30-Year-Old Non-CS Major: Bootcamp vs Self-Study Dilemma
I'm 30 with a degree in economics, and I've been seriously considering a career switch to development. Bootcamps are expensive and take up 6 months, but I'm worried about losing direction if I go the self-study route. Friends who've been through bootcamps say networking is key—is that really true? I'd appreciate advice from current professionals.
3 answers
Networking is really important. I also got my first job through a recommendation from people I met during a bootcamp. But self-study is definitely enough, so it's not too late to buy one paid course, try it for three months, and then decide. Since you majored in economics, going into data analysis could be a good option for you.
I changed jobs through self-study in just a year and a half, starting with YouTube and free lectures. If you're afraid of losing direction, try following free roadmaps like 'Naver Boostcourse' or 'Life Coding.' Bootcamps aren't absolutely necessary—consistency matters more. And 30 is definitely not too old.
As a non-CS major who attended a bootcamp at 32, I found that beyond networking, project experience and building a portfolio were really helpful. It's hard to find direction on your own, but bootcamps offer a structured curriculum and job placement support, making them time-efficient. However, the cost can be high, so look into government-funded bootcamps or KDT programs.