As you evaluate next steps to learn high-demand skills that power innovation, a coding bootcamp merits consideration. Allow me to provide an experienced developer‘s overview of these accelerated training programs – and how to choose one that aligns with your talents and aspirations.
Rising in popularity over the past decade, coding bootcamps now graduate over 30,000 students per year according to Course Report. Centered around skills-based vocational training in fields like software engineering and data science, the average full-time bootcamp aims to prepare beginners for technology roles in 3-6 months.
Why Are Coding Bootcamps Growing?
For those seeking to break into digital fields, coding bootcamps provide a compelling alternative to traditional computer science degrees and self-directed learning for three key reasons:
1. They‘re fast – No need to spend 4+ years in university or months trying to skill up online before getting hired. Complete an intensive coding bootcamp over weeks or months depending on program type.
2. They‘re affordable – The average bootcamp tuition comes in under $15,000. Compare that to $100k+ and years of missed salary for a CS degree. Many bootcamps offer deferred and installment payments.
3. They‘re effective – Quality bootcamps report strong graduate placement rates, with many securing 6-figure developer/data science roles in under 6 months post-graduation.
With coveted, lucrative tech jobs within closer reach in less time and for less money, it‘s easy to see the draw of coding bootcamps.
But are they right for you and your goals? As with any major investment, it‘s wise to dive deeper.
Choosing an Impactful Bootcamp Experience
All coding bootcamps are not equal. Outcomes, support structures, technologies taught and overall student experience vary dramatically between programs.
As you evaluate quality bootcamp options, look across these elements:
Proven Student Outcomes
With job prospects likely a motivation for skilling up via bootcamp, examine historical graduate placement rates and the reputability of hiring partners.
- What roles do alumni get hired for?
- How long does it take to land a job post-graduation?
- What evidence indicates employer demand for program graduates?
Programs like Springboard, for instance, report a 91% placement rate within 6 months – with many securing roles at leading tech firms.
Technologies Aligned to Interests
Whether your passions lie with building sleek web apps, crunching big data or automating cybersecurity, target programs catering to those domains.
- Do the languages, libraries and development methdologies taught align with target job descriptions that excite you?
Curricula centered around trendy JavaScript frameworks may thrill full-stack developer hopefuls. Aspiring machine learning engineers or data analysts, however, may prefer Python- and R-based programs respectively.
Evidence-Based Pedagogy
Even more important than what gets taught is how material gets imparted.
Seek out elements like:
- Opportunities for hands-on, experiential coding through projects
- Code reviews and pair programming to reinforce lessons
- Case studies revealing how skills apply in real-world contexts
- Embedded computer science concepts not just tool proficiency
Such proven pedagogical techniques differentiate true learning experiences from mere code-alongs.
Career Support Resources
Transitioning into a new industry presents an array of unfamiliar challenges. Savvy programs recognize this and bake career services right into tuition:
- 1-on-1 mentorship and code reviews from experienced developers
- Portfolio and resume building workshops
- Mock interviews and recruiter introductions
- Access to hiring partner events and talent pipelines
These elements accelerate positive outcomes post-graduation.
Approachable, Empathetic Instructors
Even more vital than a curriculum checklist is the caliber of teachers responsible for delivering education.
As you evaluate bootcamp options, attempt to ascertain:
- Do the instructors possess relevant industry backgrounds?
- What‘s the student rating and sentiment toward professors?
- Will faculty actively support you as more than a paycheck?
Passionate, patient and highly-skilled instructors that view teaching as a craft in itself are worth their weight in gold during an intensive, demanding coding bootcamp journey.
Multiple financing options
Given full costs ranging from $9,000 to $21,000, affordable payment plans can mean the difference between having access to a life-changing program or not.
Programs like Thinkful or Springboard make tuition more affordable through:
- Flexible monthly installments
- Income share agreements allowing deferred payment
- Scholarships for women and minorities
A quality bootcamp should demonstrate alignment to your goals through curriculum relevance, evidence-based teaching practices and career acceleration.
