Deep Dive: What Makes Cogent University Unique?

Coding is at the heart of every digital experience that you enjoy—eCommerce, video games, self-driving cars, robotics, and so much more. Behind the admirable tech is the hard work of software developers responsible for writing, testing, deploying, and monitoring several hundreds of lines of code. 

Due to the relevance of software development in several sectors, especially in business and IT industries, the demand for skilled developers is high. The US Bureau of Labor and Statistics projects that the demand will grow by 22 percent between 2020 and 2030, with the current median pay at $110,140 per year.

Data analytics is another field that offers vast opportunities. It involves using mathematical, statistical, and some programming skills to draw insights from large sets of data. Its relevance spans several sectors: health, marketing, retail, tech, and fintech, research, and governmental agencies, among others. These diverse industries employ data analytics to make quality decisions and optimize their services to satisfy their customers.  

The problem that employers often face, however, is getting competent hands to fill their vacant positions. ManpowerGroup reveals that 69 percent of companies have reported talent shortages and difficulty in hiring. 

In a bid to tackle that challenge, Cogent University provides quality and in-demand skills to students—especially fresh and prospective STEM graduates from leading colleges and universities—and prepares them for successful careers in software development and data analytics. 

What Is Cogent University?

Cogent University is a division of Cogent Infotech, an IT solutions and consulting firm based in the US. It was established in 2011 as a learning and development program with a mission to equip students with the skills and knowledge to thrive in the real-world workplace. That way, it offers its bit towards bridging the technical gap in the US and global technology industry.

Cogent University started with a focus on teaching Java but later expanded its curriculum to cover full stack software development and data analytics to meet the evolving industry demands. Today, that stands as one of its unique features—the ability to adapt and match its curriculum to hiring trends. 

Its Java and Data Analytics Bootcamps feature extensive curricula rolled up into eight weeks of vigorous training with experienced instructors and mentors to guide you along the way. Being a job-focused program, it also offers robust career services to students, all at a zero-dollar upfront cost as students only pay for their training after securing an in-field job.  

Cogent University’s Industry-Driven Curriculum 

Cogent University currently offers two programs—the Full Stack Java Bootcamp and the recently rolled out Data Analytics Bootcamp. They are fully remote programs that equip fresh and aspiring computer science graduates with the necessary skills to have a successful career in tech. 

For example, the Java Bootcamp’s curriculum teaches technical tools like Java, AWS, and Angular, as well as a component focusing on soft skills like problem-solving, time management, and communication. Although the curriculum is continuously updated, it largely follows the structure below:

• Week 1: Students learn the basics of object-oriented programming, introducing Java programming language. It also introduces databases and teaches students how to manage databases with MongoDB.

• Week 2: Majors on how to convert data between relational databases and object-oriented programming languages with JEE and ORM.

• Week 3: Learners master the use of the Spring framework for building applications.

• Week 4: The training focuses on building applications using Spring Boot, an open-sourced Java framework that makes developing a microservice easier and faster,

• Week 5: The curriculum dives into teaching learners Angular U how it helps to create an aesthetically-pleasing user interface when creating mobile or desktop apps.

• Week 6: Focus on building software architecture using design microservices and Docker containers.

• Week 7: The school rounds up classroom sessions and trains students to master the AWS cloud computing services.

• Week 8: Students carry out a capstone project to showcase their mastery of full stack software development.

At the end of the program, students can independently create mobile, desktop, and web applications and build functional software. 

Hands-On Learning at Cogent University

An effective learning process involves consistent practice, which can’t be stressed enough when it comes to coding. Instructors at Cogent University deliver the curriculum through interactive and practical classes. Giving several tasks and assignments, they help students build professional experience and problem-solving standards, which are essential in real-world workplaces. 

Jerrel Siler, a Cogent University alumni, recalls his experience: “Our instructor was extremely knowledgeable and was more than willing to help us and answer any of our questions. The HR staff were also very friendly and helpful with getting us to the next step.  Now I feel a lot more confident and ready for the tech industry, thanks to Cogent University.”

The hallmark of this practical training comes in the last week of the bootcamp when students complete their capstone project. Here, students create a functional application or software that solves a real-world problem. 

