Embarking on a coding education can be challenging, especially for those balancing work, family, or other commitments. Thinkful’s new Nights & Weekends program offers a flexible pathway into web development, designed specifically for learners who need a schedule that accommodates their busy lives. This comprehensive guide explores the program’s structure, benefits, and how it compares to other offerings, helping prospective students determine if it’s the right fit for their career transition.
What Is Thinkful’s Nights & Weekends Course?
Thinkful’s Nights & Weekends course is a part-time, live online program tailored for individuals eager to learn web development without sacrificing their current job or personal responsibilities. Unlike full-time immersive programs, this schedule provides a more adaptable approach, combining live instruction with independent study, allowing students to gain practical skills while managing other commitments.
This course is currently in a pilot phase, with Bhaumik Patel, the Program Director, overseeing its development and ongoing improvements. His team drew insights from existing students and alumni to craft a program that balances rigorous learning with flexibility, making it accessible to a broader audience. If you’re exploring options for advancing your tech skills, learning more about managing your project workflows with strategies in digital marketing can enhance your understanding of the industry.
How Does This Program Differ from Other Thinkful Courses?
Thinkful offers various web development tracks, including the full-time Engineering Immersion (EI) and the flexible Full Stack Flex. The EI program is an intensive, 50-hour-per-week experience with in-person-like engagement, group projects, and daily lectures, fostering a cohort environment where students progress together. Conversely, Full Stack Flex allows students to determine their weekly commitment, with a flexible schedule around fixed mentor sessions.
The Nights & Weekends program combines elements of both: it provides scheduled evening classes and weekend sessions akin to the full-time experience but spreads the workload over a longer period. This setup caters to students who cannot commit full-time but still desire the structured guidance and community of a classroom environment. It’s ideal for those who want to balance work and study while progressing toward a career change.
Program Format and Schedule
Spanning approximately seven months, the Nights & Weekends course requires a weekly commitment of around 25 hours. Classroom sessions occur twice a week in the evenings—Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6 pm to 9:30 pm—and on Saturdays from 11 am to 3 pm. Starting with the March 4 cohort, classes will be available in both Eastern and Pacific Time zones, giving students the flexibility to choose their preferred schedule.
Beyond live instruction, students dedicate about 15 hours weekly to activities such as completing homework, participating in office hours, engaging in peer study groups, and meeting with their dedicated mentors. These tasks are flexible, allowing learners to tailor their study hours to fit personal and professional obligations. For a typical week, students can refer to a sample schedule under “A Week in the Life,” ensuring they stay on track.
Lessons Learned and Curriculum Insights
Because the Nights & Weekends course is closely aligned with the full-time Engineering Immersion curriculum, students access the same comprehensive content, including lectures, pair programming, group projects, and demo days. The curriculum emphasizes practical skills that are crucial for real-world web development, and students benefit from shared mentors across programs.
One notable feature borrowed from Bloc is the implementation of Technical Coaching. This systematic approach transforms questions into tickets, which online technical coaches answer within 30 minutes, from 9 am to 11 pm daily. This structure ensures consistent support and encourages active learning. Additionally, students participate in informal study groups, working collaboratively on assignments and reinforcing their understanding. This flexible yet accountable system is particularly beneficial for learners balancing full-time jobs or family responsibilities.
Admissions Process
The admissions process for the Nights & Weekends program mirrors that of the full-time Engineering Immersion. Prospective students start by completing a brief application, typically 10-15 minutes, available on the course webpage. Following this, they participate in a fit interview where an admissions counselor assesses their motivation and readiness for the program.
Applicants then undertake a self-paced prep course covering fundamental topics such as JavaScript, command line tools, git/GitHub, and HTML/CSS. Successful completion of this prep, along with passing a live technical interview, grants acceptance into the course. This process is designed to identify motivated learners who are committed to making a career transition into web development.
Because the program is designed to accommodate working professionals, it offers built-in flexibility. Students are expected to manage their time effectively, meeting assignment deadlines and participating in quizzes to ensure continued progress. Managing time wisely is crucial, especially since the program maintains a structured schedule with regular deadlines to promote accountability.
Tracking Progress and Evaluation
Throughout the course, student progress is continuously monitored through project-based assessments and drills that evaluate understanding and application of concepts. Larger projects, especially those involving frameworks like React or backend technologies like Node.js, undergo a three-tier evaluation process assessing functionality, code quality, and design. Mock interviews simulate real-world technical interviews, combining both qualitative and quantitative questions, which students must pass to advance.
Mentors play an active role, providing feedback and support during one-on-one meetings. If recurring difficulties are identified, instructors may revisit certain topics or lectures. Weekly reflections offer students an opportunity to share insights about their learning experiences, provide peer feedback, and voice any concerns about the program.
Outcomes and Salaries
While the full-time Engineering Immersion program boasts a higher graduation rate—largely due to its intensive schedule—the outcomes for the Nights & Weekends cohort are expected to be comparable, given the similar admissions criteria and curriculum rigor. Thinkful’s confidence in this model is reflected in its payment plans, which include options where students pay tuition only after securing employment in the field.
Students can anticipate similar career prospects and salary ranges as those emerging from full-time programs, assuming they meet the program’s requirements and succeed in technical interviews. This approach aligns with Thinkful’s commitment to making coding education accessible, especially for those who need to balance learning with other responsibilities.
Making Web Development Education More Accessible
The introduction of the Nights & Weekends course broadens the reach of Thinkful’s programs, particularly for individuals who previously could not commit to full-time immersion. This includes caregivers, students with health considerations, or professionals seeking to pivot their careers without quitting their jobs. For example, one student with health restrictions was able to participate once the new schedule was announced, highlighting the program’s flexibility.
By accommodating diverse needs, Thinkful aims to democratize access to quality tech education. Learners who might have been discouraged by rigid schedules now have an opportunity to gain the skills necessary for a successful career shift.
Next Cohort and Enrollment Details
The upcoming Nights & Weekends session begins on March 4th. Interested applicants can apply here to join this cohort, which will operate in both Eastern and Pacific time zones. The program’s flexible structure allows students to learn at their own pace while still participating in live, instructor-led sessions.
Find Out More
To explore reviews and additional insights about Thinkful’s programs, visit Course Report. This platform offers comprehensive feedback from students who have experienced the courses firsthand, helping prospective learners make informed decisions.
About the Author
Liz Eggleston is the CEO and Editor of Course Report, a trusted resource that guides aspiring developers through the process of choosing the right coding bootcamp. With a passion for empowering career changers, Liz has dedicated her career to providing clear, actionable insights into tech education. Her platform continues to help thousands navigate the evolving landscape of coding bootcamps and online learning.