10 Things to Consider Before Applying to a Bootcamp

1 Not All Bootcamps Offer Career Services

Certain bootcamps offer assistance with finding a job upon completion. They may do so through career coaching or by providing professional connections. However, many bootcamps do not provide this assistance.

Regardless of whether a bootcamp offers career services or not, attending a bootcamp does not always guarantee a job (but some do!). Learners should ask the bootcamp provider for data on graduate success rates. Some bootcamps offer data on the percentage of graduates who earn a coding-related job within six months of graduation. If the bootcamp shares this information, ask how the bootcamp collects the data.

2 Decide on Your Learning Format

Bootcamps feature several learning formats. The format can determine how well you perform and absorb the information. The best format depends on your learning style, preferences, and schedule.

Some bootcamps follow an online self-paced format. Learners with optimal time management skills who prefer flexibility may enjoy this format. People who want more accountability may prefer an in-person bootcamp. Those who work full-time jobs may want to pursue a part-time program. Learners who want to finish quickly should consider full-time programs.

3 Determine Your Technical Discipline

Bootcamps cover a variety of topics. Selecting one bootcamp requires having a general idea of your ideal technical discipline. The technical discipline you choose should align with your career goals. Common technical disciplines include UX/UI design, software engineering, and cybersecurity. Some bootcamps devote all of their resources to one technical specialization.

A good tip for deciding which discipline to choose is to read through tech career descriptions by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The BLS lists common career paths for becoming various types of tech professionals. The organization also provides information like salary and outlook statistics.

4 What Are the Graduation Rates?

Figuring out a bootcamp's graduation rates before committing to one may help you avoid a predatory bootcamp. Many bootcamp providers publish the percentage of people who attempt the program and graduate. To determine this data's validity, you can ask the provider how it gathers the data.

Some bootcamps are Council on Integrity in Results Reporting (CIRR) members. The CIRR independently collects data on topics like graduation rates from providers. BestColleges publishes a list of CIRR-verified bootcamps each year.

Contacting graduates from a specific bootcamp may reveal more information. Consider reaching out to a few people to learn how the school facilitated their success.

5 Don't Only Enroll for the Money

According to the BLS, computer and information research scientists earned a median income of $131,490 as of May 2021. This is more than double the median salary for all other occupations.

We won't lie — those numbers look pretty good. However, money can only motivate you to a certain degree. Some tech jobs require long hours and a lot of commitment. Some people find that computer jobs feel isolating, so making sure that you enjoy your profession can lead to a higher quality of life.

Before enrolling, keep in mind that a more expensive coding bootcamp program does not always indicate higher quality.

6 Don't Quit Your Day Job

Once you decide to attend a bootcamp, it may seem tempting to forgo other responsibilities. However, quitting your current job may come with drawbacks. You may discover you like your current profession more than coding once you start the bootcamp.

Funds from the FAFSA do not apply to bootcamps. Bootcamp students must pay for their education upfront, through a payment plan, or through a loan. So, keeping a full-time job during your studies may put you in a better position to pay for a bootcamp.

Many bootcamps design their programs for learners with full-time jobs. Online bootcamps often move quickly, but the virtual format offers flexibility.

7 Check LinkedIn Beforehand

Many bootcamp providers have LinkedIn profiles. Looking at these profiles helps you learn more about the bootcamp. Some bootcamp providers even publish interesting articles on this platform. A premium LinkedIn subscription allows you to see more insights about the company.

Looking at the profiles of bootcamp graduates may help you figure out what jobs people can get after finishing a bootcamp. You can also connect with recent graduates and start conversations to learn more.

Before applying to a bootcamp, make sure you update your own profile. Some competitive bootcamp providers may check your LinkedIn.

8 What Is the Application Process Like?

The application process varies between providers. However, most coding bootcamp applications require recommendation letters. Check with specific bootcamp providers to learn whether they place limits on how many times you may apply.

Some providers feature open-enrollment policies. Other providers require a lengthy process with an interview. Programs that enroll a limited number of people may provide a more tailored experience. For example, they may offer one-on-one mentorship sessions. Open-enrollment programs usually feature larger cohorts or class sizes.

Certain bootcamp providers allow learners to try out the program through a prerequisite course. During this class, the provider evaluates how well the applicant responds to feedback.

9 What Is the Student-to-Faculty Ratio?

The student-to-faculty ratio is the number of instructors compared to the number of students. More competitive programs may feature fewer students per instructor. This means smaller class sizes. A bootcamp's student-to-faculty ratio may determine how much one-on-one assistance you'll receive.

However, bootcamps with larger class sizes may cost less. Independent learners may still thrive in a bootcamp with a larger student-to-faculty ratio. Instructors still offer assistance and answer questions in these bootcamps.

10 Make Sure You Enjoy Coding

Some bootcamp providers do not provide refunds. Before spending your money, consider practicing coding through free programs. Some bootcamp providers, like Simplilearn, provide free coding courses.

Even if you enjoy coding, consider whether you would enjoy working with code for long hours. Sometimes, coding professionals must work long days under pressure to meet timeline goals or solve pressing issues.

Before selecting a bootcamp that specializes in a specific coding language, also make sure you like working with that type of language. For example, Python varies greatly from Java. Also, HTML and CSS may not be useful for certain engineering jobs.