Coding Bootcamp vs Self-Learning: Why Now Is the Best Time to Enroll in a Coding Bootcamp

If you don’t upskill in tech today, a robot could end up doing your job in the future.

As we move into the future, it’s becoming increasingly clear that AI will have a significant impact on the job market. According to the World Economic Forum’s 2020 Future of Jobs Report, as many as 85 million jobs could be displaced by automation by 2025. We’ve already seen this slowly unfold this past year with the launch of the ChatGPT chatbot and other AI-writing generators, which have threatened some jobs like content creation, telemarketing, and data entry.

While that sounds bleak, there’s a silver lining: the same WEF report also predicts that AI adoption will create nearly 100 million jobs within the same time frame. This means the sooner you start learning how to leverage up-and-coming technologies, the greater your chances of being in a position to take advantage of these opportunities.

There are plenty of learning resources available to help you develop the skills you need, including online coding courses and coding bootcamps. Which one is right for you?

Top Tech Skills That Companies Are Looking For

Before we dive into which learning options you should choose, ask yourself: When was the last time you learned a new skill? And we’re not talking about a new Excel formula or an email hack, but rather more specialized skills that could potentially change your career. Think mastering Tableau for data visualization, enabling an API integration between servers, or conducting user research studies.

Mastering these skills can give you a leg up in the job market, especially since nearly every organization, no matter the industry, is looking for digital skills these days. You need to have a working knowledge of software development, UX/UI design, data analytics, or data science, to name a few, if you want to level up your career.

Supporting this claim, data from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics shows that software developers and cybersecurity analysts can expect a 25% and 35% job growth rate between 2021 and 2031. Notably, these figures are higher than the average five percent job growth rate across all industries.

What Makes Coding Bootcamps Better than Self-Learning?

Deciding whether to enroll in a bootcamp or pursue self-learning ultimately depends on your preferred learning style, schedule, and career goals. If you have the luxury of time and enjoy working independently, self-learning may be a good option for you. On the other hand, attending a coding bootcamp can offer several benefits if you’re looking to upskill quickly and efficiently.

Be Part of a Community with Cohort Learning

While self-learning gives you the freedom to choose what you learn and at what pace, structured and cohort-based learning provides a well-designed curriculum that breaks down complex topics into digestible lessons.

General Assembly is a great example of this kind of learning. They tailor their curriculums to beginners so they’re easy to follow. What’s more, they encourage a collaborative learning environment that allows you to learn alongside your peers. This type of environment not only enhances your interpersonal and communication skills but also stimulates your creativity in finding solutions from diverse perspectives.

Get Hands-on Supervision from Industry Experts

Speaking of student support, coding bootcamps have teams of highly qualified instructors you can count on to help you both during and after class. At General Assembly, you can learn about software engineering, data science, data analysis, and more, from real tech veterans. Additionally, a career expert is on hand to help you fine-tune your job search, networking, interview, and negotiation skills as you enter the workforce. With all that support, you’ll be way more likely to land a job that matches your skills and goals!

Upskill and Become Professional in Under a Year

If you’re looking to enter the tech industry quickly, enrolling in a bootcamp might be a great option for you. Unlike traditional universities, which typically require four years of study, bootcamps like General Assembly can get you up to speed in as little as 12 weeks.

The bootcamp condenses the necessary modules into quick sprints of 12 or 24 weeks. This intensive learning experience can be incredibly valuable for building a strong foundation in your chosen tech field. Additionally, General Assembly offers part-time courses for students who need more flexibility in their schedules.

A Cost-Effective Option Compared to Traditional Education

When it comes to pursuing higher education in the US, the cost can be quite steep. Private universities can average around $42,162 per year, while public schools can still cost around $23,630. On the other hand, coding bootcamps can cost anywhere between $10,000 and $22,000. If you’re looking to make a career shift and want to save time and money, a coding bootcamp may be the better choice.

General Assembly offers a variety of bootcamps, including the career change bootcamps for $16,450 and the career advancement part-time courses for $4,500. Not to mention, General Assembly also offers a range of financing options to help you get started right away!

• Income-Share Loan (ISL). Delay your tuition payment and pay it back as a percentage of your income once you secure a job that pays at least $40,000 per year.
• Interest and Interest-Free Loans. Apply for a loan with one of General Assembly’s trusted lending partners.
• In-House Installment Plans. Break down your tuition fees into smaller, more manageable payments by opting for installments that can be spread out over the duration of your course.
• GI Bill® Benefit. Select US campuses welcome veterans to utilize their GI Bill® benefit for educational purposes.
• Employer Sponsorship. Ask your employer to cover the expenses of your program through workplace education benefits.

While you could always choose to self-study for free, enrolling in General Assembly’s courses could be worth the investment, given their comprehensive curriculum and career services program. In fact, over 97% of General Assembly alumni who utilized the career services program were able to land a job within a year.

Invest in Your Career Growth with General Assembly

If you have the right fit for a tech career, the most expensive thing you can do is wait because you would be missing out on income, career progression, and a better work-life balance. Fortunately, General Assembly offers immersive bootcamp programs in high-growth tech fields like Software Engineering, UX Design, Data Analytics, and Data Science. These programs can provide you with a quick and effective way to kick-start your tech career in just a few weeks.

So, why wait?

Take the first step today by contacting General Assembly’s Admissions team. They can provide you with all the information you need, including their latest offers and discounts, such as the Merit Discount which entitles you to a $1,000 tuition discount upon completion of any introductory course.