Two popular options are attending a coding bootcamp or pursuing a computer science degree. Each approach has its unique advantages and considerations, making the decision a crucial one for aspiring tech professionals.

In this blog post, we’ll explore the key differences between coding bootcamps and computer science degrees to help you make an informed choice based on your goals, learning style, and career aspirations.

5 Factors to Consider

Time and Duration

Coding Bootcamp:

• Typically lasts a few months, ranging from 8 to 24 weeks.
• Intense and immersive learning experience designed to fast-track your coding skills.
• Ideal for individuals seeking a rapid entry into the job market.

Computer Science Degree:

• Typically takes 3 – 4 years to complete for a Bachelor’s degree.
• Offers a comprehensive and in-depth education in computer science principles, algorithms, and theory.
• Suitable for those who want a well-rounded education with a broader understanding of computer science concepts.

Curriculum and Focus

Coding Bootcamp:

• Focused on practical, job-oriented skills, emphasizing coding languages and technologies used in the industry.
• Often concentrates on web development, mobile app development, or specific tech stacks.
• May not delve deep into theoretical computer science concepts.

Computer Science Degree:

• Provides a broader and more theoretical foundation in computer science principles.
• Includes courses in data structures, algorithms, operating systems, artificial intelligence, and more.
• Allows for specialization in various areas like cybersecurity, software engineering, or data science.

Cost of Training/Education

Coding Bootcamp:

• Generally more affordable than a traditional four-year degree program.
• Offers a shorter duration, making it a cost-effective option for quickly acquiring practical skills.
• Some bootcamps may offer income sharing agreements (ISAs), where students pay back tuition after securing a job.

Computer Science Degree:

• Typically involves higher tuition costs, especially for prestigious universities.
• Requires a longer commitment, leading to more significant overall expenses.
• Scholarships and financial aid options may be available to help mitigate costs.

Job Placement and Opportunities:

Coding Bootcamp:

• Often boast strong industry connections and career services to help graduates find employment.
• Job-focused curriculum and projects can help graduates build a portfolio quickly.
• May be viewed by some employers as providing more practical, job-ready skills.

Computer Science Degree:

• Offers a recognized academic credential widely respected by employers.
• Opportunities for internships and research projects can enhance networking and job prospects.
• May be favored by companies seeking candidates with a deep understanding of computer science theory.

Learning Style and Commitment:

Coding Bootcamp:

• Best suited for individuals who prefer a hands-on, fast-paced learning environment.
• Requires full-time commitment during the program, making it challenging for those with other obligations.

Computer Science Degree:

• Ideal for individuals who enjoy a more structured and gradual learning approach.
• Allows for part-time or online study options, accommodating individuals with other responsibilities.

Which Do You Prefer – A Bootcamp Or Computer Science Degree?

The choice between attending a coding bootcamp or pursuing a computer science degree ultimately depends on your career goals, learning preferences, and financial considerations.

Coding bootcamps provide a rapid and focused route to job-ready skills, while a computer science degree offers a more comprehensive and theoretical understanding of computer science principles.

Whichever path you choose, both options can lead to rewarding and successful careers in the dynamic world of technology. Take the time to research and reflect on your aspirations to make an informed decision that aligns with your future ambitions.

Join Our Coding Dojo Bootcamp

Thanks to our partnership with Coding Dojo – one of the best coding bootcamps in the world, Seven Advanced Academy gives you the opportunity to join a world-class bootcamp.

Some Frequently Asked Questions

Question: Is Seven Advanced Academy an official partner of Coding Dojo?

Answer: Yes! On the 30th of March 2023, we officially announced our partnership with Coding Dojo.

Question: How much does the Coding Dojo bootcamp cost?

Tuition varies depending on the length and format of the bootcamp you choose. Connect on WhatsApp and get more information.

The internet has revolutionized the way we interact, communicate, and conduct businesses.

Behind the scenes of every website you visit and every web application you use, there is a skilled professional who brings it all to life – the web developer.

In this blog post, we will explore who a web developer is, their role in shaping the digital landscape, and why aspiring to become one could be an exciting and rewarding career choice.

Who is a Web Developer?

A web developer is a creative and technically proficient professional who designs, develops, and maintains websites and web applications.

They are the architects of the digital world, responsible for bringing ideas and designs to life through coding languages and various web development tools.

Web developers play a pivotal role in building websites that are visually appealing, user-friendly, and function smoothly across different devices and browsers.

Web development encompasses two main categories: Front-end and Back-end development.

1. Front-end Web Developer: Front-end developers are responsible for the visual and interactive aspects of a website. They work with HTML, CSS, and JavaScript to create the layout, design, and user interface that users interact with directly. Front-end developers focus on optimizing websites for a seamless user experience and ensuring compatibility across different devices.

2. Back-end Web Developer: Back-end developers are the backbone of web applications, working behind the scenes to build and maintain the server, database, and applications’ logic. They use server-side languages like Python, Ruby, PHP, or Java to manage the application’s functionality and data processing.

Why Should You Become a Web Developer?

1. High Demand

In the digital era, businesses of all sizes are establishing an online presence, leading to an ever-increasing demand for skilled web developers. As technology continues to advance, the demand for talented web developers is only set to grow, presenting ample job opportunities and career growth.

If you aspire to travel for work in another country like the US, there is even more exciting news. As of May 2020, the median annual income for computer and information technology occupations, which includes software engineering, was $91,250, according to statistics from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Software engineers with specialized talents or experience in high-demand areas, on the other hand, might make much more. Software engineers with skills in artificial intelligence, machine learning, or data science, for example, can command even greater pay.

