When asking yourself about something to do near me in Austin with a group of friends or family, consider
Hack Reactor
Why Hack Reactor is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Hack Reactor is a premier remote-only software engineering coding bootcamp that offers intensive, beginner-focused programs designed to rapidly transform motivated individuals into proficient full-stack software engineers. Founded in 2012 in San Francisco and now fully remote, Hack Reactor's hallmark is its immersive 12-week and 16-week coding bootcamps focused on JavaScript, Python, and associated technologies like Node.js, React, Redux, and databases. The curriculum emphasizes not just coding literacy but the crucial ability to learn and adapt quickly in the rapidly evolving tech landscape, preparing graduates to excel in real-world software development roles. Beyond technical mastery, students benefit from a supportive community, 1:1 career coaching, mock interviews, and job training, fostering autonomy and confidence to tackle complex programming challenges. Hack Reactor boasts a robust alumni network of over 14,000 graduates working at more than 1,100 top-tier companies world-wide, including Facebook, Google, Apple, and Amazon. This network provides invaluable peer support and industry connections. Overall, Hack Reactor represents an exceptional place for aspiring software engineers to meet, connect, and propel their careers into the tech industry with focused training and strong career resources.
Here's what people think of Hack Reactor
As of recent, Hack Reactor holds a 4.9-star rating based on 33 reviews.
Reviews from Hack Reactor alumni consistently highlight the school's effectiveness in preparing students for software engineering careers. Many graduates describe their experience as transformative, crediting Hack Reactor with equipping them not only with current coding skills but also with the crucial ability to quickly learn new technologies on the job. Positive reviews frequently praise the curriculum's emphasis on practical programming skills, the supportive community, and the quality of career services including mock interviews and 1:1 coaching, all contributing to high employment success after graduation. Alumni appreciate the intensive but focused pace of the program, which prioritizes becoming a versatile problem solver over rote memorization of technologies. However, some less favorable reviews mention the program's intense workload and the challenge of maintaining pace with its rigorous expectations, which can be demanding for some students. Additionally, there have been mentions of occasional gaps in curriculum coverage or the high dropout rates in certain cohorts. Despite this, the general consensus underscores Hack Reactor's strength in fostering a growth mindset and technical competence. In conclusion, Hack Reactor is widely regarded as a valuable bootcamp option for those seeking a challenging yet rewarding path toward software engineering, with a strong support system and impressive industry connections to facilitate successful career transitions.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Rachel Miller
Best educational experience of my life. In one year I was able to completely turn my life around and land a high paying job in a completely new field, thanks to the skills I acquired through Hack Reactor. The immersive is only 3 months, but you spend at least 3 months preparing and maybe another 3 months afterwards practicing and making your own projects. The remaining 3 months might be dedicated to full time job searching until you finally land a job, and that's pretty standard (3-6 months of job searching). If you are able to afford a full year of not being employed to focus on your software engineering career switch, then you can rapidly go from no coding experience to a mid level engineer.
Grant Redfearn
I'd like to preface this review with this: If you are not ready to work and give a school 110%, MakerSquare might not be the place for you. Though it is only 3 months, It definitely takes a lot out of you. But what you get in return is much more than I could have ever imagined. The staff was amazing. So many resources there to help you in constructive ways. Instead of giving flat answers, they worked with you until you would came up with the correct logic to the puzzle. One of the toughest challenges in learning any programming language is getting passed the basics. Learning where and how to take that next step can take years. At MakerSquare, within a month I was learning advanced concepts, bleeding edge frameworks and technologies, and solving complex algorithms on a daily basis. Upon completion of the program, I felt very prepared in every aspect for my future career as a Software Developer. Not only did I have the required technical and interview skills, but I learned how to properly work in a team to develop dynamic applications. I was able to land an amazing job within about a month of graduating the course. It was the best career move I could have ever made. 10/10 would learn JavaScript again
Caren García
I took the Part Time Front End course at MakerSquare and absolutely loved it! The instructors are fantastic, knowledgeable and supportive! As a complete beginner I was really encouraged and empowered to learn more about the varied topics handled in the course! Not to mention that all my classmates were incredibly motivated and overall great friends! Having a solid understanding of the different aspects of the world of Front End web development, do I have the confidence on working on and creating my own projects! There's still much to learn, but Maker Square provides us with a solid base of knowledge paired with great instructors and a great environment to be in! Highly recommend MKS to any wanting to learn!
