Explore the Benefits of Coding Bootcamps

You might have heard about coding bootcamps if you're more interested in the tech industry or innovation. Bootcamps have become a popular way to gain a robust skill set, learn all the necessary terminology, and, of course, learn how to code quickly. Coding bootcamps can be in-person and enable you to network with peers, or they can be completed online to give you flexibility if you are also working a full-time job.

Because they are meant to set you up for a new career as a developer or engineer in just a few weeks or months, coding bootcamps can be expensive. You'll want to do your research to find the right fit in terms of return on investment (ROI), cost, benefits, and more.

Read on to learn about the benefits, potential careers, and requirements before deciding whether a coding bootcamp is right for you.

Benefits of joining a coding bootcamp

Participating in a coding bootcamp can help you explore your opportunities and interests in the technological field. These online and in-person programs offer opportunities to develop and advance your coding skills. Whether your career plans include software engineering, data science, cybersecurity, or other tech-focused careers, exploring what coding bootcamps offer and how they can help you reach your goals may be helpful. Understanding the benefits of coding bootcamps is just the beginning.

Boost salary

Potential careers available to program graduates can offer a salary boost compared to earnings at previous jobs, partly because of the specialized training these programs offer. 

In Canada, a web developer can earn a median wage of $36.06 per hour, and a data analyst can earn $40.87 per hour, according to data from the Government of Canada’s Job Bank [1, 2]. You may become qualified for a spectrum of tech careers, many of which boast competitive pay rates. For example, software developers with the highest certificate, diploma, or degree earn an annual median pay of $105,000, according to the Canadian Government Labour Services, compared to the median income of $55,121 for all occupations [3]. 

This demonstrates the power of gaining training and education to influence wages. As an added advantage, you can attend almost any coding bootcamp for less money than earning a college degree.

Gain in-demand skills

Building an in-demand skill set can open opportunities for a higher salary and new employment opportunities. For example, demand for user experience (UX) designers continues to grow as more businesses see value in connecting with customers. Attending a UX software design bootcamp may help you develop skills in visual design, accessibility, and designing for augmented and virtual reality that can make you more marketable in the job market. 

Other in-demand skills include individual programming languages like JavaScript, Python, CSS, and C#. Adobe developer certifications, known as ACE, are specifically designed for Adobe's platforms, and tools like LiveCycle and Flex are also commonplace.

Expand your career pathway

If you’re considering a bootcamp to gain experience in a particular field, it may also open many employment opportunities. 

The Government of Canada Labour Services predicts new job openings for software engineers and designers will continue rising. Experts anticipate a labour shortage, with 44,300 new job openings expected from 2022 to 2031 [4]. The following list details some of the more common jobs you can get after you finish a bootcamp:

• Application developer: Design, test, and troubleshoot applications for mobile devices

• Back-end developer: Build and maintain databases and servers that support websites

• Full-stack developer: Create and maintain websites and applications

• Junior developer: Work alongside senior developers to design and troubleshoot software

• Software engineer: Create applications, systems, and other types of software

• Technical support specialist: Assist customers with installing and troubleshooting software and hardware

• User experience (UX) designer: Create and assess applications and websites with the end user in mind

• User interface (UI) designer: Create digital products the customer finds attractive and easy to use

• Web developer: Create websites and web applications

How to choose a coding bootcamp

To choose a coding bootcamp, consider the learning format you prefer, the skills you want to learn, and how much time and money you can spend. The more you know about your needs and preferences as a learner and job seeker, the better prepared you are to make an informed decision. You can use the following factors as a starting point for your search.

Learning format

In-person and online bootcamps have their merits, so the choice is based on your comfort level with either environment. Online coding bootcamps function much like other online classes or programs you may already have experience with. This format may be more accessible to you if you have a busier lifestyle or no mode of transportation. If you prefer an interactive learning environment with face-to-face support from the instructor and your classmates, you may consider an in-person bootcamp.

Curriculum

It is important to consider what you want to gain from it and whether the bootcamp's curriculum offers what you want. You may want to learn a specific skill for enjoyment or develop a skill to advance your career. Chances are, you’ll find many bootcamps focusing on a particular aspect of the broader “tech career” spectrum. To focus your search, you may find browsing tech companies’ websites helpful in identifying their employment requirements and including them as keywords.

Duration

The demands of your schedule will be important to consider for long-term planning, so it’s helpful to learn the duration of any potential bootcamp early on. If you cannot fit the scheduled sessions into your schedule, you may not be able to complete the bootcamp successfully. 

Full-time bootcamps typically run for several months, while part-time programs may run longer overall. The program’s website will likely include the dates and times of classes and the required time commitment. You may be able to simplify and speed up your search by eliminating bootcamps that won't fit your schedule.

Cost

The program's cost will likely play a big role in choosing a bootcamp. Typically, a full-time bootcamp costs between $1,500 and $16,450. Costs may also vary depending on the bootcamp’s duration. For example, a 35-hour course runs just $1,500, but an in-depth, 40-hour bootcamp costs a whopping $16,500 [5]. Remember that the upfront payment may not be the only expense, and the program may require attendees to supply their own computers.

Requirements for coding bootcamps

Admission requirements can vary from one bootcamp to another, as some accept students from all skill levels, and others are only open to experienced coders. You will likely need a high school diploma or GED before you can attend a coding bootcamp, but some programs may require an interview or test to prove your math and English proficiency or technical skills. Some bootcamps require preparatory courses before admission to a full course. The bootcamp provider's website should list the specific requirements and may offer introductory courses to help you prepare.

Common coding bootcamps and certificates

Some of the more common coding bootcamps and certificates can be helpful starting points for your search. If these bootcamps' content fits your plans, you may want to consider them. They also offer an overview of the skills you can develop through a bootcamp.

Google IT Automation with Python Professional Certificate

Google's IT Automation with Python Professional Certificate may be beneficial if information technology is your preferred field. As you work toward this six-course certificate, you can study topics like how to program with Python, use Git, and solve problems with IT automation. 

The program includes an applied learning project that gives you hands-on coding experience.

BrainStation

The BrainStation Web Development Bootcamp Online is a three-month program that leads to a BrainStation Web Development diploma. You can work with well-known programs like HTML and JavaScript to develop websites. As a bonus, the provider may allow you to pay your tuition in installments and offer student scholarships.

Adobe Certified Expert (ACE)

Suppose you are a prospective code builder looking for a career in Internet-based gaming, media, or higher-end Internet utility areas. In that case, consider this complementary assortment of certification exams and credentials. 

The ACE for Builders credentials focuses on this company’s web applications, such as ColdFusion and the Creative Cloud line, which remain in demand despite the end of Adobe Flash. Each certification exam has a downloadable guide, a credential management system, a list of recommended training to help you study before taking the test, and a link to Adobe’s course catalogue.

Flatiron School

Flatiron Schools offers an award-winning software engineering bootcamp for front-end and back-end development. Topics include using Rails, HTML, CSS, and more to build apps and webpages. The program takes as little as 15 weeks to complete and is available in online and in-person formats with part-time and full-time options.

Certified Scrum Master

The virtual Scrum Master Bootcamp from Berteig is an instructor-led, hands-on course you can complete in two days. The practice sessions are broken up into sets of three Scrum techniques and include lessons on visibility and creating retrospectives. 

A particularly entertaining hands-on experience towards the end of the program allows you to build a comic book. If small-business entrepreneurship is your goal, you may find this program and its focus on creating adaptive product teams helpful.

How to know if coding bootcamps are right for you

Coding bootcamps may be right for you if you want to start a new career quickly without taking four years to earn a bachelor's degree or want to expand your skill set. You may be able to participate in a bootcamp without quitting your current job or ignoring your studies. If you can find a bootcamp that offers training in the skills you want to learn and fits into your schedule, you may be able to land a new job in a field that interests you.

Next steps

If you're new to coding, you may find it helpful to gain some practice and build your knowledge of programming languages and computing. Check out Fundamentals of Computing or Python for Everyone to learn more. Alternatively, you may jump in with a Professional Certificate like the Google Project Management: Professional Certificate course that does not require previous coding experience or a degree.