There’s an urgent need for more qualified coders. According to the Bureau Of Labor Statistics, until 2029 there will be a 22% increase in employment for software developers. So, how will tech companies source their new hires? Aside from college graduates, many big businesses are looking to coding bootcamps to hire field-ready employees.
What is a coding bootcamp?
A coding bootcamp is a modern method of professional education where you can learn top skills in a compressed amount of time. In a coding bootcamp, students can acquire the technical knowledge necessary to become a software developer in a fast-track format — as little as 15 weeks — and start their job search with a competitive edge.The average length of coding bootcamps varies widely, with most falling between 15 weeks and 2 years. You can even find flexible pace bootcamps, like the one at Flatiron School, that can be completed in 20, 40, or 60 weeks — whichever works best for the pace of your lifestyle. Still, bootcamps are much shorter than the standard four years to get a university computer science degree, which is one of the main benefits of choosing a coding bootcamp over traditional education.
What do you learn in coding bootcamp?
Coding bootcamps teach the basic technical knowledge you need to build a solid foundation in coding languages and software development. The program is in-depth and compressed, making it an ideal choice for learners who want to switch careers fairly quickly. For example, in a full-stack coding bootcamp, you would learn:
- JavaScript
- ReactJS
- Ruby
- Sinatra
- SQL and object-relational mappers
- Scalable front-ends with React and Redux
- And more
Are coding bootcamps worth it? Here’s what the sources say…
Fortunately, many employers believe bootcamp grad skills as equal to college graduates in the field. When asked about hiring bootcamp grads, 72% of employers surveyed said bootcamp grads were “prepared and likely to be high performers.” And 12% of employers believe that boot camp graduates are “more prepared and more likely to be high performers.” Only 17% of employers disagreed, noting that the grads “may not be as prepared or likely to be high performers.” Out of the pool of employers, 80% report that they have hired a coding bootcamp grad for their company and would hire a boot camp grad again. In general, if you want to get a job quickly, the stats show that most employers would hire a bootcamp grad. So yes, coding bootcamps are worth it if you want to get into tech quicker and for less money than going to university for four years. The demand for qualified tech professionals is only going up, and coding bootcamps are helping students get their quickly and efficiently.
How a bootcamp can help you get a job – career coaching
One of the main concerns for graduates of any program is — how long will it take me to find a job? One benefit of coding bootcamps over traditional university education is the investment in career coaching. At Flatiron School, for example, all students are eligible to work with a career coach for 180 days after graduation. The career coach can assist with resumes, interview prep, mock interviews, company outreach, personal brand building, and more.
Do coding bootcamp graduates get hired?
According to Flatiron School’s job report (students who graduated or were scheduled to graduate in calendar year 2019), 86%* of graduates landed a position within the noted timeframe.**for job-seeking on-campus and online graduates included in the 2020 Jobs Report including full-time salaried roles, full-time contract, internship, apprenticeship, and freelance roles, and part-time roles during the reporting period (see full Jobs Report here)
What kind of companies hire code bootcamp graduates?
Figuring out which companies will take on coding bootcamp graduates may seem daunting, but the number of viable options is high. Many companies see the value in bootcamp graduates’ skill sets, and when searching for value, drive, and competency at a professional level, coding bootcamp graduates meet their needs time and time again.
Companies that have hired Flatiron School bootcamp grads:
- The Home Depot
- Upserve
- Microsoft
- Spotify
- Slack
- Salesforce
- Mailchimp
- And more!
5 common jobs for coding bootcamp grads
1. Web developer
Web developers are programmers who create web applications or websites, typically using client-server models. Different from web designers, these developers usually focus more on building and maintaining the website structure rather than designing. Average national salaries, in August 2021, according to three different hiring sites:
- Indeed: $70,500 per year
- Glassdoor: $69,600 per year
- ZipRecruiter: $75,000 per year
2. Full-stack developer
Full-stack developers are in high demand when it comes to working in the tech world. These developers focus on the front-end development that happens on the client side (browser) as well as back-end development that runs on the server side. They are known as the “jack of all trades in the tech department.”Average national salaries, in August 2021, according to three different hiring sites:
- Indeed: $106,000 per year
- Glassdoor: $97,700 per year
- ZipRecruiter: $102,700 per year
3. Front-end developer
Front-end developers usually focus on the client’s side of development. They test the website for its usability and ensure browser compatibility, targeting the website with all of the suitable browsers and servers.Average national salaries, in August 2021, according to three different hiring sites:
- Indeed: $103,600 per year
- Glassdoor: $86,000 per year
- ZipRecruiter: $94,600 per year
4. Software engineer
Software engineers have much to offer in the tech world. Their positions focus heavily on digital software used daily. These engineers help create, edit, and finalize software, including apps, systems, and other digital assets.Average national salaries, in August 2021, according to three different hiring sites:
- Indeed: $101,200 per year
- Glassdoor: $106,400 per year
- ZipRecruiter: $99,700 per year
5. Back-end developer
Back-end developers focus on the language and the framework of the website or application. These developers usually deal with servers, database administration, scaling applications, and handling load changes.Average national salaries, in August 2021, according to three different hiring sites:
- Indeed: $118,700 per year
- Glassdoor: $124,400 per year
- ZipRecruiter: $100,300 per year
Ready to start a new career as a coder?
There are several reasons people choose a bootcamp over university — from a lesser financial burden to its compacted, yet practical nature. A coding bootcamp might be precisely the tool you need to jumpstart your career. A bootcamp will not only teach you all of the necessary skills for your profession, but it will also provide valuable connections to help you establish your brand and flourish in the tech industry. If you are interested in enrolling in a top-notch coding bootcamp, check out the coding bootcamp at Flatiron School. Schedule a 10-minute chat with admissions to learn more about the program or apply today.
