Computer Coding in Atlanta has New Appeal

This blog post is one of four in the series Learning to Code in Atlanta. 

With the economy in shambles and job cuts growing  in Atlanta, many are reevaluating their career paths and considering other options. One bright note in the Atlanta economy is the tech sector. While no job segment has been spared, tech is so broad and entrenched here that long-term effects on jobs are likely to be relatively minor.

These economic realities are inspiring some who otherwise may never have dreamt of a career in technology to reconsider. High demand, flexible hours and work setting, and growth potential all seem promising to those who recently “got burned” in other careers in the economic downturn.  

Software development or computer coding is one field getting much buzz and many “converts” in Atlanta.  While the idea of learning and applying various software languages may take you back to the anxiety of high-school Spanish class, the truth is it’s “doable” for a wide range of people and skill sets. Like most things, it just takes time, tenacity and an interest in learning.

True, coding is not for everyone. With challenging coursework, constantly evolving technology, and isolation inherent in many coding careers, becoming a computer programmer doesn’t guarantee you success or happiness.

If “you’re on the fence” whether coding is the right career move for you, take this simple test about learning JavaScript, the most common coding language, to help you decide.

Computer Coding Appeals to Those in Career Transition in Atlanta

Still with us? Great! With loads of choices, you’ve got two things to consider in choosing a coding course: what do you want to learn and where will you learn it? Here are some options, along with positive and negative factors:

1.) On-Campus Study for a Bachelor of Science Degree

⊕ Offers focus without personal distractions

⊕ College campus life enables a well-rounded education

⊗ Full-time/100% onsite learning is expensive

⊗ Life altering; everything but studies is “on hold”

⊗ College life is uncomfortable for many over age 25

2.) Immersive Learning with a Set Schedule

⊕ These courses are usually quicker than other methods

⊕ An efficient way to reach your goal without extraneous content

⊗ Learning usually many hours each day - doesn’t allow for a good work/life balance

⊗ Given greater instructor involvement, can be more expensive than other programs

 

3.) 100% Online Learning:

⊕ Flexible; self-guided learning

⊕ Online programs are usually inexpensive (or free on YouTube)

⊕ Learn at your own pace

⊗ Typically from home, where most of us have many distractions

⊗ You must be disciplined to get through an unstructured course

⊗ Quality of online programs is hit or miss. Many YouTube videos are “infomercials”

⊗ Many online certifications won’t necessarily get you a job

 

4.) Bootcamp Hybrid: Weekday Online/Weekend Live

⊕ Quality instructor-led learning (if you pick the right one!)

⊕ Part-time programs offer good balance between learning and personal life

⊕ Can combine self-learning and instructor-led sessions

⊕ Can be a relatively good value

⊗ Curriculum, quality and price point are all over the place

⊗ Many courses only available in major cities

Coding Bootcamp: Best of all Worlds in Atlanta

Designed for beginners, a coding bootcamp can set you up for success. There’s still one thing to decide: What type of a bootcamp is right for you?

There are a number of boot camps available - with a range of prices - in Atlanta. And many more “virtual” options. For remote learning, all you need is a computer, headset (or a microphone and speakers or cell phone), and hi-speed Internet access. A hybrid approach – self-guided during the week, and with your peers and instructor-led sessions on the weekend - is the “best of all worlds” to many.  

Even better: it may be your least expensive option. For instance, Nucamp in Atlanta is just $349 to learn HTML, CSS and JavaScript in four weeks. There are myriad other languages to learn but this core expertise will get you started in a new career with a bankable future.

A hybrid coding bootcamp offers a broad set of marketable skills in a relatively short time (without killing yourself!) for the least amount of money. And Nucamp may be the best choice to help you land on your feet with a job afterward.