There’s a lot of debate as to whether coders and software engineers can be self-taught. While the short answer is “yes,” you may need a mix of teacher-led and individual instruction to become job worthy in your field. A coding bootcamp is the perfect cross between both methods.
10 Reasons Why Coding Bootcamps are Worth It
With an average salary of $110,140 per year, it makes sense why you’d want to explore coding and tech as a career path, but should you use bootcamps for training? Yes, and here’s why.
1. Coding Bootcamps are Less Expensive
A computer science bachelor’s degree can cost $50,000 or more, whereas a coding bootcamp can range from $5,000 to $15,000. Coding bootcamps are much more affordable than other forms of education, making it less likely you’ll be affected by crushing debt or bad credit.
2. Coding Bootcamps Have Financial Aid
While coding bootcamps are more affordable, that doesn’t mean everyone has $15,000 lying around. If you require financial aid, you can take out a personal loan or inquire about deferred tuition (where you don’t have to pay upfront). You can also consider applying for scholarships.
3. Coding Bootcamps are More Focused
There’s a reason why Altcademy coding bootcamp and other high-quality bootcamps are so well regarded in the tech industry. Instead of putting filler courses in their curriculum, they focus on training you for a specific career. This makes it easier for you to get a job at a tech company.
4. Coding Bootcamps Last a Few Months
It will take you a minimum of 4 years to get a bachelor’s degree. Yet, you’re still unlikely to learn all of the topics covered in a coding bootcamp. Not only that, but you can complete a bootcamp in a few months, usually on your own time. The average full-stack program lasts 20-25 weeks.
5. Coding Bootcamps are for Beginners
Unlike a traditional course, you won’t need any prerequisites or prior training to attend a coding bootcamp. The instructors will teach you everything you need to know to get your tech career off the ground. But if you need more help, there are plenty of alternatives available in your course.
6. Coding Bootcamps are Taught by Industry Professionals
The tech industry moves at a fast pace, making it difficult for senior professors to keep up. But when you attend a coding bootcamp, you’ll be taught by industry professionals that stay up to date with the software development industry or are currently working in the fields they teach.
7. Coding Bootcamps Offer Aid Outside of Class
Asking for aid outside of a traditional classroom can be tough due to busy schedules or a lack of interest. While attending a coding bootcamp, you’ll receive more than enough help from your instructors. You’ll also receive additional non-academic aid, such as coaching and mentoring.
8. Coding Bootcamps Can Fit Your Schedule
Going back to school as an adult is complicated, especially when you have a job or a family to look after. However, bootcamps can fit around your schedule, whether they’re available online or offline. Fortunately, coding bootcamps are designed to revolve around working professionals.
9. Coding Bootcamps Will Land you a Job
While most of us think you need a degree to become a coder, that is far from the truth. 56% of developers in a 2016 study don’t have a college degree, and plenty of employers won’t ask for one as a prerequisite. In fact, both Google and Apple have hired coding bootcamp graduates.
10. Coding Bootcamps Earn you a Lot of Money
Software developers, coders, and web devs are highly sought after, and that’s unlikely to change anytime soon. Since you’re entering an understaffed industry, employers will pay a lot for your skills. On average, coding bootcamp graduates make $70,000 or more per year.
Cover Photo by Alexandru Acea on Unsplash