Digital Career Institute

Nuova Speranza - meine Reise zum Regenbogen. 

Nuova Speranza, so mein Desktop Hintergrund und DCI Mantra, in Anlehnung an einen meiner fantastischen Lehrer mit biografischer Verbindung nach Sardinien (sentimental bewundernde Grüße an Giaco und Rami, an Gaël, Anton, Nicole, Louisa, Ash, Metin, Albert, ...). Denn genau DAS beschreibt umfassend auf das Maximum reduziert in zwei Worten meine durchgehend/ausnahmslos positive Erfahrung mit diesem auf so vielfältige Weise großartigen Bildungsträger.

Nuova Speranza.

"Neue Hoffnung" also. Im Sinne von neuen, tragfähigen beruflichen Perspektiven, die vor meiner DCI experience schlicht nicht vorstellbar gewesen sind - und das war nur der Einstieg. 

Mit Bewilligen der Fortbildung durch die Agentur gab es nach gefühlten Nanosekunden auch schon ein detailliertes Kursangebot per Mail gefolgt von einem Anruf meines DCI-Bildungsberaters Bogdan Cosma., der Kursdetails nicht nur leicht verständlich erklärte, sondern in beeindruckend liebenswürdiger Geduld aber auch jede Frage sofort kompetent beantwortete, gar anbot, man könne ihn jederzeit mit jedem Kursanliegen anrufen selbst an Wochenenden. Ein schönes Beispiel für "normative Kraft des Faktischen", solches Engagement setzt Standards, schafft Erwartungen, ist Referenz, die andere erstmal erreichen müssen. So war Bogdan ganz nebenbei Markenbotschafter für DCI, sein Verhalten ließ einiges erhoffen für den inhaltlich durchaus sportlich-ambitionierten Kurs.

Diese positive Ahnung wurde dann ein ganzes Jahr lang weit übertroffen in einer mir davor nicht vorstellbaren Weise. 

Konkret bezogen auf DCI Staff: tatsächlich wären mir in durchaus abwechslungsreicher beruflicher Vita nie zuvor engagiertere Mitarbeiter:innen begegnet, die einen in jeder Form, jeder Funktion, in jedem denkbaren Kursaspekt, bei allen Schwierigkeiten bestmöglich unterstützt haben weit über die eigene Stellenbeschreibung hinaus. Genuin glaubwürdig authentisch mit Herzblut Lichtjahre über "Dienst nach Vorschrift" hinaus. 
Tatsächlich alle, denen ich das Privileg hatte, zu begegnen. 

Sie wollen Deinen Erfolg. 

Wenn Du also das tolle Privileg einer bewilligten Fortbildung im Digitalbereich hast, wirst Du einen qualifizierteren, philanthropischeren, engagierteren Bildungsträger kaum finden können. 

Idee und Konzept meines Kurses fand ich ohnehin super, sie entsprechen meinen Idealen von einer knallbunten Welt der Gleichen, die in liebevollem Respekt einander wertschätzend unterstützen. Was auch sonst. So hat man schlicht mehr Spaß. 

Von der Idee zur Tat:
Die konkrete Umsetzung schöner Ideale in gelebten Kursalltag fand dann auch konsequent statt, es war angenehmer Spiritus Rector des täglichen Miteinanders und machte den Stress sehr vielen Lernens neuer, bisweilen komplizierter Inhalte deutlich einfacher. 

Wenn auch nicht unbedingt einfach:
Der Kurs insgesamt ist durchaus anstrengend und fordernd, konnte mich an Grenzen bringen, was Leben ja erst spannend macht. Grenzen finden, überwinden, sich entwickeln. 
Seriöse Ambition und Motivation sind unbedingt erforderlich für erfolgreiches Bestehen. 

Eine tolle, manchmal schwierige, aber immer inspirierende Erfahrung mit wunderbar verschiedenen, klugen, anregenden Menschen, die ich nicht missen möchte.

Ob DU dafür geeignet bist im Sinne von "ist es meine Tasse Tee", lässt sich prima herausfinden im "Orientierungskurs" genannten Eingangsmodul von ca. 4 Wochen Dauer, in den einem verschiedene Aspekte des Web Developments näher gebracht werden. Das macht allen Beteiligten, also auch Dir, die Entscheidung leichter. 

Hast Du Dich für den Kurs entschieden und qualifiziert, erwarten Dich außer dem Tsunami neuen Fachwissens über modernes Web Development, das täglich mit praktischen Übungen vertieft wird, weitere klug konzipierte, praxisorientierte Module, die Dir den Einstieg in Dein späteres berufliches Setting erleichtern. 

