Top 6 Reasons to Learn JavaScript at a Bootcamp in 2022

Professional developers don’t need to pack every programming language in existence into their toolbox. Sure, it would be nice — but employers aren’t going to usher you out the door if you aren’t fluent in lesser-known languages like COBOL or Haskell. 

That said, they might toss out your resume if you don’t know JavaScript. 

JavaScript is a need-to-know language for professional developers, especially those who specialize in front end or full stack coding. There are countless online guides, books, courses and video tutorials that focus on JavaScript. However, these self-directed options might not always impart the proficiency you need to land a job as a programmer. 

If you’ve tried it all and hit a wall, you may want to consider attending a JavaScript bootcamp. In this article, we’ll outline the six reasons why you should learn the language through a bootcamp, as well as highlight a few careers that will let you put your JavaScript savvy to good use. 

Learning JavaScript at a Coding Bootcamp

There are countless free and paid resources available online for those who want to learn JavaScript. However, learning to code through independent learning simply doesn’t work for every learner — and even when it does, self-study courses often don’t come with hands-on opportunities to put theoretical knowledge into practice. If you want to learn JavaScript quickly and thoroughly, your best bet may be to enroll in a JavaScript bootcamp. 

What Is a Coding Bootcamp?

Let’s start with the basics — what is a JavaScript developer bootcamp, or a coding bootcamp? 

A coding bootcamp is an intensive academic course that imparts practical, job-ready skills to learners within a few short months. It’s a cost-effective alternative to a traditional four-year computer science degree that’s ideal for working professionals who don’t have time to commit to a full-time, multi-year academic program or simply want to pivot their careers quickly. It also requires no prior knowledge of programming whatsoever — even those new to the field can upskill into coding with a bootcamp. 

As an example, Berkeley Coding Boot Camp provides comprehensive tutelage in several common programming languages and opportunities for hands-on learning. It offers a flexible schedule with a quick turnaround; depending on whether they choose a full-time or part-time learning experience, learners can complete their studies in just 12 to 24 weeks, respectively. Courses are offered online to maximize the program’s convenience and accessibility. 

It’s important to note that those who attend JavaScript developer bootcamps won’t just learn JavaScript. By the time they finish their studies, these aspiring coders will have built a sturdy skill set of foundational programming capabilities. 

Here’s a quick overview of the languages and skills learners will pick up at a JavaScript bootcamp, as per Berkeley’s coding curriculum

  • JavaScript
  • HTML
  • CSS
  • jQuery
  • Creating a web page “from scratch”
  • SQL
  • NoSQL
  • Building and using databases
  • Creating single-page applications with React.js
  • Applying computer science to JavaScript (algorithms, data structures, etc.)

Learners can also extend their studies to learn additional in-demand languages such as Python, Java and C#. 

(Interested? Check out Berkeley Coding Boot Camp for more information on how you can springboard your career and attend a JavaScript bootcamp online.)

The curriculum’s comprehensive coverage speaks to the educational value that coding bootcamps can provide. But just in case you need more convincing, we’ve also put together six reasons for you to learn JavaScript via a JavaScript bootcamp. 

Let’s get started!

1. You’ll Have Experienced Instructors

A class is only ever as good as the instructor who leads it. Bootcamps, like college courses, are taught by industry experts who know their subject matter inside and out. Bootcamp instructors have years of professional knowledge. They don’t just teach students syntax; they instruct them on how best to use programming languages in professional projects. 

These instructors know their material — and perhaps more importantly, they’re accessible to students who need help understanding it. Anyone who’s ever attempted to learn something out of a book or online course knows how difficult it can be to puzzle through tricky material on your own. There’s nothing quite as reassuring as being able to set up a one-on-one chat with your teacher to clarify a confusing topic or assignment. 

Bootcamp students have the luxury of being able to talk to knowledgeable instructors and remove confusion before it puts a speed bump in their learning journey. 

