Choosing a tech bootcamp: 4 of 5
This is the fourth 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 wrapped up our deep dive into the types of support you may need as you’re working towards a new tech career.
Today, we’ll turn to types of information you should gather when considering different bootcamps. This includes information about past results, about the time you’d need to put into training, and admissions standards.
As you’re considering bootcamps, you should look for:
(1) Clear information about past results. Look for information about:
o The percentage of graduates who obtained full-time jobs related to training,
o How a bootcamp defines who they include in this calculation (for example, whether they only include “job-seeking” graduates, and how they define this),
o What the bootcamp counts as a job (for example, whether short-term contracting or part-time opportunities count as jobs),
o How long after graduation they consider an acceptable time to find a job, and
o Salaries for their program graduates, compared to the market average for those jobs. Ask the bootcamp for the range of salaries most graduates make, not just the average salary, which can be affected by any very high (or low) salaries.
(2) A clear, standardized admissions process
Bootcamps should state what technical and non-technical skills you need for admission to the program. You should look for:
o Clear admissions standards for any prior skills or knowledge candidates must have in order to successfully complete the program and secure a job in the field.
o Testing: A set of tasks or exercises you must complete to demonstrate you have this knowledge.
o Competitive admissions: Does the bootcamp admit everyone who is willing to pay their fee, or do they choose only applicants who prove they can succeed? Be wary of bootcamps that do not have a skills-based admissions process.
(3) Information about time requirements
The bootcamp should provide clear information about the total amount of time you can expect to spend engaged in training-related activities. This includes pre-work, training, any post-work, and the job hunt. They should also tell you how many hours per week you will need to dedicate, both in and out of class.
Read on for the final installment in this series!
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/.
