Five Common Reasons People Think They May Not Be Cut Out for IT Bootcamps

All fired up about enrolling in a coding school, but afraid of burnout? Many students have that tiny bit of doubt nagging at them – wondering “How can I be sure that I will make it to the end?” As in many fields, you may be excited to start, but keeping up can be a real effort. You’ll be happy to know that 79% of our students complete our programs, so we canconfidently mention some common obstacles on the way to a new career. Let’s face these fears, and see how we can help you overcome them as you study.

Fear #1: “What if the material is too difficult to understand?” 

Diving into tech without prior experience is challenging but not impossible. Practicum bootcamps are designed for newbies with no previous experience.  

The learning process is divided into sprints that are usually two-to-three weeks long. While each intensive sprint is packed with theory and practice, it is focused on a single topic. So you’ll be getting quite a bit of information, but one step at a time.

What’s so good about the sprints? They help you stay focused and learn new skills quickly before moving on to the next subject. Sprints also teach you to work in teams as you partner with fellow students to complete projects. Also, if you’ve mastered a topic quickly, you can submit your work ahead of time and take a few days off.

During the hard times, you’ll have a team to back you up. Tutors will be there to resolve all your curriculum-based questions, while senior students can help with doubts and blockers. You’ll never walk alone.

“Throughout the curriculum, the [Practicum] team was great,” remembers Practicum grad Ryan Elmachtoub, who had to juggle full-time work, parenthood, and his studies. “They were encouraging us and meeting with us every week [via Zoom]. And they were talking to us about how it's normal to feel that way. It was exactly what I needed to hear then, [and helped me keep] a positive mindset. Keep adapting and learning, it's never too late. It's just a matter of time, and persistence is the key. After, I would say, maybe a month, I really started to settle into a routine.”

Fear #2: “What if I get tired?”

The curriculum allows you to work at your own pace. You still have deadlines, as you’re supposed to deliver your piece of code by the end of each sprint. But otherwise, it’s totally up to you when you do your assignments.

We also suggest that you switch off after busy weeks of hard work. This is why week-long breaks are included in Practicum’s curriculum. They are meant to help you absorb new information and rest before entering the next module.

If you need additional time off, however, you can request it for up to three months by submitting an application. You will still have access to the course materials during your hiatus and the length of your studies will be stretched accordingly. (However, your tuition charges will not be suspended until the cost of the program is fully paid.)

Fear #3: “What if I realize that IT isn’t for me?”

Normally, Practicum provides an initial one-on-one session with a career advisor to determine your goals, so the possibility that you make the wrong choice is minimal.

Practicum’s mentors help you navigate the diverse world of technology. Tutors and senior students are there to answer your curriculum-based questions and share their experiences. Career coaches meet you in the Career Prep course to start your preparation for a job early. They will also help you find a suitable role within the broad talent market and focus on the area that inspires you the most.

Still, if you are halfway into data science and discover it’s not for you, speaking to your community manager and coordinator will help you determine the next steps. You are eligible for a refund, which is calculated based on the full cost of the program and the period you’ve submitted a refund request. Once you’ve reached mid-term, the program becomes non-refundable. 

Taking a career quiz and discussing all your doubts with the admissions advisor before enrolling in the bootcamp reduces the chances of meeting a dead end. Practicum is motivated to guide you to success - even if you need to change course or take an academic break. Dropping out would be the last thing to do.

Fear #4: “What if my life circumstances change?”

You can’t put life on standby, so having more than 1,000 graduates, we know how bumpy the road might be. Luckily, there are examples of stories when unexpected moments worked in our students’ favor.

Many have successfully juggled learning and other time-consuming commitments, including parenting and full-time jobs. Some were caught off guard by the pandemic and what seemed like a crisis in the tech industry. However, those challenges didn’t put off our graduates. 

Check the story of software engineer and Practicum grad Pinwei Wu, who ventured into a tech profession as the pandemic hit, having to study while two of her school-age kids were home.

Another example is Makenzie Wells, who landed a job midway through the data science bootcamp and had to take a month-long academic hiatus to focus on her new position.

As the students worked out the best solution with the community managers, they were able to resume their studies at a preferable pace, successfully graduate, and land a job in tech shortly after.

Fear #5: “What if I don’t get a job?”

Practicum’s ultimate goal is to equip students for future employment. We round out all our programs with career counseling to put you on a fast track to a successful career. Coaches will boost your confidence as they help you create a stellar resume, portfolio, and LinkedIn profile.

You can start honing your job-hunting skills as early as midway through your studies. It is another way to bolster our motivation as we get you prepped for employment and earning money. It may sound almost too good to be true, but some students reach their first jobs in tech even before graduation.

Practicum support doesn’t come to an abrupt end as soon as you graduate. Go for the Career Acceleration program and you’ll be taken through hours of mock interviews to increase your chances of getting a job quickly. And here’s the icing on the cake – if you don’t get hired within six months, you’ll get your money back, guaranteed.

Committing yourself to a months-long coding bootcamp can be intimidating. It’s only natural to worry about having enough stamina to reach the end. At Practicum, we invest a lot of effort in making you feel comfortable throughout your studies. And chances are, you’ll complete it and will soon be working in tech!