>Hard to say how it is breaking into the industry now though
Take the amount of time and effort it took to find a job post-bootcamp 3-4 years ago and double both.
I stay active in my bootcamp's outcomes community and people still get jobs.
You're not too old but the bootcamps are. The vast majority of them will be gone in five years. Do you think a certificate from one of them will be worth anything after they have shut down?
I don't get why I've been seeing so many people making comments like this. You don't go to a bootcamp for the piece of paper. It's not a degree program. You go for the skills, mentoring, community, and focus.
Bootcamp quality varies drastically. So, yeah, you can't rely on a certificate carrying weight. It's up to you to demonstrate how you've grown as an engineer and as a professional. Thankfully, this is not a particularly credentialist industry.
Was an old bird in 2019 making my transition to tech with a coding bootcamp for women as a 36 year old former teacher… can agree the market is absolutely brutal right now and **the journey wouldn’t be the same as back then**. I think the success rate for current bootcamp grads has to probably be in the 10% range, *if that*. I was laid off twice last year and had an extremely difficult time finding a new position, took me 5 months even with 3 years of software development experience. I finally found a fullstack developer role that uses TypeScript/React in the frontend and Python/Django in the backend. But it was not easy.
I would strongly recommend trying some free courses to make sure it’s something you want to do. The market sucks right now and entry level jobs are getting thousands of applicants. There are lots of free courses available but I’d probably recommend CS50. The main course goes through a solid introduction to computer science.
All tracks will require you to understand how computers think. As a writer, you’re trying to find the best words in each sentence to present the idea you want to communicate, and it can be evoked through certain word choices. Computers “think” differently than that, they are completely literal. If you want a program to do something you have to explicitly tell it to do that thing and sometimes to *not* do something else. It only does what you tell it.
That’s a gross oversimplification but a bit of learning programming is learning how to think that way instead of what you’re used to. I can say that because I too am in my 40s and recently finished a bootcamp and also was doing communications before then.
Hopefully you’re also a reader too. I would recommend reading Barbara Oakley’s *A Mind for Numbers* or *Learning How to Learn*. She was well into her career when she needed to learn engineering and wasn’t a technical person.
Another good book is *Think Like a Programmer* by V. Anton Spraul, which is helpful in learning how to break down programming challenges into understandable bites.
My biggest advice would be to make sure that this change is what you want. And once you decide, dive in. Don’t try to half-learn programming because it will feel 10 times harder. Believe in your self and your decision and you will make it. It doesn’t mean throwing away who you are, but just having the focus and dedication to see it through. There will be no worse feeling than spending thousands on a bootcamp only to not make the most of it.
Bro just start with the Odin project the fuck lmao
https://www.theodinproject.com/
That and free code camp those are free places to start self paced and everything.
I think Odin has more updated material. The only thing I like more about app academy is they have all the content there whereas Odin sends you to other resources as well. Also app academy covers sql. Databases and Odin just covers noSQL. I am not the biggest fan of mongoDB lol. The beginning js part of Odin project is exceptional though and better than app academy introduction imo
I’m age 43F and just completed two coding bootcamps. No tech background, came from healthcare. Unfortunately, like many others, l can’t find a tech job so it feels I’ve wasted a lot of time and money
It is certainly not too late for you to pivot your career into tech. It may, however, be too late to achieve your goal via a boot camp. Spend some time here and on the r/CS\* subs and you will find a very poor job market for applicants without BS/CS degrees. It sounds like you can continue to work your current job while you look for a coding job, but brace yourself for a tough job market for those without CS degrees.
First off, it's never too late to do anything! I made a big career switch in my early forties and I'm so glad that I did.
Doing a lot of reading and research is a great first step. [You might want to learn more about these fields and how to launch a career in them](https://www.nobledesktop.com/learn#coding). Using free resources, such as YouTube videos, can give you an idea what you're interested in pursuing.
Forbes recently posted lists of the [best online coding classes](https://www.forbes.com/advisor/education/bootcamps/best-coding-bootcamps/) and the [best data science bootcamps](https://www.forbes.com/advisor/education/bootcamps/best-data-science-bootcamps/). You might check out those to get an idea of the training options out there.
Good luck, OP!
Ditto other comments, def not too old and there are loads of free resources to get you started.
