I know quite a number of people who are coding bootcamp graduates. I’ve had a number of them work for me, had them as teammates, and also worked for a few.

I find the graduates to be quite interesting. They know the programming language(s) well and team workflows fairly well. However, I also noticed few things they are definitely missing. Here are my findings:

Things they do well:

1. Code. Write code. Write lines of codes.
2. Classic programming algorithms (search, sort, etc.).
3. Executing basic shell commands into Terminal confidently
4. Use github and run basic git commands.
5. Refer back to bootcamp curriculum/notes to debug issues.
6. Starting fresh when encountering an error.

Things they can improve on:

1. Write good, well-documented, nicely-indented, code (following best practices).
2. Use algorithms to create real-world applications.
3. Know what each command they’re typing in Terminal does.
4. Using git in teamwork settings for collaboration, resolving merge conflicts.
5. Acquiring new information from the web.
6. Debugging, troubleshooting, and understanding error messages.

The partially-blinds teaching the blinds

I spoke with many coding bootcamp graduates (from various bootcamps) to learn more about them. I also interviewed many of them for various Full Stack Software Engineering roles I’m looking to fill.

As I speak to more and more of them, I begin learning who exactly are teaching many of these bootcamps. What I discovered surprised me. I expect senior software engineers with substantial industry experience to be leading these bootcamps. That makes sense, doesn’t it? I learned that this is not the case for many of them.

Who are teaching these bootcamps? The answer surprised me: recent-bootcamp graduates.

So who are the instructors? Who are teaching these bootcamps?

The answer surprised me: recent-bootcamp graduates. Most of them have never worked in a software engineering team. They usually starts teaching almost immediately after graduating from the bootcamp. Again, this is not the case with every bootcamp.

Know your bootcamp

If you’re reading this post because you’re currently considering attending a coding bootcamp, make sure you ask the important question: What qualifications do my teachers have?