What is a Tech Bootcamp? Our Comprehensive Guide

Careers, Guest Post, NextGen | | 4 min read

Have you ever considered a tech bootcamp or code school? Or are you just starting out in a career in tech and exploring what the right path is for you? We’ve partnered with Le Wagon to give you the low down on tech bootcamps and why you may want to consider one.

Whether you’re motivated by the desire to work with cutting-edge technology, a passion for problem-solving or simply the potential for a decent salary, tech bootcamps have became a popular route to getting started and as an alternative to more traditional college and university courses. At Silicon Milkroundabout, we’ve seen a lot of both experience job seekers attending our event as well as company team members originally started out by completing a tech bootcamp. So read on to discover why and how to get started on your bootcamp journey.

what is a tech bootcamp?

A tech bootcamp is a short but intensive program designed to give you with the skills, experience and knowledge needed to start a career in tech. Courses typically revolve around in-demand careers such as Web Development or Data Analytics and focus on providing a hands-on experience. They’re practical, hands on courses that ensure you develop experience with the latest tools, technologies and coding languages used in tech.

who should join a tech bootcamp?

People join tech bootcamps for a number of reasons but the most popular are:

Tech bootcamps offer an intensive hands-on approach to learning tech skills. Most people who attend our bootcamps are looking to switch careers, but we’ve also taught:

  • Career switchers and professionals looking to transition into a career in tech.
  • People looking for a hands-on alternative to college or university,
  • Students looking to boost their skills during a gap year,
  • Those who work in tech roles but want to build on or change their current skills

what can i expect from a tech bootcamp?

Rather than being just theory based, bootcamp curriculums are more focused on ensuring you gain experience by working on projects that simulate real life challenges. Common subjects include programming languages, web development, data science, cybersecurity, user experience (UX) design, and product management.

They provide a structured, hands on immersive learning experience where you can expect to

  • Work on projects that reflect the real-world challenges faced in tech.
  • Network with fellow students, instructors and industry professionals
  • Access careers support to help you achieve your career goals.

The learning experience often involves a combination of lectures, coding exercises, group projects and projects.

careers support

Some bootcamps will offer a careers service to help you thrive during your job search. This includes talks from industry experts, alums, technical and non-technical interview tips, CV help and more.

Bootcamps such as Le Wagon will also offer 1 to 1 careers support with a coach from day 1. At Le Wagon, at the end of the bootcamp, students are also given a dedicated Career Week. It’s a week of career search support, talks and workshops to boost their job search skills.

social and networking opportunities

Whether you’re learning on campus or online, you’ll meet people from various backgrounds and industries, making bootcamps a fantastic opportunity to develop your confidence, network, and build lifelong friendships.

how long does a tech bootcamp last?

While university or college courses can last for several months to years with breaks in-between, tech bootcamps are significantly shorter, with full-time courses typically lasting 2 – 3 months. This makes bootcamps a great option for those looking to acquire new skills but aren’t able to commit to long-term education. Most bootcamps also offer part-time options allowing you to work or care for personal and family needs while pursuing tech skills. These are typically run between 4 – 6 months. You can usually find online and offline options, which gives you the flexibility to choose the mode of learning that works best for you.

are tech bootcamps worth it?

Tech bootcamps can be a great way to gain the skills and knowledge needed to break into the tech industry. For example, at Le Wagon, 93% of their graduates find a job in under six months, earning £56,750 on average after ata Science and £37,700 on average after Web Development.

Benefits of Tech Bootcamps:

  1. Develop new skills quickly: Tech bootcamps are focused on the practical, so you’ll learn a lot of information in a short period.
  2. In-Demand Skills: Bootcamps are designed to align with industry demands, ensuring that you learn the most relevant and up-to-date technologies and languages.
  3. Hands-on Learning: Practical projects and assignments mean learning as you go. You’ll reinforce what you learn daily by applying your knowledge to small projects, making you job-ready.
  4. Networking Opportunities: Bootcamps foster a strong sense of community online and offline through collaborative projects, events and opportunities to network with guest speakers and potential employers.
  5. Career Support: Many tech bootcamps offer career services such as resume reviews, interview preparation, and job placement assistance, helping students kick-start their careers in the tech industry.

However, it’s essential to do your research before starting a bootcamp. Look for programs with a track record of success, experienced lecturers, and a curriculum that aligns with your career goals.

how do I choose the right bootcamp?

Here are a few factors to consider:

  1. Reputation and Reviews: Research the bootcamps reputation, read student reviews, and seek feedback from alums to gain insights into the program’s quality and outcomes. Ensure it’s accredited by an organisation such as BCS, a mark of its quality and relevance.
  2. Curriculum and Specialisations: Assess the curriculum to ensure it covers the specific skills you want to learn.
  3. Time Commitment and Flexibility: How much time can you dedicate to a bootcamp or course? Do you have any personal and family needs that would call for a part-time or online bootcamp? Consider the time commitment required for the bootcamp and whether it aligns with your schedule and availability. Some bootcamps offer part-time or online options for greater flexibility.
  4. Alumni Success and Job Placement: Look into the bootcamps track record regarding job placement rates, alum success stories, and partnerships with companies in the tech industry. Bootcamps typically publish this information in an Outcomes Report.
  5. Attend their events: Get an idea if you can see yourself attending that bootcamp. Do you like the atmosphere? Is this the style of learning for you?

Tech bootcamps are an excellent way to launch a career in tech. They provide you with the skills, knowledge and experience you need to succeed at a fast pace, helping you break into a rewarding career. Because of the commitment, it’s essential to choose a bootcamp and programme carefully and be prepared to work hard to succeed. Good luck!

Get started on your journey here and join a free workshops in June 2023:

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