Hey everyone! I'm a 37-year-old guy with a long history in Customer Service, and I'm looking to shift gears into programming or AWS. I'm completely new to programming languages and want to know what's in demand right now. I'm considering whether to enroll in a boot camp like Boot Dev or to pursue a 2-3 year college course focused on system development. I'm currently facing some financial challenges, and I'm curious if my age might be a barrier in this field. Also, is it tough to find a job while learning? I would love to hear your thoughts on boot camps, tips for which ones to choose, and what programming languages I should focus on. Any help you can offer would mean a lot!
3 Answers
If you're serious about a career in computer science, I recommend going for a degree. Boot camps just don't hold the same weight these days, especially with the current job market being so competitive. A degree can give you a more comprehensive understanding and better job opportunities, even if it takes longer.
Honestly, starting from scratch in programming and expecting immediate job offers can be tough. Boot camps used to be a shortcut, but nowadays, many companies prefer candidates with a more substantial background, like a 4-year degree. It's not impossible, but it's getting more challenging to land a good job without a solid education in this field.
That’s kind of discouraging to hear. So, is there still a chance for self-taught developers?
Have you checked out websites like freeCodeCamp? They offer great resources to learn at your own pace without spending a lot. Also, there are some free courses available for Python and machine learning that could be beneficial.
That sounds like a great alternative! Have you tried any of those courses?
What’s going on with the job market right now? Is it really that bad?