Programming bootcamps: a scam?

Programming, software development, data science, UX design, web analytics, and even digital marketing as a whole are disciplines within the technology sector that have seen an astronomical rise in popularity in recent years, alongside a surge in demand for these skills from all kinds of companies. Similarly, coding bootcamps have also become, for many people, a golden opportunity to take the definitive leap into the technology sector.

Are you thinking about doing a coding bootcamp? Not sure whether another type of training might be better suited to your goals? In this article, we’ll tell you a bit more about the benefits of coding bootcamps, what you should consider before signing up for one, and what you can and can’t expect to achieve by doing one.

The rise of bootcamps

Programming bootcamps didn’t really become the talk of the tech sector until 2020, when they began to skyrocket in number and popularity. But bootcamps haven’t taken off so strongly simply because they’re a passing fad or because they offer a flashy qualification to put on your CV, but rather to to meet a training need that the market had long been lacking for some time now. And by ‘market’ we mean thousands of people from all educational backgrounds and age groups who want to learn practical skills such as programming, but who were unable to find a realistic route into the field that was in line with their goals.

Another factor that played a decisive role in bootcamps gaining such prominence in the education market was the pandemic. During this period of physical confinement and introspection, Many people re-evaluated their career paths and were more exposed to the digital world, which is why they felt particularly drawn to careers in the technology sector. Generally speaking, these people were working in fields completely unrelated to programming and are not looking to train by undertaking a long and demanding degree course such as computer engineering.

At the same time, the precarious employment situation and job insecurity faced by many people has led to a huge influx of new students into coding bootcamps, as they seek a fast track into a sector that offers very favourable terms, or at least that is what it promises. Job security, a good salary, remote working, flexible hours, additional benefits, etc. These are conditions and advantages that very few companies offer in many sectors, whereas in jobs related to new technologies and programming, they are the norm.

Are bootcamps useful?

It depends on what it’s for. Most bootcamps offer a direct route to employment upon completion and acquire the necessary skills, so it could be said that they are indeed very useful in terms of the aims of the majority of students who enrol on them: to find a job. Landing your first job in a field you’ve never worked in before is certainly complicated and time-consuming, and a coding bootcamp is a direct route into a company.

Furthermore, they are particularly useful if you want to learn how to use a specific programming language or framework to carry out specific tasks. In other words, a bootcamp offers a a predominantly practical course that does not delve too deeply into theoretical aspects. So, as a general rule, a bootcamp is useful, but there are certain things you should bear in mind before deciding on one.

Below, we’ve set out a couple of points you should consider when deciding whether a bootcamp is right for you or whether, on the other hand, another type of training might be more suitable:

• What are your goals: Before deciding on a coding bootcamp, it is essential to be clear about your goals and objectives. Do you want to acquire specific skills for a particular job? Are you looking to change career paths or improve your current programming skills? Defining your goals will help you choose a bootcamp that aligns with what you hope to achieve.
• Which company offers them: It is essential that you carry out thorough research into the company running the bootcamp in question to ensure that you will receive a useful education that guarantees your successful entry into the job market. Look into the company’s reputation and the quality of its teaching staff. You can also search for reviews and testimonials from former students on LinkedIn to get a clear idea of what to expect.
• Training programme: Make sure that the curriculum of the bootcamp you want to attend covers the topics and technologies that are relevant to your goals. Consider the duration of the programme, its intensity (and whether you can devote the time it requires) and whether it offers opportunities for practical projects that allow you to apply what you learn in a real-world setting.
• Price: Generally speaking, the cost of a coding bootcamp ranges from €4,000 to €7,000, so it’s not a sum to be spent lightly. Compare the prices of different programmes and assess what each one includes (study materials, access to additional resources, a job board, post-course support for finding employment, etc.). If you need to, consider whether the bootcamp offers financing options or any kind of grant.
• Watch out for snake oil salesmen: Unfortunately, in the coding bootcamp industry, as in the wider digital and technology sector, there are individuals and companies that make unrealistic promises («Become a full-stack developer in just 3 months!») and prey on people’s hopes and desperation. Be wary of exaggerated claims and grandiose language, and look for programmes that are transparent and honest about what they do and do not offer.

Conclusion: Is it worth doing a coding bootcamp?

If you want to study programming, the best approach is to teach yourself or undertake a more comprehensive course that you can put into practice, whilst not neglecting the theoretical underpinnings. Generally speaking, experienced programmers tend to view programming bootcamps with scepticism, as They are practical courses, but they are far too simplistic, which do not adequately prepare their students to function independently in this sector. What do we mean by ‘functioning independently’? Being able to transfer the knowledge applied in one technology to others.

If you learn to use a framework in such a way that “if you write X, Z happens”, you’re really just using the programming language as a magic wand. In other words, you know how to use it, but You don’t really understand why it works that way. As a result, bootcamp students do not demonstrate the problem-solving and adaptability skills that other experienced, self-taught workers who have worked their way up from the bottom do.

If you want to find a job quickly, a bootcamp might be your best option. But if what you want is to really become a top-notch programmer that companies are falling over themselves to hire and to ensure you remain competitive in the future, then you’ll need a different kind of training. We invite you to take a look at our Master’s degrees in programming, where we offer you the specialised, comprehensive training that combines theory with practice – exactly what all programming students are looking for.