Perceptions and Realities of Web Developers on Bootcamps and Their Graduates

Web developers often share varied opinions on the benefits and drawbacks of attending bootcamps.

On Graduates

The common perception of a bootcamp graduate is that they have the minimum viable knowledge required to fill an entry-level position in web development. Bootcamps produce graduates by design, aiming to equip students with the necessary skills to start their careers. However, compared to traditional college graduates, these bootcamp graduates are perceived as less well-rounded. They may lack the theoretical understanding and historical context behind the technical skills they learn. While some graduates are as good as their credentials suggest, others surpass expectations and become valuable assets to their companies.

Despite these perceptions, bootcamp graduates typically need to prove themselves and work a bit harder than graduates from computer science programs. However, their path to success is less arduous than that of self-taught developers who achieve a comparable level of proficiency. This balance of experience and preparation is crucial for long-term success in the web development industry.

On Bootcamps

Bootcamps are seen as a tolerable necessity in the current job market. They create a supply to an in-demand industry and produce students educated enough to fill junior positions or quickly understand the tech needs of a particular company. Some companies have formed partnerships with bootcamps, recognizing the value these programs bring to their workforce. For instance, bootcamps enable companies to hire junior developers at a lower cost, with some even offering internships. This approach is particularly advantageous in states with higher living costs, where bootcamps allow companies to afford more developers at a lower salary.

There is a general understanding that bootcamps play a vital role in filling skill gaps in the industry. However, the quality of graduates varies significantly between different bootcamps, which is often attributed to varying admission processes and the level of support provided during and after the program. For instance, some bootcamps might produce graduates who are well-prepared and highly proficient, while others might produce a mix of above-average and average graduates.

Personal Experiences

As a web developer with firsthand experience from a bootcamp, my observations reveal that opinions on bootcamps and their graduates vary heavily based on the specific bootcamp. Several factors come into play, including the selection process, peer feedback, completion difficulty, hands-on projects, and additional learning beyond the curriculum. At my company, we interview candidates who have attended leading bootcamps such as App Academy and General Assembly (GA). While both bootcamps have their strengths and weaknesses, the quality of their graduates generally lies somewhere in the middle.

App Academy excels in rigorous admissions processes and thoroughly prepares its graduates, resulting in a high number of above-average and great developers. On the other hand, GA produces a smaller number of above-average developers but a larger number of average and less prepared graduates. The differences are largely due to the admissions rigor and the quality of support offered by these bootcamps.

Despite these variations, my company does not turn down interview candidates based on their bootcamp affiliation. However, we acknowledge that graduates from bootcamps may require more mentorship, especially for roles that require a high degree of independence. For positions that demand immediate productivity, we prefer hiring from traditional companies and even from self-taught developers who have built a strong portfolio. Nonetheless, once hired, we treat bootcamp graduates equally with other employees, expecting the same level of performance and results. Adjusting to this expectation often takes 3-6 months, but with the right support, most bootcamp graduates can adapt and excel.

In conclusion, a good developer is a good developer, and the pathway to becoming one can be via a bootcamp or traditional education. The value of bootcamps lies in their ability to fill skill gaps in the industry and provide a more cost-effective entry point for companies. While there are challenges, the industry recognizes the importance of these programs and the developers they produce.