What's a Coding Boot Camp and is it Worth It?
When we think of boot camps, we think of push-ups, we think of uniforms, we think of intense training. But what is a coding boot camp? What is coding?
Coding is the nickname for computer programming. Computer programming is the science/art of making your favorite app, favorite game, favorite social media website-—honestly, just about everything in our day-to-day seems to require computer programmers. We need more and more computer programmers every day, and with that kind of job security, the real question is, where do I get started?
That’s where a boot camp comes in. A coding boot camp is an intense training program to give you the skills you need to get a job as a computer programmer. Enter as a complete beginner and come out with real skills.
There are lots of different programs, varying in length, price, and experience. As always when comparing programs it is important to look at three key metrics:
Graduation Rate: Compare the graduation rates of the programs you are considering before making a choice. If 7 out of 10 or more are graduating successfully (aka 70%), that’s considered pretty good.
Cost: Most reputable coding boot camps will let you try them out for free first. Make sure you take full advantage of this and do the free portion. You can really tell if it’s for you or not during a free trial.
Career Outcomes: Coding boot camps should be excited to share what happens to their actual graduates. Look for high rates of job placement and high salaries for their graduates.
Let’s take a closer at one of our favorites, Operation Spark, for example. There are two kinds of programs, one for high schoolers and one for adults.
Rising Juniors and Seniors with no coding experience attend a summer camp intensive to learn the basics of computer programming and even earn an Industry-Based Certification in Fundamentals of JavaScript, Functional Programming, and Web Development. Learn about the high wage careers for programmers and what all those words above mean.
If You've Graduated High School
6 months of intense learning determined to get you a full-time job in software engineering. Let me say that again: a full-time job. Not just any job. A job in one of the most demanded, high paying, secure jobs there are. The course includes an immersion program, where you work closely with the Operation Spark crew to apply for jobs. This is a program unlike others because it doesn’t end with just a certificate, it tackles the job hunt with you.
What’s it worth?
Coding boot camps are HARD. Expect them to take over your life for a portion of the time. Even the part-time ones are extremely challenging and energy-consuming. The first question you must ask yourself is “do I have the stamina, time, and commitment to jump into this kind of program?”
These boot camps aren’t cheap, but the yields are huge. They are a short-term, intense, dedicated program to get you a career that can earn an average of $60,000 a year. Operation Spark guarantees job placement— 100% guarantees! Plus, programs like Operation Spark are in the business of getting you to succeed, offering financial aid options and scholarships.
Honestly, I may just stop telling you about it and go sign myself up...