A Day in the Life of an Online Software Engineering Student

The world of education is evolving fast. More and more aspiring software engineers are choosing to learn online, attracted by the flexibility, affordability, and accessibility of remote programs. In fact, the e-learning market is projected to exceed $370 billion by 2026, according to Global Market Insights.

But what is it actually like to be a full-time student in an online coding bootcamp? How do you stay focused and motivated without the structure of a physical classroom? And what kind of outcomes can online learners expect?

To find out, we interviewed dozens of students and graduates from online software engineering programs across the country. We also spoke with experienced instructors and hiring managers to get their insights on what it takes to succeed as an online learner and job seeker.

Whether you‘re considering enrolling in an online bootcamp yourself or just curious about this increasingly popular path to a software engineering career, here‘s an inside look at a day in the life of an online coding student.

The Online Learning Lifestyle

One of the biggest draws of online education is the ability to learn from anywhere, on your own schedule. For many students, this means fitting in coursework around a full-time job or family care responsibilities.

"I needed a program that would allow me to keep working while I learned, and that‘s exactly what I found," says Alyssa, a recent graduate of an online coding bootcamp. "I would wake up early to get in an hour or two of studying before work, code over my lunch break, and then put in another few hours in the evening after my kids went to bed."

Other online learners take a more immersive approach, structuring their days around coursework as they would a traditional full-time program. "I treated my online bootcamp like a 9-to-5 job," says Marcus, who completed a remote software engineering course last year. "I‘d wake up, have breakfast, and then sit down and code for several hours, taking regular breaks throughout the day."

While the specifics may vary, most online students spend 20-30 hours per week on coursework, with some accelerated or intensive programs requiring up to 60+ hours per week. A typical day might include:

• Watching video lectures and demonstrations
• Reading technical articles and documentation
• Completing coding exercises and projects
• Participating in group discussions and pair programming sessions
• Attending live-streamed Q&A sessions with instructors
• Working on real-world projects for a portfolio

Many online programs are self-paced, meaning students can progress through the material as quickly or slowly as they like. However, this format requires a high degree of discipline and self-motivation. "You have to be very proactive about managing your time and holding yourself accountable," Marcus notes. "No one is going to be looking over your shoulder making sure you‘re putting in the work."

Maintaining Momentum

Indeed, staying engaged and motivated is one of the biggest challenges of learning online. Without the camaraderie of classmates or the watchful eye of an in-person instructor, it‘s all too easy to fall behind or get discouraged.

"There were definitely times when I felt isolated and wondered if I was cut out for this," recalls Jamie, who completed an online full-stack development program. "Imposter syndrome is real, and it can be tough to push through those moments of doubt when you‘re learning solo."

So how do successful online students stay on track? Here are some of their top tips:

• Set clear goals and create a schedule. Treat your coursework like a job and block off dedicated time for it in your calendar. Set specific, achievable goals for each study session to keep yourself focused.

• Find an accountability buddy. Partner up with a fellow student or friend who can help keep you motivated and on track. Check in with each other regularly to report on your progress and challenges.

• Take frequent breaks. Avoid burnout by stepping away from your screen at regular intervals. Go for a walk, do some stretches, or chat with a friend. Your brain will thank you.

• Celebrate your wins. Learning to code is hard work, so be sure to acknowledge your progress along the way. Treat yourself to a favorite snack or activity when you complete a tough assignment or master a new skill.

• Reach out for help when you need it. Don‘t suffer in silence if you‘re stuck on a problem or feeling overwhelmed. Reach out to your instructors, classmates, or online forums for guidance and moral support.

"It‘s important to remember that everyone struggles sometimes," Jamie adds. "The key is to keep showing up and putting in the effort, even when it feels hard. Consistency is everything."

The Skills You‘ll Learn

So what can you expect to learn in an online software engineering program? The curricula vary, but most cover both front-end and back-end development, as well as tools and best practices used in the industry.

