FinTech Classes & Bootcamps Houston

Learn More About FinTech Bootcamps in Houston

FinTech is a term commonly used to describe new technologies that improve, analyze, or automate financial services. Learning FinTech can help you understand financial markets, analyze patterns and trends, and gain an advantage over other financial professionals. FinTech is a lucrative career path, but it requires extensive knowledge in a variety of specialization areas. Some of the skills you may need include data analytics, coding with Python and/or SQL, data visualization, predictive modeling, algorithmic trading, data science, and machine learning. Because FinTech is a broad field, when choosing a bootcamp, it’s important to select a course that will meet your career goals. Read on to learn more about the various bootcamp training options for Houston residents so you can put your FinTech training to use when you graduate.

What is FinTech?

Financial technology (FinTech) involves creating programs, apps, and websites that provide digitized financial services such as online banking, wealth management, payment processing, and credit scoring. Other examples of FinTech include banking and stock applications, invoicing software, and bitcoin. Because the financial services industry is competitive, financial institutions rely on FinTech to help them gain a competitive edge. FinTech allows them to perform immediate actions that would have taken hours, or even weeks, in the past.

Although FinTech has been around for decades, it’s experienced rapid change over the past decade. Today, instead of relying on paper, gold, or coins for financial transactions, FinTech provides users with cutting-edge technologies that automate the use and delivery of financial services. Today, FinTech is an integral component of many career paths in various industries such as investment management, education, retail banking, software engineering, and fundraising.

What Can I Do with FinTech Training?

Before you enroll in a FinTech training course, you may wonder what you’ll be able to do with the skills you learn. The good news is that FinTech training can open many professional doors across industries, each of which has its unique software and technical requirements. It’s a good idea for those who want to pursue a career in FinTech to begin by selecting the industry in which they hope to work so they can then focus on developing the skills required to work in that field. Regardless of the professional path that’s chosen, several core skills are essential to becoming a FinTech professional, including basic financial literacy, technical training, and knowledge of regulatory compliance. From there, learners can then tailor their studies more specifically to the field in which they want to work. This may require learning financial modeling, cybersecurity, data science, or user experience design.

The following are several career paths in which FinTech training is an asset:

  • Financial modeling entails creating and using mathematical models that represent financial situations or assets. Financial Analysts work with these models to make forecasts about how their organization is expected to perform financially in the future, which helps them compare various financial paths. These models are often used to evaluate risk and help financial professionals create data-driven plans. They also have applications for helping clients or companies with financial reporting.
  • Data fields, including data science and data analytics, are other fields in which FinTech training is useful. Those who have a background in FinTech can put their training to use in data science by using advanced analytics to gather insights into how customers are responding to various services that are offered. Those who work in data analytics then work with these insights and transform them into plans that can be shared with their organization to improve operations, generate revenue, or ensure customers are getting the most out of the available products or services.
  • FinTech training has applications in careers that involve customer experience. UX and UI design professionals who create user-friendly products and services rely on design skills, experience with usability testing, design software, and user research to create products that meet specified standards and appeal to customers.
  • Another industry in which FinTech training is often used is cybersecurity. Those who work in this field protect financial data and operations from online threats. Cybersecurity professionals draw from their knowledge of financial systems, network security, vulnerability management, encryption, analytical thinking, and secure coding practices to perform daily tasks.

FinTech knowledge isn’t only useful in professional settings; it can also assist with a range of personal finance tasks such as creating budgets or planning for events in the future that will require a financial commitment. Those who are interested in learning how to make smart personal investments also will benefit from learning FinTech. As more people continue to gravitate toward digital banking services, FinTech training is a great way to learn how to more easily access and use online banking services for tasks like checking balances, paying bills, transferring money, or making deposits.

How Hard is It to Learn FinTech?

For some, the idea of studying FinTech may be daunting since this broad field requires knowledge in several areas, including finance and technology. Similar to any other learnable skill, the difficulty level that corresponds to learning FinTech varies from one learner to another and is largely dependent on factors like the skill set the learner brings to the table, the type of training method they select, and their ultimate goals for learning FinTech. Succeeding in FinTech requires both hard and soft skills, as well as industry-specific training. This skill set takes most individuals time to acquire.

Determining how hard it will be to learn FinTech is largely determined by the industry in which the training will be applied. For example, those who hope to use their training for project management will likely need to work with specific tools such as Microsoft Project or Trello. Data Scientists who focus on FinTech will probably need to study programming languages like Python. Each industry has its own tools and skill sets that must be learned.