Doris Chiu
I had chosen Hack Reactor (Makersquare at the time I was introduced to it) after hearing about it through at least two of my friends in the Software Industry. I had originally considered getting a degree from a university and was working towards that at a community college. But when I heard about this program and it's amazing reputation in the industry, I decided to go this route. By the time I enrolled at HR, I had taken an Introduction to Programming course (coded in Python) at a community college to see if I like programming before committing. The knowledge I gained from the course helped me through the prep and the first week or two of the programming, after that it was an unfamiliar, challenging but exciting territory. Hack Reactor is great for learning programming and about yourself as an individual. This intensive 12-week program is great for those that are able to pick up things after doing the hands-on learning for 2 days and then pivot to another concept afterward. Although this type of learning style may take some adjusting on your part, after this section (first six weeks) is over, you will have a pretty good idea about how you learn as a student and how much research/practice you as an individual needs in order to understand a concept or new technology. Moving into the second half of the program, you'll be put into teams of 3-5 to work on building apps. Here, you're able to work on teamwork skills such as communication, organization, accountability, and problem solving as a group. You'll learn how to balance each team member's style of work and personality as you're going through this process. Overall, my experience at Hack Reactor was amazing and I would definitely recommend it for prospective students!
Christian Catalan
I graduated from MakerSquare back in 2014. Not to be overly dramatic, but it was a transformative experience full of incredible people. I have no regrets investing in my education with MakerSquare, since it brought me to the awesome career I have today. Of course to get there, require 110% dedication and lots of struggle and hard work. Here's why MakerSquare was stellar: - MakerSquare cares about your success. Their hiring network is great and vast. Career staff is on point, and there to support you on this rough journey to your first coding gig. My first job after graduating, the company had a former MakerSquare instructor on my team and learned a ton from him and the team there. A few months after that, we hired 2 more MakerSquare grads and they were great team members. I imagine I'll just have more and more opportunities to bump into MakerSquare alumni in my future which is is nice. - Amazing classmates. Of course, your experience may vary, but I absolutely loved my cohort. We grew very close and now fast forward almost 2 years later and we still stay in touch. I'm constantly amazed by my peers and where they have ended up in their careers. And I'll mention that many of them continue learning and improving their craft. I think this is a testament to the commitment of students that MakerSquare brings in. I recall one of the mentors said "It's not about whether you can code, because anybody can learn how to code. But it's whether you will stick with coding or not." All of my cohort still passionate about coding are slaying it at their careers. - Good on selecting students that are committed to code journey. I was surrounded by peers who were willing to put in effort around the clock. This is important because even just one person who is not committed could bring a group's learning down. And choosing students who are not collaborative and willing to help each other learn also can bring down that dynamic. - Constantly iterating and improving the program. Which mirrors the super fast pace in the industry. This is SUPER important because it's the only way to stay relevant and ensure students get placed in the appropriate jobs the industry demands. For example, my cohort in 2014 learned Ruby/Rails+JS, and now it's 100% JS. And in just the last year and half, I see the job landscape changing (I'm always curious about the jobs out there). So it's really nice to see MakerSquare constantly evolving the program to match what the industry needs. - Curriculum focuses on coding. That's like a big "duh" but the instructors understand that constant hands-on coding is the way to learn. Instructors are highly invested in the students learning and success, and were super helpful and encouraging. I won't mention details of what the curriculum was since it will naturally evolve (see my previous point). MakerSquare is a phenomenal program, but is not for the faint of heart. It requires 100% commitment, not just for three months, but for the next chapter of your career. Those who are serious about changing their career to something more fulfilling, I say go for it.
How to reach Hack Reactor
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Why Hack Reactor may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at Hack Reactor with your friends?
Gathering your friends at Hack Reactor offers a unique and enriching experience that goes far beyond the usual meetup. This venue is not just a physical space—it’s a vibrant hub of innovation and collaboration designed to spark creativity and learning. When you come together at Hack Reactor, you enter an environment fueled by the energy of cutting-edge technology and a passion for software engineering. Whether your group consists of aspiring coders, tech enthusiasts, or simply people eager to experience something new, Hack Reactor provides an immersive backdrop where ideas come alive. The communal atmosphere encourages teamwork, making it an ideal place for friends to bond over shared challenges, projects, and learning opportunities.
Moreover, Hack Reactor is more than a classroom or event space; it's a place where the culture of problem-solving and innovation thrives. Hosting a meetup here means positioning your group right at the forefront of the tech world, surrounded by like-minded individuals who inspire growth and creativity. The venue’s supportive environment ensures that everyone, regardless of their coding skill level, can engage meaningfully. Combining social interaction with access to state-of-the-art resources makes Hack Reactor an ideal destination for groups looking to connect, challenge themselves, and celebrate each other's achievements in a stimulating and dynamic setting.
What kind of activities can you do at Hack Reactor?
Hack Reactor offers a diverse range of activities designed to suit both educational and social purposes, making it an excellent choice for group gatherings. One of the core experiences at Hack Reactor is immersive coding workshops. These sessions let friends and groups dive into programming together, encouraging collaboration through pair programming and team projects. This hands-on approach is ideal for groups who want to learn new skills side by side, offering a perfect blend of education and engagement. The fast-paced curriculum pushes participants to think critically and solve problems creatively, making group activities both challenging and rewarding.
In addition, Hack Reactor hosts hackathons and coding competitions that are perfect for friendly yet intense group contests. These competitions foster teamwork, strategizing, and innovation as participants race against time to develop software solutions. They offer an exciting opportunity for friends to bond over a shared goal and experience the thrill of tech challenges in real time. Beyond coding, the space also supports design sprints and maker workshops where groups can brainstorm, prototype, and create technology-driven projects. This variety ensures there is something for every group’s interest, whether focused on hardcore coding or broader innovation activities.
For those seeking a less intensive but equally impactful meetup, Hack Reactor organizes tech showcases and startup pitch events. These allow groups to not only learn about the latest advancements in technology but also engage with entrepreneurs and industry professionals. This kind of event provides a great environment for networking and inspiration, allowing friends to immerse themselves in the tech community together.
Why is Hack Reactor perfect for a group meetup?
Hack Reactor is tailored to accommodate groups in both size and functionality, making it an ideal venue for meetups with friends or family. The space can comfortably host gatherings ranging from intimate classrooms of 50 people to larger receptions of up to 120 attendees. This flexibility means your group can feel both included and comfortable regardless of size. The setting itself is designed to enrich interaction, featuring modern facilities such as multiple cameras, projectors, and a powerful integrated public address system that support multimedia presentations and remote participation via full Zoom Room integration.
What truly distinguishes Hack Reactor as a meetup spot is its vibrant, innovation-driven atmosphere. Being located within MIT’s iHQ—a recognized epicenter for cutting-edge entrepreneurship and technology—it offers an inspiring environment that encourages exploration and creativity. For groups interested in tech or simply those wanting an extraordinary venue, Hack Reactor fosters a shared experience centered on growth, learning, and pushing boundaries. The onsite support from event staff ensures your meetup can run smoothly, freeing you to focus on making meaningful connections with your friends.
Furthermore, Hack Reactor’s community is another key draw. It’s not just a place to gather but a thriving ecosystem of students, alumni, instructors, and industry professionals. Meeting here means tapping into a network of passionate, driven individuals that can elevate your group’s experience through shared knowledge and enthusiasm. Whether your goal is to build projects, engage in coding sprints, or take part in networking, Hack Reactor’s supportive environment is conducive to collaborative success, making every group meetup productive and enjoyable.
How can Hack Reactor’s technology enhance your group meetup?
The advanced technology integrated within Hack Reactor dramatically enhances the experience of hosting your group meetup there. The venue is equipped with multiple high-definition cameras and projectors, allowing for vibrant multimedia presentations that can keep everyone engaged. Whether you’re sharing slides, live coding demos, or streaming content, these tools ensure clear and impactful communication. The public address (PA) system is powerful and seamlessly integrated, making it easy for speakers and facilitators to be heard clearly without any technical distractions.
Moreover, full Zoom Room integration means that your meetup can easily become a hybrid event. If some friends or family members cannot be physically present, they can still participate remotely with equal ease and engagement. This connectivity extends your group’s reach and inclusivity, accommodating different schedules or locations. The technology at Hack Reactor supports interactivity too, helping groups collaborate on coding projects or design sprints with digital tools that facilitate shared workspaces and real-time feedback.
This technological edge is especially useful during the more dynamic activities such as hackathons or coding workshops, where timely communication and data sharing are paramount. It allows groups to focus entirely on creative and technical challenges without worrying about logistical setbacks. In all, Hack Reactor’s suite of technology solutions empowers every attendee, supporting a productive, seamless, and memorable group experience.
What makes Hack Reactor’s community unique and valuable for meetups?
