See my prior answer, but there's little doubt that a 4 year degree is a great "proof of ability" to apply oneself to a long-term goal. That said, it's almost become a novelty to meet a recent IBMer who has a computer science degree. Many I encounter have a degree in another engineering field and they switched to software development because of the plentiful jobs. Nico made that point, i.e., if you have a degree in field X and want to try software development, a bootcamp is a good way to learn and then test the waters.
@@Servantofthearts I'm an adjunct professor of cybersecurity on the side and also do videos with Dan on the channel -- I definitely believe there is value in a 4 year degree (or I wouldn't bother teaching it). As with most things, you get out what you put in. The credential (a bachelors degree) is more highly prized and sought out by employers because they know the sustained effort and commitment that is required to achieve it, but also there is the fact that while a boot camp is great at narrowly focusing in on specific skills, a 4 year degree broadens one's perspective in addition to going deep in the major. I know that I use things I learned outside of my computer science classes literally every day. But it isn't one size fits all so you should decide which is best for you. Bottom line is that both have their value and maybe you shouldn't think either/or but both/and.
@@jeffcrume Great answer Jeff. Couldn't have said it better. I also recommend a degree as recruiters will give more weight to it, however if that isn't feasible than a bootcamp is a good alternative.
YES!! I’ve been hoping for such a video, from a trusted source like IBM, forever! I’ve informally interviewed so many people about their thoughts on bootcamps (recent bootcamp graduates and folks in the industry). This certainly helps in giving a clear picture of the two options, and that there is no one correct path for everyone. Thanks IBM!
Getting a degree in CS is getting a lot cheaper these days.....even cheaper than bootcamps. You can call them degree bootcamp. Georgia tech, UT Austin, UIUC, etc are all doing online degrees for thousands of students. There are just so many options and you can choose whatever is good for you. Personally I think the past experience may be no longer relevant, getting into tech from other fields will become more and more difficult. The bar will get higher and which ever approach has good reputation in the industry matters. I am taking the part time degree approach.
I have an Associates in Arts (Basic Transfer Degree) from a Community College in AZ. Do you think I can apply to UT Austin and get their Masters in Computer Science? I read it takes 30 hours, does that amount to two semesters?
I missed one key aspect in the conversation: how hireable you are. Its possible to find jobs as a bootcamper (I'm one of them), but its definitely way harder than with a degree.
Nah, I disagree. 50+ interviews. Getting rejected with near perfect results and always getting the feedback that "we need more experience". Only in 1 interview was I asked about my lack of degree and every single other interview didn't even bother asking me if I had any other additional education. Nobody cares about it, everyone cares about whether you have that specific 1o1 experience with something they are already doing and whether you are decently chep. Degree is completely irrelevant in software jobs.
I believe, that the order of the two programs discussed was inverse to what I would recommend: 1. Boot Camp => 2. Online (past-time) CS degree. This order would get you properly equipped to actually quickly implement solutions with good software craftsmanship and then later the degree work, while working part-time, gives you additional depth, that can quickly be applied on the job using the coding skills from bootcamp.
And what about me who is literally learning just from UA-cam and blog post. I can't afford bootcamp or udemy courses. Moreover as a highschooler I am also not in Grade school, even don't know will I be able to go to Uni. Bit I love AI and Ml and I learned some of the frameworks of Python to work with Data and some ML. And constantly learning ever day . So what I can do? Do I have a carrer?
This doesn't represent IBM opinion, only my own: One thing that a diploma (or bootcamp certificate) demonstrates is that you can apply yourself to a challenging long(er) term project and finish it. If you're purely self-taught, then having a demonstrable body of work becomes your proof of competency. For example, show websites or apps or tools or whatever you've help create, even if it's volunteer work or open source contributions. It helps if you have an online presence (e.g., Stack Overflow, GitHub, well-written tech blog, or videos). Truth be told, 2-3 years after you've graduated, NOBODY cares what you did in college. They only care what you've done and learned in the last 3 years.
Is it a good choice for a person who has just graduated from high school to enter a bootcamp rather than college because I don't work well with books and I'm more of a person who learns from practical teaching. Because I have this subject which I did in high-school called Computer Applications Technology (CAT). It is divided into two sections. Theory and Practical In the practical half, we didn't need to study, only practice. I excelled at that, I was the highest in the grade with practical, I even got 116/150 for the final exam However, on the theory side, I didn't do good, that requires you to read and study. I got 52/150, which pulled me to get to 56% for my final mark If it was only practical, I would have gotten 77%, but theory pulled me back University requires you to read and study However bootcamp, you just need to do the work directly which gets you job ready if I'm not mistaken
@@firstname4337 I cannot speak For IBM, but scanning their job openings, none I found call out a degree. Then again, they routinely asked for 2-3 years experience. One approach I've seen work is joining as an intern. IBM has 4 month internships; if it goes well, the intern is often offered a permanent position.
