An Online IT Course Is Not a University Program. Can It Provide a Strong Start for My IT Career?

Alex’s question:
I heard that online courses are the fastest way to start an IT career. But I’ve never studied online and I have doubts… Are online courses legit? Are they as marketable as offline ones? Is online education as good as what I can find at a university? How does TripleTen ensure I get a quality education?

Our answer:

There is nothing wrong with having questions and doubts about online education. Not all online IT courses are worth your time and money. However, there are also those that deliver excellent knowledge and open doors to impressive career opportunities. Let’s address Alex’s question piece-by-piece.

Are online courses as legit and marketable as offline ones?

In the US, some online education programs have accreditations issued by agencies that are recognized by either the Department of Education or the nonprofit Council for Higher Education Accreditation. But these organizations don’t rate quality. These accreditations only mean that the courses conform to the standards of higher education establishments. They’re good to have, but they don’t guarantee better employment opportunities.

Courses that lack accreditation might be just as useful and well-structured as their accredited counterparts. The crucial parameter to focus on is the graduate success rate. When selecting a program, try to find answers to the following:

• What percentage of students complete the program? 
• How long does it take them to land their first job in IT?
• How many find gainful employment within a few months after graduation?
• What companies hire them?

Top courses share these statistics publicly, and they matter far more than accreditation.

Is online education as good as what I can find at a university?

Good online courses are every bit as good as university degrees. By some metrics, the former even outperforms the latter!

1. Knowledge. You’ll only receive skills with a high practical value — ones that you’ll genuinely need for work. The curriculum won’t include too much theory. Unlike with a university degree, you won’t have to spend years memorizing information that may not end up being useful.

2. Imitation of real-life working conditions. At a university, you’ll spend a lot of time in an academic environment, meaning you won’t get a taste of the IT industry. With focused online education, you’ll learn what it’s really like to work in IT. 

At TripleTen, we know that tech companies use sprints, two- to three-week planned periods of work focused on a tangible outcome. That’s why we have divided our learning process into sprints as well. 

The better versed you are in day-to-day working practices, the more confidence you’ll have when you start.

3. Good networking opportunities. In this aspect, it’s a tie. The more interactive the online course, the better networking opportunities it provides.

4. Good employment opportunities. In the 2020s, grads of top bootcamps tend to have higher tech employment rates than those from the Ivy League. In addition, studies show that bootcamp graduates earn 12% more than people with college degrees, and 87% of TripleTen students get hired within 180 days.

5. Money-back guarantee. Some online courses offer this peace of mind. Universities don’t. For example, if you fail to get a job within six months of graduating TripleTen, we will refund 100% of your tuition.

How does TripleTen ensure I get a quality education? 

To make sure every student gets enough attention and profound knowledge, we involve many different types of people in the educational process. Tutors will teach you tech skills, but you’ll also be in touch with code reviewers who’ll provide you with feedback. Tech support will help you with the tools, and community managers will guide you through the program. Finally, career coaches will do their best to make sure you get hired. Meanwhile, senior students will share their experiences and wisdom with you. 

All TripleTen programs feature hands-on projects. You’ll build real-life digital products that you’ll be able to include in your portfolio. When choosing candidates without previous work experience, employers thoroughly explore their portfolios. 

Our students can also join externships in which they get hands-on experience on real-life projects. Read our externship case studies with Permits.com, Arqlite, Allcorrect Games, and Prepare4VC!

Finally, Practicum has been recognized as one of the top coding bootcamps. Check Career Karma, Switchup and Course Report to read our graduates’ reviews!

To sum up, a high-quality online IT course is worth your time and money, and sometimes, even more so than four-year universities. You’ll acquire valuable tech skills, receive career guidance, and make your first industry connections. When you start looking for a job, employers will take you seriously. Read other student stories and see for yourself.