Thinking of switching careers to IT? ☕
This guide discusses the learning options: bootcamps, schools, or self-learning
Note: this guide may be a bit lengthy, so I suggest taking your time to read it thoroughly. Just a heads up, I haven't included specific program names or detailed IT roles info here. Instead, the focus is on guiding you to make a well-informed decision for your career transition. So, grab a cup of coffee, sit back, and dive into the guide at your own pace ☕
So which option is good? Any of those options is fine. It's all about what works the best for you. Consider this: your ultimate goal is to secure a job once you've successfully completed your IT studies, right? From the perspective of hiring managers and recruiters, what they care about is your resume, experience, and skills. They will assess whether you are capable of fulfilling the job requirements. Your attitude and personality can also play a role in their decision-making process, which is a topic we can explore another time.
When it comes to switching careers, acquiring new skills is a logical step. Now, the question is: what is your preferred learning style? In the STEM field (specifically IT, in this case), it is so important to be able to consume information effectively as you study IT!
If you find that you learn best with a structured schedule, where you don't have to rely solely on self-discipline, then enrolling in a bootcamp or school is recommended. Note: Even during your studies at a bootcamp or school, you still will need to engage in self-teaching. It's a *MUST*, good practice to maintain this mindset even after you secure an IT job, especially if it involves a lot of developing or deploying. [ Bootcamps & Schools Options ]
There are a few factors to consider: - Costs Generally, bootcamps are more affordable than traditional schools. However, both options may offer scholarships, so it's worth exploring those opportunities. Look into third-party scholarships that may be available. If you have a disability and reside in the US, it would be beneficial to speak with a counselor from Vocational Rehabilitation. Non-profit organizations can also provide support and assistance to individuals interested in returning to education. Studying abroad is another option worth considering. Personally, I chose to study abroad in the UK due to the significantly more affordable tuition fees compared to the US, and because I had a desire to obtain a master's degree in another country. - Instructors' teaching styles It's important to note that not all IT instructors excel at effectively communicating with new IT students. To avoid encountering this issue, do some detective work. Find out who will be teaching you and check out their lectures. Don't hesitate to ask the program manager if you can meet your potential lecturer (ideally before making a decision). Prepare a list of questions to ask your potential lecturer during the meeting. Pay attention to how they explain concepts. If their technical jargon is difficult to understand, they may not be the right instructor for you. Remember, this doesn't reflect your intelligence. It's a matter of their self-awareness. I strongly advise against choosing this kind of an instructor from my experience. - Lessons There are numerous IT job types available, and in a bootcamp, you may not have the opportunity to explore all of them. Bootcamps often focus on specialized programs, sometimes even covering less popular technologies (yes, this is definitely a concern). So you should research IT fields, and once, you've decided on a specific field, take the time to research job titles and similar roles on LinkedIn. Pay close attention to job descriptions and requirements. Create a list of the high-demand skills for those positions. This will help you narrow down your choices when selecting a bootcamp program or school. Look for programs that teach the skills you need based on your research. [ Self-Teaching Option ] You are your own trainer, and you get to design your own personalized learning experience. This option is great if you do not have the luxury to pay out of pocket for a program. It is absolutely not looked down upon by employers. In fact, it is considered one of the essential job skills that employers typically look for in a job applicant. To make a solid entry into the IT field, I highly recommend obtaining certifications and undertaking project-based learning. It's important to focus on certifications and projects that align with the specific roles you aspire to have. Take the time to explore different fields within IT to discover your interests, and then compile a list of relevant learning materials or bookmark tutorial videos. Please be sure to verify that the resources you choose are up to date and not outdated, as IT is always evolving. "Wait, but what about a degree?" This approach is really just aimed at fulfilling the job requirements. Many IT candidates have successfully passed interviews without possessing a degree. Many hiring managers prioritize your ability to learn and apply the required skills. Showcasing your projects on your resume or demonstrating your skills during a technical interview holds more significance. Even if you don't possess the exact skills they're seeking, emphasizing your transferable skills will show interviewers that you are capable of learning and adapting.
