New Career, Who Dis?
Ladybug Podcast
There are several different ways you can learn how to code. In this episode, we discuss computer science degrees, bootcamps, and self-directed learning. Each has benefits and have brought a lot of people into the world of programming. Each also has challenges.
We all have had unique paths to programming, so we'll incorporate our experiences and observations.
Visit ladybug.dev for the full transcript and show notes!
In this episode
- 03:09 - What is Druple?
- 06:22 - Is a Computer Science degree needed to be successful in the coding/programming industry ?
- 11:32 - What inspiration can be found in Simon Sinek's "Start with Why" book ?
- 12:15 - How does instruction in a college environment differ from the self-taught experience ?
- 19:24 - How does the changing environment of computer science impact someone's pursuit of a bachelor's degree in the field ?
- 20:57 - What are two key benefits of a degree in Computer Science?
- 26:18 - What is important to keep in mind when pursuing a possible self-taught tech route?
- 26:47 - What are some quality bootcamp options that are currently available to students ?
- 28:03 - How can someone prepare in advance of a coding bootcamp?
- 29:15 - Is there anyone who should not attend a coding bootcamp ?
- 30:21 - How much does an in-person bootcamp program typically cost?
- 32:09 - What should potential students look for in a coding bootcamp?
- 33:43 - What are the positive aspects of a self-taught program?
Smash Notes summary for this episode
What is Druple?
It is a content management system (CMS) that is similar to WordPress, but quite a bit more complex. It provides a place to store content instead of being dependent on others.
Is a Computer Science degree needed to be successful in the coding/programming industry ?
A benefit of this degree is that it sometimes allows potential employees to be taken more seriously by potential employers. It is not always necessary, though, as there are alternate ways to acquiring these skills (i.e. those who are self-taught).
What inspiration can be found in Simon Sinek's "Start with Why" book ?
It discusses the ethos behind why people do the things they do. Discovering this "why" motivation helps provide guidance which can lead to success.
How does instruction in a college environment differ from the self-taught experience ?
In a college environment, students are somewhat limited on finding the right instruction fit for their learning style based on what professors are available. In self-taught environments, learners can play around with different instructors and different types of learning mediums (videos, audio lectures, etc.). However, self-taught environments don't necessarily provide reassurance when extra help may be needed.
How does the changing environment of computer science impact someone's pursuit of a bachelor's degree in the field ?
A student should keep in mind that by the time they reach their senior year in studying computer science, new technologies have probably already been developed. It is really difficult to keep up with what everyone is using in real-life situations.
What are two key benefits of a degree in Computer Science?
It can help develop one's problem solving skills and ultimately, it looks good on a resume.
What is important to keep in mind when pursuing a possible self-taught tech route?
There is not anyone checking work. If an individual is learning something incorrectly, there isn't anyone to reel them back in and correct mistakes.
What are some quality bootcamp options that are currently available to students ?
General Assembly and Flatiron School are two popular on-ground options. Lambda School is a good online option.
How can someone prepare in advance of a coding bootcamp?
Spend some time self-teaching before beginning a bootcamp. First, one must make sure they at least enjoy writing code before jumping in and making a career change. Second, bootcamps typically move very quickly. If one has a base knowledge before beginning a program, it helps with the transition and not feeling overwhelmed by the new experience.
Is there anyone who should not attend a coding bootcamp ?
If someone is already beyond the beginner level of coding, bootcamp may not be necessary.
How much does an in-person bootcamp program typically cost?
Usually around $15,000 for a program within a larger city. Costs in smaller cities are somewhat lower based on cost of living, etc. Some schools are beginning a payback program where students don't have to pay tuition until they acquire a job and then begin paying back their costs through a percentage of their salary.
What should potential students look for in a coding bootcamp?
Dig into a school's numbers. Make sure that a school's graduation rate is good and that their students are finding jobs upon completion of the program. Make sure to read information on tuition and payment plans.
What are the positive aspects of a self-taught program?
Being able to go at one's own pace and not become stressed out by the speed of things can help particular learning styles master content more effectively.