Latest / The Career Change Podcast with Fexingo: Switching Fields, Bootcamps, and Reskilling / How Bootcamp Grads Can Break Into EdTech
Transcript
- Lucas: So, Luna, you remember that barista who used to make our orders at that coffee shop near the studio? The one who always asked about our podcast. Luna: Yeah, the guy with the glasses and the encyclopedic knowledge of espresso blends. What about him? Lucas: He just landed a job as a learning experience designer at one of the big online course platforms. Six months after finishing a coding bootcamp. And his story is a perfect example of how bootcamp grads can break into edtech. Luna: That's a leap. From latte art to learning management systems. How did he pull that off? Lucas: Well, for starters, he didn't just learn to code. He focused on the intersection of tech and education. He took electives in user experience, and he built a project that simulated an interactive language-learning app. He even wrote a short paper on how cognitive load theory should shape the design. Luna: So he showed he understood the pedagogy, not just the code. That's a big deal because a lot of edtech companies are looking for people who can bridge both worlds. Lucas: Exactly. And that's the angle we want to dig into today. The edtech sector is hungry for talent, but it's not just about being a good programmer. It's about understanding how people learn and how to build tools that actually help them. Luna: And with schools and companies investing heavily in online learning, the demand is only growing. I've seen stats showing the global edtech market is expected to hit hundreds of billions in the next few years. Lucas: Right. But let's get specific. What are the actual roles that bootcamp grads can target? It's not just 'developer' anymore. There's learning experience designer, which is what our barista friend does. There's also learning engineer, data analyst for learning platforms, and even product manager for educational software. Luna: And each of those roles has a slightly different flavor. What does a learning experience designer actually do day to day? Lucas: Think of them as the architects of the learning journey. They design the flow of a course, the interactions, the assessments. They work with subject matter experts, but they also need to understand the technical constraints. So knowing how to build a quick prototype in HTML or JavaScript is a huge plus. Luna: And that's where a bootcamp skill set comes in handy. You don't need to be a senior engineer, but you need to be able to speak the language and turn a storyboard into a clickable demo. Lucas: Exactly. And that's what set our barista friend apart. He didn't just have a portfolio of websites. He had a portfolio of learning experiences. He built a demo that taught basic Spanish vocabulary using spaced repetition, and he even A/B tested two different layouts. Luna: That's a great way to show you understand both the tech and the learning science. A/B testing shows you care about outcomes, not just aesthetics. Lucas: And that's what we want to focus on this episode. How can bootcamp grads position themselves for edtech roles? Let's break it down. Lucas: First, you need to understand the landscape. Edtech companies range from massive platforms like Coursera and Udemy to smaller startups focusing on niche subjects like language learning or test prep. There are also companies that build tools for schools, like learning management systems. Luna: So it's not just about consumer-facing apps. There's a whole B2B side where you're building software for teachers and administrators. That brings different challenges. Lucas: Right, and that's where your bootcamp training can shine. You might not have a degree in education, but you can learn the basics of instructional design. There are even free courses on that. And you can apply that knowledge to your projects. Luna: Also, don't overlook the value of your own learning experience. As a bootcamp grad, you've just lived through an intense learning journey. You know what works and what doesn't in terms of pacing, feedback, and motivation. Lucas: That's a powerful insight. You can literally say, 'I recently went through a rigorous learning program, and I have ideas on how to improve it.' That's a unique perspective that many experienced engineers don't have. Lucas: Now, let's talk about the skills that are in demand. Obviously, coding is important, but so is data analysis. Many edtech companies are using learning analytics to understand how students interact with their content. If you can analyze that data and derive insights, you're valuable. Luna: So a bootcamp that teaches SQL and Python can be a good foundation. And then you can learn about specific metrics like completion rates, time spent, and assessment scores. Lucas: Exactly. And there's also a growing need for people who can integrate AI into learning platforms. Think personalized learning paths, adaptive quizzes, even chatbots for student support. If you have even a basic understanding of machine learning concepts, you can contribute. Luna: But let's be real. Breaking into any new field is tough. What are some