect to spend approximately 6 hours per week on coursework outside of class sessions. A Slack channel will be available for students to get support from each other, NSS alumni, and staff.
Here are some of the main topics covered in the course:
Algorithmic Thinking & Big-O
Arrays & Two Pointers
2D Arrays & Grid Navigation
Linked Lists & Pointer Manipulation
Stacks & Queues
Maps & Sets
Sliding Window Technique
Sorting & Binary Search
Combining Patterns & Trade-off Analysis
Interview Readiness
Course Launch
This course will launch once we have the Cloud Deployment Fundamentals course up and running.
Cost
The initial cohorts of the Data Structures and Algorithms course will be free to qualified students.
Who is qualified to apply?
For the first cohort, we are targeting NSS Web Development Seekers (graduates of our full-time and part-time Web Development Bootcamp who are still searching for their first tech role) as well as tech professionals who have been laid off and looking to acquire new skills to help them restart their careers and recent graduates of other skills credentialing programs (e.g. certificate from another bootcamp, C.S. degree from local universities such as MTSU, TSU, etc.).
How to Apply
Eligible NSS Seekers will receive an email soon with details on the class schedule for the first session, and how to enroll. Keep an eye on your inbox for this opportunity to enhance your skill set and boost your job search.
We will announce how those laid off from tech positions or those with relevant credentials (e.g. computer science degree or bootcamp graduate) still searching for a first position can connect with us to express interest in the program soon. For now, you can sign up for our ProTech mailing list below to be notified when this course (and others) open for applications.
This course is part of our commitment to support the Nashville tech community: for tech professionals, we're helping them grow their skills and be better prepared to secure their next job in tech; for employers, we're helping to protect and grow the supply of eager new tech talent. Stay tuned to our blog and social media channels for more updates on this and other upcoming continuing education courses.
ProTech is partially funded under a Grant Contract with the State of Tennessee.