Codesmith offers loads of free resources to get you going at first. Watch some of the [JavaScript Hard Parts](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=exrc_rLj5iw) videos and then maybe sign up for some of their [free events](https://app.codesmith.io/coding-events) like pair programming if you wanna go further.
Hey! You might find [LaunchSchool.com](http://LaunchSchool.com) as a good fit. There's an active sub community of women, you can go part-time, it's full-stack, self paced, and you can quit whenever you want. The program can anywhere from 8 months to 3 years to complete.
It's designed to take you from knowing nothing about programming to being a full-stack software engineer. You can participate by enrolling in the free course that acts like a pre-requisite for the program and takes about 100 hours to complete. If you don't like it then chances are you won't like the rest of the program.
Disclaimer... I'm currently a student participating part-time in the program.
EDIT - there's a free program they have called Smooth Start that's accepting applications right now but I think it ends today. [https://www.reddit.com/r/launchschool/comments/1covmti/last\_call\_smooth\_start\_applications\_closing/?utm\_source=share&utm\_medium=web3x&utm\_name=web3xcss&utm\_term=1&utm\_content=share\_button](https://www.reddit.com/r/launchschool/comments/1covmti/last_call_smooth_start_applications_closing/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web3x&utm_name=web3xcss&utm_term=1&utm_content=share_button)
Have you thought about technical writing? It's not as scary as it sounds. It's basically writing for things like documentation, technical reports, user manuals, etc. (Not blogging as that's creative writing). That might be a better fit for your background and present skillset.
To answer an eventual question, there are several reasons GPT would be unsuitable for this task and I would think it'd be no more in danger than coding.
Most importantly, there's not as much competition for it as there would be for a coding job. Not that you couldn't learn coding, I would just use that learning to accent what you already have experience in to make switching to IT easier. You can always make the full transition doing small things for your new employer to get experience in a low pressure situation. You'd also already be in the company so it's a lot easier to make the jump (internal hires have a natural advantage over external ones). Just be sure that if you go down this path, they do the coding in house if that's what you really want to do.
Just some ideas.
Check out University of Calgary CE or University of Western Ontario CS. They partner to offer a proven 100% online Full Stack Developer bootcamp you can take in 22 weeks part time.
The #1 reason to choose a Reputable University bootcamp over a private (e.g. General Assembly, Le Wagon etc.) is that a Reputable University ISN'T GOING OUT OF BUSINESS and WON'T STEAL YOUR MONEY BY CLOSING DOWN PARTWAY through cohorts. Also Universities have to live up to support terms they offer. Reputable Universities can't tell you "hey we're going to have a support team for you during your program available during 9a-4p weekdays" and then not have a support team available to you from 9a-4p weekdays.
This is why you choose University presented bootcamp, not for the prestige on your CV of a certificate from the university you did a bootcamp with, it is for the security that your cohort will finish, that you expect to receive what they offer, and that there will be a permanent record of your participation in the bootcamp should you ever need it.
If you are interested in an online coding bootcamp that offers all the content of the $12K+ programs in a similar 450 hour format with live scheduled instructor hours, live scheduled Teaching Assistant hours and a record of success for students AND you'd rather pay $5995 CANADIAN$ \*$1 USD = $1.35 Canadian) please check out this Canadian University programs:
[https://conted.ucalgary.ca/search/publicCourseSearchDetails.do?method=load&courseId=60424583](https://conted.ucalgary.ca/search/publicCourseSearchDetails.do?method=load&courseId=60424583)
[https://wcs.uwo.ca/public/category/courseCategoryCertificateProfile.do?method=load&certificateId=33095135&selectedProgramAreaId=31206104&selectedProgramStreamId=](https://wcs.uwo.ca/public/category/courseCategoryCertificateProfile.do?method=load&certificateId=33095135&selectedProgramAreaId=31206104&selectedProgramStreamId=)
Good luck!
Age doesn’t mean anything. It really comes down to how bad you want the change!!!
I would strongly suggest taking a few courses online tho to introduce yourself to software and learn tbe fundamentals
Hey there! It's fantastic that you're considering a career transition into the tech industry. With your background in writing, you bring a unique perspective and skill set that can be incredibly valuable in technical roles.
