Overview

• Get centered – Reflect on what you accomplished yesterday. How are you feeling? Add 👀 to show you’ve checked others’ work. Review your goals.
• Check study hall – Make study hall a habit; quick repetition builds retention. Pair up with a peer if possible. This can be used as an icebreaker.
• Ask questions – Don’t hold back. Bring up any questions, even half-formed ones, during or after the workshop.
• Plan your day’s scope – Define clear, achievable goals and log them in your standup. Planning isn’t just for you; it lets us see your direction and help you adjust as needed. Learning to set and adapt your daily goals is key to building a flexible, growth-oriented mindset.
• Go through the workshop – Dive into the workshop material. Take notes, ask questions, and document progress as you go.
• Do the exercises – Apply what you’ve learned through hands-on exercises. Test your understanding and identify areas you need to work on.
• Reach out for support – If you’re stuck or unmotivated, reach out. The exercises are designed to challenge you, so embrace it! If it’s too easy, then ask for the next level.
• Share what you’ve accomplished – Wrap up your day by sharing your progress. Set boundaries, and ask for feedback if needed. If you didn’t accomplish what you planned, explain why—this context helps us support you better.
• Get feedback – Post your work and ask for input, or set up a real-time review. Use the feedback to sharpen your skills.
• Give feedback – Show up, engage, and support others. Networking starts here, and these connections will matter when you’re looking for a job.
• Apply what you’ve learned – Take what you’ve learned into personal projects. This is where concepts start to stick.
• Reflect and share publicly – Reflect weekly, and share your progress on LinkedIn or a blog. This builds your story and positions you professionally.

Maybe we’ll make a little pep-talk video for each…

Remember why you’re here – and what’s at stake

This is what you signed up for. This commitment to engaging, communicating, and building these core habits isn’t just about personal growth; it’s foundational to the success of everyone in this program. This level of commitment is also in your contract with us. If you’re serious about gaining the skills and mindset needed for a sustainable career, this routine isn’t optional—it’s essential.

If you struggle to plan, execute, and communicate in a structured way, learning to code won’t be enough. The ability to calmly prioritize, break down, and complete work is a core skill that every employer relies on, and, frankly, it’s non-negotiable. People who lack these skills can become liabilities in a team, and with today’s competitive market, only those who can handle these “soft skills” will truly thrive. This is what hiring managers look for. And it’s why you came to work with us—because we understand that these foundational skills are what will make you effective and respected in the field.

At PE, we provide proven structure, expert guidance, and feedback. But ultimately, no one can force you to take these steps. We’re here to support and coach you as you build these habits, develop a critical mindset, and grow technically. It’s up to you to take full advantage of this program and all it offers. If you do, you’ll experience the force-multiplying effect of this work and position yourself as a capable, reliable professional in the field.

Building your network: the real-world connections you’re creating now

Who gets recommended?

At PE, we sometimes hire directly for interns or for our other business, recommend people, and write letters of recommendation. We’ll go way out on a limb for people we know we can count on. But remember: no one is going to help you get a job if there’s no consistency in your work. This doesn’t mean you need to be perfect—it’s about showing improvement and commitment and demonstrating that you’ll put in the effort to learn and level up.

Show up and build trust

Think about the kind of people you’d want to recommend for a job. Would it be someone who kept to themselves, or someone who consistently showed up, joined calls, and worked through challenges with others? Would it be the person who only did their own work, or the one who took time to review others’ code, share insights, and genuinely support the group?

When you actively participate, you’re doing more than learning technical skills—you’re building trust and a reputation for growth, resilience, and teamwork. In this field, the people who stand out are those who engage and make others feel supported. It’s a powerful advantage in a job market where connections often matter as much as technical abilities.

Practice making connections here

This program is a safe, supportive place to develop these skills. If you can’t make connections here, think about how much harder it will be in a high-stakes office, with clients, or in the sometimes isolating world of remote work. The communication skills, adaptability, and confidence you build here will serve you in every job interview, team setting, and client interaction you encounter in the future.

Sure, some people are naturally introverted, and that’s okay. This isn’t about becoming an extrovert. It’s about preparing for the realities of work, where engaging with others is essential. If you put off learning how to connect and contribute, you’ll eventually have to tackle these skills on the job hunt or on the job itself. You have the chance to practice here in a way that’s supportive and meaningful—don’t wait until you’re trying to catch up later.