Neben erwartbaren "how to" - Aspekten also (wie CD/Ci, git Workflow, Microservices vs. monolithic approach, Datenbankanbindungen ans selbst entworfene Frontend, Aufbau, Architektur, Gestaltung einer performant skalierbaren web application mit on demand rendered functionality etc.) noch die Vermittlung und das Üben sehr hilfreicher Softskills, die über Deinen späteren Erfolg entscheiden können. Alles im Team natürlich, wie es später auch wahrscheinlich im Job zu erwarten ist. 
Das Ganze spielerisch mit viel Lachen, dabei didaktisch klug wie inspirierend aufbereitet. 

Schließlich war noch Erwerb oder Vertiefen von Sprachkompetenz Teil des Pflichtprogrammes, in unserem Fall Deutsch oder Englisch. 

Schul- und Unibesuch sind bei mir nun schon einige Sommer her, aber ich kann mich nicht erinnern, je so komprimiert gelernt zu haben auf so vielfältige Weise, wie in diesem Kurs. 

Was gab es alles zu lernen, wen alles kennenzulernen. Eine tolle Erfahrung. 

Abschließend wünsche ich noch möglichst vielen Privilegierten nach mir diese sehr außergewöhnliche und schöne Gelegenheit zur Entwicklung eigenen Potentials, ihnen selbst und der Gesellschaft zum Gewinn. 

Fertig. Können wir jetzt endlich Coden?
:)

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Nuova Speranza – My Journey to the Rainbow

Nuova Speranza – this phrase adorns my desktop background and serves as my personal mantra, inspired by one of my fantastic teachers with biographical ties to Sardinia (sending heartfelt, admiring regards to Giaco and Rami, to Gaël, Anton, Nicole, Louisa, Ash, Metin, Albert, ...). These two simple words perfectly encapsulate, in the most concise manner possible, my consistently positive experience with this exceptional educational institution, which is outstanding in so many ways.

Nuova Speranza.

In other words, "New Hope" – representing new, sustainable career opportunities that were simply unimaginable to me prior to my DCI experience. And that was just the beginning.

Upon approval of the training program by the agency, it felt like mere seconds before I received a detailed course offer via email, swiftly followed by a call from my DCI educational advisor, Bogdan Cosma. Not only did he explain the course details in a clear and comprehensible manner, but he also exhibited remarkable patience and kindness, promptly and competently answering every question. He even offered his availability for any course-related inquiries, including weekends. A wonderful example of the "normative power of the factual": such dedication sets a standard, creates expectations, and establishes a benchmark that others must first strive to match. In doing so, Bogdan became a brand ambassador for DCI, his conduct inspiring confidence in what was already shaping up to be an ambitious and challenging course.

This initial positive impression was not only fulfilled but consistently exceeded over the course of a year in ways I had never imagined.

Specifically, in terms of DCI staff: in my varied professional career, I have never encountered more dedicated individuals. Regardless of their role, every staff member I had the privilege of engaging with provided optimal support in every conceivable aspect of the course and every difficulty that arose – far beyond the scope of their job descriptions. They were genuinely, authentically committed, demonstrating a passion that extended light-years beyond mere "duty by the book."

They genuinely want your success.

If you have the privilege of approved training in the digital field, you will struggle to find a more qualified, philanthropic, or dedicated educational institution than DCI.

The idea and concept of my course already resonated deeply with me, aligning perfectly with my ideals of a vibrant, inclusive world of equals who support each other with loving respect. What else could one wish for? It simply makes life more enjoyable.

From theory to practice:
 The consistent implementation of these beautiful ideals into the daily course routine was a constant theme. This uplifting spiritus rector of our interactions made the stress of intensive learning – including occasionally complex new material – far more manageable.

That being said, it was not always easy:
 The course as a whole is quite demanding and challenging. It pushed me to my limits, which is precisely what makes life interesting. Finding boundaries, overcoming them, and evolving. Serious ambition and motivation are absolutely essential to succeed.

It was an extraordinary, sometimes difficult, but always inspiring experience with wonderfully diverse, intelligent, and engaging people I am grateful to have met.

Whether you are suited for this program – in the sense of “Is this my cup of tea?” – can be easily determined in the “Orientation Course,” an introductory module of approximately four weeks. This provides an overview of various aspects of web development, helping everyone involved – including you – make an informed decision.

If you decide to pursue and qualify for the course, you can expect not only a "tsunami" of new technical knowledge about modern web development, reinforced daily through practical exercises, but also additional well-designed, practice-oriented modules that will ease your transition into a professional setting.

In addition to the expected “how-to” aspects (such as CD/CI, Git workflow, microservices vs. monolithic architecture, connecting databases to self-designed frontends, building and structuring a scalable, high-performing web application with on-demand rendered functionality, etc.), you will also gain valuable soft skills. These are practiced extensively and can be critical to your success. Everything is, of course, team-based, as it is likely to be in your future workplace.
 All of this is presented in a playful, laughter-filled environment, with didactically clever and inspiring methods.

