Why Should You Study at a Coding Bootcamp?
Because of the way they’re structured, coding bootcamps have numerous benefits. Here are a few compelling reasons to enroll in one.
Cost-effectiveness
A notable aspect of coding bootcamps is that they cater to all budgets. Some programs are rather expensive, ranging to $15,000+ for short, intensive courses with a large amount of tutor support. Others are much more affordable, and there are even free programs out there. Be aware, though, that these don’t usually offer as much instructor support.
However, even the most expensive courses are still extremely cost-effective compared to a traditional university or college education. According to a recent report by the Education Data Initiative, the average cost of college in the United States is $36,436 per year. Over four years, this stretches to almost $150,000, or around ten times the price of the higher-priced coding bootcamps.
Flexibility to learn where and when you want
One of the standout benefits of studying at a coding bootcamp is the flexibility they offer in terms of learning. They’re usually designed with the modern learner in mind, and they cater to those looking to balance their studies with other personal and professional commitments.
For starters, many coding bootcamps offer self-paced learning so that you can work through materials at a rate that suits you. Most are available online, enabling you to study from virtually anywhere with an internet connection. People have even been known to complete their courses while backpacking around the world or taking an extended international vacation.
Market demand for skills
Coding and software engineering is a high-growth industry, and in many cases, the market demand for skills exceeds the number of qualified individuals. Completing a coding bootcamp should provide you with the skills and experience you need to tap into this market.
For example, the US Bureau of Labor Statistics estimated that the number of software developer, quality analyst, and tester positions will increase by 25%, or over 400,000 positions, between 2021 and 2031. In the same time period, web developer and digital designer positions are estimated to increase by 23% (around 45,000 positions).
Challenges to Expect Along the Way
Coding bootcamps offer excellent opportunities to quickly learn and develop new skills, but they come with a unique set of challenges that can catch you unaware if you haven’t thought about them.
A steep learning curve
Since these courses cover a very broad curriculum, the learning curve can be very high. You can expect to be learning a large number of new concepts and skills, including programming languages, data analysis, computer and network architecture, and more. Some bootcamps also dig into specialized areas such as blockchain or machine learning.
This can be especially challenging for beginners and people without much tech knowledge. It’s hard enough to quickly grasp new terminology and concepts, but you’ll also have to learn how to apply these to real-world projects and scenarios.
Fast, intensive learning
On top of this, you won’t have a lot of time to practice and reinforce your new knowledge while you’re studying. Since coding bootcamps aim to deliver a large amount of information in a short amount of time, they usually run at an intensive pace.
This pace can become overwhelming to beginners. You’ll need to ensure that you’re in a solid mental space, have decent time management skills, and are able to adapt quickly to new concepts and coding languages. Otherwise, you might find yourself falling behind and will struggle to understand future learning.
Information overload
In addition to the pace, the sheer amount of information that you’ll learn during a coding bootcamp can become overwhelming. You can expect to encounter numerous new concepts, entirely new coding languages, and real-world scenarios.
If you try to understand and learn every piece of information by heart, you’ll likely struggle. Instead, it’s better to focus on ensuring that you understand the core concepts properly. Once you’re clear on these, it’ll become much easier to build your knowledge.
Imposter syndrome
Another potentially serious challenge that many coding beginners face is imposter syndrome. This occurs when individuals doubt their accomplishments and start feeling like they don’t deserve their success.
Imposter syndrome can manifest in a number of ways, such as doubting your ability to keep up, and fearing that your inadequacies will be exposed. It’s especially prevalent in beginners who don’t have a background in tech and might be comparing themselves to more experienced learners.
There are ways to overcome imposter syndrome, such as practicing positive affirmations, taking the time to note your achievements, and sharing your feelings with friends, family, and others who can support you. Many coding bootcamps also offer emotional and mental health support that you can take advantage of.
Burnout
The many challenges associated with coding bootcamps can place participants under intense pressure. This leads to a high risk of burnout, which can manifest as physical, emotional, or mental exhaustion.
You need to ensure that you’re managing your health and using the appropriate strategies to reduce the risk of burnout. Ensure you’re getting enough sleep, eat well, and make time for exercise to help you maintain a feeling of control.
On top of this, don’t forget to give yourself a break here and there. Go and do something you enjoy and stop thinking about coding for a few hours to give your mind a chance to recover.
How to Overcome Coding Bootcamp Obstacles
Coding bootcamps come with their challenges, but there are numerous actions you can take to manage these obstacles and ensure you’re equipped for success.
Practicing strong time management
Strong time management skills are invaluable during this kind of training. Put aside a little time each week to create a schedule, ensuring you know exactly when assignments are due and when you’ll need to do your work. Allocate time for coding, studying, breaks, and any other work or family commitments.
Taking time for self-care
Prioritizing self-care is one of the keys to managing the intensity of the course. It’s extremely important to allocate adequate time for sleep, exercise, and relaxation/social activities. Ensure you’re eating well so that you’re sufficiently energized, and make sure that you drink plenty of fluids throughout the day.
Setting realistic goals
It’s a good idea to sit down and think about what you want to get out of your coding bootcamp before you sign up. Ensure your goals are realistic and achievable in the timeframe you’ve set, and make sure you’re not going to be pushing too far past your limits.
If you think you might struggle to keep up with a full-time intensive coding bootcamp, you might like to consider enrolling in a part-time course. Although they do take longer to complete, these can involve as little as a few hours of work a week.
Taking advantage of online resources
While coding bootcamps will provide you with a range of learning resources, consider supplementing these with online resources. YouTube videos and interactive tutorials are great for reinforcing concepts, and there are numerous websites and online platforms that enable you to practice your skills.
Seeking support when you need it
Remember to reach out for support if you’re feeling under too much pressure or are having trouble understanding certain concepts. You can speak to your peers, mentors, instructors, and/or friends and family if you’re feeling overwhelmed.
Sharing your challenges can help you develop strategies to overcome them. It can also reduce feelings of isolation and hopelessness, which are detrimental to productivity and successful learning.
Connecting with the coding community
Last, but certainly not least, building a connection with the community is another source of support, and it also enables you to continue building your skills. There are numerous coding forums online that offer a great place to start.
Sign up for one and start engaging with the community. Don’t hesitate to post your questions and ask for help when you need it. You can also see if there are any questions that you can answer to practice your skills and test your knowledge of key concepts.
Conclusion
Coding bootcamps present a unique opportunity to learn in-demand skills in a fast, intensive manner. They involve swiftly-paced learning over a period of weeks or months, and they can leave you better-equipped for a variety of coding and software development positions.
But coding bootcamps aren’t a soft option, and you’ll likely encounter a number of challenges—such as burnout and information overload—if you decide to enroll in one. Still, there are numerous strategies you can use to overcome these, and overall, this kind of training is highly recommended if you want to enter the world of coding and software development.