In the UK, university would be cheaper than these bootcamps, and you can study part time or online. And of course logic, critical thinking, ethics etc…
At the end of the day, the salary simply depends on the country & state you live in, the employee you work for, the knowledge you have, as well as the experience you have. Finally, bartering for the total compensation you are expecting can possibly add an EXTRA $30-$40 to the salary the employee was initially thinking of giving you. Bartering is a way to confidently show the employer what you are worth. You simply tell the employee what you would like to get in total compensation, with confidence and no hesitation. If you stutter or show nervousness in answering this question, that may cause the employer to think you are not truly confident in yourself and that you are probably not worth the pay you are asking for.
Sure, here's one: www.indeed.com/career/computer-programmer/salaries --Oddly enough, there's a big salary difference on Indeed between "computer programmer", "software engineer", and "software developer", so take these averages with a grain of salt.
the MOST important question you didn't answer -- will IBM even interview you if you don't have a CS degree or related degree
See my prior answer, but there's little doubt that a 4 year degree is a great "proof of ability" to apply oneself to a long-term goal. That said, it's almost become a novelty to meet a recent IBMer who has a computer science degree. Many I encounter have a degree in another engineering field and they switched to software development because of the plentiful jobs. Nico made that point, i.e., if you have a degree in field X and want to try software development, a bootcamp is a good way to learn and then test the waters.
@@homebarista I'm 21 and I'm thinking of going to college for cybersercurity, should I consider a boot camp instead?
@@Servantofthearts I'm an adjunct professor of cybersecurity on the side and also do videos with Dan on the channel -- I definitely believe there is value in a 4 year degree (or I wouldn't bother teaching it). As with most things, you get out what you put in. The credential (a bachelors degree) is more highly prized and sought out by employers because they know the sustained effort and commitment that is required to achieve it, but also there is the fact that while a boot camp is great at narrowly focusing in on specific skills, a 4 year degree broadens one's perspective in addition to going deep in the major. I know that I use things I learned outside of my computer science classes literally every day. But it isn't one size fits all so you should decide which is best for you. Bottom line is that both have their value and maybe you shouldn't think either/or but both/and.
@@jeffcrume Great answer Jeff. Couldn't have said it better. I also recommend a degree as recruiters will give more weight to it, however if that isn't feasible than a bootcamp is a good alternative.
Yes
YES!! I’ve been hoping for such a video, from a trusted source like IBM, forever! I’ve informally interviewed so many people about their thoughts on bootcamps (recent bootcamp graduates and folks in the industry). This certainly helps in giving a clear picture of the two options, and that there is no one correct path for everyone. Thanks IBM!
This channel is a proper goldmine.
small channel that’s hugely underrated! Thank you for the quality content
Very helpful, gentlemen, thank you for the play-by-play breakdown!
Getting a degree in CS is getting a lot cheaper these days.....even cheaper than bootcamps. You can call them degree bootcamp. Georgia tech, UT Austin, UIUC, etc are all doing online degrees for thousands of students. There are just so many options and you can choose whatever is good for you. Personally I think the past experience may be no longer relevant, getting into tech from other fields will become more and more difficult. The bar will get higher and which ever approach has good reputation in the industry matters. I am taking the part time degree approach.
I see that they offer a masters degree, what about a bachelors?
I have an Associates in Arts (Basic Transfer Degree) from a Community College in AZ. Do you think I can apply to UT Austin and get their Masters in Computer Science? I read it takes 30 hours, does that amount to two semesters?
I missed one key aspect in the conversation: how hireable you are. Its possible to find jobs as a bootcamper (I'm one of them), but its definitely way harder than with a degree.
Can you explain... is it more of the employer overlooks you over a cs grad? Or do you feel you are unprepared?.
Nah, I disagree.
50+ interviews.
Getting rejected with near perfect results and always getting the feedback that "we need more experience".
Only in 1 interview was I asked about my lack of degree and every single other interview didn't even bother asking me if I had any other additional education.
