While there are many ways to become a programmer or developer, one of the fastest and most efficient ways to join the industry is to attend a coding bootcamp. These training programs take more time to complete than a single course, but less than a formal college degree. Bootcamps are often seen as an alternative to obtaining a diploma because they provide the same level of career preparation in a far shorter time period.
If you are unfamiliar with coding as a specialty, the first thing to keep in mind is that it is a multifaceted field with multiple distinct career paths. Potential focuses include web development (front-end, back-end, or full-stack), mobile development, software engineering, and computer science. Some of these fields do involve similar concepts and coding languages, but there are nuanced differences. Before you choose a bootcamp, it might be a good idea to look into what each one entails so that you can narrow your search accordingly.
In addition to the skills-focused and jobs-focused training bootcamps deliver, they also provide the chance to meet other industry professionals in the field. Many bootcamps and certificates also offer one-on-one mentorship and support for your job search upon completion, which are valuable resources that can benefit you long after the course is over.
Seattle Careers for Coding Bootcamp Graduates
You’ll find a wide variety of career opportunities for Seattle coding bootcamp graduates. There are Front-end, Back-end, and Full Stack Developer roles available if you are looking into web development. You could also become a Mobile Developer, Software Engineer, or Computer Scientist if any of those fields are of interest. Finally, some Developer positions focus on individual coding languages like Python, SQL, Ruby, and JavaScript.
Seattle’s median income is fairly high at $100,000, but you can earn more than that in most of these coding positions. The majority of the roles listed above earn annual salaries in the $130,000 to $160,000 range. Although bootcamps may seem like a costly endeavor at first glance, you would likely be able to pay back any loans or financing fairly soon after finding a job.
Ready to start your job search? Coding is applicable to many industries since it can be used to build applications, websites, and other programs. You might begin with Seattle’s technology sector, but fields like manufacturing, aerospace, and energy could all leverage coding skills as well. If you would rather work with a variety of businesses, digital marketing agencies are another potential avenue since they are likely to build websites and other programs for their clients.
In-Person Coding Bootcamps in Seattle
A large number of schools offer in-person coding bootcamps in Seattle and the surrounding area. Programs are available at DigitalCrafts, Coding Dojo, University of Washington, Flatiron School, General Assembly, Galvanize, Epicodus, and Hack Reactor. There is also ONLC, which offers live online classes taught by a remote instructor with the option to attend the training in their onsite computer lab.
These venues offer bootcamps specializing in multiple coding focuses, with comprehensive training programs on a variety of topics. Course topics include software engineering, full-stack development, data science, and single coding languages and specialties like Python and FinTech. While some programs are full-time and last several weeks or months, there are many flex options with part-time availability which allows you to maintain other work or commitments while taking classes.
Virtual Coding Bootcamps
While there isn’t exactly a shortage of coding bootcamps in Seattle, you still may prefer to review your virtual options instead. Live online classes offer the opportunity to learn how to code from the convenient location of your home or office, while still providing similar benefits like real-time interaction and hands-on training.
There is an ample assortment of virtual coding bootcamps available through Noble Desktop. Some of the focus areas include web development, data science, software engineering, and FinTech. If you are looking for a job as a Software Engineer or Full Stack Developer, the Software Engineering Certificate would be a solid place to start. Other possibilities include the Front-End Web Development Certificate or Data Science Certificate if you are hoping to specialize in either area. Whichever certificate you choose, all three offer the added bonus of one-on-one mentorship sessions to help navigate the learning material and support your eventual job search.
There are many other virtual providers offering live online bootcamps if you are looking for additional options. Some of the schools offering training include Holberton School, Coding Temple, NYIM Training, Metis, Thinkful, and Devmountain, to name a few. Many of the bootcamps focus on the same coding specialties listed above, but they differ when it comes to course lengths, cost, schedules, etc.
Coding Classes in Seattle
Not all bootcamps implement a full-time schedule, but even part-time studies can be a substantial commitment. This is especially true if you have other work or family obligations to tend to when you are not in class or doing coursework. Before you weigh your options, you’ll need to decide whether or not coding is right for you. One way to do that is to start with a shorter class to get acquainted with the subject(s) you’re interested in before diving in headfirst.
When you are ready to review your options, there are over 70 coding classes in Seattle listed on Noble Desktop’s Classes Near Me tool. You can choose from live online and in-person courses, and all of them will be helpful preparation if/when you decide to complete a bootcamp. Even if you end up choosing a different specialty than the shorter course, the exposure to programming languages will help you transfer your skills to your new focus area. Web Development Level I would be a great course for a complete beginner; if you already know some HTML and CSS, you could also try Coding Tips & Tricks or WordPress: Build Custom Themes.
Choosing a Coding Bootcamp
There are a few questions you might consider asking yourself as you peruse the available bootcamps. What course will best suit your learning style? What scheduling commitments can you currently make at this time? What can you afford to spend on your education?
When it comes to learning style, you know yourself best—if you would do best in an onsite environment away from home, then an in-person course is the better choice. Conversely, those who flourish in a solo setting would want to choose a virtual option. As for scheduling and cost, you’ll need to decide the amount of time and money you are willing to put into the bootcamp. Factors to consider include duration, part-time vs. full-time, flex schedules, total cost, and possible financing options.
Beyond all of these factors, one other consideration is the level of involvement from your instructional team. Some bootcamps and certificates offer valuable mentorship and job coaching—these assets have lasting advantages that provide support well past the completion of the course.