Is Coding Bootcamp Right For Me? Ask Yourself These Questions.

A coding bootcamp can turn you into a software engineer in months.  Coding bootcamp graduates enter the workforce with all of the necessary skills to land a high-paying job in the tech industry.  Sounds great, right? Coding bootcamp is fantastic– for the right person.

While a coding bootcamp can catapult you into a fantastic tech career, don’t go rushing to apply without doing your due diligence.  These programs are intense, and you won’t get through them unless you’re certain that coding is the best career path for you. Coding bootcamp isn’t for everyone, and it won’t give you the drive needed to succeed.  So, before you apply, ask yourself the following questions to understand if coding bootcamp is right for you.

Why do I want to code?

This is an important question to ask yourself about coding bootcamp.  If you’re only in it for the money, you might have difficulty. Coding bootcamp only works if you want to learn, and you can’t be a passive participant and succeed.  Coding may come natural to you, but you still need to learn the specifics. Coding is challenging, but highly rewarding for the right person.

A great coder is a problem-solver that derives satisfaction from making things work.  If you’re already interested in computers and want to learn how to make them work, coding bootcamp is an excellent option for you.

Do I want to code all the time?

Coding bootcamps produce software engineers and developers.  People in these fields spend most of their time on a computer.  How does that sound to you? If you choose to attend a coding bootcamp, be prepared to sit around all day long and code.  Coding bootcamps are ideal for digital nomads.

Coding is not a paper-pushing kind of job; you can’t clock in and waste time.  Programmers are always engaged in their work and every keystroke matters. A single misplaced letter can crash a system, and your company’s product could be on the line if you mess up.  That being said, coding bootcamp is an excellent choice if you’re looking for a meaningful career. You’ll never be bored– though you may be stressed. Anybody with drive and a “go get ‘em” attitude can succeed in coding bootcamp.  You just have to want it.

Am I ready for a major career transition?

Coding bootcamp will set you up for a lucrative career in the tech industry.  If you haven’t worked in tech, you’ll be in for a significant change.  The tech industry makes its own rules, and your new job will be different than anything you’ve done before.  You’ll probably make more money than you ever have before, too– but you’ll also work a lot more.

Developers and software engineers work hard and earn their pay.  Coding bootcamp will bring you up-to-date on the skills needed today, but everything could be different tomorrow.  An ideal coding bootcamp candidate is comfortable learning all the time, even after graduation.