Finally, language skills were also part of the mandatory curriculum, in our case German or English.

It has been several years since my school and university days, but I cannot recall ever learning so much, so intensively, and in such a multifaceted way as I did in this course.

There was so much to learn, so many wonderful people to meet – a truly enriching experience.

In conclusion, I sincerely hope that many more fortunate individuals after me will have this unique and beautiful opportunity to develop their potential, for their own benefit and that of society.

Done. Now, can we finally start coding? :)

They give you fake promises about job opportunities and support. Never before have I encountered such a toxic positivity environment. Only one programming teacher was capable of teaching effectively, while others struggled with basic coding problems. It was horrific to listen to some of the teachers who barely had English skills. After making some complaints, they would tell you that everything is fine and that you shouldn't be worried.I am writing this opinion to prevent people from making a wrong decision. Without my determination, I wouldn't be able to code now. All my peers, including myself, bought additional Udemy courses to follow best practices and acquire the knowledge that was supposed to be provided by DCI. If you want to study programming, choose a rare programming language and the best programming school.

Please trust the bad reviews. After the 12-month Web Dev course, this is my opinion:

 - teachers with no ability to teach.
- confusing lessons, given by someone who knew nothing about what they were teaching.
- the curriculum isn't bad and could work if there was the slightest organization, preparation of materials and lessons. 
- lack of support from class support (your complaints will either be ignored or answered too late).
- too many hours wasted on job coaches and soft skills classes that don't help at all, with their typical quotes of toxic positivity. Just wait until you get to the wonderful job search support program...
- my class went through moments of despair (we all had to buy extra online courses because otherwise we wouldn't learn anything), until we literally had to shout in meetings in order to be heard and change something (which did change, but it was too late after 9 months of complaining).
- After that, some teachers were good at teaching and were good people, nice and understanding and I'm really sorry they had to go through this mess of a school, but unfortunately even they can't make me give them more than one star. I hope they find something better. 

I want to give an honest and straightforward review of this course to help other people who are putting all their effort into a career change and trying to make the best decision about where to allocate the resources they have. DCI has been a terrible experience. After 8 months of classes with 2 teachers who arrived every day without having a lesson or material prepared, they tried to explain concepts that were very confusing because of their lack of preparation. Not to mention that when they tried to do live coding, and as they were unprepared, the code never worked out (never!), they deleted it and did it again several times; it was impossible to follow them. In 8 months, nobody learned anything. Most of my classmates came from the IT industry, and even they were complaining. DCI threatened to expel the students from the course if they continued complaining about the bad teachers' quality. Most of us had to buy Udemy courses to get the knowledge, and it was a real solution. I could mention many other things, such as the disastrous 3 weeks of substitute teachers in the backend, each day a different one not knowing what he should teach because DCI contacted him that morning. This post would be very long if it went into all the details.
The icing on the cake was when I received a formal written reprimand by email from the class manager in a highly aggressive manner, formally accusing me of "allegedly" falsifying sick leave certificates, which I, not knowing that DCI would reject, obtained through telemedicine from the health service provider DrAnsay. I submitted to DCI all the documentation provided by Dr. Ansay about the legal validity of their certificates and showed that they were issued after telemedicine payment. The point is that the DCI team had 1 year after the first certificate to warn me that they didn't recognize this provider's certificate of illness so that I could go to another doctor in the future. However, they did not acknowledge their mistake and lack of professionalism in notifying their rejection promptly, and they arbitrarily decided to record those absences as unjustified. The ridiculous thing is that the sickness certificates were 2 days of flu (certificate 1), which turned into 15 days of COVID certificate (the flu became that after 5 days) in 2023, and again 1 COVID certificate in January 2024. Something totally within normal disease parameters for 18 months in human life!
In summary, teachers who are not certified or prepared to teach, the mistreatment of students, and constant threats that they will report to the Agentur für Arbeit/Job Center are worse than the worst school. To top it all off, wait to learn about coding. If I could go back in time, I would have given this opportunity to a serious and committed education provider who treats students as people, not as immigrants living from the German government. The truth is they are the ones who live from the German government receiving money without being able to offer the education they promise.

For a long time I was really unhappy with the retail job I had. So I finally decided to step out of my comfort zone and do something completely new, learn how to code. I participated in the Web Development course of DCI in Berlin and finally found my true passion. Now I wake up every day and I am excited about what I do, which is the best feeling. I am so happy I made the decision to join DCI. The classes were challenging at times but I felt well supported by the instructors and the great community of students.