2. You’ll Learn Quickly

As we mentioned earlier, coding bootcamps have a quick turnaround. Aspiring coders can learn JavaScript and prepare themselves for an entry-level job in just three to six months. 

This upskill timeline is substantially faster than the one offered by conventional four-year computer science programs. As such, they may be more feasible for learners who already have a degree, can’t commit to four years of full-time education or need to balance their education with a full-time job or familial responsibilities. 

Now, some might argue that they can learn JavaScript on their own in a matter of weeks — and maybe they can. But unlike bootcamps and other instructor-led educational programs, self-directed study often doesn’t come with a set schedule or curriculum. Learners are responsible for keeping themselves on track and motivated. 

It’s all too easy to procrastinate your lessons, pushing them off for a day or a week. But if you fall into a pattern, you might eventually sit up and realize it’s been over a month since you last looked at your JavaScript textbook. In this context, bootcamps aren’t only a quick method study; they’re an efficient one. On top of learning Javascript, you’ll also pick up several other core languages and capabilities at the same time. 

3. You’ll Take a Hands-On Approach

Our bootcamps operate on the assumption that the best way to learn is by doing. While participants will undoubtedly need to attend lectures, most of their assignments will revolve around project-based learning. This approach ensures that students gain experience and become proficient in both coding theory and practice. 

This focus on projects has another purpose, too — career preparation. 

Every aspiring coder needs to have a strong portfolio demonstrating their technical coding skills and competencies. Projects assigned during a coding bootcamp’s curriculum can all become portfolio pieces, provided that the learner does outstanding work. 

Additional Resources:

4. You’ll Enjoy Lots of Networking Opportunities

It doesn’t matter which industry you’re trying to break into; networking is a crucial part of cultivating future success. Bootcamp students can connect with their instructor and other aspiring developers in class. They may also have opportunities to connect with professionals in the industry while working on their projects. 

If you’re a particularly proactive student, you might want to consider reaching out to your bootcamp’s career office and seeing if they have any pre-established connections with alums in the industry or companies in need of entry-level support. 

Additional Resources:

5. You’ll Impress Employers

Sure, attending a conventional four-year computer science degree program might be a common route into programming — but some employers like those who graduate from bootcamps even more. 

According to a recent report from HackerRank (PDF, 2.8 MB), nearly one in three hiring managers have selected candidates who learned to code via a bootcamp. Of those, 72 percent felt that bootcamp-trained programmers were equally or better equipped for the job than other hires. 

The same survey also found that 71 percent of these hiring managers felt that bootcamp-educated employees could quickly pick up new technologies and languages. Sixty-one percent noted that former bootcamp learners demonstrated strong practical experience, and 52 percent reported that they were often eager to take on new responsibilities.

The tech world has also become notably more friendly to bootcamp learners in recent years. Notable tech companies such as Google, IBM and Apple no longer require applicants to have four-year degrees. 

That said, more opportunities abound for bootcamp grads at smaller companies. While 91 percent of developers at companies with more than 10,000 employees have college degrees, the HackerRank report (PDF, 2.8 MB) found that nearly one-third (32 percent) of those working at companies with fewer than 50 employees did not attend conventional four-year programs. 

With these statistics in mind, it’s clear that having a bootcamp on your resume can be actively beneficial for your career.

6. You’ll Pay Less for Your Education

It’s a fact of life in America — college is expensive. According to recent data from the US News and World Report, tuition costs for in-state students attending four-year public colleges was $9,687 per year. For students attending private institutions, or those out of state, prices run even higher. Students attending a four-year, out-of-state public college  invested an average of $21,184 per year. For those attending private, nonprofit colleges, rates topped $35,087 per year. 

These are much higher costs. If we calculated the total cost posed by a four-year degree on these numbers alone, even without accounting for room and board, price increases or inflation, the final cost would total between $38,748 and $140,348.

