What do you think of coding bootcamps?

[sanantone]

I would think that it just totally depends on the circumstances. CC is going to take you years, because you have to take Class A as a prerequisite for Class B, and then you can take Class C and so on. At our local CC, it will take you 3 semesters minimum to take the courses you need for the AS in IT, based strictly on the prereqs. So if you can find a way to do it faster, even if it's more than $2250 plus books (so $3000-ish), it may be worth the cost. $15k is probably way too much, but $3k for over a year and a half is way too long. Something in between would be awesome. If you can find free stuff that will get you what you need, more power to you.

The program below is designed to be completed in two semesters, and fall and spring aren't the only options. Classes are also offered in the summer. Additionally, many schools offer 8-week sessions. I don't think it is unrealistic to expect to complete many certificate programs in 8-12 months while only taking 16-week courses. If you're taking 8-week courses, you don't have to worry about waiting until the next semester to take a course that requires a prerequisite. Also, a lot of colleges may award credit for the intro computer exams offered by DSST and CLEP eliminating one of the main prerequisites.

https://www6.austincc.edu/cms/site/www/a...&apid=3691

[ajs1976]

I'm happy it worked out for them, but in 1998 it was pretty easy to pass those exams cold, even more so than today, if you had any experience in the field or a hobbyist fascination with computers.

I miss those old exams. The newer ones are reading comprehension exercises and focused on obscure features.

[jsd]

I miss those old exams. The newer ones are reading comprehension exercises and focused on obscure features.

true hilarious

and most of them still include technology from 1998 that none of us would see in the wild today -- even the ones that focus on modern tech still like to "prove" we can work with obsolete systems if we ever come across them... as if they're somehow more sophisticated or less prone to a google search than modern tech.

[dfrecore]

The program below is designed to be completed in two semesters, and fall and spring aren't the only options. Classes are also offered in the summer. Additionally, many schools offer 8-week sessions. I don't think it is unrealistic to expect to complete many certificate programs in 8-12 months while only taking 16-week courses. If you're taking 8-week courses, you don't have to worry about waiting until the next semester to take a course that requires a prerequisite. Also, a lot of colleges may award credit for the intro computer exams offered by DSST and CLEP eliminating one of the main prerequisites.

https://www6.austincc.edu/cms/site/www/a...&apid=3691

Like I said, if you can find something that will go much faster than the 1½ to 2 years, that's great. My local CC doesn't offer those like that, they are full semester courses.

[dfrecore]

Glad it worked out for them. I did the self study route and that has worked out for me too. Here is the catch:



That is realistic, but not what was promised to a lot of people. It was complete the program and make $80k almost immediately.

These code camps and cert camps are great as long as they are from the right training provider to the right person in the right situation. The cert camps are still out there, but not as popular. To many employers got burned by hiring paper tigers or dumpers who cheated their way through the exams sometimes with the help of the training providers.

Like I said, his 19yo brother started with Cisco making $80-$90k right off the bat.

And, they definitely could not have self-studied without any prior experience, no education in computers, nothing to draw from. NOW, my husband self-studies all the time for certs if he needs them.

I think their MCSE's helped to get a foot in the door at the beginning, but hard work did the rest.

[ajs1976]

true hilarious

and most of them still include technology from 1998 that none of us would see in the wild today -- even the ones that focus on modern tech still like to "prove" we can work with obsolete systems if we ever come across them... as if they're somehow more sophisticated or less prone to a google search than modern tech.

What? Is the Net+ still making you learn about IPX/SPX?

[jsd]

What? Is the Net+ still making you learn about IPX/SPX?

Are you telling me these aren't the cutting edge Network technology???

[sanantone]

I'm guessing that I was in middle school when these MCSE training programs were popular.

Like I said, if you can find something that will go much faster than the 1½ to 2 years, that's great. My local CC doesn't offer those like that, they are full semester courses.

If a person is considering an online coding bootcamp, then there are online programs at in-state community colleges giving a person more options. I haven't really explored the options at the community colleges with cheap, out-of-state tuition rates.

[TinHead]

A much cheaper option: https://teamtreehouse.com/techdegree

[clep3705]

What? Is the Net+ still making you learn about IPX/SPX?

Future post: Grandpa, did you really use 32-bit IP addresses when you were working?