Below we spotlight a few best-in-class programs worth consideration given aspirations and learning preferences:
Top Coding Bootcamp Recommendations
Springboard – Ideal for Focused Self-Starters
Format: Online, mentor-led at your own pace
Duration: 6-12 months
Cost: $0 to $9,900
For independent learners proficient with online delivery and seeking maximal flexibility, Springboard provides 1-on-1 expert mentor-led programs in software engineering, data science, machine learning and design. Customizable to your schedule while still providing structure and feedback through project submissions to world-class industry mentors.
Outcomes:
- 91% job placement rate
- Over $26k average salary increase
- Hiring partners include Google, Amazon, Microsoft
The ability to hone skills while keeping your job makes Springboard a powerful choice for focused career changers.
Flatiron School – Best for In-Person Accountability + Networking
If coding alongside like-minded peers in a collaborative environment sounds ideal, Flatiron School should be on your short list.
Format: In-person, full or part-time options
Duration: 12-40 weeks depending on program type
Cost: $0 to $17,980
From Software Engineering to Data Science and Cybersecurity, Flatiron School delivers robust technical education plus personal career coaching at campuses worldwide.
Outcomes:
- 89% employment rate
- Average salary of $72k
- 400+ hiring partners like Coinbase, Rent the Runway and Buzzfeed
For an immersive, high-touch coding bootcamp experience, Flatiron School sets graduates up for success at top-tier companies.
Format: Online, full or part-time guided learning
Duration: Full-time 9+ months, Part-time 1-3 years
Cost: $0 upfront, income share agreement
Lambda School pioneered an innovative tuition model based on student outcomes. Pay no tuition until employed, then contribute a % of salary over 2 years (capped at $30k). Ideal alignment!
Focused on in-demand skills like Python backend and iOS development, plus UX Design and AI/Machine Learning.
Outcomes: Over 1500+ graduates working at 900+ companies like Nike, Google, Amazon and NASA. $70k+ average starting salary.
With no financial risk and positive job prospects, Lambda School offers upside.
Fullstack Academy – Ideal NYC Tech Ecosystem Immersion
Format: In-person, full or part-time including remote options
Duration: Full-time 13 weeks, Part-time 6 months
Cost: $17,910
If total immersion in a bustling tech hub intrigues you, Fullstack Academy provides respected Software Engineering and Cybersecurity training plus life coaching in NYC.
Outcomes: Impressive 98% employment rate thanks to deep corporate connections. 250+ hiring partners, $100k+ average salary.
For an inside track into New York‘s thriving startup and tech scene, Fullstack Academy delivers.
Additional Top Contenders
No matter your specific interests or constraints, quality coding education exists to propel your goals:
- Thinkful – 1-on-1 mentor led flexible programs
- Codesmith – Selective 12 week intensive targeted at top tech firms
- HackReactor – Rigorous full-time software engineering
- GeneralAssembly – Well-known national bootcamp network with variety of tech programs
- Galvanize – Data science focused
Review detailed comparison data across dimensions like curriculum, duration, costs and graduate hiring outcomes below to find your best fit:
Coding Bootcamp Comparison Matrix
| Program | Format | Subject Focus | Duration | Cost | Hiring Rate | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Springboard | Online, mentor-led | Software Engineering, Data Science, Cybersecurity, Design | Self-paced 6-12 months | $0 – $9,900 | 91% in 6 months | $92k |
| Flatiron School | Online and in-person options | Software Engineering, Data Science, Cybersecurity | 12-40 weeks | $0 – $17,980 | 89% in 6 months | $72k |
| Thinkful | Online 1-on-1 mentor sessions | Software Engineering, Data Analytics, Data Science, Design, Product Management | 4-6 months (20 hrs/wk) | $9600 – $16,000 | 91% at 100 days | $66k |
| Codesmith | In-person immersive | Full stack web development | 12 weeks full-time | $17,980 upfront | 99% placement rate | $105k |
| HackReactor | In-person immersive | Full stack web development, Cybersecurity | 12 weeks full-time | $17,980 | 95% placement rate | $104k |
| General Assembly | Online, in-person, and hybrid options | Software engineering, data, design, business | 10-14 weeks full-time | $13,500 – $15,000 | 85% placement rate | $70k |
| LambdaSchool | Online immersive live classes | Full stack web, iOS development, Data science, UX design, ML | 9+ months full-time, 1-3 years flex program | Income share agreement if salary under $50k | Over 1500 graduates working | $70k average |
| Fullstack Academy | In-person (NYC) and online full- and part-time options | Software engineering, cybersecurity | 13 week full-time, 26 week part-time | $17,910 total tuition | 98% job placement rate | Over $100k average |
Preparing for Coding Bootcamp Admissions
Before applying to top-tier programs, you‘ll want to showcase baseline competency through technical interviews and assessments. Common components include:
Coding Challenges – Solve algorithm and logic problems in languages like JavaScript, Python, SQL or pseudocode. Assess problem-solving approach.
