If you’re looking to break into the world of software development, then a coding bootcamp is arguably the quickest way to achieve this.
But since many professional coders still put themselves through a full-blown degree in computer science to get their dream jobs, is there ever a likelihood of shorter training schemes overtaking them?
Employability is a talking point
When you’re writing a resume for a development job, you want to impress a prospective employer with all of your achievements.
If you’ve only completed a coding bootcamp to acquire the skills needed to fulfill the responsibilities of the role, this won’t be given the same weight as a degree-level qualification in computer science.
You’ll also be up against candidates who do have degrees to shout about, and this puts bootcamp-only applicants at a disadvantage.
However, if a bootcamp is more about expanding your skill set to bulk out your resume, then that’s a different matter. In this case, a degree in addition to bootcamp training will elevate you above the competition.
Cost is key
Degrees are expensive, and students need to live frugally as a result. In comparison, coding bootcamps are significantly cheaper and will enable you to start looking for work using the skills you attain much sooner.
The cost of university education is likely to continue rising, excluding more people from participating. This could tip things in favor of an affordable coding bootcamp, in spite of the earning potential that comes with having a computer science degree.
Adaptability is innate
Another area in which coding bootcamps have the edge over degree courses in computer science is how quickly they can be adapted to encompass new breakthroughs in technology and fresh trends that are influencing the wider tech arena.
Universities and colleges tend to have tried and tested curriculums in place which are trickier to alter on the fly, whereas bootcamp providers are able to be agile and reactive. Furthermore, they are actively incentivized to do so, because this is where they can get the upper hand over traditional institutions.
Flexibility is a selling point
One intriguing way that the usefulness of bootcamps is being reframed at the moment is not just as a means for existing IT pros to refresh their skills, but for full-time students to reskill partway through a degree course.
Plenty of people start a degree in a particular subject, only to find that it doesn’t gel with them, and subsequently choose to change courses altogether. Moving into computer science and not wanting to be left behind by the rest of the students on the same degree track can be handled with a coding bootcamp.
Practical experience is invaluable
Participation in a bootcamp is not just about the theory of coding, but also the practical application of the skills you learn and the knowledge you accrue.
This differs from computer science degrees, which can often be heavy on the information and light on the hands-on use of fledgling capabilities.
Since people learn in lots of different ways, and some are better at absorbing info when they are acquiring it on the job, bootcamps can be demonstrably more effective for certain students because of this.
Final thoughts
For the majority of people, having a computer science degree is still the best way to seek employment in a position that requires coding skills.
However, bootcamps have their part to play in this area as well, and while they won’t replace degrees outright, they will influence and compliment them in lots of ways, benefiting students and businesses as a result.