Software engineers are in high demand, and companies are looking for qualified candidates to fill these positions. This means that you need to know how to code, and fast!
Why Do You Want to Become A Software Engineer?
Before you start your software engineering journey, ask yourself this question: what’s the end goal? Do you like computers and want to work with them for a living? Do you like creating software? Or do you just want a high paying job?
All of these reasons are valid. Whatever your reason maybe, make sure you establish this early on.
It will keep you motivated, because oftentimes you’ll get stuck and feel like giving up. How bad you want to become a software engineer will depend on if you’re willing to work through tough problems.
What Is a Software Engineering Boot Camp?
A software engineering boot camp is an intensive program designed to teach people how to code. While software engineering has a wide variety of career paths, bootcamps typically focus on web and app development.
Students will learn how to use front-end coding languages like HTML5 (technically not a language), CSS3(also technically not a language) and Javascript.
You will also learn how to work with databases like MySQL, MongoDB, and PostgreSQL.
The good thing about software engineering bootcamps is that many of them are affordable, ranging from $10,000 to $15,000. While this is still a lot for some, it’s more affordable (and faster) than getting a 4 year degree.
Check out my other article Are Coding Bootcamps Worth It
Why Do You Need A Bootcamp?
If you really want to learn how to code on your own, but need the guidance of an instructor, then a coding boot camp is for you.
A coding boot camp gives your learning experience some structure. You’ll be at ease knowing that the materials you are learning are coming from professional instructors. You’ll be confident knowing that previous students were able to find jobs shortly after they’ve graduated.
Most importantly, coding boot camps provide a community, allowing you to collaborate with other students. Learning to code alone can sometimes feel daunting. But learning with others gives you a peace of mind, knowing that other students are having the same problem as you are.
Having an instructor and other students around you keeps you motivated to continue learning. You are compelled to complete the assignments if there is a due date. You have a sense of responsibility to understand the materials, especially if your fellow classmates are depending on you on a group project.
If you struggle with learning by yourself and feel unmotivated, a coding bootcamp might be the solution for you.
What Should You Expect From a Software Engineering Boot Camp Experience?
Expect to learn a very large amount of material. Like any other topic, you can learn a lot in a short amount of time, provided that you give 100% dedication day in and day out. This is the typical coding bootcamp format.
Expect to spend a lot of your time after class watching video tutorials and reading documentation and discussion forums. You’ll most likely stay up late, putting in the hours like you’ve never done before. Your work outside of the classroom is how you will excel at the boot camp.
How to excel in the Boot Camp
Bootcamps are not courses that you can complete working with a full-time job. Attending these bootcamps require a large amount of time dedicated to learning the materials and completing the assignments.
Of course that’s just the bare minimum. You should strive to excel beyond the bare minimum.
In addition to the 8 hours spent on the course, put aside a few hours towards creating your own mini projects. Use what you have learned and apply to your own project.
While other students are completing the assignments and calling it a day, you are immediately applying what you’ve learned into real-world situations.
Your project doesn’t have to be anything complicated. Make something simple such as a to-do list web page.
Your quickest path to becoming a software engineer is to be able to quickly apply the programming concepts in class into real, practical applications. If you do this, you will REALLY be ahead of the game.
Can I work while attending a bootcamp?
Yes and no.
Is it possible to work while attending a bootcamp? Absolutely.
SHOULD you work while you’re taking the bootcamp. No.
The reason is being successful in the software engineer bootcamp requires 100% dedication and having a part time job takes time away from your studies. Some bootcamps are willing to work around the schedule. However, anything that takes time away from the bootcamp is considered a distraction.
I know not having a part time job might not be possible for some of you. But if you can afford to, definitely put off getting a job for now. The course is only 3 months long!
The Bottom Line
Learning to code on your own is very difficult. If you struggle with staying consistent with learning on your own, a coding bootcamp might be the solution for you.
Bootcamps provide structure and an environment that allows you to learn and excel. You won’t doubt the materials that you’re learning, because graduates from bootcamps have had success landing their first programming job.
If you’re able to completely immerse yourself into the course for a few months, you’ll definitely reap the benefits the software engineer bootcamp has to offer.
-Bao