What is a coding boot camp?

Coding boot camps are intensive, accelerated vocational training programs for technical roles and careers. As a cheaper and faster alternative to postsecondary degrees in computer science or similar fields, these programs teach students essential technical skills and provide both practical training and career advice.

Most coding boot camps focus primarily on programming skills for students looking to move into web development, computer engineering, UX design, data science or similar technical roles. Most programs run between 6-28 weeks, during which students attend lectures and complete assignments and projects to practice their skills. Graduates generally finish boot camp with a project portfolio, online professional portfolio and the technical and professional skills needed to start their career.

Related: Computer Science vs. Information Technology for Business Owners

What skills do coding boot camp graduates gain?

Students gain skills across various subjects depending on the program they choose, but most programs offer training in coding fundamentals and advanced skills.

Technical skills that coding boot camps may offer include:

• JavaScript
• Python
• Ruby
• HTML
• CSS
• Development frameworks
• Application development
• Database management

Which institutions offer coding boot camps?

Similarly to trade schools, private and for-profit companies typically deliver coding boot camps online or in person. Although they’re typically not accredited institutions, these programs are alternatives to traditional postsecondary education that focus more on career readiness than general education.

Some top coding boot camp programs include:

• Fullstack Academy
• Thinkful
• Coding Dojo
• Flatiron
• Springboard
• Hack Reactor

Advantages of hiring coding boot camp graduates

Various companies use coding boot camps as a talent pipeline, and many boot camp graduates find employment in their field within six months of graduating. Here are some key advantages of hiring coding boot camp graduates.

Boot camps help meet skills and employment gaps

With the digital landscape rapidly transforming, the need for technology professionals is likewise growing. Coding boot camps can typically update their curriculum with much more flexibility than traditional institutions, allowing them to constantly adapt learning outcomes to match changes in programming languages, industry standards and tools. As such, graduates often have more relevant and up-to-date skills than those offered in a computer science degree program.

Graduates have a diverse range of experience

Many coding boot camp graduates complete their program in their 30s to switch careers, which means they’ve already spent years developing their skills and experience in other industries and roles. Even without an extensive work history in coding, these graduates are workforce veterans who come equipped with transferable skills, such as communication, teamwork, problem-solving and time management.

Boot camps teach hands-on skills

Coding boot camps focus on relevant technical and professional skills rather than inapplicable postsecondary electives, and these programs regularly consult with leading employers to identify the most sought-after skill sets. Boot camps also typically require students to develop and demonstrate projects in realistic time frames, simulating the rigorous and agile environment of the real world. As such, graduates often gain practical understanding and experience that transfers seamlessly to the workplace.

Graduates are growth-oriented

Coding boot camps are rigorous and immersive experiences that require students to engage with challenging concepts. By leaving their previous careers, completing a boot camp and demonstrating strong skills in tough concepts, graduates show their motivation and that they value personal growth and development. Hiring an individual with these values means they’re willing to tackle challenges and opportunities within their role and continue to develop into a highly experienced employee.

Graduates are teachable

Absorbing and mastering complex concepts over a short period demonstrates a willingness and ability to learn. By hiring an industry newcomer who’s eager and highly teachable, you can guide their development and learning to best suit your business needs. In comparison, a seasoned technology professional may be more stuck in their own methods and less adaptable to your business.

How to hire a coding boot camp graduate

Although coding boot camps prepare graduates for work in technology professions, a refined hiring process can help you find the best fit for your organization. Use the strategies below to help find coding boot camp graduates who align with your business needs.

Look for personal projects

Boot camp individuals usually graduate with a portfolio of curriculum-based projects, which you can explore to determine if their skill sets match your job opening. Consider any personal projects from outside their program, as some of the best boot camp graduates were already passionate about their field, gained experience as a coding hobbyist and completed boot camp to structure and level up their skills.

Test for technical skills

Some coding boot camp programs breeze over fundamental concepts to focus on directly relevant skills, meaning graduates may not understand how their languages work and struggle with more challenging tasks. To help gauge understanding, implement a technical screening that tests for fundamental knowledge, such as writing a basic code and explaining how it works.

If job applicants advance to interviews, include a technical interview where you can evaluate candidates’ knowledge and a skills test to gauge how they perform in real-life scenarios.

Read more: JavaScript Interview Questions

Look for soft skills

Many graduates can continue to develop and refine their boot camp skills once they’re hired, but soft skills can be harder to teach. To hire a graduate that fits your organizational values and culture, workplace environment and the needs of the role, screen and interview for soft skills. 

For example, developers often collaborate with their teams and other professionals and should possess the communication skills to manage projects and explain complex concepts.

Other important soft skills include:

• Problem-solving
• Analytical thinking
• Creativity
• Innovation
• Time management
• Teamwork
• Attention to detail

Read more: How to Hire for Soft Skills

Invest in long-term development

Once you hire a coding boot camp graduate, it’s important to invest in their long-term development and success with your organization. By mentoring and developing graduates, you can foster employee loyalty, growth, motivation and productivity.

To invest in boot camp graduates, try the following strategies:

• Onboarding: Design a strong onboarding process that details company best practices, tools and other information.
• Mentorship: Use your existing workforce and pair experienced and knowledgeable employees with new hires as mentors who can oversee work and provide feedback.
• Culture: Foster a culture of support and growth that encourages employees to help each other become great at their jobs.
• Professional development: Provide employees with educational tools and resources to continue refining skills, such as seminars, workshops and courses.

Read more: Onboarding Guide: 5 Steps for New Employees

FAQs about coding boot camps

Are coders in demand?

The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that overall employment in computer science and technology should grow 15% from 2021 to 2031 and create 682,800 new jobs. In addition to professionals exiting the workforce or advancing to senior roles, emerging new technologies may drive the need for  coders.

How much do software developers earn?

Depending on location, experience and education, software developers earn an average salary of $108,978 per year.

How much do web developers earn?

Depending on location, experience and education, web developers earn an average salary of $79,307 per year.