Proshore Bootcamp #2: More than a mentorship program

Sumit Shrestha
Digital Marketer

Proshore Bootcamp was born out of love for two things: IT and Nepal. As part of Proshore’s social mission to create better job opportunities for aspiring IT professionals working in Nepal, we set up a free, self-paced, learn-on-the-project program supported by professionals, helping them take small steps towards a big dream.

In October 2021, we launched the first 3-month Proshore Bootcamp. The free mentorship program was aimed at supporting aspiring IT professionals as they kickstart their careers – and showcasing the job opportunities available in Nepal.

Here’s an insight into the first edition of Proshore Bootcamp,

  • 10 seats were available for 3 different streams: Frontend, Backend, and Project Management.
  • Virtually, there were no criteria required to apply. Only basic knowledge on the respective stream.
  • 59 applications were received from aspiring software developers, UI/UX Designers, and Project Managers for the 10 seats.
  • 10 Bootcampers started the virtual self-paced program
  • 7 Bootcamper completed the program to graduate
  • 3 Bootcampers received job offers from us and are currently working for our clients.
  • Rest of the graduated bootcampers are also working for renowned Nepali IT companies.

The 2nd Edition

Taking into account the learnings from the 1st edition, we launched the 2nd edition of Proshore Bootcamp for March to June 2022 with a few changes. This time around we increased the number of seats to 20 and added a stream for QA in addition to the existing front/backend and project management streams.

The increase in seats for the 3-month mentorship program proved to be the right call as we received a whopping 127 applications. Based on the quality of application answers, and their desire to learn, we shortlisted 58 candidates for a virtual interview over tea or ‘Chiya Guff’. 35 potential bootcampers made it to the final selection before 20 seats were filled.

Similar to the 1st edition, the bootcampers worked on a project developing a piece of software for real-world use by Proshore. While the 1st edition bootcampers built a project road-mapping tool, this time the outcome was to be a time tracking tool – an essential for co-located companies with international clients.

Following the agile methodology, the bootcamp was conducted in sprints after orientation and project-specific training sessions. The bootcampers worked on the time-tracking tool for 5 ‘ 2-week’ sprints during which 44 professional-growth sessions were conducted by 20 different mentors.

The Impact

Just like how updates improve an app with bug fixes and new features, the 2nd edition of Proshore Bootcamp was an upgrade over the 1st edition. While the scope of the project was decreased to fit the timeframe, all planned features could not be released. However, the outcome of the time-tracking tool, creatively named ‘Ticker’ by the Bootcampers, was more than commendable.

A graduation ceremony was organized on the 10th of June, 2022. 15 out of 20 bootcampers graduated from the 2nd edition of Proshore Bootcamp, whereupon, they received certification for completing the program. Similarly, 6 bootcampers received job opportunities out of which 2 were onboarded into our backend teams.

We have always maintained that the objective of Proshore Bootcamp is not the project Bootcampers work on during the 3-month program, but rather, to get the selected Bootcampers to realize their potential and kickstart their promising IT journey. The success of Proshore Bootcamp as a program is therefore based on opportunities created.

Before joining Proshore Bootcamp, I was on my own – there was no one ot guide me even if I was following wrong coding practices! After joining the program, I got the guidance I did not know I needed. Additionally, I saw how teams operate effecitively through the right tools under agile development. Everyone has been very friendly and collaborative leading to a boost in my productivity!
prashil-silwal-php-developer
Prashil Silwal, Proshore Jr. PHP Developer, Graduated Bootcamper

IT Career Tips

As part of our graduation ceremony we also hosted a panel discussion where seasoned Proshorians shared career tips. To encourage beneficial takeaway, the floor was open for panelists to share their views and answer career or industry related questions. 

We have curated some interesting points from the panel discussion below. Whether you are an aspiring Software Developer, UI/UX designer, QA, or Project Manager, this may useful to you.

Be shameless when asking questions. Expect rude answers but ask questions because if you don't take the first step, you won't cover any distance. Both best and worst-case scenario is that you will be learning something.
Roshan Bhattarai, Proshore Director of Operations
Soft skills are important for the first stages of your career as it will help you grow into the role you want to achieve or you may have known you wanted. As for expertise, it will come as you gain experience. And always remember that ‘teams’ are the life source of any company. Through the devastating pandemic, I have personally seen how great culture can get companies and employees through the toughest of times.
prakash-bhusal-people-operation-manager
Prakash Bhusal, Proshore People & Operations Manager
Being a developer is not about the tech, tool, or framework you use. It about solving problems using the best possible technology for fast yet sustainable turnover. With time, tech changes and something better may come along, so if you don’t keep your value up to date then you will lose relevancy no matter how expert you may be in a specific tool/framework.
Sakar U. Khatiwada, Proshore Sr. Web Developer & Community Sheriff
Project Management is not limited to just IT, if you keep adding to your skills periodically, you can enter any sector you are interested in. Also, the more skills you have, the more you will be prepared when opening your own company – if you plan to go down that road. Simultaneously, personal branding is key for professional and personal growth.
Milan Khanal, Proshore Scrum Master

Next on Proshore Bootcamp

The 4th edition of Proshore Bootcamp is underway from March to June 2023! Afterwards, we are set to have one more edition of Proshore Bootcamp for the year.

Still not sure about what Proshore Bootcamp is? Learn more about Proshore Bootcamp and the first edition in our blog.

In all upcoming editions of Proshore Bootcamp, we look forward to creating more opportunities and contributing to the promising future of Nepal as a tech hub. Follow us on socials to keep updated with exciting career opportunities. 

Get updates
Proshore Bootcamp is an amazing simulation of a real-world software development cycle. We got to work on a real-world project with collaboration between all the departments (backend, frontend, project management, and QA). I got to learn how to work in an agile development team and how to deal with problems professionally. One of the most beautiful things about Proshore were the people - everyone was so humble and supportive!
asim-shrestha-php-developer
Asim Shrestha, Proshore Jr. PHP Developer, Graduated Bootcamper
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