So you’re stuck in a field you don’t really like and you’re set on switching careers. You want to go into web or app development, but what strategy should you take? Should you go back to a university to get a four-year computer science degree? Should you go to a coding boot camp for about three months? Or should you just save some money and teach yourself to code?
There’s really no correct answer — each situation depends on how much time, money and effort you are willing to spend. Here’s a rundown on the pros and cons of getting a university degree, a MOOC or a coding boot camp.
If you have the time and money … Get a university degree.
If you’re interested in exploring all aspects of technology, get a degree from a university. You get to immerse yourself in a curriculum that experts have defined, and is meant to prepare you for a job in the field. Most universities also have post-graduation job programs in place, making it easier to find work. Plus, major tech employers prefer applicants with a computer science degree with coding or algorithmic application — people who understand computational problem solving.
In a TechRepublic story, John Goodenough, VP of technology collaboration and standards at ARM, said a solid grounding in the fundamentals of computer science, and an ability to learn new skills, are more important than a working knowledge of half a dozen of the latest languages gleaned from a bootcamp.
If you’re broke but extremely motivated … Try learning via books and free online courses.
Self study requires discipline and hard work, but free online coding classes are everywhere, and easy on the wallet. It’s an excellent choice for beginners looking to gain basic skills that could benefit their career.
Code.org, for example, lets users learn basic computer science skills by playing instructional games. Many massive open online courses (
MOOCs) teach basic computer programming skills. The
Massachusetts Institute of Technology's OpenCourseWare online platform publishes teaching materials, assignments, videos and exams from real classes at the school for use in self-paced learning. You can look up specific topics whenever you need them in whatever order suits you, said Curt Newton, site curator and publication manager for MIT OpenCourseWare.
Learning online for free can be a good starting point for a bigger career change. After learning the fundamentals of coding, you can transition to programs that are specific to your career goals.
If you’re pressed for time … Enroll in a coding boot camp.
Coding boot camps appeal to those who already have at least one degree in an unrelated discipline and don’t want to go back to school. Boot camps offer students a way to learn coding programs and specific languages, and build portfolios of projects to showcase their skills to potential employers. This is useful for career changers, who need help advancing in their current field. Some coding bootcamps also have job placement guarantees. However, the intensive schedule and focused learning of advanced skills doesn’t come cheap. A coding boot camp could cost up to $18,000 for a course, but depending on which one you choose, offer learning and payment flexibility. Some boot camps allow students to work on their own time; others more closely mimic the face-to-face classroom experience.
