How to Prepare for a Coding Bootcamp

Understanding Coding Bootcamps

What is a Coding Bootcamp?

Coding bootcamps are short-term, intensive training programs designed to teach programming skills and software development methodologies. They are tailored for individuals looking to jumpstart their careers in the tech industry, often ranging from a few weeks to several months.

Benefits of Attending a Coding Bootcamp

Bootcamps provide hands-on, practical learning experiences, focusing on the most in-demand technologies and skills. They are known for their career-oriented approach, offering networking opportunities, job placement services, and real-world project experience.

What Should I Learn at my Bootcamp?

There are a lot of bootcamps that promise a job after graduation, but what kind of job do you want? If you want to design exciting and dynamic websites for a start-up, you may want to consider a school that focuses on front-end technologies. If you are looking for a position that will allow you to build applications from the ground-up, you may want to consider a school that teaches object oriented programming languages like Java and JavaScript.

How Long is a Coding Bootcamp? 

Learning in a large class can be fun, but it is important to make sure your are paying for quality instruction and not just a cool space with a bar. If the program is full-time, it is important to know how much time is spent with the instructor vs. self-guided assignments. Spending hours working through a project on your own may cost you more than you think.

Try Out Programming First: 

In order to determine how much time (and money) you want to spend for new skills - test it out. The cost of a bootcamp is comparable to a house down payment or a new 2014 Honda, so walk-around and take a drive with learning how to code. There are many free websites that will allow you to dabble. Were you OK with hitting the wall a few times? Can you sit with one problem for hours? Then you may be ready for the next step.

You can learn more by following our short video tutorial on writing your first program.

Coding Bootcamp applications

Every programming bootcamp will ask you to apply. These applications can be competitive because usually class sizes are small and they're unable to accommodate everyone who wants to attend. Some bootcamps vet their applicants heavily to make sure they complete the course and don't drop out. Many people underestimate how hard a programming bootcamp is.

Share your background:

If you're ready to apply you'll have to tell the admissions representative why you want to attend their school above all others. A school that has a process to make sure you're not wasting your time (or money), is looking for eager students, not numbers of classroom seats.

Study the prep material:

A brief assessment may require you to review videos about the programming language they teach, or require more tutorials and coding experience. Read through the guidelines to make sure you have the time to put into the process.

How do I start off on the right foot? 

Evaluate your life: 

Now it's time to really make arrangements. Will you need a pet-sitter? Do you know how you will get to and from the learning facility? The best time to put together your routine and plan for success is by handling all the "life things" before you start.

Complete the pre-work: 

Many schools will require about a week's worth of exercises and projects that will help get everyone in class to the same baseline. Setting up your computer and pinging the instructor or TA to make sure all of your work is good to go is a great way to get on the right path.

Your attitude is everything: 

Get excited! You have decided to brave down the path less traveled. Having a positive attitude about yourself and remembering WHY you want to be a developer makes the struggle worth it.