What is a Coding Bootcamp and How Can It Help You Launch Your Tech Career?

If you’re interested in a career in tech, a coding bootcamp may be the perfect option for you. Learn more about what they are and how they can benefit you.

Coding bootcamps have risen in popularity in recent years. They offer a fast-track to a career in tech, and can be a great option if you’re looking to switch careers or gain new skills quickly. They’re especially appealing if you’re looking for effective ways to achieve this career change in a shorter timeline. In this article, we’ll explore what coding bootcamps are, how they work, and the benefits they offer.

Contents

• What is a coding bootcamp?
• How do you choose the right coding bootcamp for you?
• What are the skills required for a coding bootcamp?
• What are the benefits of attending a coding bootcamp?
• How much do coding bootcamps cost?
• What types of careers can you pursue after attending a coding bootcamp?

 

What is a coding bootcamp?

A coding bootcamp is a short-term, intensive program designed to teach students the skills they need to become proficient in coding and programming. These programs typically last anywhere from a few weeks to a few months, and are designed to provide students with hands-on experience and practical skills that they can use to launch a career in tech. Coding bootcamps are often taught by experienced professionals in the field, and offer a fast-track to a career in tech for those who are willing to put in the time and effort to learn. 

Like the bootcamps at CodeOp, many coding bootcamps also offer career services and job placement assistance to help graduates find employment in the field. While coding bootcamps can be intense and require a significant time commitment, they can be a great way to jumpstart a career in tech and gain the skills needed to succeed in the industry.

 

Full Stack Development Bootcamps

Full Stack Development is one of the most popular fields taught in coding bootcamps. It involves learning both Frontend Development, which focuses on the user interface and user experience, and Backend Development, which focuses on the server-side of web applications. In a Full Stack Development bootcamp, you learn how to build and deploy web applications from start to finish, using a variety of programming languages and tools. Students also learn how to manage a project’s entire life cycle – including brainstorming, prototyping, debugging, and deployment. 

At CodeOp, students learn in two phases – the lecture phase and the project phase. During the teaching phase, students learn and practise the foundational principles related to the programming languages and data structures they are focusing on. During the project phase, students complete one solo project, one in pairs – which involves improving the features on a classmate’s app, and one group project. The teaching style in the project phase emphasises learning while working in teams, much like a real work environment. By the end of the program, students are equipped with a solid understanding of how to create dynamic, interactive web applications that meet the needs of users and businesses alike.

Photo by RF._.studio

Data Science Bootcamps

Data Science is another popular subject for tech bootcamps. Data Science involves using statistical analysis and machine learning techniques to extract insights, trends, and knowledge from large datasets. Data Science bootcamps typically cover topics such as data analysis, data visualisation, machine learning, and programming languages such as Python. Graduates of Data Science bootcamps are in high demand in industries like finance, healthcare, and technology, where the ability to analyse and interpret large amounts of data is critical to success.

Much like the Full Stack Development bootcamp, CodeOp’s data science students also learn in lecture and project phases. The lecture phase acquaints students with concepts like data analysis in Python and libraries it can be used with, as well as building & reviewing databases with SQL. During the project phase, students go through the data analysis lifecycle with an individual and collaborative project. Both of CodeOp’s bootcamps finish off with Career Week, a time for students to receive advice in curating CVs and career profiles, preparing for interviews, and maintaining practice beyond the bootcamp.

Photo by ThisIsEngineering

 

How do you choose the right coding bootcamp for you?

Choosing the right coding bootcamp that works for your unique needs is extremely important, as there are many key factors to consider. First, research the curriculum and make sure it aligns with your career goals. Look for bootcamps that offer hands-on experience and real-world projects, as this will help with the learning curve in a job environment. It’s also useful to consider the length and cost of the program, as well as the location (or online options) and weekly time commitment. We’d really recommend reading reviews and talking to alumni to get a sense of the bootcamp’s reputation and success rate. Here are some of those key factors you should consider:

Curriculum

Before making the decision to go with a coding bootcamp, it is important to choose one with a curriculum that genuinely interests you. Since bootcamps are currently popular in the world of tech, there are many available subjects to choose from. From UI/UX Design to Data Science and beyond, there are a range of bootcamps through which you can learn code. If you know you are interested in learning how to code through a bootcamp but you’re not quite sure what topic is for you, it’s important to do some research on available curriculums. You can even take an online quiz to help you, like this one by CareerFoundry.

Full-time or Part-time

Bootcamps can vary in length, typically ranging from 6 weeks to 6 months. For example, our full-time bootcamps are 11 weeks long, while part-timers spend between 26-30 weeks learning. In most bootcamps, full-time learners can expect to spend over 40 hours per week on coursework and projects, while part-time learners attend classes for around six hours per week and spend more or less 10 hours on self-paced learning and projects outside of class. The schedule you choose will ultimately depend on your other commitments, availability and how quickly you want to complete the program.

