Choosing a tech bootcamp: 2 of 5
This is the second in a series of five posts about things to consider when you’re choosing a bootcamp. If you haven’t read the first post yet, start there!
In the last post, we talked about what you should look for when it comes to local tech employers’ role in developing and updating the curriculum used in a course. Today, we’ll focus on the types of proactive, supported learning and job hunting you may want as you’re working towards a new tech career.
As you’re considering bootcamps, you should ask:
(1) Does the bootcamp develop targeted job opportunities for its students and provide graduates with support during the job search?
Bootcamps have a variety of practices when it comes to helping their participants connect to jobs. Some seek out specific job opportunities appropriate for their students. Others take a more hands-off approach — for example, providing access to a database of jobs postings without much additional support.
It is always important for tech training participants to take responsibility for their own job hunt, and even bootcamps that “guarantee” jobs will require participants to put in their own work to secure those jobs. You should go into training expecting to put serious effort into your own job search.
However, if you have not previously worked in the tech sector, you may want to prioritize finding a bootcamp that offers more hands-on job support. In this case, you should look for:
o Guidance for you: Ask the bootcamp what they will do to help empower you to conduct a great job search. Will they give you a post-graduation “roadmap” or other tools you can use to conduct a successful job search? What kind of guidance will they give you about employers’ norms and expectations in this field?
o Targeted job opportunities: Ask the bootcamp what they do to bring jobs to their students — and whether they have any full-time staff dedicated to doing this work.
o Job search support: Ask the bootcamp what kind of support they provide during your job-search process, which can extend for months after training ends. Will there be someone checking in on you, or who you can call regularly? Will you have any access to instructors or teaching assistants after training if you need additional help with technical concepts?
o Access to resources: Will you be able to conduct your job search from the bootcamp’s space while looking for a job? If they lend you a laptop for training, will you be able to hold onto it for use during your job search?
Regardless what level of support you’re looking for, ask the provider what kind of support they provide to job-seeking students, and what they expect you to do as part of the process. Some bootcamps have very specific requirements around, for example, how many employers a job-seeking graduate needs to contact per week. You should understand and be comfortable with these requirements before you sign up for training.
(2) Does the bootcamp employ dedicated, knowledgeable staff to help students navigate non-technical challenges they may face, such as financial or time management challenges?
Attending a tech bootcamp can be intense, and life doesn’t stop while you are in training. Especially if this is your first foray into the world of tech or intensive training, you may want to look for a program that has trained staff onsite who can help you manage challenges that may come up while you’re in training. You should look for:
o Dedicated, knowledgeable staff, such as a coach or an educational case manager, who helps students navigate any non-technical challenges they may face while going through training. This may include time management, financial considerations, mental health and well-being, or other areas where you may anticipate needing support while in training.
(3) Does the bootcamp conduct regular tests to help students gauge how well they are learning the material, and offer targeted support where they need additional help?
While frequent tests may sound terrible, bootcamps can help their students avoid falling behind by offering regular tests, such as small quizzes or projects, that require you to demonstrate you understand the material. Bootcamps should then use the results to provide students with targeted help. You should look for:
o Test of your knowledge when applying: You should look for bootcamps that test your knowledge when applying to their programs. This is important to ensure you have the foundational skills you will need to succeed in the program. If not, you may not be prepared for a job when you graduate.
o Regular tests during training: The bootcamp should have a plan for testing students regularly to understand how well they know the material. This should incorporate an in-person conversation to make sure students truly understand and can explain their answers.
o Targeted support: The bootcamp should provide targeted support in areas where students are struggling. This can include mini-review sessions for groups of students who are struggling in common areas as well as one-on-one support.
Read on to our third post for more on this topic!
About the NYC Tech Talent Pipeline
Mayor Bill de Blasio launched the NYC Tech Talent Pipeline (TTP) in 2014. Managed by the NYC Department of Small Business Services (SBS), TTP is designed to support the inclusive growth of the NYC tech sector by delivering quality jobs for New Yorkers and qualified talent for the City’s businesses. TTP works with 275 companies, 17 local colleges, and additional public and private partners to define employer needs, develop training and education models to meet these needs, and scale solutions throughout the City. TTP delivers quality talent for the City’s businesses and quality jobs for New Yorkers.
For more information, visit techtalentpipeline.nyc/.
