private! pay attention! ten hat! Want to prove you have what it takes to be a coder? Then head over to your local recruiting office and sign up for a coding bootcamp. This short course will teach you everything you need to know to join the ranks of professional computer programmers.
But are they really worth the trouble, the tears and the sweat? Or are they better off learning to code some other way? That’s what we’re here to find out We did some research to help you decide if they are the right choice for you.
If you need something to code, check out Live Science’s guide. Best laptop for coding and programming. (opens in new tab) .
What is a Coding Bootcamp and what do you learn? (Image credit: Getty)
Coding bootcamps are intensive courses, typically 6-12 weeks, from beginner to pro coder. The idea is that instead of studying four years for a computer science degree, he can study more intensively and learn most of the knowledge he needs.
There are hundreds of bootcamp operators around the world, each offering their own courses, usually tailored to different aspects of computer science. for example, Thoughtful (opens in new tab) is one of the popular options in the San Francisco, CA Bay Area, offering three courses: Software Engineering, Data Analytics, and UI/UX Design. Similarly, Le Wagon (opens in new tab) is a popular choice in London that divides its courses into web development, data analysis and data science.
Is the bootcamp coding online or in person? (Image credit: Getty)
We have a lot online coding course (opens in new tab) but the appeal of boot camp for most people is that it is often in-person.
This is probably not very convenient, but it has many advantages, such as facilitating collaboration with coursemates, one-on-one mentoring, etc. Find lucrative jobs in coding.
Is bootcamp coding hard? A man pointing to the screen where the code was displayed. (Image credit: Getty)
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Boot camp is not for the faint of heart. The point of bootcamps is to cram as much learning as possible into a short time frame. So overall he can expect a 60-80 hour week. This can be a mix of lectures, seminars, and independent work. Also, do not expect to have weekends during the course as there will be homework.
How much can I earn after coding bootcamp? A stack of one hundred dollar bills, also known as Benjamins. (Image credit: Getty)
Although it is difficult to compare the impact of different courses in different countries, according to the course report (opens in new tab) , a survey of 3,043 bootcamp graduates found that they earned an average of $69,079 (around £58,000) in their first post-bootcamp job. This gave her a 56% increase in pre-bootcamp salary.
How do I join a coding bootcamp? A line of JavaScript code. (Image credit: Getty) Boot camps are not for absolute beginners. Depending on the course you’re taking, you’re probably expected to acquire some skills. For example, from being comfortable with more advanced computing tasks such as working on the command line, to expecting that you already have the skills, precisely the range of skills. I have basic coding skills.
Similarly, admission to courses is not guaranteed. Most bootcamps require you to apply for a place and, of course, select candidates based on their skills and ability to pay. , you may have to complete the task.
How much does a coding bootcamp cost? Money on laptop. (Image credit: Getty) This is the tricky part.the boot camp not cheap For example, a data science course at Le Wagon in London is around $8,800 (£7,400). Maker Academy (opens in new tab) A 16-week course in London also costs over $10,000 (£8,500). Beyond the pond, charges can be even higher. Thinkful’s full-time software engineering courses in San Francisco are $16,000 (opens in new tab) (~£13,200).
In most cases, bootcamps offer loan options to help pay. However, remember that you will not be working while you are taking the course, so you will need to pay for food, rent and other household expenses at the same time.
Can Bootcamps Help You Find High-Paying Coding Jobs? People working on laptops in the office. (Image credit: Getty) That’s what I think, but it’s not a guarantee. The boot camp strives to help graduates find employment. This often comes in the form of direct contact with the company. In other words, invite the recruiting team to meet the students and watch the presentation. Many universities also offer alumni networks, where alumni can connect and network.
However, perhaps the most effective thing bootcamps do is provide space to develop a portfolio. The coding assignments completed during the course will be the first project in your portfolio when you apply for jobs and talk to companies about your experience.
What are the alternatives to bootcamp coding? Female student using laptop to take notes and study online. (Image credit: Prostock-studio via Shuttstock) (opens in new tab)
Bootcamps aren’t the only way to learn to code. If you have the time and money to spare, you can go the traditional route of getting a regular computer science degree. This will take him 3-4 years, it will cost him more, but he will learn more in the end. Additionally, you will still have access to the networking aspect of bootcamp. Use your study time to build industry connections with your professional peers.
However, if you want a cheaper alternative, you can always go it alone and try to learn as an independent learner. code academy (opens in new tab) .
Is coding bootcamp worth it? After all, signing up for bootcamp is like taking a bet on your future. This means that a large upfront investment in learning is rewarded by rewarding higher paying jobs. But everyone has their own circumstances to consider, so you’ll have to decide for yourself if bootcamp is the right choice for you.
But if you’re completely new to the world of coding, bootcamp shouldn’t be your first step. Check out our online learning resources to step into the world of coding and programming before finally spending a lot of money diving into something that might not be right for you.
Live Science has a lot of resources to help you on your coding journey. You can check it below.
