Coding courses or the new tech snake oil
Published on
Photo by Pixabay
I usually tend to ignore the ads barrage that’s popping up all over my online space, not paying too much attention especially to those laying claim that teach coding to beginners. But lately, I have noticed a surge not only in their frequency but, more significally, in the signs that many of them are most probably scams. Let’s try to take a look at some of these signs that can help to distinguish scams definitively from potentially legitimate programs.
Before we dive in and while some of my words may come across as harsh, please consider that I don’t think all coding courses or bootcamps are “coming to get us.” There are more than plenty legit programs out there that can teach important skills to both beginners and experienced professionals alike. Paid or free, developed by professionals or hobbyists these programs allow for people to dive into the tech world and follow their newfound passion, for profit or fun.
However, as the allure of a quick and easy path to a lucrative career is undeniable, there are individuals out there that take advantage of the situation in which some people find themselves in by promising them quick and effortless ways of making a lot of money in tech, only to scam them out of their savings or their hopes for a new career. Numerous online ads promise individuals they can master the fundamentals of coding and land a high-paying job in just a matter of weeks. However, it’s crucial to approach these claims with skepticism, as many of them are nothing more than snake oil sales.
The discussion here extends beyond only financial scams that vanish with your finances and hopes. It also refers to programs that, despite their huge promises, deliver little to nothing, yet operate as pathways to good tech jobs. Such programs not only fail to provide the necessary introduction, skills or knowledge but also perpetuate a cycle of false hope and disappointment for aspiring tech professionals.
1. Unrealistic Promises
Often, ads for dubious online programs make sweeping statements about the earning potential of aspiring programmers without providing any concrete evidence to back up their bold claims. For instance, they may use phrases like “unlimited earning potential” or “become a six-figure dev in no time.” Such exaggerated promises must raise red flags, as they suggest a lack of transparency.
Another unrealistic promise that is trending is the “guaranteed job after course ending.” No one genuinely guarantee employment as, belive it or not, high paying jobs are hard to get in tech (even harder in todays industry state). To put in perspective how farfetched this statement is, nowadays there are plenty of companied, FAANG companies, that disclose to their future interns that no guaranteed job awaits them at the end of their internship, regardless of their performance. This is because, at this moment in the tech industry, budgets are hard to predict. Hell, many seasoned professionals fail referred job interviews for plenty of reasons, so guaranteeing jobs is a definitely an outright false claim.
2. Lack of Transparency
Reputable programming education providers typically provide very detailed information about their instructors, curriculum, and teaching methodologies. However, shady programs often lack such transparency, offering minimal details about the actual content or qualifications of the instructors.
Tip: Always research the instructors online. If you don’t find enough information about them and their own education or experience, is prudent to stay clear. Also remember that proficiency in coding does not necessarily mean great teaching skills. Please consider the implications of entrusting your education and eventual career to someone that does not care about you and is only interested only in getting your money.
Please keep in mind that there are a lot of experienced developers that are not great teachers. So, imagine how good of a teacher someone you don’t find anything about. That’s why, try to avoid putting your education and future in the hands of someone that cannot lead you through this already difficult learning process.
3. Fast Track
These programs often emphasize the speed at which individuals can learn programming, rather than the quality of the education they will receive. They may tout unrealistic timeframes, such as “mastering of coding in 20 days”. This emphasis on speed over substance is a hallmark of scams. Please consider that are engineers out there that dedicate their lives to study computer science topics in general and programming in particular.
Make no mistake, reading a book or watching some videos will not make anyone a programmer over night. It requires a significant amount of self-paced work, which takes time, dedication and curiosity.
It’s fair for programs to introduce you to coding fundamentals, but it’s ultimately up to you to put in the effort to master them.
4. Unrealistic Pricing
Beware of coding scams that lure with unrealistically low prices. Quality programming education demands some kind of investments, whether in time or money. Offers promising mastery at minimal cost often turn out to be deceptive, lacking substance or proper guidance. Remember, genuine learning requires dedication and resources, and shortcuts often lead to disappointment.
5. Pressure
As any other scam, learn programming programs often create a sense of urgency, urging potential students to sign up immediately before the “limited-time offer” expires or the price increases. This pressure tactic is designed to prevent individuals from doing their research and making informed decisions.
6. Refund Policy
All established course platforms or programs offer a transparent refund policy, allowing students to request a full refund if they are not satisfied with the course. However, scams have no refund policy or make it difficult to obtain one, leaving students with no recourse if they are unhappy with the course.
I strongly consider that coding or computer engineering is a career that can be followed by anyone at any age. Don’t EVER listen to gatekeepers that want to make it an elite craft. But bare in mind that it requires both continuous learning and work dedication. Anyone suggesting otherwise may have ulterior motives.
Try to find the resources that work best for you, your finances and your learning style. You are trying to get into a new career and sometimes decisions may not be easy to take. Don’t be afraid to seek online for course recommandations or insights on specific learning programs online. You’ll be surprised by the support you receive
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribuition-ShareAlike 4.0 International License .