It\u2019s a common misconception that technology-related qualifications\u2014or at least a solid background in tech\u2014are prerequisites for landing a job in the field. You might even be thinking that employers won\u2019t give the time of day to a candidate without a relevant college degree.<\/p>\n
The truth is, you don\u2019t need a college degree to break into the world of tech.<\/strong> Bootcamps have risen to glory as a cost-effective alternative to get the real-world skills and training you need for a career in tech.<\/p>\n In a fraction of the time (and for a fraction of the price) of a college degree, motivated tech-hopefuls are taught the skills necessary to lead successful careers in UX design, UI design, analytics, web development, and more.<\/p>\n Don\u2019t have a degree, and wondering how to get your foot in the door of tech? We\u2019re here to shed some light. In this blog post, we\u2019ll take you through the five main reasons why a bootcamp course can fast track your career.<\/p>\n If you’d like to skip ahead to particular section, simply use the clickable menu:<\/p>\n Let\u2019s jump straight in!<\/p>\n When it comes to choosing a candidate, employers look for a healthy balance of hard skills, which usually refers to technical knowledge and ability, and soft skills\u2014such as creativity, adaptability, and teamwork. While the baseline level of technical skills are assessed during the screening phase, employers are also paying close attention to the soft skills that come with real-world experience.<\/p>\n Rather than focusing solely on theory, bootcamps are designed to give you a practical, well-rounded education that will see you excel in the current job market. If you opt for a more hands-on bootcamp, you\u2019ll get stuck in with problem-solving and be given exercises to accompany the reading materials. Above all, you\u2019ll get to immediately apply what you\u2019ve learned to relevant, real-world projects that will form the foundation of your professional portfolio.<\/p>\n You\u2019ll even work with a mentor and career specialist on honing those all-important soft skills that will quickly land you a fulfilling job in the field. You can learn more about the value of having a mentor (and how to make the most out of yours) in this article<\/a>.<\/p>\n Whether it\u2019s parenting responsibilities, a complicated living situation, or the need to work full-time in order to pay for your tuition fees\u2014<\/em>devoting your life to your studies for four years simply isn\u2019t a realistic option for everyone. Enter: bootcamps.<\/p>\n Boasting a lean, hands-on curriculum and a fast-paced learning environment, bootcamps can take between a few months and up to a year to complete.<\/p>\n The cherry on top? Bootcamps are set up to be flexible, and in many cases, mostly autonomous. Many bootcamps are even self-paced<\/strong>, making them an ideal fit for those who aren\u2019t able to put their lives on hold for long-term commitments.<\/p>\n Taking a certified UX design course or bootcamp is just one of designer Maureen’s seven steps to become a professional UXer, as she explains in this video guide:<\/p>\n\n
1. Bootcamps provide you with real-world experience<\/h2>\n
2. Bootcamps take less time than traditional degrees<\/h2>\n