common mistakes bootcamp grads make when trying to get into edtech? Lucas: One big mistake is treating it like any other tech job. They apply to 'software engineer' roles without realizing that edtech is mission-driven. Companies want to see that you care about education. If you don't mention why you're passionate about learning, you're just another developer. Luna: So they need to tailor their resume and cover letter to highlight any teaching, tutoring, or mentoring experience. Even volunteering to teach kids to code counts. Lucas: Another mistake is not building a portfolio that speaks to the domain. If you're applying for a learning experience designer role, showing a generic e-commerce app won't cut it. You need to show that you can design for learning. Lucas: And that's where the bootcamp community can help. Many bootcamps have alumni networks, and some even have specialized tracks or electives in edtech. If yours doesn't, you can create your own study group or collaborate on projects with others who share your interest. Luna: Networking is huge. I've seen stories of people getting interviews just by reaching out to edtech professionals on LinkedIn and asking for informational interviews. It's not about asking for a job, but about learning and showing genuine interest. Lucas: And that leads to a broader point. The edtech community is relatively small and tight-knit. People are passionate about what they do. If you're authentic and show you care, you'll stand out. Luna: Before we go further, I want to step back and acknowledge something. We're able to have these conversations and help our listeners navigate their career moves because of the support we get from a few listeners who chip in monthly on buy me a coffee dot com slash fexingo. It's a small group, but it's what keeps this show ad-free and allows us to dive deep into topics like this. Lucas: Yeah, it's a direct listener-funding model. No corporate sponsors, no ads reading scripts. Just people who value the content and want to keep it going. If that's something you're inclined to do, we'd be grateful. But no pressure – the show stays free either way. Luna: And it genuinely makes a difference. It allows us to spend time on research and bring you stories like the barista's. So thanks to those who already support us. Now, back to edtech. Lucas: So, let's talk about some specific job titles you might see on job boards. Besides learning experience designer, there's 'learning engineer,' which is a hybrid role that combines software engineering with instructional design. They build the actual tools and platforms that deliver content. Luna: And there's also roles like 'product manager' for edtech products. That's a great fit if you have a bootcamp background and you're more interested in the business side, thinking about user needs and market fit. Lucas: Right. And for those who love data, there's 'learning analytics specialist.' They work with massive datasets to understand how students learn and to recommend improvements to courses. That's a growing field as institutions move to competency-based education. Luna: So there's a lot of variety. But how should bootcamp grads approach their job search? Should they focus on specific companies? Lucas: I'd say cast a wide net but tailor your applications. Look for companies that align with your values. For example, if you're passionate about accessibility in education, target companies that are working on tools for students with disabilities. That kind of alignment comes through in interviews. Luna: And don't forget to highlight any side projects that show your commitment to education. Even if it's just building a simple flashcard app for your own language learning, it shows initiative. Lucas: Absolutely. The key is to not just think of yourself as a coder, but as someone who can solve educational problems with technology. That's the mindset that will get you in the door. Lucas: Let's also touch on the importance of staying current. Edtech is evolving rapidly, especially with AI. Make sure you're reading industry blogs, listening to podcasts like this one, and maybe taking a course on learning theory. It won't take much time, but it'll set you apart. Luna: And one more thing: consider getting involved in edtech communities, like EduTechGuys or the Instructional Designers in EdTech group on Facebook. You can learn a lot and even find mentors. Lucas: That's great advice. So, to wrap up, breaking into edtech from a bootcamp is totally doable if you combine your technical skills with a genuine understanding of how people learn. Show that in your portfolio, your resume, and your interviews, and you'll be on your way. Luna: And remember, our barista friend didn't have a traditional tech background, but he had a vision and he executed. You can do the same. Lucas: Exactly. So, if you're considering edtech, start by exploring the roles that excite you, build a portfolio that demonstrates your learning design skills, and get involved in the community. The opportunities are there, and the time is right. Luna: And as always, we're cheering for you. Thanks for listening. Lucas: We'll see you next time.