For example, a Java student among the November 2020 graduating set created an application that gives a live update of the COVID-19 cases—a project that was quite relevant at the time. Among other applications showcased in that cohort were ranch management apps, a mobile gallery for saving personal memories, and several eCommerce software.

Cogent University’s Experienced Instructors

A crowded classroom or learning environment can limit the amount of attention that tutors provide to their students. That’s why Cogent University keeps the small instructor-to-students ratio, making adequate room for students to have deep interaction with their instructors.

The teaching faculty comprises a dedicated team of qualified professionals, each with 15 to 20 years of technical background. For instance, the instructors at the Java Bootcamp are experts with Java programming and other technologies like SE/EE, SOA Suite, Spring Framework, Angular, and Full Stack Development. They also have rich experience with leading high-end complex training and lecturing students at diverse levels—from entry-level to industry experts.

Beyond that, Cogent University’s mentors help students tackle whatever challenges they may encounter while at the Java or Data Analytics Bootcamps. Whether you are struggling with time management, getting your motivation, or understanding concepts, the mentors support you till you get back on track.  Other mentors specialize in interview preparation, helping students get through job search and job interviews successfully.

In his testimonial featured on the school’s website, Jean H. Suarez highlighted the ability of the instructors to break complex topics into digestible bites, making it understandable for newbies in tech.

“Learning object-oriented programming concepts was an impactful process, thanks to Cogent University’s Full Stack Java Development Bootcamp. I acquired industry-relevant skills during the eight weeks of the in-depth Java web development program. It is well structured and professionals, with no knowledge of Java programming, can pick it up easily—thanks to the mentors and super supportive team at Cogent University,” said Jean.

Cogent University’s Learn First, Pay Later Plan

As of November 2021, Cogent University only offers an Income Share Agreement (ISA) plan for its software development program. Through this payment option, students have the opportunity to attend the bootcamp first without having to pay the tuition up front. 

The Income Share Agreement, being an income-tied loan, requires students to pay after getting a job. Cogent University requires students to pay back the tuition in fixed monthly installments spread over 12 months from employment.

Here’s how it works. Let’s say you make $60,000 as an intern and later on, make $15,000 more in your first full-time position. The ISA will be tied to the $60,000 income even after you accept a better offer or switch to a higher-paying job within a year. This unique offer shows that the bootcamp is highly invested in students’ success—if the students do not get a job, then the bootcamp does not get paid. 

Do Cogent University Graduates Get Jobs?

Cogent University believes in making student success their number one priority. Students receive extensive support during the job search, with an emphasis on helping them land high-paying jobs, ideally within 30 to 45 days after graduation.

Furthermore, students get round-the-clock access to personalized career support and counseling from mentors. The career support team also prepares students for interviews by organizing mock interviews to build their confidence and conviction. Students will get help with preparing compelling resumes, writing follow-up emails for interviews, and counteroffer letters—if requested—after the students get an offer.

The school has produced over 600 graduates since its founding in 2011. It also boasts a 95 percent placement rate with average salaries ranging between $75,000 and $100,000 per year. Also, it prides itself in placing alumni across several sectors, with a large majority of them working in the IT and Banking, Financial Services and Insurance (BFSI) enterprises including IBM, SAS Institute, FIS, JP Morgan Chase and Co., and Moody’s Analytics.

Is Cogent University Right for You? 

If you are looking for an affordable way to learn in-demand digital skills, then you should consider Cogent University. Cogent University was built to be a stepping stone for fresh STEM college graduates preparing to begin a professional career. 

However, it is also accessible to anyone seeking to pursue a career in tech—whether they are coding beginners or professionals who wish to upskill.

Before enrolling at Cogent University, you must meet the following requirements:

• Have a bachelor’s degree or a master’s degree, preferably in a STEM course
• Pass a technical assessment and screening with the employer manager to confirm your ability to train and secure a job after graduation.

Learn Software Development with Cogent University 

The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated digitization processes among businesses across the country, widening the talent gap even more. Manpower Group, in its 2021 report, suggests that exploring more in-demand roles will help close the skills gap. Likewise, Cogent University believes in providing industry-relevant skills with practical and interactive classes.

Adding to that, the school sets its students up for a lucrative career by helping them master the digital skills needed to explore high-paying roles. At the same time, Cogent University supports them along the way, starting from Day 1. Join Cogent University today to accelerate your journey into your dream tech career.