Coding is a valuable skill to develop in the modern world. Software is taking over the world, and high-paying programming jobs are everywhere. Unfortunately, if coding were easy, you wouldn’t get paid so much to do it. Learning to program takes time and effort, but it doesn’t need to take years.
A coding bootcamp can teach you how to code in months and set you up for success in the booming tech industry. People from many backgrounds become software engineers all the time, and you can, too, with the right guidance.
Why Go To A Coding Bootcamp?
Coding bootcamp is one of the best ways to learn to program. These comprehensive courses range in length from eight weeks to eighteen months, and, within that time, you’ll learn all the basics of coding.
Some bootcamps go more in-depth than others, but there’s a specific program for virtually all major coding fields in tech. Schools offer full- and part-time courses, both online and in-person in major cities like Denver and San Francisco.
Some college computer programs don’t teach students to code, instead expecting the industry to pick up the slack. Well, the industry did– but not how the college system expected. The industry began filling their demand for skilled programmers, with or without college degrees, by sponsoring coding bootcamps.
Even if you have a degree, coding bootcamps offer many benefits, including:
- Tech industry connections
- Practical coding experience
- Experienced instructors who know how to code
- Training in the latest and most popular coding languages
- A community of peers with the same goals
If you don’t want to go to college for computer science, you can attend a coding bootcamp instead. Many coding bootcamps work directly with the tech industry to place candidates in high-paying positions. While job placement isn’t guaranteed, you’ll build a compelling portfolio to help woo prospective employers.
But, can’t I just learn programming on the InterWebs?
Sure, but you’re likely to get stuck at some point. Then what? Who will you ask to help you? The professionals are too busy working, and instructors need to make a living, so you’re better off going to school for it. It’s true that plenty of online resources exist for coders, but if you want a well-rounded and practical education, your best bet is a coding bootcamp.
A coding bootcamp doesn’t need to ruin your finances, either, which brings us to our next point.
Coding bootcamp doesn’t have to break the bank
Flexible tuition is one of the biggest reasons why coding bootcamps are the best programming education option. Unlike college, you don’t have to take out massive student loans to learn how to code at a bootcamp.
Numerous programming schools offer income sharing agreements, which defer tuition costs until you land a coding job. These agreements usually specify a base salary (normally $50-60k) before you start paying off your tuition.
Some schools forgive tuition entirely if you can’t find a job. Even if you pay upfront, most coding bootcamps still cost only a fraction of a typical 4-year computer science degree. Additionally, plenty of excellent scholarships exist for qualified candidates.
How To Find The Best Program
Finding the right coding bootcamp for you can be tough. First, you need to figure out what you want to do. Do you want to be a web developer, a software engineer, or something else? Some bootcamps offer specialized courses in fields like data science, so it’s helpful to set your goals before you choose.
Be sure to ask the following questions when investigating coding bootcamps:
- How much does it cost?
- Does it offer an income sharing agreement?
- Do I have time for the coursework?
- Is the program full-time, part-time, online, or in-person?
- How successful are the program graduates?
Once you answer all of those questions, you’re ready to move on to the next step. Career Karma can help you through the process, from application and interview, to the job search after. You’ll join a community of aspirational programmers who will keep you motivated and on the right track.
About us: Career Karma is a platform designed to help job seekers find, research, and connect with job training programs to advance their careers. Learn about the CK publication.