Non-majors, surviving as a developer

#5. Should I go to a coding bootcamp for employment?

These days, there are many people who want to become developers.
When I was in school, developers were seen as a job with negative connotations: working long hours, lots of overtime, weekend work, and 3D (dirty, dangerous, and difficult). However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, non-face-to-face businesses have become the norm and I have realized that the demand for developers has exploded.

IT companies are becoming the mainstream, and there is even a new term, "Nekara Kube," which signifies just how hot of a career developers have become these days. I even feel a sense of pride in being one.

This article is written for students aspiring to become developers, or for working professionals in other fields who are looking to transition to development. This is to share my own path in the hopes that it will help you approach this journey with a better understanding.

There are common questions that many people aspiring to become developers ask.

• I'm not a computer science major, but can I still get a job if I go to a bootcamp?
• I didn't go to college, can I still get a job if I go to a bootcamp?
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Most people who pursue a career in development first encounter coding bootcamps. I am one of those people, having graduated from university and then attending a coding bootcamp before landing a job. I don't have any negative feelings towards bootcamps, and I actually think they are beneficial.

I will introduce the pros and cons of bootcamps from my perspective.

Pros of bootcamps
1. You can receive free education, and in some cases, living expenses as well.
You can typically receive financial support for coding education through bootcamps, and in my case, I received about 400,000 won per month in living expenses. (However, I was not allowed to have a part-time job during the training period.)

2. You can gain a sense of direction.
This might not be as relevant for majors, but for those who aren't computer science majors or are transitioning from other fields, it can be confusing to know where to start and what to prepare. However, if you are willing to put in the effort, you can gain the necessary knowledge through bootcamp classes and receive valuable IT-related information from the instructors. (This can vary by instructor, though.)

Cons of bootcamps
1. It can vary by instructor.
As mentioned in the pros, there are differences in teaching methods depending on the bootcamp and the instructor. However, most instructors are freelancers, so you might encounter some who simply read through code and finish, while others are passionate about teaching and go the extra mile. Before choosing a bootcamp, make sure to research thoroughly and read reviews to make a wise decision.

2. We're all friends!?
Bootcamps bring together students who are unfamiliar with each other (mostly in their late 20s to early 30s), leading to natural bonding. As you work on group projects, you'll often find yourselves meeting outside of the bootcamp for study sessions and project meetings. It can be great if you find like-minded individuals who work hard together, but there are instances where after-parties and casual conversations take over and the study sessions become social gatherings. This is not always the case, but it's a possibility. If you're considering bootcamps, it's something to keep in mind.