2. Creative Outlet

To thrive as a software developer, you must be able to think creatively and generate fresh concepts and strategies. Additionally, in order to analyze complicated problems and provide efficient solutions, software engineers need to possess good problem-solving abilities.

As you may already know, real-world problem-solving software programs, platforms, and systems are designed, created, and maintained by creative software engineers. If you are driven by creativity and problem solving, then software development is the path to follow.

3. Continuous Learning

Technology is constantly evolving, and web developers are at the forefront of these advancements.

As a web developer, you will be encouraged to embrace lifelong learning, staying updated with the latest tools, languages, and frameworks. This continuous learning ensures that your skills remain relevant and in-demand.

4. Remote Work Opportunities

Web development offers excellent remote work opportunities, allowing developers to work from the comfort of their homes in Cameroon for companies all over the world. 

In fact, according to the latest State of Remote Engineering Report by a software platform called Terminal has found that in 2022, more than 60% of developers are already working fully remote, while 75% are working remotely at least 3 days a week.

This flexibility enables a better work-life balance and the possibility of working with international clients and companies.

5. Freelancing and Entrepreneurship

Web developers have the option to work as freelancers or even start their own web development agencies. This entrepreneurial aspect of the field allows developers to pursue their passion, work on exciting projects, and be their own boss.

6. Contributing to the Digital World

Web developers have a significant impact on the digital landscape. By creating websites and applications, they influence the way people interact, consume information, and conduct businesses online. This sense of contribution can be incredibly fulfilling.

So, Do You Want to be A Web Developer?

In conclusion, whether you’re an aspiring tech enthusiast or someone looking to transition into a future-proof career, web development is a path worth exploring. Embrace the ever-changing world of technology, and you could find yourself at the forefront of the digital revolution as a skilled and sought-after web developer.

Where Can You Study Web Development in Cameroon

Seven Advanced Academy still remains the top professional training institute in Cameroon offering quality web development training and internships validated by the Ministry of Employment and Vocational Training. 

Our value proposition is even more important today with the signing of an exclusive partnership with Coding Dojo – a world-class coding bootcamp. Through this partnership, Seven Advanced Academy is able to offer the same training offered in America for $16,000+ for 9x cheaper that price in CEMAC.

Join our Coding Dojo bootcamp today. Learn more on WhatsApp.

He has been noted by many as being “too inquisitive” and “smart to do”. The young tech enthusiast has discovered a new way of studying on YouTube in an innovation he calls 7Youtube.

Seven Academy Lily and Rose computer training labs

7youtube is a web platform that helps people study strategically on YouTube using systematic and targeted videos void of random distractions.

According to the student developer, 7Youtube means complete YouTube. He justifies that YouTube is very broad with everything in it making it very difficult for one to do targeted studies. One can go on YouTube to learn how to be a web developer and after two to three web development videos he/she ends up switching to comedies, movies due to random video suggestions. 

Seven Communications caught up with the just 2 months into training smart programming student Awa Donacien sited on the ball at his usual position in the Lily computer lab at Seven Academy. We wanted to know about his innovation. This is what he had to say: 

Awa Donacien Mokom, first-year student into full-stack web development, Seven Academy Douala 

“For the past few months, our instructor Mr. Kamdjou Duplex has been able to teach us fundamentals in technologies such as Html5, Css3, Javascript, Ajax, Bootstrap and also how to work with NoSQL databases such as Firebase.”

Said the excited student developer

“During Ajax course, we were taught how to work with API data. We were given an assignment to be submitted the following day so I decided to go on YouTube to learn something very quick and complete my assignment”. He added.

“Unfortunately, instead of concentrating on watching specific Ajax tutorial videos, I ended up being distracted by suggested videos of my favorite music, movies, how to make money online as a developer”. I later realized it was already 3:00 AM and I was busy watching something else on YouTube instead of doing my assignment.

“As a web development student, I decided to solve this problem by using my knowledge in API data to create 7YouTube that can collect specific videos from YouTube and display them accordingly based on the category a user selects”. 

From our due findings and tasting of the web platform Seven Communications discovered that 7YouTube actually solves the problem of randomly displayed videos on YouTube, it displays YouTube videos based only on the category that a user selects.

For example, if you are trying to learn JavaScript and you visit 7YouTube and under the web development section you select JavaScript you will get a list of JavaScript videos on YouTube and not just any video but carefully ordered videos to take you from being a beginner in JavaScript to becoming an expert.

Screenshot of 7Youtube, sample user wants to learn much about Angular (just Angular)

Click here to try out the platform, 7YouTube

“I think I am solving the problem of distraction that we often face on YouTube, and as time goes on I look forward to improving the project”. Awa Donacien.

Awa Donacien is also the brain behind ncovinfo.mpolive. Read more about his COVID-19 platform.

Seven Academy is a Silicon Valley blended First-Class IT Training Institute that trains young Cameroonians on highly-paid in-demand IT skills to enable them land high-quality jobs worldwide. Located opposite Hotel Serena Bali, Douala, Seven Academy is fast becoming a national leader in professional Web/mobile Apps development, Digital marketing, IT Security, Project Management, Cloud Computing, and Data science training. Seven Advanced Academy is founded by a Cameroonian woman in Tech Estelle Yomba, with over 9 years of IT engineering Experience in the Silicon Valley USA. For more info visit www.sevenadvancedacademy.com.