I Would Only Join a Bootcamp If...
Practical advice on how to decipher between a bootcamp that will help you or simply take your money
Image by StartupStockPhotos from Pixabay
Deciding to invest time and resources into a coding bootcamp is a monumental choice for anyone aspiring to break into the tech industry. It’s not uncommon for a junior dev to ask, “Should I join a bootcamp or go university?” At the end of the day, I can’t answer this question directly for anyone. But what I can do is share what I would look for based on past experiences in the tech industry. And based on this insight, I hope it will help you make an informed decision on whether a bootcamp is worth your time, energy and money. In light of this, I would only join a bootcamp if…
They set reasonable expectations
There are a lot of bootcamp marketing that suggest you can get a full time job with 6 months experience. Based on my own observations and personal experience, this is highly unlikely. It took me a year and some change before I landed a full time job in tech. And this time frame seems to be the norm as of this writing. If a bootcamp is “selling you the dream”, I would consider this a red flag. If they’re setting reasonable expectations and willing to share journey’s similar to mine, they might be worth your time.
Its taught by at least one Senior Engineer
The opportunity to learn from senior engineers is invaluable. Their guidance through code reviews and insights into modern coding practices, such as the D.R.Y. principle and clean code, is fundamental. The mentorship from those who've navigated the tech landscape is vital to your professional development. I speak with confidence about these things because I’ve personally been trained by senior engineers and have seen how their mentorship and guidance can excel the learning process. With this in mind, I highly encourage you to consider a bootcamp where you will receive extensive training from senior engineers or engineers with more experience than you (i.e a mid level engineer).
It Includes comprehensive coverage on software design principles
In an industry often dazzled by the latest and greatest frameworks and languages, the timeless principles of software design can get lost in the noise. If a bootcamp emphasizes foundational concepts like D.R.Y. and Orthogonality, they will equip you with the skill set to build resilient and scalable code regardless of the tech stack you’re engaged in. I learned these principles from a previous employer and it completely changed my approach to code.
They teach modern frameworks
The tech industry is ever-evolving, and so are its tools. A bootcamp should not only introduce you to Software design principles but also ensure you’re comfortable using contemporary frameworks. These are the tools you’ll likely encounter in today’s tech environment and familiarity with them can significantly ease your transition into the workforce. With this in consideration, I encourage you to consider bootcamps that stay up to date with the latest technologies. If you’re considering a bootcamp as of this writing, I would check and see if they teach one or more of the following: React, Next.js, React Native,Tailwind, and/or Express.js.
Code reviews are given by Senior Engineers
Earlier I mentioned that I wouldn’t a join a bootcamp unless it was taught by senior engineers. But as the saying goes, there’s more to the story. Reflecting on my journey, the constructive feedback from code reviews conducted by seasoned engineers was a cornerstone of my growth. As highlighted by the wisdom in Proverbs 16:20, "Those who listen to instruction will prosper." Engaging in this iterative process of review and improvement is crucial for honing your coding skills.
Cloud training is part of the curriculum
As the industry leans more towards backend and deployment skills, understanding cloud services is becoming vital. A bootcamp that includes cloud training acknowledges the shifting landscape of tech and will prepare you for the challenges and opportunities that occur in deploying and managing applications at scale.
Database management skills are taught
Data is often described as the new oil. If this is true, becoming skilled in creating and querying databases will be to your advantage. A forward thinking bootcamp will cover the fundamentals of database management and design, as they teach you the critical role data plays in technology.
Word of caution
The following list isn’t meant to say, “If a bootcamp doesn’t meet ALL these requirements, avoid them”. Instead, it should be a guideline for you to determine what value you will gain from a bootcamp and is it worth the cost of admission. I believe there are a lot of bootcamps whose main intent is to capitalize on the gold rush known as “breaking into tech”, instead of honestly communicating to career changers about the realities of the industry and the necessary skills that are required. This article is an attempt to engage in the honest conversation.