A typical online coding bootcamp might include instruction in:

• HTML, CSS, and JavaScript for building webpages
• React, Angular, or Vue for creating dynamic user interfaces
• Node.js and Express for server-side programming
• Python or Ruby on Rails for back-end development
• SQL and NoSQL databases like MySQL, MongoDB, or PostgreSQL
• Git and GitHub for version control
• Agile software development methodologies

In addition to these technical skills, online students also develop important "soft skills" like problem-solving, communication, and collaboration. Many programs include group projects and pair programming exercises to help students learn to work effectively in a team, even from a distance.

"I was initially worried that I would miss out on the collaborative aspect of learning by studying online," says Eduardo, a current student in a remote software engineering bootcamp. "But I‘ve been pleasantly surprised by how much I‘ve been able to connect with my classmates through video calls, chat, and online collaboration tools. In some ways, it‘s actually easier to pair program virtually than in person."

Of course, the level of interaction and support can vary widely between programs. It‘s important to do your research and choose a bootcamp that offers a robust online community and opportunities to connect with instructors and peers.

Outcomes and Opportunities

So what kind of outcomes can online software engineering students expect? According to a 2019 report from Course Report, graduates of online coding bootcamps had an average starting salary of $66,964, and 84% were employed in a job requiring the technical skills they learned within 6 months of graduation.

"I was able to land a job as a full-stack developer within a month of finishing my online program," says Alyssa. "The skills I learned were directly applicable to what employers were looking for, and the portfolio I built during the course gave me a lot to talk about in interviews."

Many online programs also offer career services to help students navigate the job search process, such as resume reviews, mock interviews, and virtual networking events. Some even have partnerships with tech companies to help place graduates in entry-level roles.

However, it‘s important to note that completing an online bootcamp is not a guarantee of employment. As with any educational program, much depends on the individual student‘s skills, effort, and job search strategy.

"You get out of it what you put into it," advises Marcus. "The bootcamp can teach you the skills and help connect you with opportunities, but it‘s ultimately up to you to put in the work and make it happen."

Is an Online Program Right for You?

So is an online software engineering bootcamp the right path for you? It depends on your learning style, goals, and life circumstances. Here are some factors to consider:

• Flexibility: Online programs offer more flexibility and convenience than in-person options, making them a good fit for students who need to balance coursework with a job or family obligations. However, this format also requires more self-discipline and intrinsic motivation.

• Cost: Online bootcamps tend to be more affordable than their in-person counterparts, with tuition typically ranging from $5,000 to $20,000. Some programs also offer deferred tuition or income share agreements, allowing students to pay nothing upfront and only start making payments once they land a job in the field.

• Time commitment: Most online programs require a significant time investment, with students typically dedicating 20-30 hours per week to coursework over several months. Some accelerated or immersive programs may require up to 60-80 hours per week.

• Learning style: Online learning is a highly independent and self-directed experience. If you thrive on face-to-face interaction and need a lot of structure and accountability, you may find an in-person program a better fit.

• Career goals: If your ultimate goal is to land a job as a software engineer, be sure to choose a program with a strong track record of graduate employment and robust career support services.

Ultimately, the decision to pursue an online software engineering education is a highly personal one. It‘s important to do your research, weigh the pros and cons, and choose a program that aligns with your goals and learning style.

Ready to Code?

Learning software engineering online can be a challenging but rewarding journey. It requires hard work, dedication, and a willingness to step outside your comfort zone. But for many students, the payoff is well worth the effort.

"Completing my online bootcamp was one of the hardest and most transformative experiences of my life," reflects Jamie. "It opened up so many doors for me and gave me the skills and confidence to pursue a career I‘m truly passionate about. I wake up excited to code every day now."

If you‘re considering taking the leap into an online software engineering program, know that you‘re not alone. Thousands of students have successfully made the transition to a fulfilling tech career through online learning. With the right mindset, resources, and support, you can too.

Ready to start your own coding journey? Check out our online software engineering bootcamp and take the first step towards an exciting new career in tech. Your future self will thank you.