Hey everyone! I'm an engineering student based in Belgium, and I'm at a bit of a crossroads. My school has fantastic programs, and I'm torn between specializing in IT or health engineering. If I go the health engineering route, I'm looking for recommendations on good coding programs that offer certificates. I'm currently at an advanced beginner level and want to build a foundation that leads to specializing in AI later on. I'm curious about how important these certifications really are to recruiters—would a strong portfolio outweigh the lack of a degree? Also, I need something flexible since I'll still be in college. I've checked out CodeAcademy but heard mixed reviews about its value. If anyone has taken courses there, I'd love to hear your thoughts! And if you're from Brussels and know of a bootcamp for adults, please share! Thanks!
3 Answers
A good tip is to check the job descriptions in your area to see what employers are asking for. Microsoft and Google certifications are pretty respected in the industry, as well as Cisco certifications to an extent. But I’m not too sure about specific programs related to health engineering since that's pretty niche.
I'd love to offer some guidance! I'm a Technical Educator and Software Engineer, and I mentor learners, especially in Python. I can point you towards some solid resources and approaches for your learning journey. Just let me know what you need!
Honestly, a lot of employers place more value on degrees from accredited institutions over bootcamp certificates. They see a degree as a standardized measure of your training and skills. Bootcamp certifications are often seen more as a completion badge rather than a guarantee of expertise.
That makes sense! But why do bootcamps still hand out certificates if they have little value? Is it just to recognize completion?