Technical Interviews – Discuss programming concepts like data structures, OOP, REST APIs and past experience. Gauge communications skills.
Motivation Essays – Explain background, goals and commitment to learning complex subjects.
Not to worry! Reputable bootcamps provide prep materials and courses to help guide your success before day one. Still, strengthening skills in areas like:
- Javascript fundamentals
- Command line usage
- Version control via Git/GitHub
- HTML/CSS
- Algorithms and logic
Will prepare you to fully take advantage of more advanced curriculum.
codecademy offers a great introduction down road of code
Springboard offers a nice JS Algorithm Bootcamp prep course. Freecodecamp also good for practice.
The most vital elements I can impart as a coding mentor however fall outside syntax familiarity. They live within you.
Key Mindsets for Coding Success
While technical competency marks table stakes, cultivating an intentional mindset and supportive community may make the biggest difference in overcoming obstacles and sticking with intensive programs.
Remain Patient with Yourself
"If you can‘t explain something simply, you don‘t understand it well enough." – Einstein
Struggling to grasp concepts during an accelerated coding journey doesn‘t mean you lack intelligence or ability. Trade self-judgment for curiosity and patience – essential programming virtues.
When facing downs, take a walk, reset emotionally, then reapproach problems from new angles.
Discover how top developers troubleshoot gnarly bugs in this post.
You‘ve got this! Progress compounds.
Adopt a Growth Mindset
Stanford psychologist Carol Dweck‘s research revealed that those believing/saying "I can always improve at this" consistently outperformed fixed mindset peers on challenges.
How we self-talk and view intelligence shapes outcomes. View coding puzzles as opportunities to grow smarter – which they are! The brain literally makes new connections learning difficult concepts.
So next time you bang your head on that React piece, celebrate the growth ahead vs questioning your coding genes. We all start somewhere.
Give Your Brain Time to Embed Concepts
Legend states it takes 10,000 hours of practice to master a skill. Put another way – consistent, distributed, long-term effort compounds.
Think marathon, not sprint. Neurons need time and repetition to wire together complex logic flows. Be sure to code daily even just 30 minutes.
Trust the process. Grit pays compound interest over weeks and months.
Ask Questions, Pay Questions Forward
Embrace curiosity and avoid isolation during intense learning curves. Every puzzle has a solution or teacher to guide you. So ask away!
Then make sure to pay it forward by answering fellow learners‘ questions with patience and encouragement.
Lifting others also builds your own confidence and reinforces concepts.
So stay plugged into class Slacks, discourse forums, and developer communities. We‘re all navigating this journey together.
Ready for Liftoff?
I hope this guide illuminated how coding bootcamps can launch life-changing careers – while dispelling some myths.
Key Takeaways:
- Match programs to specific skills/roles you want to obtain
- Vet student outcomes, teaching methods and financing options closely
- Prep technically and mentally BEFORE starting
- Stick with it through peaks and valleys
The tech landscape brims with possibility. With focus and perseverance, robust coding skills lift you towards gratifying, well-compensated work.
And should this mission resonate – reach out via Twitter or through my site to continue the conversation! Happy to lend guidance during your coding journey.
Now eyes forward as we turn aspirations into reality. Onward!
