Things Are Looking TERRIBLE For Coding Bootcamps in 2024 😬

As someone who took the self-taught path to become a programmer, I've always viewed coding bootcamps with a healthy dose of skepticism. Over the years, I've voiced my concerns about their effectiveness, transparency, and value. Now, as we approach 2024, the situation appears dire for many coding bootcamps, and I feel compelled to address why potential students should exercise extreme caution.

The Decline of Coding Bootcamps

The landscape for coding bootcamps has dramatically shifted. What once seemed like a promising shortcut into the tech industry now looks increasingly like a perilous path fraught with false promises and diminishing returns. Several factors contribute to this bleak outlook:

1. Misleading Placement Rates

Many bootcamps have been accused of inflating their job placement rates, some even resorting to hiring their own graduates to boost statistics. This practice, coupled with the lack of transparency and accountability, makes it challenging for prospective students to gauge the real value of these programs.

2. The Rise of Online, Watered-Down Curriculums

As bootcamps proliferate, many have transitioned to online models that fail to deliver the depth and quality of their in-person predecessors. This shift has left many graduates underprepared for the realities of the tech job market.

3. Economic Pressures and Layoffs

The past couple of years have seen significant layoffs and even closures among some of the most well-known bootcamps. Institutions like App Academy have had to make drastic staff cuts, impacting the quality of education and support they can provide.

4. The Siren Call of Income Share Agreements (ISAs)

ISAs, which defer tuition payment until after employment, may seem enticing but often come with stringent terms that can leave graduates financially strained, especially those struggling to find relevant work.

Real Stories from the Front Lines

I've delved into numerous firsthand accounts and discussions from platforms like Reddit, where current and former bootcamp students share their experiences. Here are a few eye-opening insights:

  • Dismal Job Placement: Stories abound of entire cohorts with only a fraction finding employment months after graduation. The competitive job market, combined with an influx of bootcamp graduates, has made landing a tech job more challenging than ever.

  • Sudden Closures and Shifts to AI: With the economic downturn, some bootcamps are abruptly shutting down or pivoting to AI-driven models, leaving current students in limbo and future prospects uncertain.

  • Questionable Practices: From aggressive marketing tactics to dubious legal clauses in student agreements, the ethics of some bootcamps have come under fire.

Proceed with Caution

For those considering a coding bootcamp in 2024, I urge you to research meticulously. Look beyond the glossy success stories and dig into the fine print of any agreement. Seek out unbiased reviews and connect with alumni to hear their unfiltered experiences.

While coding bootcamps can still offer a pathway into tech for some, the landscape has undoubtedly changed. The risks are higher, and the guarantees fewer. If you're set on this route, choose wisely, prepare for hard work, and go in with your eyes wide open to the realities of the current bootcamp ecosystem.

In conclusion, the state of coding bootcamps in 2024 is a cautionary tale. Aspiring tech professionals must weigh their options carefully and consider whether the potential rewards outweigh the significant risks and costs associated with these programs.