We're excited to introduce you to Ben Organ, who leads our Software Development Bootcamp. With a rich background in technology and a passion for teaching, Ben is dedicated to helping students become skilled software developers. Here’s a closer look at Ben's journey, teaching philosophy, and what makes him such a valuable member of our team.
Meet Ben Organ
Ben Organ holds a degree in Computer Science from the University of Bristol. His entrepreneurial spirit started early as he launched two tech companies while still in university—a digital marketing agency and a web hosting company. After moving to Canada in 2018, Ben transitioned into freelance work and teaching at a coding bootcamp. He further honed his skills as an Engineering Manager at Spare Labs and most recently served as the Director of Engineering at Athena.
Ben's decision to work in technology stems from his belief in its potential to make the world a better place. He finds joy in creating software that can positively impact lives across the globe. His favourite part of the industry is the endless opportunities technology provides to build innovative solutions and reach people far and wide.
Teaching Experience and Philosophy
Ben's teaching journey began in the UK, where he taught PHP and Drupal at a coding bootcamp. He continued this passion in Vancouver, teaching full-stack development. His teaching philosophy revolves around using real-world examples to explain concepts. Ben starts by presenting theory and demonstrations, followed by exercises that allow students to apply what they've learned. Adapting to the needs and pace of the class is crucial for him, ensuring every student gets the most out of their learning experience.
Ben finds the most rewarding part of his job in seeing students progress from beginners to being capable of building complete websites. A memorable moment for him was when a student initially struggled with JavaScript but, after personalized support and different explanations, finally had a breakthrough. Witnessing that “lightbulb moment” was incredibly gratifying.
Engaging Students and Staying Current
Ben employs a variety of teaching methods to keep students engaged, including slides, code examples, polls, quizzes, and hands-on exercises. This diverse approach helps cater to different learning styles and keeps the material interactive and engaging.
To stay top of the latest trends and developments in technology, Ben follows industry blogs, connects with peers, and reads up on new advancements online. He believes that continuous learning is essential, advising prospective learners to embrace this mindset.
“Get used to learning. Learning how to learn is one of the most important skills as a developer!”
Outside the Classroom
When he's not teaching, Ben loves spending time outdoors. His hobbies include hiking, camping, cycling, snowboarding, and kayaking. He's also an avid motorcyclist, enjoying motorcycle camping trips in the Pacific Northwest. Travel, good food, and home baking are also among his interests, reflecting a well-rounded and adventurous spirit.
Ready to take your coding skills to the next level? Explore our Software Development Bootcamp and learn from experts like Ben Organ. Connect with Ben on LinkedIn.
