Frequently Asked Questions
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Admissions
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How do we select students?
We’re not looking for the most technical or experienced candidates. We seek individuals who are curious, self-driven, and ready to tackle challenges with an open mind. Your passion for learning, commitment to ethical design, and willingness to engage deeply are more important than having a specific background. It’s about your mindset, not your resume. You’ll just have to apply and talk to us to find out if it’s a good fit.
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Community & Long-Term Growth
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Do I stay connected after the program?
Yes! After the program, you’ll remain connected to the Perpetual Education community. You’ll have access to ongoing workshops, new challenges, and a network of fellow explorers who share your passion for design and development. The community is a space for continued growth, collaboration, and exploration long after your formal program ends.
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Comparison with Boot Camps and Traditional Education
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Do you offer certifications like boot camps or schools?
We don’t do certificates or degrees—this isn’t about ticking boxes. Instead, you’ll leave with meaningful, real-world projects that show what you’re truly capable of. What you’ll build here is far more valuable: a portfolio that demonstrates your skills and the ability to solve real problems. Employers, clients, and collaborators care about what you can do, not the paper you have. This program focuses on building those capabilities.
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Why doesn’t Perpetual Education offer certifications or diplomas?
At Perpetual Education, we’re not about formal certification. There’s no such thing as being an “official designer” like getting an HVAC certificate. Instead, our focus is on real-world problem-solving, creativity, and meaningful work. We guide you in building a body of work that showcases your abilities and growth, rather than issuing degrees or formal qualifications.
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Curriculum Exploration
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What areas will I explore in Perpetual Education’s programs?
Our programs cover a wide range of topics, from design principles to complex web development. You’ll engage with areas like user experience (UX), systems thinking, creative coding, and more. The curriculum is designed to help you tackle real-world problems using both creative design thinking and technical tools. It’s about understanding how design and development work together to create meaningful solutions.
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Do you dive deep into both design and development?
Yes, we cover both design and development, but always with intention. Whether it’s learning HTML, CSS, or complex system architecture, we focus on how these technical skills serve the larger goal of solving real-world problems creatively. Our goal is to help you understand the “why” behind the tech and how to use it thoughtfully.
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How will I use what I learn here in real-life situations?
Everything you explore here is tied to real-world applications. Whether it’s designing a website, building a tool, or solving complex problems, you’ll gain practical skills that you can use immediately in personal or professional projects. This isn’t about just learning concepts—it’s about applying them to make meaningful work in real-life contexts.
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What language should I learn first?
The language you should start with depends on your goals. If you’re focused on building websites and web applications, HTML, CSS, and JavaScript are essential. If you’re interested in backend work or other specific fields, different languages might come into play. In our programs, we guide you through the most practical starting points for your interests, ensuring you’re equipped to solve the kinds of problems you care about.
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Exploration Model
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How are the workshops structured?
Our workshops are immersive experiences designed to push your thinking. We present you with articles, videos, and project-based challenges that encourage deep exploration of specific ideas. You can choose to work independently or collaborate with others in the community. These workshops aren’t about memorizing facts—they’re about engaging with ideas and seeing where they lead you.
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Can I explore topics based on my personal goals?
Yes! Our programs are flexible and designed to align with your personal goals. Whether you want to refine your current skills or explore something entirely new, you have control over your path. We’ll provide guidance, but you set the direction. Your learning journey is tailored to what excites you, and you’re free to take it wherever you want.
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Are there any formal tests or exams?
There are no formal exams at Perpetual Education. Instead, you’ll receive continuous feedback from mentors and peers to help you refine your ideas and iterate on your projects. We believe in learning through doing, and your growth is reflected in the quality and evolution of your work, not in test scores. Sometimes, people want a test, and we make them one.
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How does Perpetual Education help me decide what to focus on?
While you’ll follow a path we’ve laid out, it’s rooted in practical, real-world needs. We don’t rush through concepts just to tick boxes—we help you learn the next most powerful idea based on what you need to build. It’s about paying attention to what matters in the moment, ensuring that each step builds on the last, so you can tackle bigger challenges as you go.
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How will I know if I’m progressing?
In our programs, progress is measured by your ability to apply what you’ve learned. Are you solving real problems? Building projects that challenge you? Progress isn’t about completing tasks quickly—it’s about understanding concepts deeply and growing with each challenge. We provide feedback throughout the process, and as you take on more complex projects, you’ll know you’re advancing because you’ll see it in the quality of your work.
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Flexibility & Time Commitment
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How long does the program take?
Each program’s length depends on its structure. Design for The Web (DFTW) is roughly a 9-month journey, but other programs may be shorter or longer. The key is flexibility—you control the pace. It’s not about rushing to the finish line but about taking the time to dive deeper into what excites you, with room for breaks or exploration along the way.
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How much time do I need to commit?
To get the most out of this program, you should plan to commit at least 20 hours a week. Sure, you can scrape by with less, but why would you want to? The work we do here isn’t about ticking boxes—it’s about deep exploration and real progress. If you’re serious about growing your skills and working on meaningful projects, you need to make time for it. We’re here to support that, but the effort has to come from you.
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Can I work full-time while doing this?
Yes, it’s possible to work full-time and still complete the program, but it’s going to require some serious time management. With a commitment of at least 20 hours a week, balancing a full-time job won’t be easy—but it’s doable if you’re dedicated. Many of our participants have successfully managed both, but it takes grit, focus, and the willingness to put in the extra hours. We’ll support you along the way, but it’s on you to make it happen.
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Can I shift focus during the program?
