Background:
The course is designed to prepare candidates with a background in software engineering to work at international agencies. This course will cover topics ranging from soft skills to technical skills, including Communications for tech seniors, Frontend (ReactJS), Backend (NodeJS), Database, Cyber Security, Git and Github, Testing and QA, DevOps, and Agile methodology.
Course Description:
This was an innovative and unique “Skill Sprint” designed to replicate the high-performance environment of an elite international tech firm. Over 12 weeks, participants engaged in collaborative teamwork to develop a single, high-impact project using cutting-edge methodologies and industry best practices.
Guided by a seasoned instructor, learners gained hands-on experience, mastered effective collaboration techniques, and tackled real-world challenges. This immersive program equipped them with both essential soft skills and advanced technical expertise, preparing them for success in today’s fast-paced tech industry.
Course Objectives
By the end of this course, students will be able to:
- Demonstrate improved communication and interpersonal skills.
- Understand the inner workings of databases and their best practices.
- Develop advanced and optimized APIs.
- Develop advanced and optimized web applications.
- Understand cybersecurity and writing secure applications.
- Use Git & GitHub for version control and streamlined development cycle processes.
- Understand testing methodologies and quality assurance best practices.
- Understand the architecture of modern software and the 101 of cloud computing.
- Understand the Agile methodology and its benefits.
Soft Skills:
- 2 days Collaboration, Growth Mindset, and Time Management
- 2 days Communication
Eligibility Criteria
- Lebanese.
- Minimum age 21.
- Strong foundation in software engineering, at least 1 year of professional experience. Exceptions can be made on a case-by-case basis; you can still apply if you have a good understanding of fundamental software engineering principles.
- Familiarity with at least one programming language, database management system and styling techniques.
- Proficiency in English is a must.
- Participants are expected to demonstrate a high level of commitment, which includes full availability to attend all online and face to-face sessions, actively engage in additional work such as exercises and assignments, and dedicate sufficient time to develop comprehensive end-of course project.
- Applicants must sit for a comprehensive entrance assessment to evaluate their skills and aptitude, ensuring that our program aligns well with their skills and career objectives. This includes an interview, a time-limited asynchronous coding task, and, in certain cases, a brief real-time coding challenge.
- Please be advised that we reserve the right to terminate the training of any participant who does not demonstrate a serious commitment to the program (e.g., lack of attendance or interest), engages in inappropriate behavior, or violates any of our policies.
The Instructor
A fullstack software engineer and Head of Engineering at Speedlane, Alexi began his professional journey in 2009 after graduating from Politechnika Łódzka in Poland. Passionate about continuous learning, he has experience in leadership, management and a wide range of technologies including API development, modern JavaScript stack, TypeScript, React, Databases, Java, PHP, WordPress, cloud computing, and mobile app development. Alexi has worked with US based startups and large enterprises across various sectors, such as banking, healthcare, news agencies, and insurance.
Curriculum
- 10 Sections
- 67 Lessons
- 12 Weeks
- Module 1: Communication & People Skills for Tech SeniorsDemonstrate improved technical communication and interpersonal skills6
- 1.1Documentation & Source code Excellence
- 1.2Task Ownership and Accountability
- 1.3Conducting effective peer reviews
- 1.4Advanced Coaching Techniques
- 1.5Positive Workplace Interaction
- 1.6Fundamentals of Effective Communication
- Module 2: Database Management and ApplicationsUnderstand the inner workings of databases and their best practices8
- 2.1Introduction to Databases
- 2.2Types of Databases
- 2.3Database Design
- 2.4SQL and Querying
- 2.5Performance and Optimization
- 2.6Data Integrity and Transactions
- 2.7Database Security
- 2.8Backup and Recovery
- Module 3: Server-Side Development with NodeJSDevelop advanced and optimized APIs6
- 3.1ES6 and NodeJS Fundamentals
- 3.2RESTful APIs and Authentication
- 3.3Advanced Backend Techniques (Queuing and Messaging, Websockets)
- 3.4Logging, Monitoring and Debugging
- 3.5GraphQL (GraphQL Integration and feature, PostGraphile)
- 3.6Security and Optimization
- Module 4: Develop advanced and optimized web applicationsAdvanced frontend development using ReactJS13
- 4.2Small Intro to React
- 4.3Advanced React Hooks
- 4.4Memoization/Avoid Useless Re-rendering
- 4.5Lazy Loading
- 4.6Caching
- 4.7Performance Optimization
- 4.8Error Handling/Logging/Monitoring/Error Boundary
- 4.9State Management Technologies
- 4.10CSS Variables
- 4.11Optimize CSS Selectors
- 4.12SCSS Part I (Variables, Nesting, Partials, Imports, …)
- 4.13SCSS Part II (Mixins, Functions, Operations, Conditionals, Loops)
- 4.14Reusability and Design/Flagging usability issues and improvements
- Module 5: Building Secure ApplicationsUnderstand cybersecurity and writing secure applications3
- 5.1Introduction to Application Security
- 5.2Application Level Security Part 1 (Authentication, Authorization, Database security)
- 5.3Application Level Security Part 2 (Security Testing, Cryptography)
- Module 6: Git, Github & streamlined development cycle processesUse Git & GitHub for version control and streamlined development cycle processes8
- 6.1Quick Recap of Git Basics
- 6.2Advanced Branching and Merging
- 6.3Refining Commit Techniques
- 6.4Collaborative Workflows in GitHub
- 6.5Building Complex Workflows
- 6.6Security and Compliance
- 6.7Real-World Application and Case Studies
- 6.8Course Project Planning
- Module 7: Quality Assurance and Software TestingUnderstand testing methodologies and quality assurance best practices2
- 7.1Introduction to Quality Assurance and Testing
- 7.2Types of Testing (Manual, Unit, Integration, System, Acceptance and Performance Testing)
- Module 8: DevOps and Cloud Technologies EssentialsUnderstand the architecture of modern software and the 101 of cloud computing7
- 8.1Familiarity with Cloud Tools and Services
- 8.2Infrastructure as Code (Terraform, Pulumi, etc.)
- 8.3Auto-Scalability
- 8.4Serverless Computing
- 8.5Identity and Access Management
- 8.6Introduction to Cloud Tools (CloudFront, DynamoDB, etc.)
- 8.7Capstone Project
- Module 9: Agile MethodologyUnderstand the Agile methodology and its benefits9
- 9.1Phases of the Software Development Life Cycle – SDLC – (Requirements gathering, Design, Implementation, Testing, Maintenance)
- 9.2Introduction to Agile methodology (principles and values)
- 9.3Scrum framework
- 9.4Roles in Scrum (Product Owner, Scrum Master, Development Team)
- 9.5Roles in a Digital Agency: Project Manager, Designer, Developer, Quality Assurance
- 9.6Agile ceremonies (Sprint Planning, Daily Stand-ups, Sprint Review, Sprint Retrospective)
- 9.7Agile project management tools (Jira, Trello, Asana, GitHub etc…)
- 9.8Transforming requirements (Functional, Non-functional, Business) into tasks (User Stories, Use Cases)
- 9.9Task estimation techniques (Story Points, Planning Poker)
- Soft Skills5
- 10.1Mindset and Collaboration
- 10.2Time Management
- 10.3Communication (Part 1)
- 10.4Communication (Part 2)
- 10.5Communication (Part 3)
Modules: