Five Misconceptions About Coding Bootcamps

Two women focused on their computers while collaborating in a bright office space.

The job market tends to weed out those who lack the education. This is why if you love computer science, coding bootcamps may be for you. Maybe you only need a quick review of the fundamentals, but either way, more knowledge means a better shot at getting the job you want.

The first step to continuing your education is choosing a school or program. With some bootcamps falsely claiming a 90 percent placement rate for graduates, it can be difficult to know what’s real and what is hyperbole. Certain things you may think you know for sure may just be misinformation or myth. Here are five unfortunate misconceptions about coding bootcamps.

1. Coders Are Specific Types

Are you missing the nerdy disposition, the gender, or youth that is incorrectly viewed as “necessary” to become a coder? Don’t become discouraged. Recent strides in expanding diversity in the programming community have helped the efforts to decrease gender disparity and stereotypical industry perceptions.  

Organizations such as Girls Who Code and Accenture are making sure that young girls are encouraged and motivated to enter the tech field. No one should stop because they think it’s a boy’s club.

This applies to those who feel they are past the ideal age to learn to code as well. In reality, seasoned professionals have a lot to offer. No matter who you are or where you are in life, the more skills and knowledge you have, the more valuable you are to an employer.

2. Bootcamps Don’t Get You A Career

A very prevalent coding bootcamp critique is that once you graduate, you will not get a job. The data shows this isn’t the whole truth. In reality, the difficulty of securing an ideal position remains true for any career path you seek. For example, graduating from culinary school doesn’t automatically get you a job as a chef.  Education, in all its forms, simply gives you the knowledge to succeed in the career you want.

This doesn’t mean you’re completely alone, however. Many bootcamps, like UR Boot Camps, do provide extra tools and resources to help you succeed. Many programs offer career counseling for individuals who seek more direction after they graduate. Networking parties can also connect you with local industry leaders. Tools are only as good as the person who uses them. In the end, it is up to you to use every opportunity you have to succeed.

3. Advertisements For Bootcamps Say Anything They Have To

When you go on the internet looking for a coding bootcamp, make sure they are credible to teach you the curriculum. You may come across programs that advertise a large success rate, but are not officially recognized.

Unfortunately, some schools claim they are a university when they are not. In these situations, regulators like the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and the Consumer Finance Protection Bureau, along with the state attorneys general, put a stop to illegal practices.

Personal friends who have undergone similar programs or investigated on their own are also good to reach out to and ask about their experience. Professionals are even better people to ask in regard to coding bootcamps. Do your research on every single school or coding course you come across, whether you think you know enough about it or not. Only you can decide if you’ve found the right bootcamp.

4. You Can’t Attend a Bootcamp and Keep Your Job

A woman sitting at a table, focused on her laptop computer, working or browsing online.

You may be thinking you don’t have time for a bootcamp at all, as your schedule may not be as flexible as you may like. Don’t worry, bootcamps are also available in a part-time format, with convenient evening and weekend classes. 
While it takes a lot of hard work to balance a full curriculum and a day job, this initial hesitation you may feel isn’t always accurate. You will find that if you have self-discipline and the dedication to make it through a challenging coding program, maintaining a job while you attend a bootcamp is possible! This gives you all the benefits of an in-person, classroom experience where you can interact with classmates and ask questions in real-time, without sacrificing your current work schedule.

5. Paying Tuition Is The Only Way To See If You Even Like Coding

Not everyone even knows if they like to code. How can you make sure? There are many existing free websites that teach basic coding skills you need to know to get started. Free Code Camp and Codecademy test your knowledge on the fundamental building blocks with quick quizzes. Through these exercises, you can find out just how much you enjoy the field.

Still, learning the basics on these sites is not the same as a comprehensive coding bootcamp education. Bootcamp courses are in-depth and you learn many different programming languages in a short amount of time. Another impactful resource that bootcamps offer is experienced instructors. Having a knowledgeable instructor to turn to and ask questions is one of the best advantages of a structured educational course.

Conclusion

The internet is a great tool for learning new skills, but with this, comes the potential for misinformation. Coding bootcamps have the ability to grow your programming insight and provide supplemental education. In the end, though, the responsibility is yours alone to choose the right school.

Changing careers and even just boosting your own knowledge can be scary if you feel like you are alone. You will know that your time and money are well spent if you ask both experts and knowledgeable friends about what they know about coding bootcamps. Once you do your due diligence, you will find a new world of information open up to you. You just have to take that first step.