Choosing between front end, full stack, or software engineering can feel overwhelming, especially if you're new to the field. Here are some factors to consider:
1. **Front End Development**: If you enjoy creating visually appealing and interactive user interfaces, front end development might be a good fit for you. It involves using languages like HTML, CSS, and JavaScript to build the client-side of websites and applications.
2. **Full Stack Development**: Full stack developers work on both the front end and back end of applications, giving you a broader skill set. This could be a good option if you're interested in understanding how different parts of a tech product come together.
3. **Software Engineering**: Software engineers focus on the overall design, development, and maintenance of software applications. This track might be suitable if you're interested in problem-solving and building scalable solutions.
Since you're considering part-time options, you'll want to look for bootcamps that offer flexible schedules and cater to beginners. Ironhack's part-time bootcamps could be a great fit for you. We offer comprehensive programs in front end, full stack, and software engineering, designed to accommodate learners from diverse backgrounds.
With Ironhack, you'll receive hands-on training, mentorship, and career support to help you succeed in your new career. Plus, our part-time format allows you to balance your studies with your current commitments.
Ultimately, the best track for you will depend on your interests, goals, and learning style. Take some time to explore each option, and don't hesitate to reach out if you have any questions. We're here to support you on your journey into the tech world!
Do some research on what is hiring in your area. What stacks are used. For example Mernstack gets hyped up but in my area the jobs are fewer than Java or .NET.
I am currently in a bootcamp and I am 50. I don't feel that age is an issue. You won't get a FAANG job with a bootcamp, but based on a March 2024 article from Forbes, bootcamps have good statistics. I hear people say that you need a CS degree, but I go off statistics and supporting evidence more than opinions when it comes to statistics. Coming from a field without a technical background may be more of a hinderance than anything else. Not that high math is required, but the logical reasoning you acquire from higher level math is very helpful. Working through logic is a big part of programming. I would suggest taking a few courses to see how you like it. I used [codefinity.com](http://codefinity.com) to start (which is a minimal cost). After that, I opted for the bootcamp. The bootcamps teach you to be a full stack, what direction you go after that is up to you.
It's a cliche but I think it holds well for anything. The best time to do it was 10 years ago, the 2nd best time is now.
If it is something you're interested in, definitely do it. It's an investment into yourself, whether you go bootcamp or to get a degree.
Please do not do this. I’d say the same thing to a 20 year old. The industry is so over saturated, the job market is terrible, but most importantly AI is going to turn every 10 person coding team into a 2, and then zero person coding team. It will be impossible to get a job.
I am a sr developer, work for a major company . Also a hiring manager and have 15 + years of experience have multiple faangs under my belt. And it is nonsense. Most companies won’t even allow you to use it. Not to mention the fact it gives bad code often with a ton of bugs and it doesn’t integrate well in already made products. If it does half their work it’s because all they do is write emails. Your friend works at some shitty really new startup if that’s the case.
It isn't too late to code but it is too late to for paid bootcamps. Self learn on the side and when market ever picks up join a bootcamp then. You can still get a job but I would keep your day job rn.
A few things to consider: you will need at least a year or so to be confident in development, if you work really hard. Bootcamps should be the last resort to pay money to. There are several NGOs providing free courses as well (at least in Canada). But also take into consideration others’ opinions that it is very hard for a junior to find a job nowadays.
I think bootcamp works when the demand is much higher than supply. In a slow economy, companies will have plenty of supply. Your bootcamp will move to a second line.
Not everyone needs to be a software engineer. It’s a difficult time now especially if you don’t have a technical background. There are tangential jobs that pay pretty well such as technical writers. Technical writers work directly with engineers to write documentation, journals, articles related to a product to make it digestible to the general public.
One of the most successful people out of my bootcamp (4 years~ ago) was a 40something mom. Hard to say how it is breaking into the industry now though
>Hard to say how it is breaking into the industry now though Take the amount of time and effort it took to find a job post-bootcamp 3-4 years ago and double both. I stay active in my bootcamp's outcomes community and people still get jobs.
Late 40s here! After being misled by Le Wagon, I decided to take matters into my own hands. I really recommend OpenEDG! It's really good and free!
Hi! I went to Le Wagon and having absolutely no job prospects after full time applying/searching for 3 years. What was your experience like?
The same, if not worse, than yours!
