Want to increase your salary and move from the driver’s seat to the developer’s chair? Coding bootcamps and tech academies are perfect for rideshare drivers and others looking to break out of the gig economy. These programs are often between 12 weeks to 12 months in length and can be a cost-effective way to level up your career.
The best part? You can keep working as a rideshare driver while you earn your Software Engineering or UX Design certification. If you’re ready to make the switch from Uber or Lyft driver to tech professional, these are the 5 things rideshare drivers should know about coding bootcamps.
1 – Coding bootcamps can get you certified to work in tech
What exactly is a coding bootcamp? And, why should you learn to code? Coding bootcamps are certification programs that train you for a career in tech. These bootcamps usually offer a variety of specializations like UX Design, Software Engineering, Data Science, Cybersecurity, and Digital Marketing. At Kenzie Academy, we offer programs in UX Design and Software Engineering and arm our students with both the technical and soft skills needed to land a high-paying job in the industry. Many of our students come from service industry jobs—they find that coding programs allow them to up their earning potential and the ability to transition into in-demand positions.
2 – Learning to code can increase your salary
Ridesharing is a great gig but maybe you’re looking to bring in more cash and gain more mobility on the career ladder. If that’s the case, you may want to consider attending a coding bootcamp because working in tech is very likely to increase your salary. In the U.S., UX Designers have an average base pay of $85,277 per year while Software Engineers bring in an average base pay of $92,046 annually, according to Glassdoor. Kenzie Academy graduates report an average salary increase of 130%, a significant jump that can help one achieve upward economic mobility.
Over the last few months, amidst the pandemic, we’ve seen the ways tech has not only kept our world going but is continuing to grow and change the way we live and solve problems. This demand for innovation isn’t going away anytime soon, which means the demand for tech workers isn’t either. Getting trained for a tech career is a great way to boost your salary and set yourself up for an exciting, innovative career with job security and plenty of opportunities.
3 – You can keep working while doing a coding bootcamp
One of the biggest barriers keeping working adults from pursuing traditional degree programs is the full-time nature and cost of many of these programs. Thankfully, many coding bootcamps offer part-time options or more flexible hours that still allow you to work on your own schedule.
At Kenzie, we know you’re busy and rideshare driving is a full-time gig for loads of folks. That’s why we offer a 6-month, part-time UX Design program. It was created with working adults in mind so you can commit to fulfilling your future career goals and keep making money moves as a rideshare driver in the process. It’s a win-win in our book!
4 – Coding bootcamps are more affordable than traditional higher education
These programs are perfect for rideshare drivers because they allow you to keep making money while their cheaper price tag also means you’re saving it. Cost shouldn’t be a barrier to pursuing higher education and, thanks to the plethora of coding bootcamps out there nowadays, it no longer is. This is great news for those who are ready to go back to school as working adults but feel intimidated by the cost.
No matter what your educational background or tech experience is, a coding bootcamp could help you level up at a fraction of the cost. At Kenzie, our 12-month Software Engineering program is $24,000 while our 6-month UX Design program is $10,900. This is cheaper than associate’s, bachelor’s, and master’s degree programs.
5 – Coding bootcamps vary in length and quality
Not all coding bootcamps are created equal. For example, a 6-week program likely won’t be as in-depth as a 12-month program, so each serves a different audience and results in a different type of tech professional. Choosing the right coding bootcamp for you is important to ensure you receive a quality tech education catered to your specific lifestyle needs and career goals.
Before you choose a program, it’s essential to do your research to decide what program will work best for you and your current commitments as a rideshare driver. We encourage you to read reviews from current and former students. You’ll also want to speak to a representative from the school and ask about how graduates are performing in the job market after finishing the program. And finally, be sure to look into the bootcamp’s reputation in the news and on social media. These things can help make your decision-making process a little easier.
What are you waiting for? Drive into your new career by considering a coding bootcamp or tech academy today. Learn more about Kenzie Academy’s Software Engineering and UX Design programs here.
