Questions to Consider Before Joining a Coding Bootcamp

A coding bootcamp can turn you into a software engineer in months. Bootcamp graduates enter the workforce with all of the necessary skills to land a high-paying job in the tech industry. Though they are an excellent option for many students, coding bootcamps are highly intensive programs that may not be right for everyone. With this, there are several important questions to consider before joining a coding bootcamp.

While a coding bootcamp can catapult you into a fantastic tech career, you shouldn’t go rushing into a program without doing your due diligence. To help you answer the question, “Is a coding bootcamp right for me?” we have created this guide. Below you will find out how to answer that and other important coding bootcamp questions to ask yourself if you are considering one of these programs. 

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Top Things to Consider Before a Coding Bootcamp

This section will detail the most important questions to consider before your coding bootcamp and why they are important. From why you want to learn to code to what kind of learner you are, take time to ask yourself these bootcamp questions. 

Why Do You Want to Code?

This is an important question to ask yourself about coding bootcamps. If you’re only in it for the money, you might have difficulty getting through a program. Coding bootcamps only work if you want to learn. You can’t be a passive participant and succeed. Coding is challenging but highly rewarding for the right person.

With this, you should also ask yourself, “Is coding right for me?” A great coder is a problem-solver that derives satisfaction from making things work. If you are interested in computers and want to learn how to create software, a coding bootcamp is an excellent option for you.

Do You 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 most of your day.

Coding is not a paper-pushing kind of job. 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 bootcamps are an excellent choice if you’re looking for a meaningful career. Anybody with drive and an eagerness to learn can succeed in coding bootcamp.  You just have to want it.

Are You Creative?

You might be surprised to read this, but a career in coding requires creativity. Though technical skills are essential, web and software development jobs also require professionals to be innovative. In your role as a coder, you will need to use your creativity to design programs, meet client needs, and tackle challenges.

Are You a Problem Solver?

Problem-solving skills are one of the most important soft skills that a programmer can have. As a coder, you will need to address a wide variety of problems, such as debugging code and fixing system glitches. You will also need problem-solving skills to balance client and consumer needs and to make sure that products are both functional and aesthetic.  

Are You Interested in Technology?

If you are not interested in technology, then coding isn’t for you. You may be interested in the lucrative salary that comes with a career in tech, but you won’t be very successful if you are simply uninterested in the industry. Coding courses are highly challenging and will take up a lot of your time, so you should only consider a coding bootcamp if you find the subject appealing. 

Are You a Hands-On Learner?

You might think that an online bootcamp just requires you to watch lectures and read articles. However, both in-person and online coding bootcamps are highly hands-on programs that require students to be active learners. If you prefer a more passive learning style, then a bootcamp program may not be right for you. 

Have You Always Wanted to Learn to Code?

One of the questions to consider before you join a coding bootcamp is how long you have wanted to learn to code. Is this something you have been interested in for a while, or is this just a phase? Tech bootcamps can span months, so you should make sure you are in it for the long haul before committing. 

Benefits and Challenges of Learning to Code

Regardless of your professional goals in life, learning to code offers a wide range of benefits. Having basic skills in coding can open up a variety of job opportunities. That being said, there are also many challenges associated with developing technical skills in a coding language. Below, you can learn more about both the benefits and downsides of learning to code. 

Pros of Learning to Code

• A high annual salary. Jobs that involve coding are typically paid very well. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the average salary of a software developer is $109,020. 
• Job security. If you choose a career path that involves coding, you will also have great job security. In fact, the BLS reports that software developers have a job growth rate of 25 percent over the next decade. This is over three times higher than the average for all occupations.
• Enhances problem-solving skills. Once you are able to think through coding challenges successfully, you will find that you have refined your problem-solving skills. This is a pro of coding that can benefit you in many areas of life. 
• Become part of a community. By learning to code, you can join the worldwide community of programmers. With this, you can participate in forums and online communities that share knowledge. 
• Better understanding of technology. Learning how to code and use different coding software will give you a better understanding of technology. Since we rely on computer technology for so many things today, having a deeper understanding of how these systems work is highly beneficial.

Cons of Learning to Code

• It takes time. Though some coding bootcamps promise students they’ll develop skills in just a few months, it can take years to truly master coding. With a long list of coding languages and highly technical subject content, learning to code is something that takes time. 
• Technology is always changing. Technology can change quickly. So, while you may spend months learning a certain function, you may also find that it is obsolete after a year. As such, coding requires continual learning.
• Programs can be expensive. Though often cheaper than a traditional degree, many coding bootcamps can still be quite expensive. Such a large financial investment is not something that suits everyone. 
• It can be boring. Some people find learning a new programming language to be exciting, others find it monotonous. If you are the latter, learning to code can be boring at times. 
• It is challenging. Coding can be very difficult to master. Though coding bootcamps and online programs make technical topics more accessible, it is still a challenging educational experience. 

Why Is Doing a Coding Bootcamp a Great Investment?

One of the main reasons why investing in a bootcamp is worth it is because it helps you reach your career goals and qualify for high-paying tech positions. Bootcamp graduates are able to unlock six-figure salaries because of the in-demand skills they learned during their bootcamp program. 

Further, many popular bootcamps also offer a job guarantee and career services that help ensure every coding bootcamp graduate is successful in their job search. If you are looking to upskill quickly and can handle a rigorous program, then a coding bootcamp is a great investment. 

Am I Ready for a Major Career Transition?

If you can answer all of these questions to consider before enrolling in a coding bootcamp well, then you are ready. A 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 after you graduate from a coding bootcamp. 

It is beneficial to prepare for a bootcamp before attending to combat this change. If you are new to coding, your new job will be different than anything you’ve done before. You’ll probably make more money than you ever have before, but you’ll also work a lot more. Developers and software engineers work hard and earn their pay. However, if you are interested in coding and willing to work hard, then this can be a lucrative and highly rewarding career path.

Questions to Consider Before Coding Bootcamp FAQ