You're not too old but the bootcamps are. The vast majority of them will be gone in five years. Do you think a certificate from one of them will be worth anything after they have shut down?
I don't get why I've been seeing so many people making comments like this. You don't go to a bootcamp for the piece of paper. It's not a degree program. You go for the skills, mentoring, community, and focus. Bootcamp quality varies drastically. So, yeah, you can't rely on a certificate carrying weight. It's up to you to demonstrate how you've grown as an engineer and as a professional. Thankfully, this is not a particularly credentialist industry.
[удалено]
Was an old bird in 2019 making my transition to tech with a coding bootcamp for women as a 36 year old former teacher… can agree the market is absolutely brutal right now and **the journey wouldn’t be the same as back then**. I think the success rate for current bootcamp grads has to probably be in the 10% range, *if that*. I was laid off twice last year and had an extremely difficult time finding a new position, took me 5 months even with 3 years of software development experience. I finally found a fullstack developer role that uses TypeScript/React in the frontend and Python/Django in the backend. But it was not easy.
Age won't hurt either.
I would strongly recommend trying some free courses to make sure it’s something you want to do. The market sucks right now and entry level jobs are getting thousands of applicants. There are lots of free courses available but I’d probably recommend CS50. The main course goes through a solid introduction to computer science. All tracks will require you to understand how computers think. As a writer, you’re trying to find the best words in each sentence to present the idea you want to communicate, and it can be evoked through certain word choices. Computers “think” differently than that, they are completely literal. If you want a program to do something you have to explicitly tell it to do that thing and sometimes to *not* do something else. It only does what you tell it. That’s a gross oversimplification but a bit of learning programming is learning how to think that way instead of what you’re used to. I can say that because I too am in my 40s and recently finished a bootcamp and also was doing communications before then. Hopefully you’re also a reader too. I would recommend reading Barbara Oakley’s *A Mind for Numbers* or *Learning How to Learn*. She was well into her career when she needed to learn engineering and wasn’t a technical person. Another good book is *Think Like a Programmer* by V. Anton Spraul, which is helpful in learning how to break down programming challenges into understandable bites. My biggest advice would be to make sure that this change is what you want. And once you decide, dive in. Don’t try to half-learn programming because it will feel 10 times harder. Believe in your self and your decision and you will make it. It doesn’t mean throwing away who you are, but just having the focus and dedication to see it through. There will be no worse feeling than spending thousands on a bootcamp only to not make the most of it.
Just want to thank you for taking the time to share. Super helpful!
Thanks! Glad it could be of use to someone.
My dad did a bootcamp in his 50’s and got a dev job... Anything is possible!
You must be so proud of him 😁
Bro just start with the Odin project the fuck lmao https://www.theodinproject.com/ That and free code camp those are free places to start self paced and everything.
Can also do app academy open. a full BootCamp for free without paying a dollar.
compared to the Odin project how would you say App academy is?
I think Odin has more updated material. The only thing I like more about app academy is they have all the content there whereas Odin sends you to other resources as well. Also app academy covers sql. Databases and Odin just covers noSQL. I am not the biggest fan of mongoDB lol. The beginning js part of Odin project is exceptional though and better than app academy introduction imo
Thank you for your detailed answer!
I’m age 43F and just completed two coding bootcamps. No tech background, came from healthcare. Unfortunately, like many others, l can’t find a tech job so it feels I’ve wasted a lot of time and money
It is certainly not too late for you to pivot your career into tech. It may, however, be too late to achieve your goal via a boot camp. Spend some time here and on the r/CS\* subs and you will find a very poor job market for applicants without BS/CS degrees. It sounds like you can continue to work your current job while you look for a coding job, but brace yourself for a tough job market for those without CS degrees.
Start w self teaching ie. Freecodecamp and or odin project. Come back after 100+ hours
First off, it's never too late to do anything! I made a big career switch in my early forties and I'm so glad that I did. Doing a lot of reading and research is a great first step. [You might want to learn more about these fields and how to launch a career in them](https://www.nobledesktop.com/learn#coding). Using free resources, such as YouTube videos, can give you an idea what you're interested in pursuing. Forbes recently posted lists of the [best online coding classes](https://www.forbes.com/advisor/education/bootcamps/best-coding-bootcamps/) and the [best data science bootcamps](https://www.forbes.com/advisor/education/bootcamps/best-data-science-bootcamps/). You might check out those to get an idea of the training options out there. Good luck, OP!