Before thinking about changing directions, you’ll first get a thorough grounding in all the essential skills. Once you’ve explored the basics, you’ll have the understanding needed to decide where you want to dive deeper.
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Is this right for me?
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Is Design for The Web the right program for me?
If so, we’re probably not for you. But if you’re genuinely curious about design, the web, and solving real problems, this could be a great fit. We believe in mastering the fundamentals through hard work, not shortcuts. Still not sure? Reach out and talk to us—real humans are happy to help you figure it out!
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Can I join if I’m a complete beginner?
Yes! We believe total beginners can absolutely learn this—and sometimes it’s even better if you haven’t spent years trying to teach yourself. We guide you step by step, but you need to come in with grit and the confidence to handle daily effort. The mix of experience in the group is actually a plus, so whether you’re fresh or seasoned, it all works. Just be ready to dive in and push yourself!
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What kinds of projects will I work on?
You’ll work on real projects that are meaningful to you—not just assignments for the sake of learning. Whether it’s a personal project, a tool, or something that solves a real problem, the work is based on what excites you. This isn’t about jumping through hoops; it’s about building things that matter and are practical for your goals. And you’ll walk away with work you’ll be proud to share.
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Mentorship & Collaboration
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How does mentorship work at Perpetual Education?
Mentorship is a key part of the Perpetual Education experience. You’ll have access to experienced mentors who will guide you through projects, provide feedback, and help you refine your ideas. Mentorship here is not about telling you what to do—it’s about supporting you in finding your own path and honing your unique creative process.
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How do I receive feedback in the program?
You’ll get continuous feedback from mentors and peers, but it only works if you engage. You’ll need to actively participate, collaborate with others, and put your work out there for review. Feedback isn’t just handed to you—you’ll need to show up, share your progress, and pair with others to grow. The more you engage, the more valuable the feedback will be, helping you refine and improve at every step.
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Pathfinding & Professional Growth
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Will I get a certificate or degree?
We don’t issue certificates or degrees. Instead, you’ll build a portfolio of meaningful projects that showcase your skills and creative approach to problem-solving. What you’ll walk away with is far more valuable: the ability to solve complex challenges creatively and the experience of having built things that matter.
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Does Perpetual Education offer job placement?
We don’t offer job placement services. Instead, we focus on helping you develop the portfolio, skills, and mindset needed to forge your own path. Whether that means launching your own project, changing careers, or pursuing creative ventures, you’ll have the tools to succeed. The work you produce and the experience you gain will speak louder than any placement service.
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Will this help me change careers?
While we don’t offer job placement, we do help you fortify your existing skills and explore new career paths. Your education, past experience, and goals matter, and part of this program is about aligning those strengths with new opportunities. Whether you’re looking to pivot into web design or take on something entrepreneurial, we’ll guide you in building the foundation. The outcome? That depends on your dedication and how you apply what you learn.
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What kind of career path does DFTW apply to?
It’s not about training for a specific job. DFTW gives you design and problem-solving tools that apply across many fields—like digital product design, web development, or something completely different. It’s up to you to use what you’ve learned to carve your own direction.
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Program Philosophy & Approach
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What makes Perpetual Education different from boot camps?
At Perpetual Education, we’re not just training you to land a job as quickly as possible. We offer an immersive learning experience rooted in creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving. We’re here to help you develop your mind and approach to design and development challenges in the real world. Boot camps focus on fast-paced, skills-based training. We focus on fostering lifelong learners who can think critically, adapt to changes, and solve complex problems creatively.
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Is Perpetual Education a coding boot camp or a traditional school?
We don’t fit into the mold of traditional education or coding boot camps. Instead, think of us as a consultancy or think-tank for design and problem-solving. We guide you in exploring the web, design, and development in a way that’s both creative and practical. The focus is on deep understanding and exploration, not on certificates or grades.
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What kind of explorers thrive at Perpetual Education?
If you’re the type of person who loves asking “why” and thinking beyond the surface, you’ll thrive at Perpetual Education. We attract curious, open-minded individuals who are not afraid to explore new ideas, experiment, and seek out unconventional solutions. Our community values creativity, self-direction, and a passion for meaningful challenges.
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Why does Perpetual Education focus on design thinking rather than just technical skills?
Design thinking allows you to approach problems from a human perspective, ensuring that the solutions you create are meaningful and impactful. We believe that creativity and understanding the “why” behind a problem come first. Once you have that foundation, the technical skills to execute the solution will naturally follow. Design thinking is essential for crafting experiences that truly matter.
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What is the overall philosophy behind Perpetual Education?
Perpetual Education focuses on creativity and real-world problem-solving. We aren’t about cramming for tests or racing through courses; we believe in mastering the fundamentals and encouraging deep exploration. Our approach is about thinking critically, developing the skills to adapt, and fostering a mindset that allows you to solve complex challenges. It’s not about shortcuts—it’s about building a strong foundation that lasts.
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Why is problem-solving such a focus in your programs?
In our programs, we focus heavily on problem-solving because creativity comes from truly understanding the challenges you face. It’s not just about learning technical skills; it’s about thinking critically, breaking down complex issues, and coming up with thoughtful, human-centered solutions. Once you’ve developed that mindset, the rest follows naturally.
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Why does Perpetual Education focus on design thinking rather than just technical skills?
In our programs, we emphasize design thinking because it’s about understanding and solving problems. We’re not focused on creativity for creativity’s sake; it’s more about thoughtful approaches and trying things until they work. The technical details will always change, but if you can break down a problem and think through solutions, you’ll be adaptable no matter what the future holds.
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