Another challenging component of studying FinTech is gaining both soft and hard skills that will be essential in most professional roles. The learning process is unique to each individual; for some, it entails learning Excel or SQL, whereas for others it requires working with Power BI or Tableau. Regardless of the career path the individual hopes to pursue, soft skills like time management, storytelling, business acumen, and clear written and verbal communication are essentials in FinTech.

Learners should also keep in mind that the field of FinTech continues to rapidly evolve, as more technologies are developed that change how we perform tasks on a daily basis. For this reason, those who hope to pursue a career in FinTech must be willing to be lifelong learners and stay current on the latest technological trends and advances.

How Long Will It Take to Learn FinTech?

Each FinTech learner will differ in terms of the challenges they encounter when learning this skill set, as well as the time it will take them to do so. The length of time needed to learn FinTech depends on many factors, in particular the career path the learner hopes to pursue. Some FinTech careers require obtaining a degree from a four-year college or university, whereas others are more flexible. Some entry-level positions are open to those who attend a certificate or bootcamp in FinTech, which can be completed in as little as four to six weeks. Those who hope to put their FinTech training to use in a field like business analytics will require different training than those hoping to pursue investment or cybersecurity. Some professional roles even require that applicants earn an industry-recognized certification such as the Chartered Financial Analyst exam, a three-part test that covers topics like portfolio management, investment tools, and wealth planning.

Individuals seeking career flexibility may wish to pursue FinTech careers in fields like business or financial analytics. Those looking to focus on risk management may instead opt for a career in banking, insurance, or healthcare. It’s essential for learners to decide what they want to do with their FinTech training as early on as possible in their learning process. Some FinTech career paths only require basic FinTech skills, whereas others are more demanding and expect learners to have extensive financial and technical training, as well as industry-specific knowledge. One of the most effective ways to prepare for a career in FinTech is to sign up for a hands-on bootcamp or certificate program that provides real-world training such as Noble Desktop’s FinTech Bootcamp.

What Skills Are Related to FinTech?

Those committed to learning FinTech may be curious about what skills and tools are related to this field. Since there are so many professional applications of FinTech in various industries and sectors, each learner will have their own approach to studying FinTech and acquiring related skills. Some individuals may want to focus their studies on the software engineering side of FinTech, whereas others will instead explore data science or finance. Regardless of the career path you have in mind, many skills are needed to succeed in most FinTech careers. The following are some common skills that are related to FinTech that may be worth exploring:

  • Cybersecurity: As more people turn to online banking services to complete transactions, there has been a sharp increase in cybercrime. Cyberattacks result in many problems such as damaged reputations and information loss. Each day, cyberattacks on financial platforms grow more sophisticated. This has created a corresponding need for cybersecurity professionals who know how to safeguard online information from threats. Those who want to apply their FinTech training to cybersecurity must have knowledge of compliance, encryption methods, governance, risk management, and data analytics.
  • Software Development: Training in software development is one of the most sought-after skill sets FinTech professionals can have. Those who have experience developing software can use their training to create platforms for digital banks or e-marketplaces for businesses.
  • Data: As new technological advancements continue to shape the face of the finance sector, a vast amount of data is being created on a daily basis. However, until this information is cleaned and analyzed, it holds little value for organizations. Those who have training working with big data, AI, machine learning, or deep learning are in-demand in FinTech because they can help companies leverage this data and provide customers with better products and services.
  • Blockchain: The cryptocurrency industry continues to be widely popular in the US, which creates a need for blockchain experts. Over the course of the past decade, as Bitcoin and other digital currencies have increased in value, many aspects of the traditional banking industry have been disrupted in favor of more current technologies and practices. It’s estimated that the need for Blockchain Developers has increased 30% during this time and is likely to continue to be a popular career path for the foreseeable future.

What Jobs Require FinTech Training?

Behind the scenes in the FinTech industry, professionals from all backgrounds are tasked with creating and developing cutting-edge tech products and services capable of protecting customer data from security threats. The following are some of the most popular career paths in which FinTech training is an asset:

What Will I Learn in a FinTech Bootcamp?

