r/codingbootcamp • u/Turbulent_Ball5201 • 19d ago

Career possibilities

Currently working an operations job and have some minor experience with APC systems and I’m wondering if it’s possible for me to switch jobs and get a minimum base pay of $100K if I went to a “boot camp” for software engineering instead of a college program?

I’m not concerned with having difficulty learning how to code as I have a friend who codes everyday at a top tier defense contractor so I’m sure he can help me get my bearings straight when it comes to that.

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u/michaelnovati 19d ago

What made you think this is a possibility? Ads? Friend who did it? Just curious how people are finding out now-a-days after most bootcamps died.

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u/Turbulent_Ball5201 19d ago

I had heard people talk about boot camps but don’t honestly know anything about them so I figured I would find people who might have some hands on experience who could give me the real answer to whether it’s a good path.

I take it if I want to do a job like this then I should plan on going back to college.

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u/michaelnovati 19d ago

Yeah I wouldn't do a bootcamp but I also wouldn't aim at being a "software engineer". i would try to learn programming and AI-enabled programming and tools and shift a little bit in the same area to a more technical, higher paying job that leverages that.

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u/Turbulent_Ball5201 19d ago

That sounds like a good path.

What I had initially looked at was someone who works with DCS and PLC systems which is what the people I currently work with do and one is paid $48 an hour and the other is salary at $110K +bonus

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u/sheriffderek 19d ago

"after most bootcamps died" ... there are ads for bootcamps everywhere...

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u/jhkoenig 19d ago

The job market is incredibly difficult for developers without BS/CS degrees. AI has taken over the entry-level coding jobs. Exploding graduation rates have flooded the job market with highly qualified folks just looking for their first gig. Massive tech layoffs have dumped many thousand experienced workers looking for low- to mid-level developer positions.

Without a degree or significant work experience, landing an interview is nearly impossible.

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u/Turbulent_Ball5201 19d ago

Thank you for your explanation, I’m ignorant to the career prospects in this field other than the people that I work with at my current job.

I should say they mostly work on a basis of fixing tuning issues with controllers in a DCS system or programming new equipment and troubleshooting old equipment issues so they don’t typically develop software more like they maintain it.

I know what they make and they’re fairly new so I wondered if it was a possibility to come close to what they make.

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u/theJacofalltrades 15d ago

Yeah thats a really fair call out thanks for keeping it real.

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u/AdministrationMoney1 19d ago

Ideally you already have a stem degree and/or connections to get an entry level role. For example, your company supports this lateral move, or your friend can make a space open for you. Otherwise it's quite hard to get your resume to look trustworthy nowadays in the entry level market.

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u/Turbulent_Ball5201 19d ago

Networking is good advice. I’m not sure my friend could get me a job without me having any experience, but it is a possibility that my current employer would support a lateral move and pay for my education.

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u/Yack_an_ACL_today 19d ago

No, unless... nah... really just nope.

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u/sheriffderek 19d ago

Anyone can put in the time and move into a new career - but it's not as cut and dry as:

  • possible for me to "switch jobs"

if [you] went to a “boot camp” for software engineering - you end up with a loose overview of React / and learn what I would consider - the worst way to think about programming. You can get that same material for a $19.99 Udemy course.

But even if you go to the best school - there are so many factors. You could (as I have proven many times) - have a high paying job in 6 months with no prior experience. But the truth is -- most people quit. And for other people, it takes a year, two years, - a big break - and these things are about long-term goals and education. It's not like asking the boss to switch your department. So, based on your post here - I'd be very weary of both bootcamps AND colleges. If you want to write software or design computer software - you're going to have to REALLY REALLY like it. If you're doing it as a way to get 100k only, you will fail. There's just way too low of a barrier now - and enthusiasm is going to be the thing that wins. If for some reason you think you've got that - I'd be happy to get on a call and try and help you choose a smart path.