The community at Hack Reactor is an invaluable asset that brings distinctive value to any meetup. Consisting of students, alumni, expert instructors, and industry professionals, this community forms a rich ecosystem of knowledge and mutual support. When you gather your friends at Hack Reactor, you’re not just getting a space—you’re integrating into a network of passionate tech enthusiasts who embrace learning and innovation. This environment promotes a culture where collaboration and mentorship flourish, providing an ideal setting for groups to engage constructively.
This community is highly active, regularly organizing events such as Demo Days, tech talks, coding challenges, and networking sessions that enhance the learning and social experience for attendees. For groups meeting here, these events offer chances not only to share ideas but also to get inspired by the journeys and projects of others. The sense of belonging to such a vibrant community can motivate your group to push past comfort zones and explore new possibilities.
Furthermore, Hack Reactor’s emphasis on career readiness ensures that attendees are surrounded by ambitious, driven individuals striving for excellence. This shared mindset encourages group members to support each other’s growth and celebrate successes together. For friends or family who want a meetup filled with purpose and energy, the Hack Reactor community stands ready to welcome and uplift every participant.
How does Hack Reactor support learning and collaboration within groups?
Hack Reactor is renowned for its rigorous and effective teaching methods that emphasize collaboration — making it perfect for groups attending together. The curriculum is structured to foster autonomous software engineering skills while encouraging teamwork through pair programming and group projects. This pedagogical approach means groups can learn side by side, helping each other understand complex concepts and solving problems collectively. Such interaction not only enhances individual knowledge but also strengthens social bonds within the group.
The fast-paced program initially immerses students in fundamental coding knowledge and swiftly moves them into hands-on application. The open-ended final projects offer groups the freedom to innovate and express creativity, enabling friends to design and develop software solutions that align with their shared interests or goals. This opportunity to build something together creates a tangible outcome from the meetup and nurtures a sense of accomplishment.
Additionally, Hack Reactor provides 1:1 career coaching and access to hiring partners, which can be invaluable for groups with members looking to break into the tech industry. The support system encourages continuous learning beyond the meetup, transforming Hack Reactor into a launchpad for personal and professional growth. This comprehensive support ensures that group meetups aren’t just fun gatherings but meaningful steps toward skill development and career advancement.
What event formats does Hack Reactor accommodate for group meetups?
Hack Reactor boasts a flexible event hosting capacity suitable for various group sizes and formats, from intimate workshops to larger receptions. The space can be arranged to serve as a theater for presentations seating up to 80 people, a classroom setting accommodating 50 participants, or a casual reception area for about 120 guests. This versatility allows groups to customize their meetup according to their purpose, whether it’s a structured learning session, an informal social gathering, or a celebratory event.
Common event formats hosted at Hack Reactor include hackathons, design sprints, and team-building retreats. These formats promote active participation and are particularly effective for groups seeking to engage collaboratively in immersive activities. Hackathons provide a competitive yet friendly environment that challenges participants to code efficiently under pressure, while design sprints encourage brainstorming and rapid prototyping in a focused timeframe. Team-building retreats here leverage the space’s creativity-driven ambiance to strengthen interpersonal connections through purposeful interaction.
Hack Reactor also supports tech showcases and startup pitch events, which are ideal for group meetups focused on inspiration and networking. Such events feature presentations by alumni and startups, offering insights into the latest industry trends and innovations. Overall, the venue’s adaptability to different event styles makes it a superb choice for groups wanting a customized and impactful meetup experience.
How do past attendees describe their experience at Hack Reactor?
Attendees of Hack Reactor often describe their experience as transformative and highly supportive. Many highlight the exceptional environment organized by the iHQ event team, which ensures that events run smoothly so participants can focus on learning and interaction. Testimonials mention the venue as not just a physical space but as a catalyst for bringing innovative ideas to life, praising the quality of resources and professional assistance available throughout their visits.
Students and alumni frequently emphasize the intense yet rewarding nature of the bootcamp programs and appreciate the opportunity to collaborate on challenging projects in a community that is both passionate and knowledgeable. The sense of accomplishment after completing Hack Reactor’s rigorous programs is a common theme, creating a strong emotional connection that attendees cherish long after their time there.
Moreover, past attendees value the networking opportunities and career support offered, noting that Hack Reactor helped prepare them for real-world software engineering roles by providing both technical training and professional guidance. This combination of immersive education, community engagement, and practical outcomes makes Hack Reactor a uniquely impactful destination for group meetups, inspiring loyalty and enthusiasm among those who participate.
This comprehensive overview highlights why Hack Reactor stands out as an exceptional venue for hosting meetups with friends or family, blending education, innovation, community, and technology into a memorable and enriching experience.