I came to DCI having no clue about coding but was eager to learn and take on new challenges on my career path. I felt really lucky at the time because I finally found a WebDev program in English and fully funded by the German Employment Agency. DCI staff and especially teachers did work really hard to provide us not only an up-to-date and intensive curriculum but also a community of people who are willing to learn and to help each other. There were now and then some shortcomings with the schedule but I really appreciated the fact that the staff always put our priorities first and tried to solve any problem almost immediately. Due to the sudden change in my career, I wasn't familiar with the tech industry and struggled a bit building up my own network of developers and recruiters. However, right before my graduation,  I already got an internship from the company pool of DCI, which was followed by a full-time job. 

Losing my previous job, I was done with the industry and really frustrated. Once I started my course at DCI, everything changed for the positive for me. I got really enthusiastic because of the support and because I could see from the beginning the value of their course. Their curriculum is extremely well put together, especially the Organic Social Media Marketing and Paid Social Media Marketing is very helpful for my current job. With the help of the DCI-Team I was able to land a job right after my course. It really changed my career.

Als Studentin des DCI Digital Career Institute bin ich sehr zufrieden.   
Meine HR-Dozenten, Timo und Laura unterrichten praxisorientiert, verständlich, mit Know-how-Effekt.    
Mein Wohlfühlfaktor ist dadurch hoch angesiedelt und erweitert meine Kompetenzen,    
somit wird mein Aufenthalt bei der DCI, Ort des fachlichen und sozialen Lernens, effizient.   
Die Onlineschulung Face to Face ist qualitativ hochwertig sowie ein methodenvielfältiges Seminar.   
Das Personal der DCI, aus verschiedensten Bereichen, ist sehr freundlich und stets zuvorkommend.   
Ein fettes Danke an dieser Stelle und weiter so VG Yvonne

When I quit my job I was looking to improve myself and to learn a new skill that would help me change careers. While DCI has some room for improvement, I'm very happy with the content prepared for us and my biggest highlight is my teacher Bena Roberts. She's one of the most dedicated, professional people I've encountered. She made this learning experience enriching and kept us motivated no matter what challenges came. 

I do have to mention that the career success team has been quite disappointing (with the exception of Ulrike’s workshops), I really hope DCI can take a good look at the way things are done and make a serious improvement there.

In summary, I would definitely recommend the Salesforce course for anyone interested in an IT career, and DCI is a good way to start but you need to also have self motivation to move your career further.

Ich bin sehr enttäuscht. Im Kurs hatte ich Schwierigkeiten, jedoch war ich meistens motiviert, zu bleiben, da sich oft ein Bild zeigte: Der Unterricht wird von den Schnellen bestimmt. Das ist ja halb so wild, da man auch viel nachträglich lernen kann. Jedoch war meine Erfahrung mit Support und IT-Support extrem schlecht. Ich habe ständig neue Abholungsaufträge beantragen müssen, da die DCI es nicht schaffte, keine Fehler zu machen. Es war immer irgendwas falsch. Adresse oder E-Mail. Ich habe sogar eine Drohung erhalten, in dem Sinne, dass ich sonst Geräte bezahlen soll, wenn es diesmal nicht klappen sollte. Ich habe dies per Mail erhalten, komplett unseriös von irgendeiner Person, mit der ich vorher keinen E-Mail-Kontakt hatte. Ich habe immer mit der DCI kommuniziert. Ich habe sogar angerufen, um das zu klären. Jedoch haben die Mitarbeiter immer nur alles gut geredet und am Ende nichts machen können. Extrem lächerlich und unseriös. Ich habe gegen Ende 7 E-Mails bekommen und alle Aufträge für die Abholung waren unkorrekt. Der Kurs selber ist auch so unstrukturiert aufgebaut, dass ja jeder Lehrer den Kurs selbst durchführt. Der Mentor im Kurs hat nicht einmal bemerkt, wer sich schämt, was zu sagen, und wer wirklich alles verstanden hat. Oftmals wollte man keine zweite Erklärung, da sonst wieder Kommentare folgten. Statt Hilfe bekam man nur ungefragtes Feedback. Motivation war fehl am Platz. Zumindest direkt gerichtete. Pädagogische Schulung haben diese Personen selbstverständlich nicht erhalten. Oder Sie haben diese ignoriert. Im Großen und Ganzen wird hier nur Geld verdient mit Leuten wie mir, die am Ende dann trotzdem keinen neuen Job haben. Ich bin einfach enttäuscht.

At the beginning, it was difficult and like a bumpy ride. However, the teacher as well as the class manager were very helpful. They take my issues seriously and provided swift solutions to have the best possible educational experience. They were very supportive all the way till I got my certificates and found a job. Even the teacher was helping me applying to different positions. I am glad to be part of the DCI-Family and a DCI-Alumni I would like also to help new students throughout their journey.