5 Scary Things About Going to a Coding Bootcamp (That Aren’t Scary at All)

Terrifying. Scary. Fear. These are words that should be used for Halloween or horror movies, not about attending a coding bootcamp. Investing in yourself shouldn’t be something that keeps you up at night. 

You probably have a few questions about what’s next and there are probably a few things that might scare you about learning to code. Maybe it’s something you once heard or you’re nervous about going back to school. 

At Flatiron School, we want to help you change careers with confidence. Here are five “scary” things about attending a coding bootcamp that aren’t scary at all.

I’m not ready 

This is what scares potential coding bootcamp students the most. Instead of being haunted by uncertainty, keep in mind that what you’re experiencing is completely normal!

For many students, it’s been years, or even decades, since they last went to school. Chances are you have an established life and, up to this point, what you thought was an established career. You’re thinking about doing something that will challenge you. That means you might have to adjust your schedule or figure out your financial situation. 

But, you’re also not alone.

Thousands of people have gone through this journey at Flatiron School. It starts with the first admissions call where you learn what it means to go to a coding bootcamp and how we help you gain the skills you need to land a job in tech. Our flexible tuition and payment options help you find a plan that fits your life. That accessibility extends to our courses. Whether it’s full-time, part-time, or on your schedule, there’s a program that makes sense for you. 

That support continues throughout your time at Flatiron School and long after you graduate. We believe in a supportive, inclusive community and our alumni say it’s a big reason why they were so successful.

What if I go through it and don’t get what I want

It’s about the journey, not the destination. You’ve probably heard that adage in some form, but what if the goal is to get a job? That’s probably why you want to go to a coding bootcamp. Learning for the sake of learning is nice, but you want to put those skills to use. Luckily, we help you succeed because your success is our success. 

I’m not sure if I can learn _____

Don’t let fear defeat you before you even begin. Yes, learning a new skill can be difficult. Learning modern skills like software engineering, UX/UI design, data science, or cybersecurity requires effort, but you can do it.

If there’s a will, there’s a way. And remember, you’re not alone in a coding bootcamp. There are so many people at Flatiron School, from your cohort to your instructors, who are there to help you succeed. You don’t have to worry if you need to ask a question. 

It’s going to be too hard

Challenging? Yes. Too hard? Not so fast. A coding bootcamp is meant to be rigorous. You’re learning something new, but it should never overwhelm. As we’ve said above, help is always there for you. We’re committed to your success and if you find yourself hitting a wall, don’t hesitate to reach out to your network.

Sometimes all it takes is a break to help you reset and find a solution. But, remember why you want to go to a coding bootcamp and use that as the motivation you need to overcome any challenge that comes your way.

I don’t know if I’ll be able to land a job

At Flatiron School, we have a dedicated Career Services team that will work with you to help you land a job that’s right for you. Our dedicated Career Services team works 1:1 with every student on a dedicated job search that includes developing an employer pipeline, résumé review, interview prep, and more. Remember, if you follow the process and don’t land a job offer within 6 months, we’ll refund your tuition in full (see details here).

Your coach will help you prep for that important interview and has already helped other alumni with Impostor Syndrome. Just remember, you worked hard to get where you are and you have the skills to succeed.

Disclaimer: The information in this blog is current as of October 28, 2019. Current policies, offerings, procedures, and programs may differ.