Houston residents who are interested in learning FinTech can enroll in a bootcamp to receive hands-on training in the small class environment. Bootcamps are available from many top educational providers in the city, as well as live online. Although the content covered in each program varies depending on the difficulty level, course length, and pedagogical focus, most bootcamps are open to learners at all levels, even those who have little to no prior financial training or experience with computer programming. Bootcamp participants study a range of in-demand skills such as data science, financial analysis, machine learning, Python coding, SQL querying, and data visualization. Graduates of these courses can put their training to use immediately in an entry-level job in fields like IT, security, financial analytics, or data science.

Most bootcamps offer more than in-class guidance and real-world training; they also often include additional professional development incentives to prepare students to enter the job market when they graduate. Some programs provide learners with career counseling, mock interview training, professional portfolio development sessions, resume or cover letter critiques, or 1-on-1 mentoring sessions.

Houston Careers for FinTech Bootcamp Graduates

As in the rest of the country, the financial services industry in Houston has become competitive, and the industry and experts predict that the FinTech sector could replace 50% of bank jobs in the next 30 years. Many major financial institutions gravitate to Texas because of its skilled workforce and competitive tax climate. Between 2010 and 2019, nearly 7,400 insurance and finance companies were established in Texas, and many more continue to expand operations across the state. Houston is home to several noteworthy FinTech companies and startups, including Balance Credit, BitWallet, HighRadius, and PROS Holding. Those who have FinTech training are in high demand in Houston; knowing how to blend technology and finance can lead to many fulfilling career opportunities.

Before choosing a bootcamp, it is important to know the career path you intend to pursue, as not every job will require you to have the same level of FinTech knowledge. Those who complete FinTech bootcamps go on to secure jobs as Financial Analysts, Financial Engineers, Product Engineers, and Data Scientists. In Houston, those with knowledge of FinTech working as Financial Analysts, Financial Engineers, Product Engineers, and Data Scientists can make $70,000 to nearly $130,000 per year.

Advantages of Learning FinTech with a Live Instructor

Learners who are serious about studying FinTech will find many benefits to opting for coursework that has live instruction. This type of learning environment provides participants with the opportunity to connect with an expert instructor who has real-world knowledge and experience in FinTech and is there to structure lessons, guide class discussion, and share their knowledge. Students also benefit from studying alongside other learners in their cohort, which can provide an added sense of community and support during training. Live classes afford participants the opportunity to ask questions as they arise and receive clarification in the moment. Even those who attend live online courses can share their computer screen with the instructor (with permission) for additional help.

Live training differs from asynchronous classes (which are pre-recorded and placed online) because it takes place in real time. Students attend regularly scheduled classes that typically meet several times a week. This interactive and engaging learning environment helps learners at all levels master basic FinTech concepts such as financial literacy, before progressing into more advanced concepts and skills. Students can elect to study part-time or full-time as their schedule permits. Over several weeks or months, those enrolled have the chance to fully immerse in their FinTech training and prepare for a job.

Choosing a FinTech Bootcamp

Because so many in-person and online course offerings are available in FinTech, it may be challenging for some to know how to select the program that’s right for them. Generally speaking, FinTech bootcamps are a great learning opportunity for those who want to study Python programming applications in FinTech, as well as algorithmic trading, machine learning, and statistical concepts. However, other related bootcamps such as programs that teach Python for finance or data science might be better suited for some jobs. Cost and duration are also major factors, but those interested in learning more about FinTech should articulate their area of focus before choosing a course.

Bootcamps are hands-on learning experiences in which students acquire a solid base of knowledge in a short period of time. Courses for FinTech take anywhere from 3 hours to 72 weeks, depending on how extensive they are. Many bootcamps provide career services, monthly payment plans, and income share agreement payment options, which means students don’t pay until they’ve secured a job. All Noble Desktop bootcamps, for example, include a free retake and a guarantee that you’ll learn the skills covered in the syllabus, subject to terms and conditions.

In-Person FinTech Bootcamps in Houston

One of the most effective ways to learn FinTech in a relatively short timeframe is to enroll in an in-person FinTech bootcamp in Houston. In-person bootcamps are an excellent learning option for those who enjoy the structure of a live class with the added benefit of a live instructor who’s there to facilitate the learning process. In Houston, there are several schools that offer in-person FinTech bootcamps.

Rice University Boot Camps offers a comprehensive FinTech Bootcamp that covers topics such as Python programming, blockchain, advanced trading algorithms, and cryptocurrency. The school also supports graduates as they look for their first job.

