5 Things You’ll Want To Know Before Starting A Coding Bootcamp

An insider’s look at what to consider before joining Nucamp.

Are you thinking about starting a coding bootcamp, maybe even Nucamp specifically, to jumpstart your career in tech?

As someone who has been through the experience of taking Nucamp’s Web Development Fundamentals Coding Bootcamp and had over 60 bootcamp graduates turned tech professionals entrust their stories with me, I want to share five things that you’ll wish you knew before starting your own journey:

1. It will be challenging, but also rewarding.
   Coding bootcamps are intense and require a lot of hard work and dedication.
   Learning something new is tough, but the sense of accomplishment you'll feel when you complete the program and gain new skills will be worth it.
2. You'll learn a lot more than just how to code.
   Coding bootcamps are about more than just learning how to write code.
   You'll also learn about project management, problem-solving, and other essential skills that will be valuable in your career as a developer.
3. Time management is crucial
   The intensity of a coding bootcamp means that time management is of the essence.
   You'll have to manage your time effectively to keep up with the coursework, complete projects, and participate in class discussions.
   This means making sacrifices, like cutting back on socializing or other activities, to stay on top of your workload.
   Before joining a Nucamp coding bootcamp you’ll want to let family and friends know you are setting aside dedicated daily study time.
   It's important to be disciplined and stick to a study schedule to ensure you make the most of your time in the program.
   While Nucamp is self-paced during the week to allow students to keep their current job while studying, it is expected you will study on average 2-4 hours each day.
   It’s a commitment you will need to adjust your schedule to.
4. Networking is crucial.
   In addition to the technical skills you'll learn in a coding bootcamp, it's also important to make connections with your classmates and instructors.
   These connections can be valuable resources for finding job opportunities and getting advice as you start your career as a developer.
   A common phrase used by Nucamp alumni and instructors is: “You get out what you put in”.
   If you do the homework and attend the weekly workshops without engaging with your classmates, your instructors, or the Nucamp community at large, you will miss out on making valuable associations
5. The learning doesn't end with the bootcamp.
   Completing a coding bootcamp is just the beginning of your journey in tech.
   Technology is constantly evolving, and you'll need to keep learning and staying up to date with the latest trends and developments.
   You can join online communities or attend meetups to continue learning and networking with other professionals.
   Starting a coding bootcamp can be an intense and challenging experience, but it can also be incredibly rewarding.

Being better prepared to tackle the challenges and succeed in your new career is key.

So, if you're thinking about starting a coding bootcamp, go for it!

With hard work and dedication, you can achieve your goals and start a fulfilling career in tech.