Coding Bootcamps for Working Professionals

Last Updated: June 5th 2024

As a professional already settled into a job, a career change can seem overwhelming. Coding might be something you’ve always wanted to try, but do you really have the time? And will you be behind others who already chose development as a career path in college?

Although a career change is undoubtedly daunting, it’s also an incredible opportunity to re-envision your skillset. Coding bootcamps provide aspiring coders with the opportunity to learn coding skills quickly and easily so that you can hit the ground running upon completion. Research also shows that these programs have a high return on investment due to their shorter time to completion in comparison to traditional computer science degrees from four-year universities.

As you consider enrollment, here are four commonly asked questions by working professionals considering coding bootcamps.

Can I learn to code remotely?

Yes! The advantage of many coding bootcamps is that students have the ability to complete programs either remotely or via localized meetups. As a working professional, completing an additional degree through a university can be difficult if you are trying to continue work while completing your coursework.

Many bootcamps are centered around large cities – in fact, 50 percent of all bootcamps in the US are based in just 10 cities. However, coding bootcamps such as Nucamp allow you to learn coding skills via localized workshops and remote work guided by experts with years of industry experience, providing coding opportunities to students in more rural and/or suburban areas as well. Not only are these courses available remotely, but they are often times available at night or on weekends when you’re not likely to be at your current full-time job.

Is it Too Late for a Career Switch?

Once you’re settled into your career path, it can be difficult to consider switching to something different. But you’re not alone! Coding bootcamps have created the opportunity for many sector-switchers to obtain development skills, especially for those that already have prior experience in a different career.

In fact, data shows that the typical bootcamper already has six years of work experience under their belt, has a bachelor’s degree, and has never had prior experience working as a programmer when they began a coding bootcamp.

What is the Return on Investment?

When comparing the ROI of a coding bootcamp to a CS degree from a university, it’s important to first hone in on what knowledge you’re wanting to obtain from your coursework. Traditional CS programs focus heavily on theory and foundational training, whereas coding bootcamps are more application-focused and structured to enable coders to hit the ground running with projects faster.

Although the content of these two programs is vastly different, data shows that coding bootcamps have a higher ROI, as many bootcampers complete their training faster than in a traditional CS program yet still obtain a well-paying jobs after their bootcamp is complete. In fact, data shows that on average, coding bootcamp alumni see a $19,485 salary increase between their post and pre-bootcamp jobs.

Employment for programmers is also reliable. Upon finishing a coding bootcamp, data shows that 80.9 percent of alumni are employed, 71 percent of which are working full time.

What Can I Do with My Coding Bootcamp Education?

Following completion of a full-stack coding bootcamp, you will have the skills you need to dive in as a junior-level web developer at many small or midsize companies. In fact, 78 percent of Nucamp’s full-stack students have obtained these types of roles following graduation.

Entry into the industry at this level allows students to obtain real-world experience in coding following their bootcamp, but more importantly, it allows them to learn what types of roles they prefer (and don’t). As a junior-level developer, you can learn what coding languages are your niche, which can help inform your career path going forward.

It’s also important to keep in mind that not everyone wants to be a web developer! Even students who complete a bootcamp but realize coding might not be the right fit for their next full-time job leave with an extremely valuable skillset that helps make them more marketable for their next role, even if it’s not as a developer.

Next Steps

As a working professional, you’ve undoubtedly got a lot on your plate to consider, but your entry into coding bootcamp doesn’t have to be difficult. By reviewing the various program options out there, you can decide if you prefer a program that is in-person or remote, as well as options that offer locally-based coding meetups.

Hesitant about whether a full-stack developer role is right for you? No problem! Many bootcamps, such as Nucamp, offer shorter introductory web development bootcamps in addition to the heavier, full-stack courses to give you an introduction into web development fundamentals first.

READY TO SEE IF CODING IS RIGHT FOR YOU?

Come check out the nearest community coding bootcamp in your city or town. Click here to get started.

Chevas Balloun

Director of Marketing & Brand

Chevas has spent over 15 years inventing brands, designing interfaces, and driving engagement for companies like Microsoft. He is a practiced writer, a productivity app inventor, board game designer, and has a builder-mentality drives entrepreneurship.