Alan Draper
Many Computer Science graduates have trouble finding work due to their lack of experience with real web development projects. We hear about this problem often — college hasn’t prepared these students for the real deal, which is why a coding bootcamp could be the best alternative. Coding bootcamps are rising in popularity as an alternative to costly universities and massive student loans —thanks to their hands-on learning experience at a much more affordable price.
Ranging anywhere from 6 – 24 weeks long, a coding bootcamp requires less time commitment than the traditional 4+ years required for a college education. Many programs also offer exciting perks for students, such as mentorship and assistance with job placements after completion. So can a coding bootcamp really be a college alternative for those interested in learning web development? Not always, but here are some of the reasons we say yes:
You can learn the exact skills prospective employers are looking for now
Many say the changes in technology are outpacing the speed at which colleges can keep up and approve new curriculums. One advantage of attending a coding bootcamp is that you will learn the exact skills that prospective employers are looking for now, giving you an advantage. Employers are always going to ask about your experience, and coding bootcamps know that. At a coding bootcamp, you’ll receive a more hands-on teaching experience and guidance with real projects versus heavy focus on theory and underlying principles.
Receive job preparation and post-graduate opportunities
Most coding bootcamps offer some form of job preparation to their students. Anything from assistance crafting resumes or portfolios, practicing technical interviews, and networking opportunities. Oftentimes, students even get to meet directly with interested companies eager to recruit entry-level developers.
Coding bootcamps have a proven track record of success
The main goal of coding bootcamps is to help students land a job in the technology industry after graduation, and according to a new survey from Course Report, they are achieving great success in meeting this goal.
Course Report surveyed 432 graduates of 48 different bootcamps. Here is what they found:
• Respondents reported an average salary increase of $25,000 or 44%, after graduating from a bootcamp. They were also more likely to be employed full-time.
• 75% of respondents had jobs that required skills learned at bootcamp. This coincides well with the 74% of students whose top reason for attending was to land a programming job.
• The typical bootcamp student was 29 years old, had a bachelor’s degree, and had never worked in software before. Nearly 40% were women.
• Almost 40% of bootcamp students had no programming background before entering the program.
• The average bootcamp tuition was about $10,000.
• Coding schools provide valuable career services. Nearly 90% of students report receiving some resume prep assistance, 60% received apprenticeship or internship placement, 58% received job placement assistance, and 42% had on-site interviews.
For a relatively new method of teaching, these numbers are impressive. The success of these coding bootcamp graduates suggests that for many, practical knowledge and skill is valued above traditional college credentials. Coding bootcamps have proven to be an effective way to prepare students for a career in tech, and we’re excited to watch the coding bootcamp industry continue to grow rapidly as the need for developers continues to grow as well.
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This article was written for Business 2 Community by Alan Draper.
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Coding schools are more an alternative way to learn programming than a college alternative. The most common student is someone who has an undergraduate degree, and that can actually help them learn a programming language. That being said, coding schools have taught an array of backgrounds, both in age and at different educational levels, how to build web apps.
If you are unsure about your professional or educational trajectory and have an interest in technology, then I would recommend checking out one of these schools.
I agree 100% with this article. If we think back to a time before universities started charging for pseudo education people were trained in a craft by master craftsmen. An apprentice would study under a professional of their sought trade and would quickly learn the skills actually needed to perform the trade. I think these coding bootcamps are a perfect way for people to learn to code. One of my friends is going to attend this one in the fall BoiseCodeWorks