How to Choose the Right Coding Bootcamp?

There aren’t many things you can do in a short period of time that truly can change your life positively and almost instantly.

Let’s say you need about 12-16 weeks for the positive changes. You could go from reading this piece of prose to being a shiny new developer in that short timeframe. But how you get there is important.

Not all bootcamps are created equal, and it’s key to figure out which to pick so that you know what’s important to you before embarking on this relatively short but highly intense journey deeper into tech.

1. Define Your Goals

Ask yourself, “What kind of programmer do I want to be?” Coding offers endless career opportunities, so understanding your career objectives is crucial.

If you want to build websites, you might want to focus on web development, where you’ll learn technologies like HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and frameworks like React or Vue.

If you’re intrigued by artificial intelligence, machine learning, or data analysis, a data science bootcamp would align more with your goals.

Next, consider your skill level. Are you a complete beginner, just learning what coding is all about? Or do you already have a grasp of basic programming concepts?

For beginners, a bootcamp that focuses on the fundamentals of coding might be the perfect fit. For those with more experience, an advanced course in a specific area like machine learning, blockchain development, or full-stack web development would be more beneficial.

2. Research Bootcamp Specializations

Now that you’ve defined your goals, it’s time to dive into research mode. If you’ve decided that web development is your focus, you’ll want to find bootcamps specialising in front-end (user interface), back-end (server-side logic), or full-stack development.

Look for bootcamps that offer deep dives into JavaScript frameworks like React, Angular, or Node.js. The curriculum should be designed to help you become a professional web developer by the time you graduate.

If data science or artificial intelligence is more your speed, search for bootcamps that teach Python, machine learning algorithms, and data visualisation tools like Matplotlib or Tableau. It’s also worth checking if they offer real-world project work, as hands-on experience with data sets is critical for data science roles.

The bottom line? Ensure the bootcamp offers a curriculum that caters to your desired career path. Bootcamps that offer “jack-of-all-trades” curriculums can sometimes leave you with broad but shallow knowledge, so focus on those that go in-depth in your chosen field.

3. Curriculum and Teaching Style

Regarding coding bootcamps, the curriculum is the heart of the experience. A great curriculum goes beyond the “what” and dives deep into the “how” of coding. You’ll want to find a bootcamp that balances theoretical learning and hands-on, project-based work.

Bootcamps with project-based curriculums will allow you to work on real-world projects that closely mimic the tasks you’ll encounter in an actual job. Look for bootcamps that offer capstone projects or portfolio-worthy work that showcases your skills.

At CodeOp, for example, we’re serious about giving our students access to the best resources, instructors, and teaching practices. That is why we have smaller classes focused on the learner, allowing our instructors to stay flexible to the pace and needs of each student in the classroom.

Making sure your bootcamp of choice stays updated with industry trends is perhaps the most important step.

4. Instructor Quality and Support

Even the best curriculum won’t help if it’s delivered by someone with little real-world experience. The best instructors have been in the trenches, worked on real projects, and understand the challenges you’ll face when you land your first tech job.

Look for bootcamps that provide detailed information about their instructors. Ideally, you want someone with both coding experience and industry knowledge.

An instructor who can give you insights into how things are done in the real world and provide context to the technical concepts you’re learning is invaluable.

Bootcamps that offer one-on-one mentorship or office hours allow you to ask questions, review code, and troubleshoot issues directly with someone who knows the material inside and out.

5. Bootcamp Format: Online vs In-Person

Each format has pros and cons, depending on your lifestyle, learning preferences, and other commitments.

Online Bootcamps: You can learn from anywhere, often at your own pace, and many online bootcamps provide live sessions, recorded lectures, and one-on-one mentorship.

However, online bootcamps may lack the immersive experience and networking opportunities that in-person options provide.

In-Person Bootcamps: In-person bootcamps, on the other hand, offer a more immersive experience. You get face-to-face interaction with instructors, peers, and even potential employers. The downside? They often require you to dedicate full-time, which might not be suitable for everyone.

Hybrid Bootcamps: Hybrid bootcamps combine the flexibility of online learning with the community and networking advantages of in-person programs. These are becoming more common, especially in the wake of the pandemic, and allow for a balanced approach.

6. Duration and Time Commitment

Full-Time Bootcamps are typically immersive programs that run for 12 to 16 weeks. You’ll need to dedicate 40 to 60 hours per week if you’re ready to dive in headfirst and can commit to an intense learning environment. This is undoubtedly the fastest way to kickstart your career.

Part-time Bootcamps, in comparison, are designed for those with other commitments, like a full-time job or family. They usually occur in the evenings or on weekends, lasting anywhere from 6 to 9 months.

While they require a longer time commitment, they offer flexibility, making it easier for working professionals to fit learning into their busy lives.

Self-Paced Bootcamps allow you to go at your own speed. These are ideal for people who may not have a consistent schedule or want to take their time to truly absorb the material.

However, it can be challenging to stay motivated and on track without set deadlines or structure.

7. Career Services and Job Placement

A good bootcamp won’t just teach you how to code; it will help you land your first job in tech.

Career Support: Look for bootcamps that offer comprehensive career services, including resume workshops, interview preparation, and mock technical interviews.

These services will help you fine-tune your job application process and prepare for the competitive job market.

Job Placement Assistance: Some bootcamps have hiring partners that work directly with students to place them in entry-level tech roles. Many publish job placement rates, so it’s worth checking these stats.

Alumni Success Stories: Check for testimonials and success stories from former students. Where are they working now? How long did it take them to land a job after graduating?

Bootcamps that are transparent about their alumni can give you a sense of whether the program is right for you.

8. Bootcamp Cost and Financing Options

Coding bootcamps can vary greatly in price, from a few thousand dollars to over $20,000. The key is to find a program that aligns with your career goals and offers a financing option that works for you.

Consider the full cost of the bootcamp, including tuition, materials, and additional fees. Research what you’re paying for – does the bootcamp provide career services, a solid curriculum, and support from experienced instructors?

It is essential to determine whether the boot camp’s cost is justified by its offerings and success rate.

Return on Investment: Next, consider the long-term benefits. Coding bootcamps are an investment in your future career, and the skills you gain could lead to a significant salary increase.

For instance, tech jobs such as software development or data science can offer salaries between $60,000 and $100,000 for entry-level positions. Research job placement rates and the average salary of graduates to calculate whether the potential earnings outweigh the upfront cost.

Financing Options: If the cost seems daunting, don’t worry—there are several financing options available:

• Scholarships and Grants
• Income-Share Agreements (ISA)
• Flexible Payment Plans
• Employer Sponsorship

9. Reviews and Alumni Feedback

There are several platforms, such as Course Report and SwitchUp, that aggregate reviews of coding bootcamps. These reviews highlight crucial factors like teaching quality, curriculum effectiveness, instructor support, job placement assistance, and student satisfaction.

Pay attention to recurring themes in the reviews—both positive and negative. If you notice that multiple students are highlighting the same issues, it’s worth considering how those factors could impact your experience.

One of the best ways to get an authentic understanding of a bootcamp is by reaching out to alumni directly. Many alumni are happy to share their experiences.

Look for graduates who have gone into the field you’re interested in. Ask them about their day-to-day experiences during the bootcamp, how long it took to secure a job, and what challenges they faced after completing the program.