During the last couple of years, coding bootcamps have become more popular than ever. The demand for people with programming skills is high and increasing every day. It's not just about getting a job anymore; it's about creating an opportunity that will allow you to earn more money than you could at your current job - sometimes much more. And if this has piqued your interest, then now might be the time to start looking into what coding bootcamps are all about!
In this article, we're going to talk about something that can open up a whole new world of opportunity for you. No, it's not a scholarship or some lucky break - it's the chance to learn how to code. And if you take advantage of this opportunity now and make coding your profession, there are plenty of benefits waiting for you. So let's talk about what those benefits might be and whether or not they make investing in a coding bootcamp worth it.
A Career That's Always in Demand
First of all, you'll get to work in a career that's always in demand. In fact, the Bureau of Labor Statistics has projected that from 2021-2030 employment for software developers and engineers is going to increase by 22%. This is much faster than the average for all occupations. So not only will this field have more opportunities available overall, but the specific job title you learn how to do will be in high demand. What's more, the average salary for software developers and engineers is $110,140 per year - so you can really maximize your earning potential in this field.
Building Tools That People Want and Need
Second, you'll learn how to build things that people want or need. This means that when you get out of a coding bootcamp, not only will your education be valuable in the eyes of potential employers, but you'll also have a portfolio of your own work that indicates your skills. You can use this portfolio to get a job or continue learning and honing your craft on the side until you find a position that suits you best.
There Always Will Be a Problem to Solve!
Third, coding is all about problem-solving - and there is never a shortage of problems to solve. In fact, if you have an hour or two, just Google "current software development challenges" and check out the results for yourself! Coding is all about being able to think creatively and critically, so if you didn't know how before - now's your chance to learn.
Why is a coding bootcamp a good investment?
Earn More and More Quickly
A coding bootcamp may be a good investment for you because not only will they help increase your earning potential, but you will also be able to obtain that higher-paying career much faster than if you were to attempt to self-teach yourself through random online classes or videos.
The great news is that coding bootcamps do indeed work. In fact, bootcamp grads see a median salary increase of $22,000 over their pre-bootcamp salaries. Considering that the average cost of a coding bootcamp is $13,579, that's a pretty good return on investment (ROI).
Building Relationships
Another return on investment is the relationships that you will build with your group of pier students. These are the people who have gone through the same struggles as you, and who can empathize with what you are going through. There's a group of people to support you every step of your coding journey, and after you have graduated.
In addition to the relationships built with classmates, there are also the relationships built with instructors and employers. These people can help you get to where you want to be in your career, and they can offer advice and support along the way. Instructors can give you feedback on your work and help you improve, while employers can give you tips on what they are looking for in potential employees. Having a strong network of people who believe in you is an invaluable asset, so make sure to take advantage of it!
Bootcamps vs Degree Programs
What’s the difference between a coding bootcamp and a coding degree?
A typical bootcamp graduate spends less than six months transitioning into their new work environment from a bootcamp to a full-time position. 81% said they were more confident with jobs prospects after attending the bootcamp. Coding bootcamp programs work by helping people make a rapidly changing career change without a college degree.
A college degree program includes courses related to the subject a student is working in but also extracurricular courses and core courses like math, science, etc. College graduates might potentially better qualify for certain positions, but when it comes to coding, the world is changing so quickly that most colleges can not keep up. Typically a college has to go through a very lengthy process of approving curriculums through the Dept of Education which can lead to outdated knowledge being taught to students by the time it is approved.
A coding bootcamp is also typically far better organized than a college program that teaches students through a balanced curriculum. Bootcamps have a primary goal of getting that student placed into employment as quickly as possible, so they can land their dream job.
The Coding Bootcamp Experience: What You'll Get
Coding and software development bootcamps give you expert instructors and a structured lesson list. Bootcamps offer a nice middle ground between learning coding skills on your own (difficult and disorganized) or going to college for four years to study computer science at expensive and time-consuming costs. Colleges do career services but that doesn't compare to a coding bootcamp whose main focus is helping the graduates specifically get coding jobs.
Instructors at coding bootcamps typically have worked or currently work in the technology industry. They are able to provide first-hand advice and mentorship to students, which helps them navigate the job search process. Instructors also keep up with the latest industry trends, so students are able to learn the most up-to-date technologies.
How Much Does a Coding Bootcamp Cost?
Average coding bootcamp tuition was about $13,579 in 2020 by the company BestColleges. The cost of a Bootcamp may range from as little as $1,300 to as much as $30,000. Some programs offer tuition-free models based on donations and corporate partnerships. An average four-year degree can cost roughly $20,000 per year at a public university to $60,000 per year at private colleges.
Job Placement for Coding Bootcamp Graduates
Most coding bootcamps have job placement services. Many HR executives are willing to employ bootcamp graduates as they know they are receiving the very latest training and school they can get compared to most colleges. Even big tech companies have begun hiring Bootcampers for their tech jobs.
Some of the workshops that Upright Education offers students and graduates include access to career counselors, coaches, mentors, resume reviews and more to help them as they approach job searches. Ideally a coding bootcamp is also equipping the students with the knowledge and skills necessary to land a job after graduation, beyond the technical aspects of coding.
A Story of Success: Bootcamp Grads
Coding Bootcamp Graduate Teal Weigand
Photo: DARIA BISHOP
Teal Wiegand, a graduate of Upright Education & CERTiFi by Mercy College's UX/UI Design Bootcamp, lost her restaurant job in March 2020 and decided she was ready for a career change. Not long after graduating from the 12-week program - and with a lot of hard work - Teal began her new life as Strategic Marketing Manager.
The possibilities of what and who we want to be are endless but the road to getting there can often be paved with self-doubt...Can I do this? Am I qualified? Am I educated enough? Am I smart enough?
The answer is YES...YES, you are all those things; and YES, you can do it.
Can You Fail a Coding Bootcamp?
Yes, you can certainly fail a coding bootcamp. This usually happens if you are unprepared and unable to comprehend the material being presented. It's also possible if you don't take the bootcamp seriously and put in the effort necessary to succeed.
Most full-time bootcamps typically meet for eight hours each day or more, with homework on top of that. You must be prepared to tackle the significant studying loads expected of bootcamp students. But if you are focussed, determined and willing to learn, you will succeed!
How Do I Calculate the Return On Investment of a Bootcamp?
The return of investment (ROI) is calculated by comparing the cost of something to its benefit or gain. To find out if your bootcamp will be worth it, you need to look at the amount of money you make after graduation compared to before.
For example, if you spend $10,000 on a bootcamp and make an extra $50,000 per year after graduating, then the ROI is 500%. However, if you only make an extra $20,000 per year after graduating, then the ROI is 200%.
In order to get a more accurate calculation, you should do research on the salary of someone in your desired job before and after graduating from the bootcamp.
Coding bootcamps can be a worthwhile investment if you know what to look for. It's important to research the different types of coding academies available in your area and find one that best fits your needs, from schedule requirements to financial constraints.
If you have any questions at all, please reach out to us and the bootcamp you are interested in. We can answer specific questions you have about our academy and help guide your decision.