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Why choose a tech bootcamp over a degree?

Row of students coding at a bootcamp

ARTICLE SUMMARY

Bootcamps are a great way to get stuck in to learning tech, on a concentrated time-scale. They are also typically quicker and cheaper than enrolling on a university degree. But why should you chose a tech bootcamp over a degree? And how do you know if it’ll work for you?

THINKING OF GETTING INTO TECH? INTERESTED IN THE IDEA OF A BOOTCAMP?

GABRIEL PIZZOLANTE, UK GROWTH MARKETER AT IRONHACK INTERNATIONAL TECH SCHOOL, GIVES HIS THOUGHTS ON THE TOPIC.

At Ironhack we offer a range of bootcamps to empower our students to find meaningful careers in four key areas: Web Development, UX/UI Design, Data Analytics and Cybersecurity.

Our bootcamps offer students an effective alternative to studying a BSc, because they offer learn-by-doing methodology in just nine weeks, as opposed to committing to a three-year course. Students get hands-on experience working on live projects from day one and the chance to build connections with other students. Plus, dedicated career teams are available throughout the course to help students progress, connect to future employers and find a job.

We have over 10,000 graduates from our bootcamps and an over 80% placement rate into tech careers for our students, meaning we have the expertise to arm people with the skills they need to succeed.

So, if you’re wondering whether to choose a tech bootcamp or a degree, our top four reasons might help you decide.

TECH BOOTCAMPS MAKE YOU EMPLOYABLE MORE QUICKLY THAN DEGREES

The vast majority of employers are not particularly interested in whether you went to university or not – the main thing they need is independent proof that you have the skills and have done the required training. 

Whatever your chosen line of work – Web Development, UX/UI Design, Data Analytics or Cybersecurity – bootcamp certifications are taken seriously by employers.

You could spend three years at university, getting into debt, or you could learn these vital skills in months and boost your chances of walking into a higher-paid job.

While we are very focused on the career-changer, we are starting to see more applicants who are dropping out of university because it wasn’t right for them.   What we’re observing is that Gen Z is taking a new approach to higher education. They value professional development at a faster pace over and above a traditional career path.  In 2023, we expect to see an increase in school leavers taking bootcamps as a fast-track alternative in just nine weeks, as opposed to taking years to study for an undergraduate degree.

TECH BOOTCAMPS GIVE YOU AN OPPORTUNITY TO BUILD YOUR OWN PORTFOLIO

Hands-on practice is a superb way to reinforce learning. Nothing impresses like initiative and proactivity and that’s what Ironhack bootcamps set students up for, with its immersive learning approach.

Indeed, it also provides you with tasks, use cases, and applications that can show employers examples of your development skills. For someone who wants to step into the industry, doing a lot of projects during an Ironhack course can help greatly in preparation for a future role. 

It should become pretty evident where you can incorporate your training to solve real-world problems, and then it’s just a matter of building something and then showcasing it to a potential employer. 

Where a degree may provide theoretical proof that you can build things, and solve problems, a bootcamp gives you practical, real world examples.

TECH BOOTCAMPS HAVE INCREDIBLE SUPPORT COMMUNITIES

Many students get their start in their industry through their network, whether personal or professional.  What use are the skills if nobody knows you exist? 

In addition to the immediate community of students on the same programme as you, there are benefits to being part of a wider support network of alumni – both around the campus and region you attend and globally.

And with a network of global partners – all of which look to Ironhack for tech talent – we’ve also launched community initiatives with companies like Google, EA Sports, Facebook, Uber, Vinted, Bunq and many more to help students get into the industry. 

TECH BOOTCAMPS ARE MUCH BETTER VALUE FOR MONEY THAN DEGREES

There are lots of benefits that come with doing a University degree. For many, it’s a rite of passage, a memorable life-changing experience and a huge achievement to have those letters after your name. 

But it’s also incredibly expensive, and with the increase in fees and the cost of living (and not working full time over the duration of the course) most graduates leave UK Universities with huge debts running into the tens of thousands of pounds.

Not only does a bootcamp ensure you’re in a position to get a job much faster, but there are a range of funding options available to cover the costs – some of which, like a student loan, don’t need to be repaid until you’re in a position to cover it with your salary.

Students can access funding through partners; use credit to pay for the course offset against future earnings, or use Knoma, StepEx, Lendwise or Student Finance.

For anyone interested in signing up for an Ironhack tech bootcamp, the next intake is:

31st Jan running until 29th July 2023 – Web Development, Data Analytics, UX/UI Design

Plus, we have new courses starting all the time, so get in touch if you’d like to find a course that fits around your preferred timeframe.

More Bootcamps.

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