Explore the best Python boot camps in 2024, including the features of each and how they stack up against traditional learning options.
Python is a general-purpose programming language used in a wide range of programming and development applications, including data science, web development, and cybersecurity. This high-level, object-oriented programming language can be used to complete a range of actions, from app creation to task automation, making it useful for professionals in many different industries. In addition to being a multipurpose language, Python is among the more accessible languages to read and understand, reducing the barrier to entry for those without a programming background.
One way to develop your skills in Python is by enrolling in a Python boot camp. Boot camps are a fast-paced way for you to develop the skills you need to succeed in your career.
Discover the top Python boot camps in 2024, how they compare to other learning options, and how learning Python could benefit your career.
Whether you are a more advanced programmer with previous programming experience in other languages or are just starting and looking for a beginner-friendly language, learning Python is an effective way to grow your programming experience. It’s a versatile language that plays a role in many areas, including data science, app development, artificial intelligence, and machine learning. That versatility also opens the door to numerous career possibilities, including positions like data analyst, data scientist, systems engineer, machine learning engineer, software engineer, web developer, and more.
According to data from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job outlook for several technology-related careers is strong. For example, the projected growth for web developers is 8 percent from 2022 to 2032, and for data scientists, 36 percent [1,2].
Python boot camps are short-term courses, generally lasting anywhere from 12 to 24 weeks. Depending on the specific career you have an interest in pursuing, you can choose between a variety of Python boot camps to equip you with the relevant technological skills. For example, if you’re interested in finance, you might choose a FinTech (financial technology) oriented boot camp.
Python boot camps do an excellent job of teaching you the primary coding skills necessary in professional settings, giving you the real-world skills to help you thrive in the workplace. You have several options when trying to find the right Python coding boot camp for you, with part-time, full-time, in-person, and remote Python boot camps available for you to try.
The following offers a closer look at several popular Python boot camp options. By exploring the offerings of each, you can make an educated decision on which program closely aligns with your learning goals.
Byte Academy offers several different Python-focused boot camps online with both full-time and part-time options. These boot camps include a full-stack Python coding boot camp, which emphasizes object-oriented programming and machine learning. Not only can you gain skills in Python in this boot camp, but you can also learn React, JavaScript, and SQL.
Coding Dojo offers online and live boot camps with both full-time and part-time options. It offers career services, beginner-friendly material, and a cohort to learn alongside. Students can learn coding languages, including Python, JavaScript, and either Java or C#. Coding Dojo also offers cybersecurity and data science boot camps alongside the software development boot camps.
BrainStation’s Python programming course is a remote, part-time boot camp with a live instruction component. This course is also available with an in-person component in limited locations, such as New York, Miami, and London. You might choose this course if you’re looking to upskill your abilities in coding, as it is geared towards those in data analytics, machine learning engineering, and software development. The course can also leave you with knowledge of data manipulation and visualization libraries, such as Pandas, NumPy, and Matplotlib.
4Geeks Academy’s full-stack developer boot camp offers in-person, remote, and hybrid learning options. With this boot camp, you can learn how to use Python, as well as valuable skills like algorithm scripting and building front-end app libraries. One advantage of 4Geeks Academy is its resume and interview support, which you can use to assist you in preparing for your career.
With in-person learning opportunities in New York, as well as online Python boot camps, Flatiron School is a great option for pursuing a programming career. You can choose between full-time and part-time options, depending on your timeline. In the data science boot camp, you can learn Python skills and gain experience in AI integration, front-end and back-end development, and Flask—a Python web framework.
The price of a boot camp comes down to factors like how long it is, whether it’s self-guided or taught by an instructor, and which program it is through. Self-guided boot camps, where you learn online at your own pace, are more affordable.
According to research from Forbes Advisor, costs vary widely, with some programs only costing $100 and others exceeding $20,000, although the median cost for coding boot camps is $9,500 [3]. To help pay for a boot camp, you can look into options like scholarships, installments, or deferred tuition.
When searching for the right boot camp, you may want to consider several different factors to ensure the one you choose is a good fit for your career goals and schedule.
Consider the following important factors when selecting a Python boot camp:
What is the best format for you to learn? With boot camps, you can find online and in-person options, as well as full-time, part-time, or self-paced boot camps. When choosing your boot camp, it is important to find an option that best fits your learning style.
Does the boot camp provide relevant experience and skills for the real world? After completing your boot camp, you may want to have experience working on projects that reflect the actual work you would do in a professional setting, whether through group projects or other learning scenarios. Many boot camps also offer a certificate upon completion to demonstrate your qualifications to employers.
How much does the boot camp cost? Although boot camps typically are more affordable than going to a college or university and earning a degree, they can still cost thousands of dollars. Though some boot camps offer scholarships, be sure to consider how much you are willing to pay for a course before starting.
Boot camps and college degrees are both great options for learning how to code, and many employers do not have a preference as to which path you take to learn the necessary skills for the job. While many programmers have a bachelor’s degree, which tends to include both theory and practical applications, boot camps provide an opportunity to gain focused experience related to your professional goals. By acquiring relevant skills over a shorter period of time, you can minimize costs while learning valuable professional tools.
If your goal is to progress to a higher, more specialized role within your company, earning a master’s degree may be beneficial. This type of degree allows you to demonstrate advanced knowledge in a chosen area, setting you apart from other candidates.
In addition to boot camps and college, you also have the option of developing programming skills by earning a certificate or certification through online courses. This is an excellent way for you to develop specific skills for specialized positions.
The Google IT Automation with Python Professional Certificate, for example, is one way for you to develop relevant automation skills in Python, such as writing scripts, using Git and GitHub for version control, and analyzing real-world information technology problems. After completing this course, you can receive an employer-recognized certificate to demonstrate your skills.
If you have an interest in gaining certification, you can find options online, such as the OpenEDG Python Institute Certifications, which offer the leading Python programming curriculum. By completing the exam and meeting the certification standards, you can prove to potential employers that you have valuable and in-depth knowledge of Python programming.
Python boot camps are a great way to learn to program using Python in a flexible and fast-paced manner, and completing a Python boot camp can help prepare you to enter into exciting programming career opportunities.
On Coursera, you can find highly-rated courses to help you develop your skills in Python. For example, the Python for Everybody Specialization course from the University of Michigan is a great option to learn more about fundamental Python concepts, including data processing and visualization.
US Bureau of Labor Statistics. “Web Developers and Digital Designers, https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/web-developers.htm.” Accessed September 4, 2024.
US Bureau of Labor Statistics. “Data Scientists, https://www.bls.gov/ooh/math/data-scientists.htm.” Accessed September 4, 2024.
Forbes. “Survey: What Are Coding Bootcamps, And Do They Work? Here’s What Grads Say, https://www.forbes.com/advisor/education/bootcamps/coding-bootcamps-survey/.” Accessed September 4, 2024.
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