Frequently Asked Questions
Why Iterate?
The internet is replete with fantastic courses, books and open-source projects from which one can learn about software engineering and computer science. However, it can be difficult getting started with open-source and completion rates for online courses are typically less than 5%.
We believe that this is because learning isn’t supposed to be done alone. There is immense benefit in being in a physical environment surrounded by peers who are undertaking a similar journey. It provides support, accountability and a sense of community that is impossible to replicate online. This is why Iterate Retreat exists.
Iterate Retreat provides an environment designed to facilitate self-directed learning in collaboration with a carefully selected cohort of people who are looking to grow in the fields of software engineering and computer science. It is a space to try new things, learn parts of the stack you've always been curious about and, fundamentally, to grow as a programmer.
Who is Iterate for?
Iterate is for anyone who wants to learn and grow in the field of software engineering and computer science. We don't care about your current experience level or who you have worked for. The primary requirement for becoming an iterator is a passion for programming and a desire to continue learning. We value people who are kind and friendly over those with big egos. You might be:
- A curious bootcamp graduate who wants to explore algorithms and distributed systems
- A university student who wants to fine tune their app development skills during the summer break
- A professional developer who wants to scratch their open source itch
- A busy parent who has completed some online coding classes, but wants to take some time to *really* learn React
- A professional poker player who wants to explore machine learning
- A math PHD who wants to explore functional programming
Or someone entirely different. We are open to people from all backgrounds with any learning aims.
What does Iterate provide?
Iterate provides an environment in which you can thrive as a programmer. We aim to create a cohort of developers with diverse backgrounds and experiences who foster one another's growth. You can expect:
- A collaborative work space in London’s East End. Right next to trendy Shoreditch and Silicon Roundabout
- Study groups, pair-programming and checkins - we aim to organise the cohort in a way which maximises collaboration and accountability. There's no pressure or deadlines, but we want to be sure that you feel supported to meet your education goals.
- Monday breakfast club - where we discuss our study topics and aims for the week over coffee, eggs, oats and croissants
- Friday presentations - where we (optionally) share what we’ve learned with our fellow Iterators that week
- Optional suggested curriculae to direct the learning of those who don't know where to start or need more structure
- A library of books and textbooks covering a wide range of topics within software engineering and computer sciences (and the ability to request any we don’t have yet)
- Career services. If you’re looking for a job as a professional programmer after Iterate, we’ll advise you about optimising your CV, preparing for technical interviews and introduce you to our partner companies
- Lifetime access to the community of Iterators
What will I do at Iterate?
That’s completely up to you. We want you to push yourself in the direction that your curiosity takes you. Want to dig deep into algorithms or mathematics for CS? Sounds great! Want to understand operating systems better by building your own one? Fill your boots! Curious about a popular new technology like Rust? Go find out if it makes you happy!
For those who simply don’t know where to start, we provide optional suggested curriculae (comprising books and courses to work through) which you can follow as much or as little as you like. Some focus on computer science topics that would be covered in an academic environment, while others are focused on specific skills and technologies that may be useful professionally. There are suggested tracks such as:
- Algorithms + Data Structures
- Distributed Systems: Theory and Practice
- Operating Systems
- React
- Blockchain and Web3 development
- Machine Learning
We are continually auditing courses and books to build out more suggested curriculae
How much does Iterate cost?
The two month retreat costs £1599. However, we hope to be able to provide a discount for those for whom this cost is an impediment. If you would love to take part in Iterate, but the cost is preventing you from doing so, please still get in touch with your interest and we will do our best to find a solution.