In-person or online

Many bootcamps are typically offered in-person and online. They provide a structured curriculum that ensures that whether you log into class or are present physically, you will have access to the same information and support. These flexible learning options accommodate different schedules and preferences, allowing more and more individuals access to a successful career transition. While both options are valid and can be equally effective, it’s important to choose one that adheres best to your needs. For example, if you value having the physical educational environment to motivate you, an in-person bootcamp might be better suited for you. On the other hand, if you need a more flexible schedule and the comfort of completing your class from anywhere, you might prefer an online bootcamp.

Careers Support

Getting the appropriate support in starting a new career can be just as important as having the right teachers to learn from. Perhaps you might want to consider the career support options that are offered by a bootcamp, like CV building workshops, whiteboard challenges, or interview practice. Knowing the job placement rate of graduates can also help put the effectiveness of both the bootcamp & career support into perspective. As bootcamps can also be a financial investment in a new career, getting a new job in tech is a great way to get a return on that investment and more.

Community

Finding a sense of community in a bootcamp can help far beyond your study days. Bootcamp students undergo a unique experience that is definitely made easier by being shared. It helps to be surrounded by people who are like-minded and aiming for similar goals as you, as well as to motivate and encourage you. Community can also extend to teachers and other bootcamp staff who are not in your position but genuinely want you to achieve your fullest potential. This type of support can heavily influence a bootcamp experience from your very first inquiry to your first day at a new job, and beyond. 

Financial Support

When looking for a bootcamp, it is important to consider what your financial support needs may be, if any. Since many bootcamps are designed to be more accessible than traditional education, it is common for them to have many options to accommodate prospective students in this sense. In addition to the payment plans and scholarships we have, there are also income share agreements, which exempt you from paying for a course until you have landed a job. Having the proper support in this way takes off a lot of the burden when making such a big life change.

Mission and Values

It is important to have your personal goals for starting a bootcamp be clear, so that you can find one whose mission and values align with this. What does your ideal bootcamp environment look & feel like? What is important to you in such an environment? Some may value a bootcamp’s commitment to advancing knowledge in a specific technology, while others may search for bootcamps that focus on helping marginalised groups build a career in the tech space. Regardless of what yours may be, make sure that your chosen bootcamp is the right fit for your values. 

 

What are the skills required for a coding bootcamp?

Bootcamps typically focus on cultivating practical skills and hands-on experience, rather than extensive theoretical knowledge. Contrary to popular belief it’s not imperative to have a strong foundation in maths or analytical skills. 

Admissions Criteria for a Bootcamp

Learning in a bootcamp is just like many educational journeys, because most of what will truly help you succeed is an eagerness to learn and the discipline to stay committed. However, there are some fairly common soft skills that would definitely give you an advantage. Some of them are:

• An interest in coding
• A knack for solving problems
• A willingness to make mistakes and try again
• Motivation to learn and continue learning

It is also helpful to have a clear understanding of your goals and what you hope to achieve through the program. Additionally, having a solid understanding of fundamental coding concepts can be beneficial throughout both the bootcamp and job search process but this is by no means essential.

 

Skills that a Bootcamp Will Give You

Photo by Christina Morillo

Graduates of coding bootcamps are often well-equipped to work in collaborative environments and communicate effectively with their colleagues. To hone these skills, bootcamp students are encouraged to work together on assignments and participate in study groups. These skills that you’ll develop in your program will help you succeed in your future tech career:

• Time management
• Project management
• Facilitating presentations
• Clear, concise communication
• Problem-solving
• Critical thinking
• Teamwork
• Flexibility
• Giving and receiving feedback

 

What are the benefits of attending a coding bootcamp?

Attending a coding bootcamp can provide numerous benefits if you’re interested in launching a career in tech. Despite the rigorous nature of these programs, they offer a number of benefits.

Accelerated Learning

One benefit that appeals to most is the time-frame. As opposed to a 2-4 year computer science degree, bootcamps offer a fast and intensive way to gain the skills and experience needed to enter the industry. They also give students a well-rounded education through the programming languages, concepts, and practice that is offered. 

Hands-on Experience

Due to the accelerated learning curve, many bootcamp students experience aspects of a real working environment. From being instructed by field professionals to activities that mirror the professional environment, bootcamps bridge the gap between an educational environment in tech and the workplace. Students at CodeOp’s bootcamps are taken through both their individual and group project phases with processes, mentorship, and project management tools that simulate future professional environments.

Flexibility 

Bootcamps are also widely popular due to the differing schedule options that are available. As opposed to a degree program, this is especially appealing to individuals who need more specific scheduling, like students who need to work while studying or have other commitments. For example, we now offer a part-time morning bootcamp that allows working women+ parents greater flexibility in managing work & family commitments while pursuing education. 

