BostInno
A Guide to Boston's Coding Boot Camps
By: Olivia Vanni
This is it. This is the year you’re going to get into the startup game and learn to code. How do you prepare for such a transition? Well, if you don’t have the right skillset just yet, then a boot camp is in order.
You have a decent number of boot camps at your disposal in Boston. In fact, you could probably name off a few of them if asked. But even though these programs are dealing with similar subject material, there are difference among them. Which one is right for you? Hopefully, this rundown helps you decide.
If you want to be well-rounded: Startup Institute
Coding is one piece of being successful when working in the startup space, which Startup Institute’s curriculum reflects. In addition to learning how to program, you will learn how to handle many roles that you may someday need to fill at an emerging company, like the ins and outs of marketing. If you don’t have the time to commit to the full-time, eight-week boot camp, you can take courses part-time.
Pros: It boasts a holistic curriculum, has a strong hiring network and high job satisfaction among alumni.
Cons: Classes can be on the bigger side.
If you're interested in being specialized: General Assembly
This is ideal for people who know which realm of tech they’d like to pursue. It offers different full-time boot camps that are all coding-heavy but are broken down into various specialities. So if you want to focus on Product Management more than Android, you can do so (and vice versa). General Assembly also has online courses available, as well as part-time options. And, if you’re still in school, there are programs designed to fit around your other studies.
Pros: Courses let students become more specialized in a certain area.
Cons: You’re not getting a bigger-picture education. (Double-edged sword here.)
If you want to start building a portfolio: Launch Academy
These guys have a straightforward approach to teaching full-stack. Over the course of 10 weeks, students learn coding concepts and then proceed to apply them in group projects. Not only does this reinforce what’s being taught, but it also gives people something to show potential employers at the end of the boot camp. Not able to study on the Boston campus? No problem: Launch Academy recently opened an online offering that mimics the in-person, highly social learning environment.
Pros: Launch Academy’s co-founders are meticulous about allowing the boot camp programs to be as dynamic as the dev space itself.
Cons: The online program is in its first iteration now, so there still might be some kinks being worked out.
If you're an eager entrepreneur: Undercover Code
You might not give a crap about becoming a coder extraordinaire, as much as you just want to know how to make and maintain your own product. If that’s the case, Undercover Code is made for you. You tell them what you want to build and they design a unique curriculum to let you carry out your vision - all while learning how to code along the way.
Pros: Everything is customized to what you’re envisioning. You come out of the program with exactly what you wanted to build already built.
Cons: There are no hiring networks or job prospects here (because it’s meant for people going on to do their own thing), and the coding skills you learn will be limited.
If you're seasoned but want to learn new tricks: Apprentice
You don’t have to be starting from square one to get in on some startup boot camp action. Apprentice allows people with existing tech knowledge to build upon their existing skills by learning from the best. If you’re accepted for one of the organization’s apprenticeships, you will be working (for pay) on projects at thoughtbot and will be taken under the wing by a mentor at the company.
Pros: You get the real-work experience of an internship, except you’re paid.
Cons: It’s not beginner-friendly.
