Misconceptions That Keep People Away From Coding Bootcamps

Due to the state of the current job market, you may be considering a coding bootcamp to give you the knowledge you need to land a developer role. Maybe you need a refresher because it’s been a while since you last attended school or you’re looking to kickstart a new career. The model of bootcamps sounds like a good idea. Whatever your reasons, obtaining more information is always a good thing.

You should be selective about which bootcamp you choose, as some places will sound too good to be true; 90 percent job placement for graduates might not be an accurate statistic. Conflicting information will make your decision difficult, so we’ve put together some helpful tips to consider. Here are five coding bootcamp myths, debunked!

1. You Don’t Look Like A Coder

Do you think a web developer is a young man who sits at their desk coding all day? You may think this image doesn’t fit you, and you would be right. The truth is that description ISN’T you. Most people have an incorrect, preconceived image of what a programmer looks like and what they do, when in reality, anyone who puts their mind to it can code. Women and men, old and young, it doesn’t matter. If you put in the time and effort, coding can feel rewarding to all.

Due to the existing gender gap, organizations such as Girls Who Code and Women Who Code have made it their mission to increase gender diversity in the tech world. Thanks to these kinds of efforts, more young girls are growing up encouraged to envision themselves coding and contributing their talents to the technology industry.

Seasoned professionals may also feel left out at times. Age has nothing to do with learning new things—it’s all about your passion and dedication. If you have the opportunity to learn something new and useful, you should take it. There’s no reason not to expand your knowledge and continue building a solid foundation of skills.

2. Bootcamps Can’t Get You A Job

Something you’ve probably come across before on the internet is that coding bootcamps can’t get you a job. Studies show that this is and isn’t correct.  Any education you get, no matter where you go or what field you study, cannot guarantee you a job. It is up to you to take what you learn and use it to acquire the the career you seek.

Many coding bootcamps offer career coaching for students during or after the Boot Camp. They may also host networking events to improve your chances of finding the right tech role! But no one can force you to attend these events. You don’t have to sit down with a counselor. In the end, it is up to you to use every tool and resource available to have the best possible chance at success.

3. Bootcamps Will Say Anything To Get Your Money

The responsibility is yours to use every tool you are given to receive the right education. This also means that you must research which schools have a great reputation and which schools don’t. When certain bootcamps promote themselves with disingenuous advertising, it makes it more difficult for people to know who to trust.

It’s even worse when a bootcamp claims things it is not. In these situations, there are regulators like the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and the Consumer Finance Protection Bureau. Like-minded organizations along with the state attorneys general ensure illegal practices don’t take place.

Big commitments are not to be taken lightly. In cases such as these, it is best to consult a professional who has knowledge in the area. Research is imperative to find out if a bootcamp can back up what they say. Only once you know what you are dealing with will you be able to trust your choice.

4. You Have to Quit Your Job to Attend a Bootcamp

There are those who wish to attend a coding bootcamp, but they believe their day job is a limiting factor. If this sounds like you, don’t worry. Despite what you may think, some bootcamps were created with full-time professionals in mind.

Columbia Engineering Coding Boot Camp has a 24-week, part-time schedule with evening and weekend sessions, allowing those with full-time work to advance their skills while maintaining their current job. While coding bootcamps are time intensive and take a lot of hard work, if you are committed to managing your time and balancing your studies along with your career, you can be successful!

5. You Don’t Know If Coding Is For You Until You Pay

You may still be on the fence because you don’t know if you will like coding. How can you try the basics without putting down the money for a great education? Remember, online coding exercises are available for free. These tutorials can expose you to industry terms and concepts, teaching you the basics of without paying for an entire course. Codecademy and Free Code Camp are great options to help you determine if coding is something you’re passionate about.

Nevertheless, by committing to a full stack coding bootcamp, you will have a truly immersive experience. A few online exercises can’t compare to the structure of learning different programming languages with the help of a trained instructor at your disposal. You will be surprised how much you can learn in a short amount of time with a team of professionals by your side.

Conclusion

It’s strange how simple things can seem more complicated than they actually are, especially when it comes to misinformation and half-truths. Make sure you do your research when choosing the right coding bootcamp for you.

The truth is, if you are serious about a career change or want to advance your existing coding knowledge, coding bootcamps are an excellent choice. A new world of knowledge can open to you once you take that first step. You just need to be well informed and ready to embark on a challenging, yet rewarding experience.