The Higher-Education Alternative: Cost-Effective Coding Bootcamps – For economists, politicians, and business people alike, it’s been clear for a long time which way the wind was blowing.
Since the invention of the World Wide Web, the genesis of the smartphone, and Silicon Valley became the business behemoth that it is today, technology has slowly integrated itself into every single aspect of our everyday lives. Our handheld devices put a wealth of information at our fingertips at any moment, as well as enabling us to communicate with others instantaneously through various platforms, while almost all of our jobs and schools have adopted computers and other devices for a variety of purposes. While technology is by no means done with us, as scientists are continuing to find new ways to expand the world of convenience provided by our devices, it has irreparably changed how we function; and the business world will, in the future, reflect that.
In fact, in a way, it already has. The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated a change that was already taking place dramatically, taking the world by storm and forcing businesses to adapt to digital mediums or die. For these businesses, companies that maybe weren’t as tech literate as they could have been, there was a scramble to adjust; and as the pandemic continues to evolve and mutate, it seems like these once short-term modifications to how business was done are likely to become more permanent.
We are all beginning to become used to a mostly remote, digital lifestyle, where transactions and socialization both are done online; and as we proceed to drift in that direction, becoming more and more used to the new status quo, businesses are looking for employees that can help them succeed in this new environment.
With the labor shortage caused by the pandemic, there is a culture-wide door of opportunity as workers from all careers and all walks of life proceed to reinvent themselves. If you’ve ever considered switching careers, now is your moment; And why not switch to something that will be more viable as time goes on? We’re not talking about the more unstable sectors of the tech field like cryptocurrency or NFT’s… We’re talking about an established career in cybersecurity, web design, programming.
However, the price of switching careers late in life can be hefty, and you might not want to go back to a four-year university, burning four years of your life and spending thousands of dollars in the process. Fortunately, coding bootcamps exist, and they may prove the best way for you to switch careers quickly without spending a fortune.
Let’s talk about them.
What Are Coding Bootcamps?
Coding bootcamps are intense, short-term educational programs offered by a variety of providers that aim to teach you everything you need to know to jump straight into a job after completion. Many of them offer certifications in a variety of professions, and they typically last anywhere from 8 to 36 weeks. While the price of coding bootcamps tends to vary based on a variety of factors, you can expect them, on average, to cost less than one single semester at a prestigious four-year university. And unlike universities, which hand you a degree and tell you “good luck out there,” some coding bootcamps offer add-ons that will give you a distinct advantage in the job market, such as mentorships and opportunities to work with potential employers.
Best of all, you don’t have to treat coding bootcamps like a traditional college experience if that experience doesn’t fit your current lifestyle. While some providers offer options for students that want to live on campus full-time, others offer part-time options for those who want to take their classes while working their existing day jobs. It should be noted that full-time students will naturally finish their coursework faster than part-time students, though full-time programs will typically cost more on average and won’t suit every lifestyle.
What Will You Learn at a Coding Bootcamp?
While the courseload tends to vary depending on which provider you go with, coding bootcamps all aim to teach you the basics to enter your chosen field. As a result, in most coding bootcamps you will learn an array of programming languages, cybersecurity basics, the fundamentals of web development, and, most importantly, you will learn how to work as a team with other professionals in your field. And those are just the basics; Opportunities exist for those looking to learn more in a specific niche, should they choose to take special courses, although adding to your courseload will incur additional costs.
Coding bootcamps are available in nearly every major city, in addition to some of them offering entirely remote options. Considering the pandemic, that may be your best bet to move through your coursework quickly and safely. If any of the above sounds good to you, check out the list of available providers; with a little bit of work, you’ll no doubt find a bootcamp suited to your needs.
Taking the coding bootcamp road won’t be easy, but then, things that are worth doing never are. If you’re looking to switch careers and you’re looking for a cost-effective alternative to college, coding bootcamps might represent your best bet for quality education at an overall low cost.