Is Attending a Coding Bootcamp Before College a Smart Move?

Attending a coding bootcamp during the summer before college can be a strategic decision, providing numerous benefits that can enhance your academic and professional journey. This article explores the advantages and considerations of opting for a bootcamp before embarking on your college studies, comparing the paths of a traditional CS degree and a coding bootcamp graduate.

Why a Bootcamp Before College?

Bootcamps offer intensive training in high-demand programming languages and technologies, giving you a strong foundation for your college courses. Here are the key benefits:

Skill Development

Bootcamps typically cover a range of programming languages such as Python and JavaScript, as well as web development frameworks. This intensive training ensures you are well-prepared for college-level courses (see edX's coding courses for more details).

Portfolio Building

Many bootcamps include project-based learning, allowing you to create a portfolio of work that can be showcased to potential employers. This portfolio can be instrumental when applying for internships or jobs (check out this forum for examples of bootcamp projects).

Networking Opportunities

Bootcamps often connect you with industry professionals, instructors, and fellow students. These connections can be invaluable, providing support and opportunities during and after college (refer to Coding Dojo for networking events).

Clarifying Interests

If you are uncertain about pursuing a career in tech, attending a bootcamp can help you determine if coding is something you enjoy and want to pursue further in college. It provides a practical preview of daily life as a programmer.

Enhanced College Experience

Having coding skills beforehand can give you an edge in your college coursework, especially if you are considering a major in computer science or a related field. You are better prepared for the demands of college-level programming challenges.

Time Management

Bootcamps help you develop time management and study skills that will be valuable in college. You learn to prioritize and manage your time effectively in a fast-paced environment, a skill that is crucial in both academic and professional settings.

Considerations Before Enrolling

While a bootcamp can be a valuable experience, there are several factors to consider:

Cost

Bootcamps can be expensive. Evaluate your budget and ensure the potential return on investment aligns with your career goals. Coursera's specializations in coding can be a more affordable option.

Intensity

Bootcamps are often fast-paced and can be stressful. Make sure you are ready for an intensive learning experience. General Assembly's immersive programs offer support and resources to manage the intensity.

Alternatives

Consider other learning options such as online courses or self-study. These alternatives may be more flexible and less costly. Udemy's coding courses offer flexible pricing and schedules.

Comparing Paths: Traditional CS Degree vs. Coding Bootcamp

I will be comparing the paths of my brother, a brilliant CS graduate of a very reputable university, and myself, a recent graduate of Codesmith, a top-ranking immersive software engineering program. Here is a comparison based on available data:

2016 Stack Overflow Survey

According to the 2016 Stack Overflow survey of 56,033 coders:

Mentorship programs have a stronger correlation with higher pay than a university degree. There is less than 1 difference in pay between master's degree holders and bootcamp graduates. 69% of working software developers are self-taught. Only 8.5% have a B.A. in CS.

These statistics highlight the growing demand for practical, skill-based training over traditional theoretical education.

My Brother vs. Myself

My brother is currently a mid-level developer after having been at his company for two years. I am currently being offered interviews for senior-level positions, with pay grades 30-60k more than my brother. I am in no way smarter or more talented than him, but my time at Codesmith was considerably valuable for the following reasons:

Emphasis on Learning Through Practice

Immersive programs like Codesmith allow you to quickly adapt to changing technologies, as opposed to universities that focus on long-term research and fundamental computing principles (see Coding Bootcamps for more info).

Communication and Grit

There are no grades at Codesmith. You are accountable for your growth, and your work will reflect it. The sacrifices and effort required are reflective of dedicated individuals with high-paced self-learning capacities (refer to this blog post for more on the importance of accountability).

Iterative Process

Immersive programs sprint through topics, allowing deeper dives in areas of study through mentorship or pair programming. This enables specialization in areas of passion, a crucial ingredient for a successful programmer (see this article for more on bootcamp-style projects).

Dedication to Software Engineering Communities

Codesmith focuses on building a strong software engineering community, hosting events and organizing talks and free classes. This emphasis on community and collaboration is essential for success in the tech industry (refer to Khan Academy's computing initiatives for more on community building).

CSS Degree vs. Immersive Program Goals

A CS degree and an immersive program have very different goals:

A CS degree is suitable for deep dives into computer science principles and research. An immersive program is ideal for accelerating engineering skills, entrepreneurship, and soft skills applicable to real-world workplaces.

The choice between these paths depends on your career aspirations and learning preferences.