Now, developers often make reasonably high salaries — but not all professionals have the means or time to pursue another formal degree. Thankfully, there’s a way to accrue job-ready programming skills. 

Compared to four-year degrees, bootcamps are extremely affordable. According to Course Report’s 2020 market report, the average bootcamp learner paid just $13,293 in tuition costs. Plus, because bootcamps offer online and part-time flexibility, enrollees don’t need to worry about relocating for their education, paying for dorm living or giving up their current job to accommodate their academic schedules. 

Attending a JavaScript bootcamp online is more affordable — and, even better, you can learn while still making money and gaining job experience. 

Why Learn JavaScript?

There are no ifs, ands or buts about it — if you want to get a programming job, you need to have command of JavaScript. Being “familiar with” or “knowing a bit of” the language just isn’t going to cut it in the interview; you need to know the language front, back and inside out. 

Why is having fluency so important? For one thing, JavaScript is one of the most ubiquitous coding languages out there. According to Stack Overflow’s 2020 Developer Survey, JavaScript has maintained its position as the most commonly used programming language for eight years straight. Given its commonality, new developers are almost certainly going to need to tackle JavaScript-coded projects at some point during their first job. 

Plus, a lot of recruiters actively look for candidates who know JavaScript. In 2020, researchers for HackerRank (PDF, 2.8 MB) found that JavaScript was the most sought-after coding language by hiring managers in the U.S. 

There are also practical coding benefits to consider. JavaScript, along with HTML and CSS, is one of the three core languages used in front end (client-side) web development. It’s often used to bring dynamism and interactivity to a page. For example, a professional coder might use JavaScript to code a basic animation, button or form. 

The language also has its uses in the full stack sphere. Full stack, for context, refers to any programming efforts that span the front end (i.e., the visitor-facing interface) and the back end (the server-side logic and data structures). JavaScript was built as a front end language; however, it can be applied to the back end if a programmer has a supportive development environment like Node.js. A JavaScript-savvy developer can use the language to do everything from coding front end site features to building a new application’s underlying structure. 

Let’s highlight a few roles that apply JavaScript in daily projects. 

Jobs That Require JavaScript

All coders should know the fundamentals of JavaScript. That said, some roles require more proficiency than others. Below, we’ve listed four positions that require frequent, if not daily, JavaScript use. 

Front End Developer

As we just discussed, JavaScript is a core technology for front end web developers. These professionals would use the language nearly every day to create dynamic pages, develop animation and code interactive features for website visitors to enjoy. 

Full Stack Developer

Full stack developers are skilled coders who can transition seamlessly between client-side concerns and server-side tasks. These professionals are valued in the workplace for their flexibility and expansive knowledge base. A full stack developer who codes in JavaScript and knows how to use a coding framework like Node.js can single-handedly build a website or application from the ground up.

Application Developer

Application developers, as the title suggests, focus on building applications instead of websites. They develop software solutions according to client specifications, implement improvements as per user feedback and deal with product bugs. These professionals primarily use JavaScript to build or change client-facing interfaces; however, those proficient in Node.js can also use the language to define the application’s core logic. 

JavaScript Developer

It’s in the name — JavaScript developers primarily code in JavaScript. These professionals typically improve and build front end interfaces, though they may also be responsible for connecting front end features with back end structures and services. 

In Conclusion

JavaScript is a must-know language for aspiring coders. You can’t avoid it — and you won’t land a coding job if you only know the bare-bones basics. If you want to gain a comprehensive education in JavaScript and acquire a sturdy set of fundamental coding skills, your best bet will be to enroll in and attend a coding or JavaScript bootcamp online. 

Not sure where to start? Check out Berkeley Coding Boot Camp! In just 12 to 24 weeks, our intensive program will impart all of the professional skills you need to help you find an entry-level job in the coding sector. 

You have the interest; we have the curriculum. Now, all that remains is for you to commit to your future career and start learning!

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