How To Select A Bootcamp

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The lack of skilled IT workers is hurting the deployment of emerging technology, according to a new survey from Gartner. In areas from cloud to cybersecurity, this crisis is expected to last for years to come.

All those who desire to be programmers or front-end and back-end developers can now learn the technology in a short span of time. They do not have to study for several years and spend thousands of dollars to become a tech professional. Though the 4 year degree definitely has its advantages and is required for certain types of tech jobs.

When numerous options are available in the market, selecting the right product becomes a challenge. Research is required before one can make a decision about buying the product they desire. Same is the case where bootcamps are concerned as there are many to choose from.

But this a matter of one’s career and future; hence it is important to choose the right bootcamp. Each bootcamp is different; each has strengths and weaknesses but what is it that one should look for - how should one select the right bootcamp? Here are some selection criteria:

Quality of programs

Bootcamps have no accreditation; hence research is very important.

1. Contact past students and learn about their experiences that will help in making a decision about which program to attend.
2. Refer Course Report an online resource for researching bootcamp programs for data science, web design or development.
3. Visit the school to determine if it is a good cultural fit for you.

Admission Requirements

Check out if there are specific requirements. Some bootcamps are for people with no exposure to coding and some are for people with some background or experience in coding. Select a program suitable for your level of knowledge.

Program Content

Ensure they teach the technology or languages that you are looking for. Course content at each camp may differ. If you aspire to be an app developer in a particular platform, ensure they teach that at a level that will help you land a job soon after graduating.

Quality and Expertise of Instructors

Instructors have to be good – they should have sound knowledge and experience of coding and the language they are teaching. Along with technical background teaching experience is a must. Knowledge, teaching experience, real-world experience, patience and a keen interest in mentoring are some of the qualities that one should look for.

It is important for the executive team or those responsible for selecting the instructors to be programmers themselves. These are in most cases creators of the programs and selectors of instructors. With a good foundation in technology they will, design or at least ensure that programs meet a high standard.

Teaching Methodology

Teaching methodology should include team work as a major part of designing solutions. In real world, collaboration is critical for the success of a projects and this type of exposure will equip a student to be effective at a company from day one.

Full-time teaching staff will be dedicated and facilitate a great learning environment helping students succeed.

Mode of Training and Your Budget

Three different options are available to attend bootcamps. Costs and level of training will vary for each one:

·         Online coding classes

This may be the cheapest option but level of training will be introductory. This may not necessarily help you acquire technical skills to land a job as a developer or build an application on your own but this will be a first step towards your coding career. Or this may even help you to determine if coding is the right choice for you.

·         In-person programming bootcamp

Duration will vary but training will be intensive, in a class-room with mentoring and practical teamwork. This will impart technical skills to help you get a junior developer job if you have no previous experience.

·         Online coding bootcamps

Completely online but training level will be comparable to in-person bootcamp. Self-paced, requires discipline to complete it. 1-on-1 mentoring may be available.

Location

For in-person classes, attending a program at a city where you plan to work will have added advantages. Finding a job may become easier due to networking opportunities being available. The bootcamp team too may have contacts at local companies to offer placement help.

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