Learn to code, or don't? ¶
It's a meme. Inmates are doing it. It's been deemed problematic.
The coding bootcamp
I attended The Iron Yard (since closed) in 2017. I was looking to make a career-shift and build on my computer science minor with practical skills. My decision to enroll in a bootcamp vs. the self-learning route was twofold:
- Commitment (due dates, tuition payments, and peers act as a commitment device).
- Prevent info overload (with so many articles, courses, and tutorials available, it is easy to get overwhelmed with the sheer volume of content.)
Everyone has their own reasons for enrolling in a code bootcamp. However, code bootcamps may not make sense for folks who:
- already have a CS degree (likely qualified for entry level roles already)
- already have a job in the industry (unless it's in a non-technical role)
- aren't sure they want to develop professionally (there are plenty of free courses available)
Due diligence ¶
When considering a code bootcamp, due diligence is critical. As a TechCrunch article warns:
"Glossy bootcamp brochures promise well-paying jobs . . . the truth is that many of these institutions are not accredited, do not post job statistics and do a poor job of ensuring their students' post-bootcamp success.
While many coding bootcamps are legitimate and care for their pupils, an even greater number are run by modern snake-oil salespeople."
Basel Farag, "Please don't learn to code" TechCrunch
Others have written at-length about code bootcamp due diligence, but in brief:
- Reach out to former students. Are they employed? What was their experience like? Don't only rely on the program to volunteer names.
- Check LinkedIn for others who attended the program. Students who are not employed are rarely put forward for contact (see survivorship bias).
- Contact the school admin or instructor. Ask to sit in on a class. Look out for free community events.
- Ask for metrics on program acceptance, graduation, and employment. Take any metrics with a grain of salt.
- Google the program extensively. You may find reviews written by "former students." Take these with a heaping amount of salt. Overwhelmingly positive or negative reviews are rarely accurate. Look for overall patterns, and articles/reviews that are balanced.
- Is there prework available? How will instructors bring less advanced students up to speed?
- Does the program include mock interview prep?
- What relationships does the bootcamp have with local employers?
Treat finding a job like a job ¶
This means:
- Organize your job search. Streak for Gmail worked well for me.
- Set aside time for interview prep.
- Look for open source projects on GitHub that have outstanding issues (or make something yourself).
- Keep to a schedule. This could be 10 hours or more per day networking, applying, prepping and continued education.
- Take breaks, and try to take at least one day off per week to prevent burnout.
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