The Ultimate Coding Bootcamp Guide

Sabio Coding Bootcamp can help you become a web developer, build your professional portfolio, and tackle real-world coding challenges through technical workshops. This guide will look at everything you need to know about coding bootcamps.

What is a Coding Bootcamp?

 A coding bootcamp is a short-term, intensive, technical training program that teaches aspiring tech enthusiasts and knowledgeable industry professionals the skills needed in various Information Technology fields. A coding bootcamp keeps track of career and industry events, current trends, and uses a project-based curriculum that prepares students for immediate employment.

A coding bootcamp provides practical training in web development, covering a wide range of languages and tooling used by professional users. They focus on the in-demand skills employers require, significantly reducing the time and expenses needed to get the same skills compared to a 4-year degree. Therefore, career switchers can learn how to build functional applications, analyze data, use fundamental web development tools, and other digital skills within a few months. Bootcamps are offered on both a full-time and part-time schedule and offer job referrals to help graduates find internships or job opportunities.

What Types of Coding Bootcamps Are There?

Coding bootcamps have different programs and academic models to accommodate various learners. Therefore, when choosing the best coding bootcamp, you should consider the one that meets your needs and flexibility. For example, when pursuing a NodeJS program, you should choose the best NodeJS bootcamp that can elevate your career. Here are the different types of coding bootcamps you can enroll in depending on your time commitment, outcome, and preferred mode of delivery.

1. Online vs. in-person coding bootcamps

Depending on how you would like to learn, you can choose either online or in-person bootcamps. An in-person coding bootcamp involves attending a scheduled class at a specified location. Since they are more structured with the instructor readily available, in-person bootcamps are great for people who want more guidance from a dedicated career coach.

On the other hand, online coding bootcamps provide online classes in a virtual classroom environment that allow you to gain knowledge from the comfort of your home. Online coding bootcamps are more common because of their flexibility, remote accessibility, and convenience. Whether you choose the online or in-person model, the duration and professional materials for these bootcamps are the same.

2. A part-time program vs. a full-time program

Full-time bootcamps will require you to invest a significant amount of time, probably, 40-60 hours a week, but take a relatively short time to complete. You'll immerse yourself in the world of coding with little or no time for other activities. This option allows learners to expand their programming knowledge within a short period.

For part-time schedules, learners attend less class time, making it convenient for individuals with busy schedules, jobs, and responsibilities. A part-time program can take longer than a full-time one to complete. This is because learners usually learn on weekends or at night.

3. Self-paced

Self-paced bootcamps allow you to progress as quickly or as slowly as you would like. After receiving the curriculum, you'll decide when and how to complete the program. Self-paced programs offer more flexibility to learners and require students with a disciplined learning style. Depending on your pace, these programs can last from a few weeks to several months.

• Software Engineer: As a software engineer, you'll design and develop various computer software ranging from simple business applications to complex networks and control systems. You'll also manage and track various real-world projects and ensure that software works as expected. Software engineers must be good at programming and coding, information analysis, algorithms, and data structures, all of which are taught at coding bootcamps. Technically, the average salary of a software engineer is over $110,000.
• Web Developer: A web developer creates and maintains progressive web applications. In full-stack web development, you'll write code to generate webpages, perform various web-based tasks, and even access databases. A web developer works closely with web designers to build websites, identify bugs and correct them. A web developer must know various programming languages, including JavaScript, SQL, CSS, HTML, and other computer science applied skills like UI design that can be learned by enrolling in a coding boot camp near you. A web developer can earn an average salary of $60,000.
• UX/UI Designer: User experience (UX) and user interface (UI) designers ensure that users can effortlessly navigate a specific website, app, or software. UX designers provide seamless interaction between users and a given product, while UI designers ensure that the interface of delivered software is best optimized for its users. In addition to coding skills, UX/UI designers should have creative skills like design and marketing.
• Mobile App Developer: Mobile app developers create mobile apps for Android and iOS devices. They'll mostly learn multiple programming languages, UX/UI design, testing, and product improvement to create a functional and user-friendly application.