Community 

Bootcamps offer access to a supportive community of fellow coders. Due to the collaborative nature of bootcamps, it is more than likely for bootcampers to develop long-lasting connections with fellow students, and this support can be essential when breaking into a new field. Isabelle Matte, a Full Stack Development graduate, shared her community-enriching experience at CodeOp:

“The instructor and teacher assistants created a very good technical and emotional support atmosphere. Everything at CodeOp breathes and transmits passion for coding. The main plus of the school is based on their choice to be specialised for women and trans people, it is very much empowering and liberating to be able to grow in such a safe environment. I did not know, before taking this course, that it was possible to simply be heard, feel supported, recognized and valued for my true self.”

Careers Support

Most bootcamps have training specifically tailored to help students with the career transition aspect of their studies. This can include CV-making workshops, connections with potential employers, interview tips from industry professionals, networking events, and more. This is yet another aspect that differentiates bootcamps from the traditional 4-year route to a tech career. The career services offered by bootcamps can play a big role in helping students land their first job in tech.

Overall, coding bootcamps provide a fast and effective way for you to gain the skills and experience needed to launch a career in tech. From providing students with workplace experience, to the flexibility in scheduling, they truly allow a more affordable, accessible route into tech for those who ordinarily wouldn’t have the option. At CodeOp, we focus on reducing the gender gap in tech because we believe that providing a safe space for underrepresented people to transition to this field will change the culture of tech forever. As innovation rapidly shapes the world we live in, it is so important that this is influenced by diverse teams. 

 

How much do coding bootcamps cost?

Bootcamp tuition varies based on location and course length. The average cost of a bootcamp is around 7700€.

However, many coding bootcamps offer scholarships or payment plans for those who qualify. For example, we offer a range of financial assistance options, including an income share agreement that allows students to pay back tuition once they have finished the course and landed a job. Having options like this is an important step in making the transition to tech more inclusive. It allows this education to remain accessible to those coming into bootcamps without ample financial resources.

Photo by energepic.com

What types of careers can you pursue after attending a coding bootcamp?

Attending a coding bootcamp can open up a variety of career paths in the tech industry. Depending on the bootcamp you do, some common roles that graduates pursue include:

• Full Stack Developer 
• Web Developer 
• Mobile App Developer 
• Software Engineer
• Data Scientist
• Data Analyst 
• UX/UI Designer 

The specific career path you choose may depend on your interests, skills, and the type of coding bootcamp you attend. You may find that you graduate the bootcamp and want to combine your newly sharpened skills with other passions. Or, since teaching can help you understand concepts better, you may find yourself in the position of helping bootcamp students, much like CodeOp double bootcamp graduate Shandy Roque (who is currently a teaching assistant):

“As a student and teaching assistant, I saw that they [CodeOp] are really committed to giving high-quality courses as developments and improvements to the curriculum are never-ending. With each iteration, we discuss how we can make the concepts more accessible and how we can improve student experience. And, I have seen a lot of developments since my first course and this was only last year. The human touch makes the transition less scary and more memorable. And, I found that in this community. I continue my work with them as a teaching assistant as I am very happy and thankful to be part of this community. ”

 

Conclusion

Coding bootcamps offer intensive training designed to teach students the skills needed to become a developer. Unlike traditional computer science degrees, which can take years to complete and cover a wider range of topics, coding bootcamps focus specifically on the most in-demand programming languages and frameworks. These programs require a significant amount of commitment and dedication from students, as they involve a rigorous curriculum. You can expect to work on solo and team programming projects, as well as participate in workshops and other activities designed to simulate a real-world working environment. This helps you develop both the technical & non-technical skills you need to succeed in a fast-paced, collaborative work environment as is common in a tech career. Coding bootcamps can also be more accommodating in terms of schedules, learning styles, and finances, increasing access to this traditionally exclusive field.  

 

FAQs

Is a coding bootcamp worth it?

While coding bootcamps may not be for everyone, they can be an excellent way to learn hard & soft skills to work with a coding language in a professional environment. A study showed that 82% of bootcamp graduates went on to secure in-field employment within a year, and that 10% of high-level software engineers obtained their skills from bootcamps.

Is a coding bootcamp for beginners?

While certain bootcamps require incoming students to do some prep work, bootcamps don’t require prior knowledge of any coding languages or technological practices. However, those with prior knowledge looking for a different experience can access advanced bootcamps.

Do coding bootcamps look good on a resume?

Bootcamps look great on a resume, along with the projects a bootcamp graduate has worked on. There are various ways to represent the bootcamp experience on your resume, but it is important to also show off your projects & skills that were developed during/after the bootcamp.

What do you do in a coding bootcamp?

Coding bootcamps teach students how to code and work with coding languages in professional environments. They also teach students other soft skills important to the work environment, like how to present projects clearly and how to work in a team during the entire project life cycle.