Houston residents can also enroll in General Assembly’s Python and Machine Learning Bootcamp. This short, intermediate-level program is intended for those who already know Python and want to take their training further. Participants study how to work with machine learning and Python’s data science libraries Pandas and NumPy. By the end of this program, those enrolled will be familiar with concepts like classification, cross-validation, regression analysis, and data regularization. Those looking to study SQL can do so by enrolling in General Assembly’s SQL Bootcamp: Learning the Language. This beginner-level class is a good match for those who haven’t worked with SQL and want to learn basic concepts such as this language’s syntax and how databases are organized. Coursework covers topics like how to use JOINs and UNIONs to merge data and locate trends, query data, and use statistical functions to aggregate data. General Assembly classes are available live online and in-person in Houston.

Virtual FinTech Bootcamps

Virtual FinTech bootcamps are a great option for those who want to study this in-demand skill set but don’t want to battle rush-hour traffic in Houston to do so. These programs provide learners with the flexibility of completing all lessons from the comfort of their own home or office space. Live online FinTech bootcamps are similar to in-person classes in that they’re interactive, hands-on, instructor-led classes that take place in real time. Participants have the added benefit of learning from anywhere that has a reliable internet connection.

Noble Desktop, an educator based in New York City, offers several FinTech-related bootcamps, including FinTech Bootcamp, a rigorous course that covers Python programming applications for FinTech. The course also teaches students machine learning, algorithmic trading, and statistical concepts needed for a successful career in FinTech. Students learn how to build automated trading strategies using exponential moving average (EMA), Moving Average Convergence Divergence (MACD), and backtesting. This program includes six 1-on-1 mentoring sessions.

Noble also has a virtual Python for Finance Bootcamp that teaches learners how to use Python to analyze vast stores of financial data, make data visualizations, and use statistics for predictive modeling. In addition, Noble has a Python Machine Learning Bootcamp for those who want to take their Python coding skills to the next level. This class covers topics like linear and logistic regressions, decision trees, and statistical concepts. A 1-on-1 mentoring session is provided to all participants.

Practical Programming offers a rigorous Python for Finance Immersive course that provides students with a deep understanding of how Python can be used for data extraction, analysis, and visualization. Participants work with NumPy, Pandas, and Matplotlib, as well as Jupyter Notebook. No prior experience in advanced mathematics or coding is necessary to enroll in this course.

NYIM Training Centers has a Financial Modeling Bootcamp that will help aspiring Financial Analysts learn advanced Excel, financial modeling, corporate finance, and even some accounting skills to succeed as an Analyst.

FinTech Classes in Houston

For those who aren’t quite ready to commit to an entire bootcamp but want to start learning about FinTech or its related topics before they enroll, a FinTech skills class is an excellent alternative.

Noble Desktop offers a short Machine Learning & Automation for Finance course that covers advanced Python and statistical topics, financial statements, and ratios. Participants learn how to pull data from these statements and compute ratios using Python and how to visualize findings. For Stock Traders who want to boost their strategy with automation, Noble also offers a short Algorithmic Trading with Python course. Participants learn how to connect their Python scripts with an online trading brokerage. This course is perfect for anyone interested in learning how to invest using algorithms.

Aspiring FinTech professionals may also be interested in enrolling in Advanced Excel for Financial Modeling, a 1-day course provided by NYC Career Centers that focuses mainly on how to use Excel to build and audit complex financial models. For individuals interested in a shorter course with an Excel-only focus, it’s worth it to explore the 1-day Advanced Excel for Financial Modeling course, which is provided by NYC Career Centers. This class focuses on how to use Excel to build and audit complex financial models.

Corporate FinTech Training

Would those at your workplace benefit from studying FinTech? If so, let Noble Desktop help with their training. Noble provides several corporate and onsite FinTech training options that are available for learners at all levels, even employees who have no prior FinTech training and are starting from scratch. Training options are available in many in-demand topics, including SQL, Python, data science, algorithmic trading, FinTech, and machine learning. Noble can provide training sessions directly at your workplace in Houston or host them live online on Zoom or a similar teleconferencing platform.

Vouchers for group enrollment classes can be purchased in bulk at a discount. Additionally, Noble provides customized training options to ensure those at your workplace will get the most out of their studies. These flexible course offerings can be scheduled on weekends or weeknights to accommodate busy work schedules.

To find out more about the hands-on FinTech training options Noble offers, feel free to contact Noble today.

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