Data Science

Data science professionals help companies collect large volumes of data for the purpose of storage and analysis. Some of the potential careers in data science include:

• Data Analyst: They collect, organize and interpret data which is crucial in making complex business decisions. To become a data analyst, you'll need knowledge in programming languages like Python and SQL and prowess in Math and statistical analysis. Data analysts develop systems to help businesses run efficiently. Generally, data analysts are required in almost every industry.
•  Data Scientist: Data scientists use their database management and data analysis skills to design and develop data collection processes and algorithms that can perform custom analytics and predict future outcomes

IT and Cybersecurity

With most companies collecting and storing sensitive information, IT and Cybersecurity professionals ensure the safety of this data by protecting systems and databases from malicious attacks. Careers in this field include:

• Network Security Engineer: They protect the network infrastructure of a business from external threats like cyber-attacks and bugs, as well as internal threats like data leaks and computer errors. Network security engineers can set up security-related hardware and software, oversee IT protocols and prevent any vulnerabilities in business systems.
• Information System Manager: Also known as IT managers, Information System managers are tasked with using technology to improve businesses. They can update software and hardware, troubleshoot system errors, manage databases and optimize communication and data security.

How much do Coding Bootcamps Cost?

If you're seeking an alternative path to a technology career, you may find coding bootcamps shorter and more affordable. How much you'll pay for a coding bootcamp depends on various factors, whether online or in-person, full-time or part-time, and the type of program you're taking. Averagely, coding bootcamps can cost anywhere between $10,000 to $30,000. This is significantly lower than a college degree, costing around $65,000.

Some coding bootcamps like Sabio offer free coding courses and professional materials that introduce you to a particular skill or programming language before committing to an intensive program. You should also consider the technology costs for the hardware and software required by a bootcamp. Generally, online coding bootcamps cost a fraction of a college degree.

Ways to Pay for Coding Bootcamps

The best coding bootcamps have flexible payment options to help learners pay for their programs and other costs. Some of the financial options you can opt for to pay for an online coding bootcamp include:

1. Upfront payment

Upfront payment involves paying the program's cost at the beginning of the bootcamp. This option prevents you from paying the interests that may accumulate when you choose a loan or another payment plan. In some coding bootcamps, you may receive a discount for paying your tuition upfront.

2. Payment plans

Payment plans allow students to pay monthly installments as they pursue their program. Depending on the bootcamp provider, you can either have fixed or varying installments. In most cases, you'll have an interest-free payment plan that allows you to make monthly payments without any additional costs.

3. Deferred tuition

In the deferred tuition payment plan, you'll pay little or no deposit tuition at the beginning of your bootcamp. However, after securing a dream job in the tech industry, you'll start paying the set tuition fee in installments. This is an excellent option for students who do not have the funds to pay for their learning. Given its convenience, you may want to choose a coding bootcamp provider that offers deferred payment. This ensures that a lack of funds does not prevent you from achieving your career goals.

4. Income sharing agreement (ISA)

Like deferred tuition, income share agreements allow students to pay for their bootcamp after getting a tech industry job. In ISAs, you'll pay a percentage of your salary to the bootcamp for a set period. Depending on the bootcamp provider and salary, this can range from 8% to 25%.

5. Loans

You can also apply for a coding bootcamp loan from lenders like Ascent or Sallie Mae. These lenders offer loans specifically for coding bootcamps.

6. GI Bill

In addition to the above payment methods, Sabio allows veterans to use their VA benefits to enroll in a coding boot camp program.

Coding Bootcamps Vs. University Degree

You can take different pathways to pursue a career in the tech industry. Before choosing, you should start with assessing yourself and considering various factors to help you select an option that works best for you. So, are you having a difficult time deciding between pursuing a coding bootcamp or a university degree? Here are different factors you should consider when choosing between the two:

1. Costs

Coding bootcamps are relatively less expensive. You can save thousands by attending a coding camp rather than a four-year degree. In addition, bootcamps also offer deferred tuition plans that allow you to pay later. Even with financial constraints, you're more likely to pursue a career in IT by enrolling in a coding bootcamp.

2. Time commitment

Coding bootcamps are more focused and usually take about 2-6 months to complete. This requires less time commitment, but needs more time doing self-study to master the program. Degree programs last for four years. Given how extensive the CS program is, you'll have to invest more time. This means that you'll get a much deeper understanding and more practice time.

3. Return on investment

Coding bootcamps usually equip you with robust skills to help you land a well-paying tech job. Therefore, when you choose a coding bootcamp, you can simplify your job search and earn the same as a post-graduate but within less time and spend less money.

4. Curriculum

CS curriculums offer in-depth knowledge of computers and coding. This can include operating systems, the how's and why's, the general foundation for programming, and a deeper look into the algorithms used by developers. On the other hand, coding bootcamps mainly focus on the programming language that's relevant to your career path. Therefore, if you want to focus on coding languages and tools, coding bootcamps should be your preferred choice. You'll gain more relevant tools, and computer science applied skills that you can use immediately in the job market.