Nobody cares about it, everyone cares about whether you have that specific 1o1 experience with something they are already doing and whether you are decently chep.
Degree is completely irrelevant in software jobs.
I believe, that the order of the two programs discussed was inverse to what I would recommend: 1. Boot Camp => 2. Online (past-time) CS degree. This order would get you properly equipped to actually quickly implement solutions with good software craftsmanship and then later the degree work, while working part-time, gives you additional depth, that can quickly be applied on the job using the coding skills from bootcamp.
I really love ❤ the closing advice: university teaches you to think, while bootcamp teaches you to CODE 😊.
And what about me who is literally learning just from UA-cam and blog post. I can't afford bootcamp or udemy courses. Moreover as a highschooler I am also not in Grade school, even don't know will I be able to go to Uni. Bit I love AI and Ml and I learned some of the frameworks of Python to work with Data and some ML. And constantly learning ever day . So what I can do? Do I have a carrer?
This doesn't represent IBM opinion, only my own: One thing that a diploma (or bootcamp certificate) demonstrates is that you can apply yourself to a challenging long(er) term project and finish it. If you're purely self-taught, then having a demonstrable body of work becomes your proof of competency. For example, show websites or apps or tools or whatever you've help create, even if it's volunteer work or open source contributions. It helps if you have an online presence (e.g., Stack Overflow, GitHub, well-written tech blog, or videos). Truth be told, 2-3 years after you've graduated, NOBODY cares what you did in college. They only care what you've done and learned in the last 3 years.
Just graduated from app academy bootcamp. Someone hire me I’m hungry to dive into this career
There is work on Upwork
Its been 7 month did you get a job do you recommend i get into bootcamp too?
Did u get a job
Add Certifications into this debate. Thank you!
Is it a good choice for a person who has just graduated from high school to enter a bootcamp rather than college because I don't work well with books and I'm more of a person who learns from practical teaching.
Because I have this subject which I did in high-school called Computer Applications Technology (CAT). It is divided into two sections.
Theory and Practical
In the practical half, we didn't need to study, only practice. I excelled at that, I was the highest in the grade with practical, I even got 116/150 for the final exam
However, on the theory side, I didn't do good, that requires you to read and study. I got 52/150, which pulled me to get to 56% for my final mark
If it was only practical, I would have gotten 77%, but theory pulled me back
University requires you to read and study
However bootcamp, you just need to do the work directly which gets you job ready if I'm not mistaken
What is the board they are using to write. Its awesome
See ibm.biz/write-backwards
That's amazing, but still most of the offers in IT say that the degree is required when in fact they're not.
in fact they are -- you usually won't even get an interview without a degree
@@firstname4337 I cannot speak For IBM, but scanning their job openings, none I found call out a degree. Then again, they routinely asked for 2-3 years experience. One approach I've seen work is joining as an intern. IBM has 4 month internships; if it goes well, the intern is often offered a permanent position.
@@homebarista how hard is it to get in those internship programs?
@@firstname4337 Got plenty of interviews without a degree for jobs that required degree.
In the UK, university would be cheaper than these bootcamps, and you can study part time or online. And of course logic, critical thinking, ethics etc…
At the end of the day, the salary simply depends on the country & state you live in, the employee you work for, the knowledge you have, as well as the experience you have.
Finally, bartering for the total compensation you are expecting can possibly add an EXTRA $30-$40 to the salary the employee was initially thinking of giving you. Bartering is a way to confidently show the employer what you are worth. You simply tell the employee what you would like to get in total compensation, with confidence and no hesitation.
If you stutter or show nervousness in answering this question, that may cause the employer to think you are not truly confident in yourself and that you are probably not worth the pay you are asking for.
cyber security degree vs bootcamps vs online certs coursera?
And voila: ua-cam.com/video/FSGr0qhadKE/v-deo.html
Average is $68k? Can I see some sources?
Sure, here's one: www.indeed.com/career/computer-programmer/salaries --Oddly enough, there's a big salary difference on Indeed between "computer programmer", "software engineer", and "software developer", so take these averages with a grain of salt.
Both.
I ve been wonder which one, bootcamp? Need more survey, for now I study my self, wish i am lucky and never give up to you all😂
use 2.0 speed.
interesting.
I thought the salaries would be higher... Better become a doctor, dentist or lawyer instead...
Exactly
inflation will make those salaries even more worthless. Do you know how much a week of groceries was even in 1989?
@@bigredone1030 How much?
❤