Currently I'm a sophomore engineering student at Northwestern University, but I really want to start developing software and web dev skills. Are there any dev bootcamps out there specifically for college students? If not, what are my best options for building a strong skill set this summer (besides self teaching)? This is not to say that I am not/ won't self teach, I'm just looking for something more structured/intense. Thanks
I'm not sure about any programs targeted at college students. Maybe that would be a good niche.<p>I would definitely look into internships through your school, and directly with companies, in web development/ software. This is one place where cs students traditionally learned practical skills anyway, and would also help you with developing a portfolio, building a network/community, and work experience.<p>Here are some sites about bootcamps. One could be a fit, where you'll build a lot and have structure and a community. Talk to graduates before attending, especially if they aren't known as stellar.<p><a href="http://bootcamper.io/" rel="nofollow">http://bootcamper.io/</a>
<a href="http://www.bootcamps.in/" rel="nofollow">http://www.bootcamps.in/</a>
The University of Iowa has a 9 week summer bootcamp that is very reasonably priced at $5000 (compared to Chicago dev boot camp prices I've seen) and is a great place to spend a summer. <a href="http://uipartners.uiowa.edu/deviowa-bootcamp" rel="nofollow">http://uipartners.uiowa.edu/deviowa-bootcamp</a>