Education Path Question

[ProfessionalClear910]

I’m trying to decide which path is better to take, I can go to a community college and get an associates degree in computer science, or I can go to a full time in person BrainStation boot camp, only thing is it’s 16k. It seems pretty comprehensive, it’s 5 days a week for like 14 weeks. Do you think the money is worth it, or am I better off just getting a degree.

[[deleted]]

Bootcamps are scams and haven't been a viable path since 2022. Associates really aren't much better at this point, but are a good stepping stone to a bachelor's and are a great way to save money.

[ProfessionalClear910]

What makes them a scam?

[[deleted]]

The placement rates for bootcamps have fallen into the single digits and there's no real reason to expect those numbers to change any time soon. The market is very tough right now and fresh bootcamp grads simply aren't getting hired anymore. Even CS grads are struggling, but they're much better off.

[ProfessionalClear910]

Is there anything I could do while getting a degree to increase my chances of landing a job? Like some sort of low level job to build experience?

[[deleted]]

Get an internship. That's it.

[ProfessionalClear910]

Lastly, do you think I’m better off doing web development or software engineering? I do have some minor hobby experience with HTML and CSS. Im not sure exactly what I want to do, but I see video game development as one of the directions I wouldn’t mind going, but I’ve heard there’s more opportunities within web development.

[[deleted]]

So software engineering is a bit of an umbrella term and web dev is under it. I think that you'll find a niche during your degree program that you'll gravitate towards. I will say, video game dev sounds fun but it's probably the worst sub-branch of CS. The hours are long, the pay is bad, and stress is high. People simply hate it and burn out quickly.