Read this before considering a Bootcamp

Bootcamps are becoming more and more popular. I have a lot of folks ask me if they should attend a bootcamp, and whether or not I think it's a good idea. Honestly, I think a bootcamp is something you should consider if you're looking to make a career change. That being said, they're not a silver bullet and you need to think about the pros and cons before you sign up for a bootcamp.

Bootcamp Pros

+provide good hands-on experience and project work that companies like to see.

+more focus on practical knowledge and less theory

+faster, affordable, and more practical for a career change if you've already gone through college

+they tend to be able to respond to industry changes faster and be more up-to-date

Bootcamp Cons

-degrees can help with more complex problems such as algorithms and more computer science focused principles

-while many bootcamps have a networking component, colleges give you four years to network and take on an internship

-many jobs still want you to have a bachelor degree of some sort, so if you don't have one, a Bootcamp alone isn't going to solve that issue

-bootcamps vary in quality, and you'll need to do a fair amount of research to make sure you're getting a valuable experience

Ultimately, if you don't have the time or money to go back to college, bootcamps are a great choice. Just make sure you find a good one. But at the end of the day, college or a bootcamp won't automatically get you a job. It's up to you, your passion, and your hard work.

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