Programming bootcamps - the most common myths

MYTH 1: TO BECOME A PROGRAMMER YOU NEED A DIPLOMA IN COMPUTER TECHNOLOGY THAT A BOOTCAMP WON'T GIVE YOU

Even a generation ago, it was clear that graduating with a university degree is the best way to maximize the probability of getting a well-paid job in your chosen field. However, one has to take into account the fact that more and more people working in the IT industry, including those involved in programming, do not have a degree in computer science or do not have a university education at all. Computer studies, while being the most obvious path to start learning programming, is actually based on the transfer of basic knowledge in many different topics and fields.

Instead of studies you can choose a programming course, which allows you to gain practical skills in a relatively short time and create an independent project, which is important when looking for a job. In fact, many companies are recruiting new developers based on their portfolio and recruiting tasks. Programming as a practical skill can usually outshine having a computer science degree. Therefore, it is definitely not required to have a university degree in computer science to start a career as a software developer.

MYTH 2: PROGRAMMING BOOTCAMPS ARE TOO EXPENSIVE

Intensive programming courses can seem expensive compared to the free YouTube tutorials or the price of a programming book. However, it should be emphasized that a programming course, just like learning foreign languages, is an investment in yourself and your future. Think how many hours of study you need to start earning money as a developer. Even with an initial junior developer salary of about €42 000 per year on average, the return on investment of completing the bootcamp is fast and secure.

It is advised to compare these data with the cost of several years of studies and the expenses related to this course of study. Studying, especially daytime studies, is also associated with income loss, as it is often impossible to combine studies with full-time work. From this point of view, a bootcamp is much cheaper as it takes much less time to acquire the skills that will allow you to start a full-time job. It is also worth looking into the possibilities of financing your future. Coders Lab offers several convenient options for financing learning during the courses. With the help of the opinions of graduates and our recruitment team, you will find that you can take advantage of many opportunities and become convinced of what is at the other end of this investment.

MYTH 3: PROGRAMMING BOOTCAMPS ARE UNNECESSARY BECAUSE THE SAME CAN BE LEARNED AT HOME

Sure, you can try to learn to program without bootcamping, but your chances of failing are much higher. Why? Most people, without additional support, will quickly lose their motivation or get stuck at a certain stage that they will not be able to overcome on their own. With so much content online, many people just don't know where to start. Without the structure of a formal curriculum, it is easy to get discouraged.

In addition to the non-standardized curriculum, self-learning programming is also associated with the lack of access to important extras that the bootcamp offers, such as presenting ideas, speaking in front of a group, or mentoring and helping lecturers. If you have difficulties with the implementation of a given stage of programming learning, a mentor and lecturer are at your disposal. Programming is not easy and you have to put in a lot of work to be successful. If you are accompanied on this mission by experts who offer their help at any time, you can be sure that the probability of quickly following the path to a well-paid programmer's job is high.

MYTH 4: IT WILL BE HARD TO FIND A JOB AFTER BOOTCAMP 

No certificate or diploma can ever guarantee that a person will be hired. Even if you graduate from medical school, you are not immediately guaranteed a position as a doctor. Bootcamp will ensure, however, that you will have the opportunity to gain knowledge that will allow you to start working in IT. To find out about it, just read the stories of our graduates who, after completing the programming course, started their career in the IT industry.

The possibility of acquiring soft skills also speaks in favour of bootcamps. After all, for several months you will work closely with other students, and during a special Scrum Lab program prepared by us, you will have the opportunity to become a part of the programming team. Not only programming but also communication skills and knowledge of tools and standards of group work will matter. Thanks to such a simulation of the programmer's daily work, you will be well prepared to work in an IT company, which the recruiter will certainly not miss during the interview for a new job.

At Coders Lab, we also offer additional programs needed to prepare you for your job search. These include tips for job interviews and professional CV preparation. If you really want to get a job after completing any programming course, it is advisable to use all the possibilities and tools available to help you implement this plan.

MYTH 5: A PROGRAMMING BOOTCAMP WILL MAKE EVERY DEVELOPER

Let's start with whether anyone can be a programmer - technically yes. Anyone can take a computer and start programming very simple tasks, but not everyone will be a programmer aware of their work. To become a good developer it is necessary to have a logical understanding of the code you are writing. It is associated with constant practice, a consistent approach to the program implemented on the course, plus a set of skills and character traits that can undoubtedly be a natural advantage when acquiring programming knowledge.

Regardless of the chosen path of learning programming, constant monitoring of progress is essential throughout the entire learning process. Therefore, to receive the Coders Lab diploma, it is necessary to pass all stages of teaching and pass the final exam, thanks to which it is possible to verify that the student's skills are at the appropriate level. So it happens that not every person who decides to take a programming course will complete it successfully. However, as long as you are determined, eager to learn, open-minded, practical and analytical, a programming bootcamp can bring you significantly closer to the programming profession.

SUMMARY

There are many ways to learn programming, and a programming bootcamp is one of them. We have debunked some myths here, but if you have any doubts about these kinds of courses, check out the stories of our graduates! If you are ready for intense months of learning, consider Coders Lab - get to know our program, talk to us and open the door to a career in IT!