When you're looking for a more affordable, convenient way to get an education, an online bootcamp is often the perfect solution. Flexible, convenient and affordable, bootcamps teach students the skills that today’s employers seek.

Bootcamps have exploded in popularity in recent years, and for good reason — they offer many benefits that traditional education doesn't.

In this blog post we'll define what a bootcamp is, discuss the main similarities and differences between bootcamps and a traditional college education and identify some concrete ways that a bootcamp can improve your skillset and deepen your education.

What is an online bootcamp?

An online bootcamp is a short-term, intensive educational program that focuses on teaching students the practical skills they need to succeed in their chosen field.

The aim of an educational bootcamp is to get you up to speed in your chosen field as quickly and efficiently as possible.

By contrast, traditional education models often emphasize theory over practice, and can take years to complete.

The primary benefit of choosing a bootcamp over a traditional college education is the time commitment.

While a four-year degree can take upwards of eight years to complete if you factor in taking classes part-time, most bootcamps can be completed in a number of weeks or less.

This condensed timeline means that you can get started in your chosen field much sooner.

Another major benefit of bootcamps is that they are typically geared towards practical, hands-on learning. This emphasis on real-world applications can give you an edge over your traditional college-educated peers when it comes time to enter the workforce.

So if you’re looking for a quicker, more efficient way to get started in your career, a bootcamp may be the right choice for you.

Online bootcamp vs. college: what are the differences and similarities?

There are a few key ways in which an online bootcamp differs from traditional education models, like college academics:

They're shorter — Most bootcamps are only weeks long, compared to the four years (or more) you'll spend in college. This has the advantage of getting you into the workforce faster, but the reduced time frame also means that there's less time to absorb all the material. They're cheaper — Bootcamps cost less than what you would pay for tuition, room and board at a traditional university. They're more specialized — While you can study just about anything at college, bootcamps tend to focus on specific, in-demand skills. This makes bootcamps a great option if you know what field you want to get into but need some help getting there. They're focused — Rather than covering a broad range of subjects, bootcamps laser in on the specific skills and knowledge you need to succeed in your chosen field, perfect for students in the middle of a career change.

On the other hand, there are also some similarities between bootcamps and college:

You'll still have to put in the hard work — Bootcamps are intensive, and you'll need to be prepared to devote yourself fully to your studies. The benefit of all this hard work is  a well-earned, industry-recognized  certification that helps take your career to the next level. You'll be learning from experts — At a bootcamp, you'll be taught by industry leaders who are passionate about their craft and want to share their knowledge with you. Just because the program is more condensed, doesn't mean the quality of instruction is any less. You'll be part of a community — One of the great things about bootcamps is the built-in support system. You'll be surrounded by people who are going through the same experience as you, and you can lean on each other for motivation and advice. This community will continue long after you graduate, given the peer support networks that the best bootcamps always offer. It's a great investment — Much like any form of education, an online bootcamp is an investment in your future. While there is a cost associated with attending a bootcamp, it's often less than the cost of four years of college. Plus, you'll be able to start earning money sooner and begin recouping your investment.

The factors above are just some of the ways in which today's best self-paced bootcamps offer a different, valuable alternative to traditional education.

How can an online bootcamp improve my skillset?

Here are some of the most important bootcamp benefits:

Learn industry-specific skills

Attending a bootcamp will teach you the specific skills you need to succeed in your chosen field. Instead of a more generalized approach to learning, you'll be able to focus on developing the skills that are most relevant to your chosen career.

While traditional education aims to provide a more rounded approach to certain fields, the bootcamp model is designed to prepare you for work in a specific area. This makes it ideal for those who know what they want to do and are looking for a way to make their dream a reality.

Get hands-on experience

One of the key benefits of a bootcamp is that you'll gain practical experience working with different technologies and tools. This is essential for helping you transition into your new role and feel confident using the new skills that you've learned.

As qualifications become more ubiquitous, employers increasingly seek candidates who have the ability to hit the ground running and add value from day one.

Participate in a  supportive community

When you attend a bootcamp, you'll be surrounded by like-minded individuals all working towards the same goal. This can provide you with a great support network and help to keep you motivated throughout the program.

The bootcamp environment is very supportive, with everyone working towards a common goal. This can be extremely motivating and will help you to stay on track during the program. In addition, your fellow students will be a great source of support and motivation.

Enjoy a network of contacts

At a bootcamp, you'll meet people from all walks of life who can help you in your career journey. These contacts can provide you with valuable advice and support, and may even be able to help you secure your first job after graduation.

Transition into a new career

If you're looking for a change of pace, a bootcamp can be the perfect way to transition into a new career. Bootcamps offer intensive, immersive programs that can help you to learn the skills you need to succeed in a new field.

Afford your own participation

While the cost of a bootcamp can vary, it's often more affordable than traditional four-year colleges. In addition, many bootcamps offer financing options and scholarships to help offset the cost.

Participate when you choose

If you're looking for a more flexible education option, a bootcamp might be right for you. Bootcamps typically offer part-time and online programs, so you can continue working while you learn.

Take the next step in your career

If you're ready to take your career to the next level, a bootcamp could be the right choice for you. With the skills and knowledge you'll gain, you'll be prepared to pursue new opportunities in your field.

Pace is a market leader in online bootcamps, offering programs in a wide range of subjects, including marketable real-world skill sets like cloud computing and cybersecurity. With our flexible learning options, you can get the education you need to succeed on your own schedule.

A bootcamp is an excellent way to gain new skills and knowledge in a short period of time. If you're ready to start achieving your goals, connect with our Solutions team to learn more about our bootcamp programs.