Why a Bootcamp Was Right for Me ⭐

[mnwana]

Thinking about taking a Full Stack Bootcamp 👢? Here are some of the reasons that I had, that helped me decide–maybe they can help you too! ⬇️

Prior to my bootcamp experience, I had been exposed to coding in Python for almost a decade, through my university and work experience as a Data Analyst. I always enjoyed the building part of the work and wanted to build more 🛠️. I could create a data pipeline or automate a task, but there was no way I could create my own end-to-end app or contribute to a codebase. I tried to do some self-learning but often felt lost with all of the new concepts. After some research and internal back and forth, I decided a bootcamp was right for me.

If you’re on GitHub, you most likely fall into one of three buckets; (1) someone with programming experience, (2) a GitHub employee, or (3) someone looking to learn more about programming. If you’re in that last bucket, keep reading to hear my experiences with a Full Stack Bootcamp through Columbia University and get a sense if a bootcamp is right for you 👍.

Why I Chose the Bootcamp Route

As mentioned, I had previous experience in Python. You can’t get a degree in Data Analysis or work as a true Data Analyst without knowing some Python 🐍, but it’s typically going to be focused on data analysis, engineering, and science use cases such as statistical modeling or data pipelines.

One day I had an idea for a website (or app) that I thought would be great to try to build. It felt like it would fit a niche need and not be too hard to build. I was wrong. Not knowing where to start, I did some Googling and YouTubing and found some tutorials on Django, and hoped my Python knowledge would provide me with a good enough base. I was immediately lost and didn’t know what anything meant, given I barely knew the basics of HTML. Self-learning was not going to be enough to get this off the ground.

A few weeks passed and I hadn’t made a dent in the self-learning books I’d purchased and hadn’t written a line of code but I really wanted to, I just felt hopeless. I saw bootcamp ads everywhere for the Flatiron School, Columbia University, and various other options and decided I would apply and take a step in that direction.

How I Chose My Bootcamp

Choosing a bootcamp wasn’t all that straightforward but it eventually came down to a handful of criteria. I paid close attention to the class schedules, duration of the program, cost 💰, and the syllabus.

Most important thing for me was the bootcamp cost. If I couldn’t afford it, I wasn’t going to do it. Everyone’s budget is different and this was the best option for me. I chose a program that was the average price I’d seen in my research but also offered flexible payment plans to avoid inundating myself with debt. While the cost might be a lot for many, there are some programs that offer discounts to marginalized groups so make sure to do your own research.

The bootcamp length and schedule were also key factors for me, as I didn’t want to spend an entire year in school. I wanted to quickly get the skills I needed while being able to maintain my full-time job. I found that part-time was typically twice the duration of full-time programs and the same cost, but with price being a key factor, continuous income was important!

Finally, I paid close attention to the syllabus for each bootcamp. I took into account the types of projects I wanted to develop and skills necessary to move forward. I cross-referenced the syllabus with those desires and researched the most common skillsets and languages of software developers. Picking a bootcamp that teaches you outdated or niche tools isn’t great, unless you have very specific outcome goals. Look up the role you might want for your next career and find a bootcamp that will put those required skills on your resume ✅.

Bootcamp Experience

Overall, my bootcamp experience was fast-paced. I had some late nights after work trying to debug code 🐞, or simply just working through an assigned project because I was on a roll and didn’t want to stop. Those moments made me realize this was a good investment for me.

The bootcamp offered great instructors who were available for help, smart, kind, and diverse students to work with, and lessons on the topics I was looking to learn. I’m currently taking some self-learning courses that feel like a walk in the park because of the solid foundation I received in bootcamp. I’m working through my own app development more confidently this time around.

If you’ve been wondering how to make your next move into software development, I’d highly recommend taking a bootcamp to accelerate that move!

[Mirza-Ahmad]

Bootcamps offer immersive, hands-on learning experiences that can help you build a strong foundation in AI concepts, tools, and techniques.
These might include help preparing for job interviews, resume reviews, career coaching, and salary negotiation training. Networking. Machine learning bootcamps are a great place to connect with professionals in the field, from expert instructors to other students.

[jyotiprakash111]

When I was considering ways to acquire new skills and advance in my professional journey, I carefully evaluated various options, including traditional academic routes and self-study. After careful consideration, I ultimately decided that a bootcamp offered the most practical and efficient path towards achieving my goals.

[Sagir777]

How I can do it know

[CelioAmaral]

Bootcamp is a preparation stage for your development, it is an immersion in knowledge of high relevance for the job market.

Many companies use Bootcamp as a selection process for the job market.

Selecting the best students.. 👍

[dominikbraun]

I'm afraid a Bootcamp is one of the most efficient ways to stay unemployed for 6+ months. The entry-level market is oversaturated and the economy is still tough.

[MuhammadMujtabaa]

I am keen to be a part of remote bootcamps rather than instead of onsite
I think BootCamp provides an opportunity to explore and learn with speed and momentum