While browsing the web for how to begin with software development, I bumped into a youtube video from where I got to know about what CRIO is.
At first I thought that it was just another training program where you get video lectures and you just type what is shown in the video and learn while mimicking the instructor, And that is how most of the learning programs work nowadays.
But when I went into the details of the Java Backend Development track, I was fascinated to see how they structured it and what skill set I will achieve through it.
I am pursuing my Masters in Computer Science and I am well aware of the fact that we need to have those skills provided in the program description and they were spot on.
There were times I was rejected from the final round of multiple companies because I had the theoretical knowledge but this practical part was lacking. Hence I was adamant to improve my practical skills.
Then this thing came to my mind that there might be a possibility that this is all a hoax and why should I even consider it.
When I saw that they were providing a 1 week free trial, I thought that this is a good opportunity. I don’t have to pay anything and if I feel like discontinuing, I simply can. So I registered for the program.
That's how a new journey began for me where I started learning how development in the software industry takes place.
The best thing is that you don’t need to be an expert in this domain to learn all this. If you just know how to code basic programs, you are good to go. All you need is that zest to work for it.
I was all hyped up when the trial began and I must tell you there was not a single moment where I lost interest and thought of dropping this program.
I was planning to put at least 2 hours per day into this but it was so intriguing that I used to work for 4-5 hours a day and I finished the goals for the trial week very soon. I was so into it that I wished that the next modules would unlock as soon as possible.
The best part of the program is that you are not spoon-fed. You have to put in the work yourself. There are introductory videos and notes. You have to learn the things by yourself.
It is not like they let you loose. The program shows you the direction and you have to walk by yourself and unlock new things.
The best part is that they do not provide you with any solutions.
You have to brainstorm your way throughout the program. And in reality that is how you learn things which stay permanently.
When you do things like this, you think of N number of possible solutions for a problem. That is what they expect from you.
The trial week consists of all the basic things you should know like Linux, HTTP, REST API, GIT.
All these things prepare you for what obstacles there are in the further modules.
Even if you know nothing about all these things, by the end of the trial week, you will come out as a person with new skills and knowledge.
The program is very properly structured as well. You will not find any difficulty going through the program or using the portal. And even if you come across any problem, There are many teaching assistants (TA's) there to help you via their slack channel.
You can discuss any of your problems there. Also there are power sessions twice a week where TA’s are available for a 4 hour block to continuously help you with your progress and problems.
That boosts your work efficiency and helps you reach your goals faster.
I never faced any issue where my problem was not solved and I got stuck. I always had someone or the other to help me and guide me through it.
There were modules which were very insightful, some were challenging as well but I never had a problem that I won’t be able to do it.
You just have to put in the hours and you might do anything. And of course the whole Crio team is there to help you.
They follow this “Learn by Doing” methodology which was very new to me but now I wish that I knew about this program some years back.
But it is never too late for anything.
It has been one great experience and I have already enrolled in the program as I have never encountered something like this.
This trial week left an impression on me that no other training program ever did. I can’t wait to finish the whole program.
There are two things I am looking forward to.
First, I transform into a person who is not dependent on anyone to learn new things. You have to plan out the path and walk through it. You do not get someone to hold your hand and walk you through it.
Second, with all these core technical skills, I wish to utilise all this and land myself in some good company.
And I would always thank Crio for this.
Before I discovered this program, my learning goals were blurry. But now I know where and how I am going to achieve my goals.
My final thought on this is that it is not a learning platform, it is an industrial experience which prepares you for your future endeavours. My takeaway from this trial week is that there are many things you essentially should know. Crio helps you understand the basics of things you never even thought about and that is the beauty of it. It makes you crave to learn more about these things which ultimately helps you to be a good developer.
