There are many factors to consider when evaluating a coding bootcamp, including cost, location, experience, job placement, and the potential for growth.

The cost of a coding bootcamp can vary, but it’s a crucial investment in your future, which is why it’s so important to select the right one. While there are a lot of things to look for in a coding bootcamp, there are three key aspects that can set a good bootcamp apart from the rest.

Balance between knowledge and practical work

The balance between knowledge and practical work is a difficult one to strike. In many cases, the balance is tipped in favor of practical work because most people are more interested in using knowledge than knowledge acquisition.

Coding bootcamps need to balance the two to ensure you’re getting a well-rounded experience. The right bootcamp should emphasize building a strong coding foundation while also giving you plenty of opportunities to apply what you’ve learned and help you build a portfolio. Portfolio projects play an important role in job hunts and interviews, so having a few different options can prove to be incredibly beneficial as you move through the professional ladder.

Evolving curriculum design

Coding is a unique field, that much is certain. While the foundations might remain largely the same, there are constant developments in the field, so staying current with trends is crucial. Curriculums for coding bootcamps need to be flexible but ensure they cover foundational aspects thoroughly so that you get the best of both worlds.

When looking at coding bootcamps, look at how the curriculum is designed - and by who. Ideally, industry experts should be involved in its design and structure in a way to cover a few different areas. Even with 100% online or remote coding bootcamps, having a clear structure is important to keep you on track. Purely self-guided might end up becoming difficult to keep up with, but fully taught can often be a challenge with other commitments, so having something in the middle will be the best fit.

Mentorship and support

When people start, they often feel isolated and have questions they are too afraid to ask. Mentors are the ideal people to ask these questions, and they are your most important resource. Even if you are an online bootcamp, it should still be equipped with a mentor program to help you through your journey.

You should be able to access support and mentorship as needed to help you grow personally and professionally to give you more confidence as a coder. A mentor can help you navigate the language and the technologies they're particularly proficient in and answer questions about what you’re covering during the boot camp.

If you’re not sure what to look for in a coding bootcamp, keep an eye out for these features as you evaluate different programs. The right bootcamp will set you up for success, and you’ll get a head start on learning the language and technologies you’ll be using in different coding positions. To learn more about what to look for in a coding bootcamp and how Altcademy can help, please click here to find more information about our coding bootcamp experience.