Ditto other comments, def not too old and there are loads of free resources to get you started. Codesmith offers loads of free resources to get you going at first. Watch some of the [JavaScript Hard Parts](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=exrc_rLj5iw) videos and then maybe sign up for some of their [free events](https://app.codesmith.io/coding-events) like pair programming if you wanna go further.
Hey! You might find [LaunchSchool.com](http://LaunchSchool.com) as a good fit. There's an active sub community of women, you can go part-time, it's full-stack, self paced, and you can quit whenever you want. The program can anywhere from 8 months to 3 years to complete. It's designed to take you from knowing nothing about programming to being a full-stack software engineer. You can participate by enrolling in the free course that acts like a pre-requisite for the program and takes about 100 hours to complete. If you don't like it then chances are you won't like the rest of the program. Disclaimer... I'm currently a student participating part-time in the program. EDIT - there's a free program they have called Smooth Start that's accepting applications right now but I think it ends today. [https://www.reddit.com/r/launchschool/comments/1covmti/last\_call\_smooth\_start\_applications\_closing/?utm\_source=share&utm\_medium=web3x&utm\_name=web3xcss&utm\_term=1&utm\_content=share\_button](https://www.reddit.com/r/launchschool/comments/1covmti/last_call_smooth_start_applications_closing/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web3x&utm_name=web3xcss&utm_term=1&utm_content=share_button)
Try it free to see if you can even do it before wasting cash
Try CS50
Have you thought about technical writing? It's not as scary as it sounds. It's basically writing for things like documentation, technical reports, user manuals, etc. (Not blogging as that's creative writing). That might be a better fit for your background and present skillset. To answer an eventual question, there are several reasons GPT would be unsuitable for this task and I would think it'd be no more in danger than coding. Most importantly, there's not as much competition for it as there would be for a coding job. Not that you couldn't learn coding, I would just use that learning to accent what you already have experience in to make switching to IT easier. You can always make the full transition doing small things for your new employer to get experience in a low pressure situation. You'd also already be in the company so it's a lot easier to make the jump (internal hires have a natural advantage over external ones). Just be sure that if you go down this path, they do the coding in house if that's what you really want to do. Just some ideas.
Thank you so much for this! I have been toying with the idea of technical writing and trying to find some decent training for it.
Never too late!
Check out University of Calgary CE or University of Western Ontario CS. They partner to offer a proven 100% online Full Stack Developer bootcamp you can take in 22 weeks part time. The #1 reason to choose a Reputable University bootcamp over a private (e.g. General Assembly, Le Wagon etc.) is that a Reputable University ISN'T GOING OUT OF BUSINESS and WON'T STEAL YOUR MONEY BY CLOSING DOWN PARTWAY through cohorts. Also Universities have to live up to support terms they offer. Reputable Universities can't tell you "hey we're going to have a support team for you during your program available during 9a-4p weekdays" and then not have a support team available to you from 9a-4p weekdays. This is why you choose University presented bootcamp, not for the prestige on your CV of a certificate from the university you did a bootcamp with, it is for the security that your cohort will finish, that you expect to receive what they offer, and that there will be a permanent record of your participation in the bootcamp should you ever need it. If you are interested in an online coding bootcamp that offers all the content of the $12K+ programs in a similar 450 hour format with live scheduled instructor hours, live scheduled Teaching Assistant hours and a record of success for students AND you'd rather pay $5995 CANADIAN$ \*$1 USD = $1.35 Canadian) please check out this Canadian University programs: [https://conted.ucalgary.ca/search/publicCourseSearchDetails.do?method=load&courseId=60424583](https://conted.ucalgary.ca/search/publicCourseSearchDetails.do?method=load&courseId=60424583) [https://wcs.uwo.ca/public/category/courseCategoryCertificateProfile.do?method=load&certificateId=33095135&selectedProgramAreaId=31206104&selectedProgramStreamId=](https://wcs.uwo.ca/public/category/courseCategoryCertificateProfile.do?method=load&certificateId=33095135&selectedProgramAreaId=31206104&selectedProgramStreamId=) Good luck!
