Are Coding Bootcamps Worth It?

A coding bootcamp or web development bootcamp is a course that runs over a short period, often around three months. It is ordinarily full-time and intensive, with self-study also required, although part-time options are sometimes available. Generally, industry experts teach the courses, emphasizing the skills needed to land a job in the tech industry as a software engineer, programmer or developer.

Here is everything you might want to know about coding bootcamps.

What are coding bootcamps?

The most common type of coding bootcamp is a commercial bootcamp. These courses are typically set up by a group of individual programmers or a company as a for-profit endeavor. There is usually a large upfront cost; there is a lot of variation in quality and even curriculum, so make sure to do your research.

Another increasingly common type of bootcamp is a job-guaranteed bootcamp. As the name suggests, they will guarantee you a job after completing the course. If you don’t get a job within a specific time, you will not pay for the course.

How do job-guaranteed coding bootcamps work?

Job-guaranteed bootcamps may be more selective about who they let enroll, as they are motivated in ensuring everyone has the potential to become employed at the end.

There are usually two types of job-guaranteed bootcamps. Some coding bootcamps require you to pay upfront and refund you the costs if you cannot get a job, while others require you to pay only when you get a job. There is less risk with the second type of job-guaranteed coding bootcamps.

What are the alternatives to coding bootcamps?

Compared to a coding bootcamp, the traditional route is getting a degree in computer science or a similar discipline to learn how to program. Some employers prefer to hire people with a computer science degree or even a graduate program. Unfortunately, a degree can be expensive in money and time.

A degree is not essential to becoming a software engineer, but it is one way to get your foot in the door.

Another popular alternative to a coding bootcamp is to teach yourself. There is no shortage of online resources, both free and paid. You can get an education in web development by spending very little money.

Some employers might not take you seriously, but a solid portfolio can help you land a job interview.

Some coding bootcamps are available as online courses. An online coding bootcamp may help you with a format of what to study and when, but it will lack the in-person feedback or network you could get from a traditional coding bootcamp or computer science degree.

Is a coding bootcamp worth it?

As well as the advertised price, there are other costs involved in a coding bootcamp.

Most coding bootcamps run full-time, which will mean you will either need to leave your job or drastically decrease your working hours. Take into consideration the income you might lose from working fewer or no hours at all. If you can take a career break or a sabbatical, there will be less risk than quitting your job, but you will still need to find a way to support yourself while you study.

One of the most valuable things about a coding bootcamp is the organizers’ connections with employers. Before you start a coding bootcamp, find out if they have any relationships with employers and how you’ll be able to interact with them.

It’s also worth asking how a coding bootcamp will prepare you for employment. Does the coding bootcamp teach you how to write a coding-specific or technical resume? Will they invite employers or recruiters to talk to you about the process?

You should also understand if the instructors or coding bootcamp organizers have experience running and teaching a coding bootcamp. Just because a coding bootcamp has been around for a while doesn’t mean they’ll be better than others. Speak with previous students and look at online reviews.

The bottom line

While many coding bootcamps will say that you don’t need prior coding knowledge, you will do yourself a huge favor if you learn a bit before you start. The potential benefits of completing a coding bootcamp include more credibility when applying for jobs, networking with other programmers, and learning much faster.

This article was written by John Palmgren for HackerNoon and lightly edited and republished with permission.