5. Career Outlook

Deciding whether to join a coding boot camp or pursue a degree depends on your long-term career goals. If you would like to become a senior employee in a large corporation, it's best to pursue a CS degree. Otherwise, you should be ready to prove your skills. A coding bootcamp is the right choice for those who would like to join a startup or start their own companies. You'll get the skills that you can directly put to use. 

Why Choose Coding Bootcamps?

You're probably asking yourself, are coding bootcamps worth it? The short answer is, yes, coding bootcamps are worth it. Though intensive, coding bootcamps are short-term programs that can get you market-ready within a few weeks. That's why many people choose bootcamps over a four-year degree. Here are some benefits that aspiring coders can get by enrolling in a coding boot camp:

1. In-demand skills

With technology transforming daily, coding bootcamps teach the skills necessary to work in the tech sector. Coding bootcamps focus on the latest practices and developing practical, career-ready skills to help you adjust to future market trends. Enrolling in a bootcamp gives you the capability and skills to work in high-level positions in the tech industry.

2. Affordable

Affordability is one of the reasons most people prefer coding bootcamps. When you compare the bootcamp costs to the four-year degree costs, coding bootcamps are an amazing deal. Other expenses with degree programs include books, housing, and many more.

3. Flexibility

Coding bootcamps allow you to learn at your own pace. They offer valuable flexibility and convenience when you have a busy schedule. Since bootcamps will enable you to pursue your program during hours that work best for you, you can fulfill your family obligations, do a full-time job and still attend classes. In universities and colleges, you'll have to invest a considerable amount of time and resources.

4. Hands-on training

Since computer programming bootcamps are more practical, you'll work on real-world projects that will build your professional portfolio and prepare you for a successful IT career journey. Hands-on training gives you the experience and ensures that you're job-ready. Coding bootcamps also equip you with the soft skills needed to survive in the intensive IT industry.

4. Best for career switching

Coding bootcamps can help those with non-tech degrees to pursue their careers in the field. Even without prior experience, a bootcamp can help you learn the technical skills needed in the tech industry. You can effortlessly change your career to an IT professional within the shortest time possible.

Generally, coding bootcamps will give you thorough soft skills training and an understanding of the principles needed by industry professionals.

What Do I Need to Apply for a Coding Bootcamp?

Am I suitable for a coding bootcamp? What do I need to join one? In most cases, anyone can join a bootcamp, irrespective of their education or experience. Coding bootcamps do not need a degree or experience. As long as you're interested in learning how to code and pursuing a tech career, you can effortlessly apply for a coding bootcamp. However, you'll need specific skills and a winner's mindset to succeed in a coding program. Here are the top skills that can help you succeed:

• Passion: You should be passionate about learning to code. Ideal applicants see programming as a craft that requires passion and long-term learning, rather than a means to an end.
• Willingness: You should be more than willing to sacrifice your time and resources
• Dedication and problem-solving skills: Generally, learning how to code is a challenging expedition that comes with frustration and self-doubt. You'll face new challenges that require you to think critically, rather than giving up and deciding that it's too hard. Dedicating yourself gives you the perseverance to overcome various hurdles and work on complex real-world projects.
• Interpersonal skills: They help you work with fellow bootcamp students and create industry partner connections.

Generally, most bootcamps look for passion, potential, dedication, and a willingness to learn. It would also help to look at pre-course tutorials and other professional materials to know what programming entails when applying to a bootcamp.

How to Apply to a Coding Bootcamp

Given the high market demand for software and web developers, more people are considering a career change in the tech industry. Therefore, any passionate, dedicated and motivated person can secure a place in a coding bootcamp. The application process depends on the bootcamp you choose.

At Sabio, we have a straightforward process to help you start your tech career. All you have to do is:

1. Apply
2. Take the assessment or choose to attend our 17-week program
3. Once you pass the assessment, you can reserve your seat in the full-stack program

Our application process helps ensure that our program's format and enrollment options conform to your learning style and career goals.

Launch Your Coding Career with Sabio Coding Bootcamp

Coding bootcamps can transform your life and set you up for an amazing career. They offer a wide range of courses where students can learn the skills needed to launch a career in tech. Within a few weeks, you'll have the technical skills and experience required to land a high-paying tech job. Therefore, choosing the right coding bootcamp is critical in helping you accomplish your specific career goals.

With many employers using coding bootcamps as a tech talent pipeline to hire newly qualified web developers, Sabio can help you develop your technical career. Our knowledgeable industry professionals are more than willing to guide and help you achieve your goals. Therefore, if you would like to break into tech or enhance your programming skills, Sabio is the right place for you. So, are you ready to take the next step in your career and become part of the high-paying tech jobs? Call Us at (626)899-4577 or schedule a meeting today to start your new professional life.