Bootcamps enable learners to gain various practical coding skills in weeks. However, coding bootcamp prep is paramount for an optimal learning experience.
Modern businesses are always on the lookout for individuals who are well-versed in tech, and of many tech skills, coding has become one of the most sought-after. It has wide applications across different industries, such as database management, information security analysis, and software development.
Learning coding can be challenging, but it doesn’t necessarily require years. In fact, there are bootcamps that can help learners master coding in a matter of weeks. However, in order to learn optimally, you shouldn’t enter a coding bootcamp with zero knowledge. Here’s how to prepare for coding bootcamp efficiently.
What does a coding bootcamp offer?
A Coding bootcamp is an intensive, short-term programme to equip students with job-ready coding skills. The term “job-ready” is important here, as instead of learning all theoretical and practical coding frameworks, students will learn key skills that can help them become successful coders in the workforce.
In coding bootcamps, you may not learn all computer history and theory. The learning materials are more project-based than the conventional school or university programmes. In a coding bootcamp, you will learn core coding techniques and languages commonly used in the industry.
By the end of the flash-learning programme, you will have a certificate and a solid portfolio of your work to show prospective employers. Tech bootcamps have been shown to help fulfill demands for human resources in the workforce. Based on a 2020 survey by tech firm HackerRank, many hiring managers even considered bootcamp graduates more qualified than workers they had previously hired.
Gearing up for a coding bootcamp
Despite some flexibility in coding bootcamps, the intense programme may be overwhelming for those who don’t have basic coding knowledge. Aspiring students are advised to do some coding bootcamp prep before diving into it.
These tips can help you better absorb learning materials during the bootcamp.
Gather various resources
Thanks to the internet, you can access basic coding information through various sources today. Many of these online resources are also free, which is good news for those with financial constraints. They provide a comprehensive picture of coding concepts. The content is also generally arranged systematically to promote understanding of such complex concepts, allowing learners to apply the knowledge more easily down the road.
Understandably, some people are just not into reading as a way of absorbing a practical skill. In this case, you can get basic coding knowledge from podcasts and video tutorials. Podcasts are both educational and entertaining. The hosts often explain coding concepts, share tips to become efficient coders, and discuss new industry trends. The visual content also provides a gist of actual coding activities so that it won’t be a shock later.
Take introductory classes
Introductory coding bootcamp courses can also help you kickstart your coding journey. A coding bootcamp will quickly cover the basics of programming to focus on the more practical aspects. While practical skills are key in today’s workforce, knowing the basics can help tech workers tackle high-level problems as their careers progress.
Our introduction to coding course is instructor led and completely free. This course will teach you various topics, such as the basics of programming and web development, what a career in the industry could look like with your previous skillset and whether you like the bootcamp experience.
Connect with pro and aspiring coders
Some people feel deterred from learning to code because they perceive it as difficult. Having a great network to support can motivate students to advance with their learning despite the odds. This is why, as a new coder, you need to connect with the coding community.
You can find these communities across social media platforms. The groups often share insider tips and new trends within the coding sectors. The more experienced coders will also answer questions from beginners, aiding these newbies in solving coding challenges. At Tech Educators, we not only have a thriving Discord community, but look to offer insights and introductions to your local tech community too.
Joining a coding community also helps you manage expectations later when you’re ready to embark on the professional development journey. Media often depict this career path as high-paying and somewhat laid-back, while it’s not always the case. From professional workers within the community, you can get grassroots knowledge about jobs in the industry, how to progress and the challenges you will face when you start and develop within your career.
Set up a learning environment
Your physical environment should also support your learning experience. If the bootcamp is conducted fully or partially online (ours can be in person, hybrid or online, but always instructor led), you should set up a specific spot in your home for the classes. Ensure that the spot is not noisy, has good lighting and is comfortable — this will be your base of operations for the course.
You’ll spend most of your time on the computer, you must ensure the device is up for the job. Check if your existing device requires maintenance before doing intense programming tasks and ensure you have your computer setup for the job.
You must also install the necessary software for coding tasks before the bootcamp. A good coding bootcamp will give you a list of which software you should have before starting.
It’s necessary to prepare for coding bootcamp so you can get the most out of your time and money.
About the Author
James has 8 years with Fortune 200 US firm ITW, experience of managing projects in China, USA, and throughout Europe. James has worked with companies such as Tesco, Vauxhall, ITW, Serco, McDonalds. James has experience in supporting start-up and scale up companies such as Readingmate, Gorilla Juice and Harvest London. James completed his MBA at the University of East Anglia in 2018.
