Is a coding boot camp right for you?

Before you sign up for that well-advertised coding boot camp you should ask yourself some questions.

1. Who wants you to be there?
2. Do you like researching, studying, and practicing a lot?
3. Why do you think you should you get into coding?

As a former coding boot camp instructor at the University of Utah I’ve got some ideas for you.

Who wants you to be there?

Another way of asking this question is: what is your motivation to join a coding boot camp? Are you being pressured into it by parents or friends? These programs aren’t cheap so make sure you’re ready to get in there and work hard. There’s a reason they don’t call them “leisure-time coding lessons at your own pace” instead of boot camps.

You should really take some time to figure out the types of activities where you excel, and the types of activities you enjoy or that don’t seem like work to you. Once you’ve nailed that down talk to others who know you well about where they think you are talented. It would also be good to reach out to someone in the field and see if you can shadow them on-the-job for a day to get an idea if you even like it.

Ultimately, if you aren’t the one who wants to be there you’re going to be fighting your competing desires for your focus in and out of class. Make sure you really want to be there. You might even consider taking an aptitude test.

Do you like researching, studying, and practicing a lot?

While boot camps aren’t meant to be easy, they aren’t aimed at being impossibly difficult either. You have to be dedicated to spending time during class, and outside of class to reinforce the concepts you cover.

Be prepared to block out large amounts of time in your personal life for study and homework. As any experienced developer will tell you, one of the best ways to learn is to get in to a project where you can actually apply what you’re learning. Since boot camps typically cover a lot of material in a short period of time, you will have plenty of homework to do but depending on your background you may really need to spend extra time beyond what’s required to “finish” your homework.

The best part of this area though, is that if you are willing to work hard to learn any reputable boot camp will help you learn to learn. In other words, they should help you know the types of questions to ask when researching so you can become more efficient at learning the material, and become capable of learning on your own later - which is a big part of this career path.

Why do you think you should you get into coding?

If you think something like “I like gaming and computers so I’ll be awesome at coding” you are not off to a great start. Most games offer different types of challenges than you’ll need to be able to solve in development. Simply put, being good at or enjoying video games is not a qualifier for coding. It doesn’t disqualify you either.

Did the software field pay ranges get your attention? I can’t blame you there. I’m a big believer that anyone can learn to code, but not everyone should learn to code. We all have different aptitudes and interests which don’t always line up with this career path, which will impact your ability to really succeed at it. Plus with advancements in AI I believe the coming years will show that existing talent can become more productive reducing demand for developers, which will ultimately lead to layoffs for bottom-talent.

Finally, is it because you’ve been exposed to this world and liked what you learned? Have you had to write some simple functions or macros and found the experience enjoyable? Do you like to think through problems, put a plan together, and then work toward the planned outcome? If you said yes to these then you may be a good fit for the industry and therefore a degree in computer science or a coding boot camp.

In summary

So, is a coding boot camp right for you? What did you decide? If the rigorous learning schedule, and your abilities seem right for the type of learning and work, then maybe it is. On the other hand, if you’re driven enough to learn on your own like a lot of developers have, maybe boot camp isn’t necessary. Though, you will have to find a competitive way to stand out among the very many applicants for entry-level developer positions who have graduated from boot camps or colleges.

About Coding Captain (the author)

Hi, I’m Jason, your Coding Captain. With over 16 years of software development experience, including 5 years managing teams and 2 years teaching, I’ve journeyed through coding’s challenging waters and am here to guide you on your own voyage.

Beyond coding, my thirst for adventure extends to my family life and epic games like Sea of Thieves and D&D. These cherished roles – as a husband, father, and gamer – not only shape who I am but also inform my teaching style, fostering a warm and nurturing learning environment.

Join me, your Coding Captain, as we embark on thrilling learning adventures in the ever-evolving world of technology problem-solving.