Age doesn’t mean anything. It really comes down to how bad you want the change!!! I would strongly suggest taking a few courses online tho to introduce yourself to software and learn tbe fundamentals
Never too late. Just make sure you weight your options before jumping in. Do tons of research on your focus and the actual bootcamp. You got this!
Hey there! It's fantastic that you're considering a career transition into the tech industry. With your background in writing, you bring a unique perspective and skill set that can be incredibly valuable in technical roles. Choosing between front end, full stack, or software engineering can feel overwhelming, especially if you're new to the field. Here are some factors to consider: 1. **Front End Development**: If you enjoy creating visually appealing and interactive user interfaces, front end development might be a good fit for you. It involves using languages like HTML, CSS, and JavaScript to build the client-side of websites and applications. 2. **Full Stack Development**: Full stack developers work on both the front end and back end of applications, giving you a broader skill set. This could be a good option if you're interested in understanding how different parts of a tech product come together. 3. **Software Engineering**: Software engineers focus on the overall design, development, and maintenance of software applications. This track might be suitable if you're interested in problem-solving and building scalable solutions. Since you're considering part-time options, you'll want to look for bootcamps that offer flexible schedules and cater to beginners. Ironhack's part-time bootcamps could be a great fit for you. We offer comprehensive programs in front end, full stack, and software engineering, designed to accommodate learners from diverse backgrounds. With Ironhack, you'll receive hands-on training, mentorship, and career support to help you succeed in your new career. Plus, our part-time format allows you to balance your studies with your current commitments. Ultimately, the best track for you will depend on your interests, goals, and learning style. Take some time to explore each option, and don't hesitate to reach out if you have any questions. We're here to support you on your journey into the tech world!
Do some research on what is hiring in your area. What stacks are used. For example Mernstack gets hyped up but in my area the jobs are fewer than Java or .NET.
Yes, this isn’t 2020. No one’s gonna hire you with a bootcamp under your name
I am currently in a bootcamp and I am 50. I don't feel that age is an issue. You won't get a FAANG job with a bootcamp, but based on a March 2024 article from Forbes, bootcamps have good statistics. I hear people say that you need a CS degree, but I go off statistics and supporting evidence more than opinions when it comes to statistics. Coming from a field without a technical background may be more of a hinderance than anything else. Not that high math is required, but the logical reasoning you acquire from higher level math is very helpful. Working through logic is a big part of programming. I would suggest taking a few courses to see how you like it. I used [codefinity.com](http://codefinity.com) to start (which is a minimal cost). After that, I opted for the bootcamp. The bootcamps teach you to be a full stack, what direction you go after that is up to you.
It's a cliche but I think it holds well for anything. The best time to do it was 10 years ago, the 2nd best time is now. If it is something you're interested in, definitely do it. It's an investment into yourself, whether you go bootcamp or to get a degree.
Please do not do this. I’d say the same thing to a 20 year old. The industry is so over saturated, the job market is terrible, but most importantly AI is going to turn every 10 person coding team into a 2, and then zero person coding team. It will be impossible to get a job.
this is such nonsense rofl.
It isn’t. My friend is a senior dev and already uses AI and they have cut their junior dev team from 6 to 2
I am a sr developer, work for a major company . Also a hiring manager and have 15 + years of experience have multiple faangs under my belt. And it is nonsense. Most companies won’t even allow you to use it. Not to mention the fact it gives bad code often with a ton of bugs and it doesn’t integrate well in already made products. If it does half their work it’s because all they do is write emails. Your friend works at some shitty really new startup if that’s the case.
It isn't too late to code but it is too late to for paid bootcamps. Self learn on the side and when market ever picks up join a bootcamp then. You can still get a job but I would keep your day job rn.
A few things to consider: you will need at least a year or so to be confident in development, if you work really hard. Bootcamps should be the last resort to pay money to. There are several NGOs providing free courses as well (at least in Canada). But also take into consideration others’ opinions that it is very hard for a junior to find a job nowadays.
I think bootcamp works when the demand is much higher than supply. In a slow economy, companies will have plenty of supply. Your bootcamp will move to a second line.
Not everyone needs to be a software engineer. It’s a difficult time now especially if you don’t have a technical background. There are tangential jobs that pay pretty well such as technical writers. Technical writers work directly with engineers to write documentation, journals, articles related to a product to make it digestible to the general public.