Frequently Asked Questions

  • There isn’t one. FastTrack operates on a high-trust model.

    Cook Systems funds the program because we work with clients that need technology talent, and our goal is to develop qualified developers who can ultimately go to work with those clients.

    There is no tuition, no income-share agreement, and no repayment obligation if you complete FastTrack and do not ultimately enter a role with Cook Systems.

    In return, we ask participants to take the opportunity seriously, complete the program, communicate well, and give Cook Systems a fair opportunity to help connect them with client opportunities after graduation.

  • The program is designed for developers who already have a technical foundation and want to strengthen their full-stack capabilities, gain experience working in a more professional development environment, and prepare for software development opportunities.

    FastTrack participants come from a variety of backgrounds, including computer science programs, boot camps, internships, professional development experience, technical training, and substantial independent projects. A college degree is not required.

    Our FastTrack team includes professionals from software development, IT, human resources, and business leadership, with experience across organizations of all sizes. We understand both the technical and professional qualities employers look for when hiring early-career developers, and we use that perspective to help prepare FastTrack participants for real opportunities.

  • FastTrack graduates may be considered for opportunities with Cook Systems clients based on their skills, location, client needs, and available positions.

    You are never required to accept a role. Our goal is to find opportunities that make sense for both you and the client.

    Available clients, locations, work arrangements, and roles can change based on market demand. Our team will share more information about relevant opportunities as you move through the process.

  • No. FastTrack is an unpaid, tuition-free, 8-week learning and development program. Participants do not receive wages while completing the program.

  • Participants should expect to devote approximately 25–30 hours per week to FastTrack.

    Much of the program is self-directed, allowing you flexibility in when you complete learning content, assignments, and individual development work.

    However, FastTrack is not completely asynchronous. Participants will also need to be available for certain scheduled activities, including collaborative projects, assessments, program milestones, and other required interactions.

    Successfully completing FastTrack while working will depend on your schedule, your ability to manage the workload, and your commitment to staying engaged throughout the program.

  • No.

    There is no tuition repayment, income-share agreement, or program fee deducted from your compensation if you are hired after FastTrack.

    If you accept an employment opportunity through Cook Systems, you will be paid based on the terms of that specific role.

  • Before you are accepted into FastTrack, our team will discuss the anticipated compensation range for the types of entry-level opportunities currently available so you can determine whether the opportunity is generally aligned with your expectations. Our goal is to be transparent about compensation expectations before you commit to the program. Actual compensation may vary based on the client, role, location, and other factors, and is not finalized until an employment offer with Cook Systems is made.

  • Cook Systems invests in FastTrack because we want qualified graduates to go to work with our clients. Placement depends on several factors, including your performance in the program, successful completion of program requirements, client demand, available positions, location, interview results, and overall market conditions.

    Some graduates may move into opportunities quickly, while others may wait longer for the right role to become available.

    Our team will work to identify and pursue opportunities that align with your skills and client needs. Employment is the goal, but it is not guaranteed.

  • Opportunities vary by client.

    Some roles may be ongoing consulting assignments through Cook Systems, while others may be structured with the potential to transition into direct employment with the client.

    For Cook Systems consulting assignments, employment may continue as long as there is an appropriate client opportunity and the assignment remains active. Some client engagements are structured in defined periods and may be renewed over time.

    If a client intends for a role to transition to direct employment, those expectations will be discussed with you as part of the opportunity.

    There are no FastTrack tuition repayment obligations tied to accepting or leaving a Cook Systems employment opportunity.

  • FastTrack is selective and moves quickly. The program assumes participants already have a meaningful software development foundation. Our screening process helps us determine whether applicants have the technical background and overall readiness needed to succeed in an intensive 8-week program.

    Applicants should expect a technical assessment along with additional screening steps before being accepted.

    The purpose is not to find people who already know everything FastTrack teaches. We are looking for developers who have enough foundation to build on and the ability to succeed in the environment.

  • FastTrack is an intensive, project-driven full-stack development program that builds from backend development to frontend development and ultimately full-stack application development.

    Technical areas include:

    • Java and object-oriented programming

    • Spring and Spring Boot

    • REST APIs and web services

    • SQL and relational databases

    • JavaScript and TypeScript

    • Angular

    • Git and collaborative development workflows

    • Testing, debugging, and code quality

    • Agile development practices

    • Full-stack application development

    Participants apply these skills through technical assignments, assessments, hands-on development, and collaborative projects. The curriculum progresses through backend development, frontend development, and a full-stack capstone.

    FastTrack also prepares developers for an environment where generative AI is becoming part of the development toolkit. AI concepts and practices are incorporated throughout the program, including prompt engineering, AI-assisted development, evaluating AI-generated output, and responsible use.

    Career readiness and professional development are also incorporated into the FastTrack experience to help participants better understand the expectations of professional development teams and prepare for future interviews and client opportunities.

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