Is a Coding Bootcamp Right For You?

Training for a career in tech is exciting, but there’s a lot to do. From learning the basics of coding to finding a job, it can be challenging to make the right decisions. That’s why it’s especially important to choose the best coding bootcamp so you can focus on your education above all else.

But how do you decide what program fits best? There are dozens of excellent courses available today, and online can help. But before you rely exclusively on other sites, you need to determine precisely what you’re looking for.

In this article, we’ll go over the basics of these courses, and show you how to choose the right program and start your career search strong.

What is a Coding Bootcamp?

Coding bootcamps are a new way to train for a career in tech. These short-term and intensive job training programs help beginners learn how to code. Bootcamps, unlike some other tech education programs, are designed with job placement in mind. 

Bootcamps arrived on the education scene around 2010 and became popular just a few years later. Since then, thousands of students from bootcamps like General Assembly, Hack Reactor, and Flatiron School entered the workforce.

Thanks to job placement and student outcome reporting, bootcamps have earned a strong reputation amongst students and hiring managers. In 2019, over 33,000 students attended or graduated from bootcamps, many of which found jobs at top tech companies.

What are the Benefits of Coding Bootcamp?

A great bootcamp is a fast, direct, and well-designed program that equips students with the skills they need to compete in the job market. And, as the numbers demonstrate, many bootcamps found the key to successful education.

Coding bootcamps offer numerous advantages to people looking for a new career. Most programs last six months or less, and the tuition is often a fraction of what you’d pay for a computer science degree.

Additionally, some bootcamps offer job guarantees through income-share agreements. If students can’t find a job after graduation, the school refunds tuition and absorbs the financial blow. If students find a high-paying job, they agree to pay a fixed percentage of their income for a short period, usually less than five years. Income-share agreements, living stipends, and job guarantee make bootcamps affordable to many people who never had access to high-tech education before.

Choosing a Program

First, figure out what you want to study. Today, bootcamps offer a wide range of tech career paths and schedules. Tuition costs and payment methods also vary. That’s why it’s essential to consider your goals, finances, and schedule before choosing. 

Pick a Career 

Bootcamp courses cover dozens of different coding languages, tools, and industry practices to prepare students for a complex and technically challenging career. Coding isn’t the only topic of study available at a bootcamp. Students who want to work in tech (but don’t want to learn to code) can choose fields such as digital marketing.

Choose a Schedule

After deciding on a topic to study, check your availability, and determine how much time you have to commit. Many programs offer flexible schedules so students can continue working, attending school, or taking care of their families.

Full-time programs are common and require a six or seven-day weekly commitment. Courses often run six to eight hours per day, excluding homework and study time. Full-time programs are ideal for people who want to ‘get it over with’ and finish quickly. 

However, you don’t have to attend a full-time bootcamp to get an education. Part-time programs run on nights, weekends, and odd hours, allowing students to maintain a life outside of school.

Finally, let’s go over the most flexible education option of them all—online programs. Many coding bootcamp students find the same high-quality curriculum online, and complete the program on a fixed schedule (with live video classes) or on their own time. With a wide range of available scheduling options, anyone can fit a bootcamp course into a tight calendar.

Calculate the Cost

It’s essential to consider your finances before choosing a program. Higher costs don’t always equate to better education, but inexpensive programs sometimes lack the resources necessary to prepare you for a job.

Thankfully, there are plenty of tools available to students to ease the burden of coding bootcamp tuition. Dozens of excellent scholarships aid thousands of students each year, and innovative income-share agreements promise to spare bootcamp students from the drudgery of student loans. 

Before choosing a coding bootcamp, investigate any available financing or tuition-deferment options. Luckily, there are plenty of ways to pay for coding bootcamp, and most students find an option that works for them. 

Conclusion

Coding bootcamps help thousands of students break into tech every year and promise new opportunities for people of all backgrounds. If you’re looking for a fulfilling and high-paying career in tech, consider a coding bootcamp.

Thankfully, choosing the best coding bootcamp for you doesn’t have to be a nightmare. Simply consider these steps, find your niche, and prepare to change your career prospects forever.