Revature Experience: What Reddit Won't Tell You
Introduction: What is Revature?
Revature markets itself as a company that helps graduates—particularly those from non-tech backgrounds—transition into the IT field through intensive training programs. They guarantee job placement at some of the largest tech companies in the U.S. However, many employees and former trainees have taken to Reddit to share their experiences, which vary greatly. Some hail the program as a fantastic opportunity to break into the industry, while others recount challenging conditions and questionable practices.
Expectations vs. Reality
What They Promise
Revature promises an intensive training period that covers coding, software development, and other IT skills necessary to work in the industry. This is followed by placement in a company where the individual can apply their training.
They promise:
- Free training
- Accommodation during training
- Job placement
- Competitive salary after placement
What Reddit Reveals
On Reddit, many people who have undergone Revature’s training express concerns about the working conditions. A frequent theme is the discrepancy between what’s promised and what’s delivered. The training, which is marketed as "free," actually comes with caveats. For example, trainees are required to sign contracts agreeing to work for Revature for a certain period of time (often around two years). Breaking this contract could lead to financial penalties.
Moreover, Redditors frequently complain about low salaries during their placement period, which often don’t meet industry standards. A Reddit user described the pay as "barely enough to cover rent, let alone save anything."
The Training Program: High Intensity, High Stakes
Training Structure
Revature’s training program is fast-paced and covers a variety of technical skills. The company prides itself on taking people from little to no coding experience to employable in a short time frame.
However, on Reddit, people often mention how intense the training is. "It’s basically a coding boot camp," one user explained. "You either sink or swim." Some trainees find themselves working 12+ hours a day just to keep up.
For those who can manage the intensity, the program is a great way to break into the industry. But others feel overwhelmed and unprepared for the real-world projects they are assigned to after the training period.
Contractual Obligations
One of the biggest concerns raised on Reddit is the contract that trainees have to sign before beginning their training. The contract typically requires a two-year commitment to Revature after training is completed. If the employee decides to leave the company before this time period, they face a "penalty fee" for the training they received.
This contractual obligation has been described by many Redditors as a “trap.” Some users suggest that the contract locks trainees into low-paying jobs for a longer time than is fair, given the work they are doing.
The Work Placement: Job Reality Check
Placement Process
After the training, Revature places its employees in positions at partner companies. This is often seen as the "big payoff" of the entire process. Redditors have shared mixed experiences about this part of the program.
While some do find themselves in reputable companies like IBM, Accenture, and Capgemini, many others report being placed in lesser-known firms, with few opportunities for professional growth. The placement process seems to lack transparency, leaving some trainees feeling uncertain about their future.
The Quality of Jobs
The job placement quality is another topic of frequent discussion on Reddit. "The jobs aren’t as glamorous as they make them seem," said one Redditor. Many trainees expect to work as developers or in other high-demand roles, but some report being placed in roles that don’t require the skills they trained for, such as tech support.
Salary Concerns
One of the most talked-about issues on Reddit regarding Revature is the salary structure. Many trainees express disappointment with their compensation after placement. The average salary for a Revature employee after training is often significantly lower than industry standards for the same positions.
One Reddit user detailed how they were being paid around $50,000 a year in a city where the cost of living required a significantly higher income to maintain a decent quality of life. This discrepancy between salary expectations and reality is a common issue for many Revature trainees.
Here’s a table that summarizes the salary expectations versus reality shared by Reddit users:
| City | Expected Salary ($) | Actual Salary ($) |
|---|---|---|
| New York City | 75,000 | 55,000 |
| San Francisco | 85,000 | 60,000 |
| Austin, TX | 65,000 | 50,000 |
| Chicago, IL | 70,000 | 50,000 |
As shown, the reality often falls short of what trainees expect, especially in high-cost-of-living areas. Many trainees find themselves struggling to make ends meet, let alone saving money or planning for the future.
Company Culture and Support
Another common theme on Reddit is the lack of support from Revature once employees have been placed. "Once you’re placed, you’re basically on your own," said one Redditor. While Revature does have a support system in place for trainees during their training period, many users report that this support becomes virtually nonexistent once they are placed in their jobs.
Employees often find themselves dealing with difficult work environments or job expectations that they weren’t properly prepared for. Additionally, some employees express feeling like they’re not treated as "real" employees by the companies they are placed in but more like "outsourced labor."
Conclusion: Is Revature Worth It?
The answer to this question depends on your specific goals and situation. Revature offers a fast track into the IT industry, especially for those who lack the technical background or connections to land jobs on their own. The training can be rigorous but also rewarding if you can keep up with the pace.
However, as revealed by Reddit, there are significant drawbacks that potential trainees should consider. The contract, the low salaries, and the lack of long-term support make it essential to weigh your options carefully before committing to the program.
In the end, Revature may be the right choice for someone who is struggling to break into the tech industry and is willing to trade off some immediate earnings and autonomy for experience. But for those who are more established or have the ability to pursue other training avenues, there may be better options available.
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