Coding Bootcamps with Job Guarantee: Are They Worth It?

There are coding courses that offer job guarantees after completion. These programs guarantee graduates will find jobs within a certain period after finishing the course, or they offer a full or partial tuition refund. This approach has become popular as it reduces the financial risk of investing in education. Coding bootcamps with job guarantees attract students by promising both education and a career path.

How does this work?

The job guarantee typically comes with specific conditions. Students must meet certain requirements during and after the course to qualify for the guarantee. These might include:

• Finishing all assignments and projects to acquire the essential skills and knowledge.
• Participating in a specified number of career coaching sessions to get ready for job interviews and refine job search strategies.
• Submitting a minimum number of job applications each week to show dedication to finding employment.
• Accepting any job offers that meet the program’s criteria to make the most of available opportunities.

What’s the pro of these coding bootcamps?

So, why would you consider these bootcamps? Below are good things about these coding bootcamps:

1. Assurance of Employment: A coding bootcamp with a job guarantee provides a sense of security. Students know that the school is confident enough in its program to offer this promise. This can be a significant factor when choosing a bootcamp, as it reduces the risk of not finding employment after graduation.
2. Focused Learning: These bootcamps often have well-structured curricula and provide hands-on experience with real-world projects. This enables students to acquire practical skills that can be immediately applied in the job market. For instance, engaging in real coding projects equips them for tasks they will face in their future roles.
3. Comprehensive Career Support: Many tech bootcamps with job guarantees include extensive career services, such as resume building, interview preparation, and networking opportunities. For example, Tech Elevator offers a nationally recognized career prep program that includes workshops, coaching sessions, and introductions to hiring partners before graduation. This comprehensive support helps students transition smoothly from education to employment.
4. Financial Incentives: The potential for a refund if no job is secured can make these programs financially appealing. It reduces the risk of spending money on education without a return on investment. Students can feel more confident in their financial commitment, knowing that they will either find a job or receive their money back.

What are the risks?

Of course, there are also downsides to coding bootcamps that offer job placements.

1. Stringent Conditions: To qualify for the job guarantee, students often have to meet rigorous conditions. This can include submitting a high number of job applications per week and not refusing any job offers that fit certain criteria. Failing to meet these conditions can void the guarantee, which means students could lose their chance at a refund.
2. Limited Job Offers: Some programs might count non-developer roles, contract positions, or even jobs within the boot camp’s network as fulfilling the job guarantee. This might not always align with the career goals of the student. It’s important to understand what types of jobs qualify for the guarantee and ensure they match your career aspirations.
3. High Pressure: The requirements to maintain eligibility for the job guarantee can add pressure. Balancing intensive coursework with job search activities can be challenging. The need to meet job application quotas while managing assignments can lead to stress and burnout.
4. Regional Limitations: The job market and opportunities might be limited to certain geographic areas. This can be problematic for students in regions with fewer tech job opportunities. If the boot camp’s network of hiring partners is concentrated in specific locations, students outside those areas might find it harder to secure jobs.

Do these coding bootcamps with job placements get you jobs?

Yes, many coding bootcamps with job placements help graduates get jobs. Career Karma says 74% to 90% of bootcamp students find jobs in tech fields within six months of graduating. This rate is higher than for many traditional computer science graduates.

Programs like Tech Elevator have a 90% job placement rate. Coding Temple offers to refund your tuition if you don’t get a job offer within 270 days of finishing. These numbers show many bootcamps work hard to help graduates find jobs.

Bootcamps often partner with tech companies, giving students access to job openings not widely advertised. They also offer career services like resume help, interview practice, and networking. These resources make it easier for graduates to move from learning to working.

However, students must also put in effort. Completing coursework, using career services, and applying for jobs are key to finding employment. Bootcamps provide tools and support, but students need to use these resources to succeed.

What else do you need to know?

Before you enroll in these coding bootcamps that offer job guarantees, there are things you need to know first:

1. Research the Bootcamp: Not all bootcamps are the same. Look for those with good reputations, clear job placement stats, and positive reviews from former students. Use sites like SwitchUp and Course Report to compare programs. These sites offer details on bootcamps, including reviews, curriculum info, and job placement rates.
2. Understand the Terms: Read the job guarantee terms carefully. Know what you need to do and what counts as a valid job offer. Some guarantees only apply to certain jobs or require you to meet specific goals, like attending career coaching or applying for a certain number of jobs each week.
3. Consider Your Career Goals: Make sure the boot camp’s courses match your career goals. Some programs focus more on certain coding skills or programming languages. For example, if you want to be a web developer, look for a bootcamp that teaches HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. If you’re interested in data science, find a program that covers Python, R, and data analysis tools.
4. Assess Financial Options: Think about the cost and potential return on investment. Some bootcamps offer income share agreements (ISAs) or deferred tuition to make the cost more manageable. ISAs let you pay a percentage of your income after you get a job, and deferred tuition means you start paying only after you’re employed. See which option fits your financial situation.
5. Evaluate Career Services: Strong career services are important. Look for bootcamps that offer resume help, interview practice, and networking with employers. Programs that provide ongoing career coaching and connections with hiring partners can greatly improve your job search. For instance, Tech Elevator offers workshops and coaching sessions to help students prepare for the job market.

Coding bootcamps with job guarantees are good, but…

Coding bootcamps with job guarantees offer benefits like peace of mind and financial security, but they also have strict conditions that can be stressful and might not always match your career goals. Do thorough research, understand the terms, and choose a bootcamp that fits your needs and aspirations. With the right approach, a coding bootcamp with a job guarantee can be an excellent step toward a successful tech career.