Are online coding bootcamps worth it in terms of time, money, and effort? This is a natural question that crosses anyone’s mind when thinking about enrolling in an online coding bootcamp. If your goal is to gain quick access to a coding career but do not have the time to go through the traditional method of pursuing a degree in coding owing to work commitments or if you are just starting out and lack the knowledge of fundamentals, then the simple answer is Yes; an online coding bootcamp can be your cup of tea.
So, if you want to know more about whether online coding bootcamps are worth your investment, read further, as this article will provide you with a comprehensive understanding of why online coding bootcamps can be worth every dime.
Regardless of whether you are a non-professional or an IT novice who wants to enter the realm of coding but lack the right credentials in terms of a bachelor/master’s degree or an experienced professional looking to fast track your career in coding by learning advanced skillsets, then enrolling in an online coding bootcamp is a fail-safe option that is certain to bring you success in your future endeavors. However, it must be realized that, contrary to the exhaustive study schedule of conventional four-year degrees, bootcamps, as their name suggests, give knowledge embedded in a capsule style.
What is an online coding bootcamp?
Online coding bootcamps are intensive short-term digital training programs that provide aspiring students with sophisticated, up-to-date knowledge and technical skills based on a well-structured curriculum that adheres to industry requirements. In fact, this new educational framework was created to address the skill gap caused by traditional teaching techniques’ emphasis on theoretical knowledge rather than practical skills.
For people who want to switch careers and start afresh in the world of coding but do not want to spend four years trying to acquire a bachelor’s degree in coding, this coding Bootcamp is the ideal choice. Professionals with a bachelor’s degree in coding but want to advance in their career by adding new skillsets to their repertoire but are limited by time constraints of their busy work schedule can also avail of the benefits of online coding bootcamp.
Enrolling in an online coding bootcamp is well worth the investment because it focuses on developing students’ technical aptitude while also providing all-around professional development that is validated by recruiters and big tech conglomerates alike for the reasons discussed in the following section of this article.
Top reasons to join online coding bootcamps
1. Easy accessibility & affordability
The simplicity of access is one of the most notable aspects of an online bootcamp. You can watch live classes from the convenience of your own home and do not need to attend the classes in person. Online coding bootcamps are frequently regarded as the quickest and most easily accessible entry point into a profession in web development or programming. They are also seen as a more cost-effective alternative to a traditional college.
2. Quality Curriculum
The coding bootcamp curriculum is well-structured, up-to-date with the current industry standards, and designed in such a way that it helps professionals to develop job-ready skills and practical knowledge that helps them in making an easy transition while beginning their coding career.
3. Fast and impactful study regime
Depending on whether they are offered full- or part-time, the majority of online coding bootcamps are available for a few months to a year. Because of the intensive training these bootcamps offer and the boost they give to your total technical skill development, you can fast advance to the level of knowledge of a professional, even if you are a complete beginner, with commitment and diligent effort.
4. Job-assistance
Numerous online coding bootcamps offer job assistance, interview preparation assistance, and assistance with creating a portfolio that highlights your practical expertise and skill set. In fact, after finishing bootcamps, the majority of students are hired by top companies and given excellent positions within a few months.
5. Practical skills
Working on industry projects while being supervised by professionals in the field gives you a chance to obtain practical experience while building in-demand employment skills.
6. Beginner-friendly options
A benefit for those just starting out and coming from a non-IT background is that the majority of coding bootcamps don’t require a college degree or prior programming experience. Yet, gaining a deeper understanding of the field can be facilitated by having a basic understanding of the topic.
7. Industry Recognition
According to LinkedIn, major corporations like Amazon, PwC, Microsoft, Google, and IBM hire bootcamp graduates.
8. High-salary prospects
According to survey results, bootcamp graduates earn more or the same as those with a bachelor’s degree.
Factors to consider before joining an online coding bootcamp
In response to the growing popularity of coding bootcamps, there is a plethora of online coding bootcamps available, but not all of them are worth the money in terms of training quality and authenticity. So, how can you know which one is best for you? Finally, choosing the proper coding bootcamp program that exactly corresponds with your professional goals could make all the difference between you and your ideal career. Here are a few things to think about before settling on an online coding bootcamp that is right for you.
- Learning formats
Online bootcamps are available in both synchronous and asynchronous forms of learning. Synchronous learning follows a rigid timeline and requires you to attend live sessions at the same time as other students in your cohort, whereas asynchronous learning is a self-paced approach in which you access classes and complete assignments at your own leisure. Select a bootcamp that provides a learning style that meets your schedule and needs.
- Graduation & placement rates
Anyone who enrolls in an online coding bootcamp has one main goal in mind: to swiftly acquire the expertise required to land a career in the coding industry. Therefore, perform thorough research before enrolling in a coding bootcamp to determine the school’s success rate in terms of placement rate, the proportion of students graduating from the program, hiring companies the bootcamp program partners with, and if there is a significant dropout rate.
- Valid certification
The majority of online bootcamps are conducted in partnership with a university that offers a coding program. As a result, check for online coding bootcamps offered by an established university whose completion certification with proper accreditation can take you places and help you land the best employment deals in top companies.
- Job placement aid
Most online coding bootcamps offer career assistance to graduates who have completed the program for a limited period of time. As a result, it is critical to ascertain the kind of career services provided by bootcamps that help you navigate the interview processes, as well as how long you will have access to these services.
- Cost
Another crucial aspect to consider is cost, and the rates of an online coding bootcamp might vary depending on the program, learning format offered, and duration. So, think in terms of return on investment, as in how quickly the cost can be redeemed once you begin earning in your coding profession, whether the program offers flexible payment options for fees, and whether it offers any scholarships that apply to you.