Now in its 4th year, Exist Code Camp (ECC) has been steadily growing and successfully attracting fresh graduates to join. When you look on the benefits of what the program offers, you’ll realize it’s really worth a try. Where can you find nowadays a training that’s absolutely given for free? A training which develops not only your technical skills but as well as your soft skills. The best part is, code campers earn while they learn as they receive an allowance during the training. Plus, after the program, they gain a chance to be absorbed in G2iX -- a homegrown IT company with international recognition and awards.

But then again, as a fresh graduate, what would drive you to stick on a 6-week training, if you can immediately get a job, earn more or even work abroad? Considering the top 2 fastest growing careers (in terms of base salary) according to CNN are IT-related jobs (Computer systems software engineer -- $81,140 and Computer applications software engineer -- $76,310) and Philippine software companies are continuously growing according to PSIA (Philippine Software Industry Association), IT fresh graduates today are given a lot of career opportunities to choose from. Now let’s find out directly from the code campers why they chose to join the camp and their expectations on the program.

Q1: What gave you the incentive to join the ECC?

GILLIAN: There is no better incentive than being given the promise of greater learning in the field that I would like to pursue, which is the wonderful world of software engineering. I didn't know of the full program prior to joining, so the only incentive seems to be learning new things. In addition, the office is very much accessible, as it only takes an hour's commute to get here.

RAYMOND: It has already been over half a year since I graduated college when I started the application for ECC. I was already very determined to have a job, and since ECC is a free-training-plus-chance-for-employment program combi, it was very difficult to say no to that or to let that kind of opportunity pass.

AMBOY: I had no specific motivation, but when I was accepted to take part in the training camp and heard what we were going to do (programming in Ruby on Rails) -- I was interested to stay and complete the program.

Q2: What are your expectations of ECC?

GILLIAN: I expect to learn new things and explore uncharted areas in the field of software engineering. I expect to meet people who hold the same passion with programming as I do (and indeed I saw them here). One thing I did not expect though was that we were going to be offered employment contracts after just two weeks of training!

LEAN: I expect high quality training that will develop my skills and expand my knowledge in software development.

RAYMOND: Upon finishing the entire ECC program (6 weeks), I expect to be more knowledgeable (at least in terms of Java web application programming) than last year when I graduated college. I also expect my skills to be more appropriate to the corporate world. Lastly, I expect to at least be at par with my peers from school in terms of programming and coding prowess.

Indeed, each code camper has their own personal reasons of joining the camp. From their reasons and expectations -- we learn that a career isn't always all about the money. For some, it's the challenge; for others, it's the value of education, which in turn give them the sense of fulfillment.