Springboard Review 2024

Choosing the right educational platform for career advancement is a crucial decision. Moreover, as the digital world keeps evolving rapidly, professionals are looking for ways to stay ahead of the curve. One popular option is Springboard, an online platform that prepares students for a new career or an upgrade of their skills in tech.

It offers a variety of courses, workshops, and mentor-guided learning experiences in fields such as data science, software engineering, and UX-UI design.

The Springboard program combines expert student support with flexible, self-paced learning, enabling students to progress at their own speed, balancing their commitments to work, family, and personal life.

And in addition to a mentor-led course schedule, the platform also provides students with access to a supportive community of like-minded individuals, as well as resources for networking and job search assistance after completing their courses.

In this discussion, we will delve deeper into the benefits and drawbacks of the Springboard bootcamp, to help potential students assess if it is a worthwhile investment.

To determine if it is worth it for the Springboard student we will evaluate various aspects of the platform, including the quality of the curriculum, the effectiveness of its mentorship program, the student operations support provided during and the after course completion, and the success rate of graduates in securing job placements or upskilling in their careers.

This examination will help you make an informed conclusion on the overall value of Springboard in providing the technical and business thinking skills needed for a data analytics, software engineering, or UX design career track.

What is Springboard

The Springboard BootCamp is a well-established online learning platform that offers a variety of courses in high-demand fields like data science, design, data analytics, and software engineering. Their courses cater to learners seeking to enhance their skills, make a major career shift, or acquire new experience and expert

The platform distinguishes itself by providing a high level of mentorship and personalized support, which also help students acquire baseline soft skills centered around a career as a sales development representative. Each student is paired with a career coach or mentor, an industry expert who offers guidance throughout the learning process.

This approach allows learners to grasp complex concepts more effectively and receive tailored feedback on their work. Moreover, the Springboard curriculum is designed in collaboration with professionals from leading companies, ensuring that it remains current and relevant to industry standards.

The courses often include real-world projects, enabling students to gain hands-on experience and showcase their abilities to potential employers.

Moreover, Springboard presents a flexible learning environment, allowing students to access the course content at their convenience. This self-paced learning makes it an excellent choice for those looking to balance their education with other commitments.

One notable aspect of Springboard is its job guarantee program. For selected programs, such as UI UX design, if a student is unable to secure a job within six months of graduation, they are entitled to a full refund of their tuition fees.

This highlights the platform’s exceptional level of confidence in the quality of its courses and the marketability of its graduates.

Springboard Features

To meet the demands of preparing you for your tech career track, the Springboard BootCamp brings to bear a number of great features. To better understand the bootcamp, it is important to delve deeper into these features, taking a look at their strengths and the value they provide.

We have already touched briefly on Springboard’s courses; we will soon do some more of that, looking especially at the relevant ones to the data engineering career track, data science career track, cyber security career track, and the software engineering career track. We will also talk about the other features, including pricing, learning and program quality, and teaching approach.

Quality of Learning

Each student begins their journey with Springboard by selecting a career track that aligns with their interests and aspirations, be it the data analytics career track or the tech sales career track.

The quality of the training and tutorship they get is a major determining factor of their chances in the job market and their performance in relevant fields. We will now briefly overview the tech fields in which a Springboard student can get training.

Data Science and Analytics

Springboard offers comprehensive courses in Data Science and Analytics, with a focus on key skills like Python, SQL, and data visualization.

Each student benefits from a dedicated student advisor who is an industry expert, and he/she gets to work on real-world projects in preparation for a successful career as a Data Analyst, Data/Software Engineer, or Machine Learning Engineer.

Introduction to data analytics is one of the main courses available for beginners; especially for students making a career transition into the field, it offers basic insight into the data science process.

These courses incorporate a combination of practical exercises, case studies, and interactive coding sessions to deliver an in-depth understanding of data analysis and data-driven decision-making.

UI/UX Design

For those interested in the UI and UX career track, the UI/UX Design courses, students develop a strong foundation in user interface and user experience design principles, tools, and techniques. They are guided by industry professionals and learn through real-world projects, equipping them with the skills needed to excel in the competitive field of UI and UX design.

Here, the platform prepares students for the UX career track with courses on how to conduct user research and spot design problems in a UI, build high-fidelity mockups, create prototypes, wire-frame, and sketch solutions. Students are also taught to maximize user experience by using UI elements to create optimum designs.

Software Engineering

The Software Engineering courses at Springboard help students become proficient in programming languages such as JavaScript, React, and testing methodologies.

With extensive guidance from an experienced software engineer as a teaching assistant and personal mentor, each student works on building comprehensive coding projects, learning best practices in software development, and understanding the underlying principles of modern web applications.

Between all the available courses, the students get a comprehensive tutoring in everything from introductory software engineering basics in HTML, CSS, and Javascript to the more advanced aspects.

The courses are designed to prepare students for a successful career in software engineering, with a focus on both technical skills and problem-solving abilities.

Cyber Security

The Springboard Bootcamp Cyber Security courses focus preparing students for the cyber security career track with a constantly updated curriculum, flexible learning, and mentor-led course structures.

Cyber security career track training lasts up to 6 months and covers such areas as IT project management, host-based security, application security, security assessment and testing, identity and access management, network security, security and operations (SecOps).

The program also covers other such critical aspects of securing an organization’s digital assets, such as risk management and incident response.

Students gain a strong understanding of cybersecurity principles and practices, enabling them to identify, prevent, and mitigate cyber threats.

Tech Sales

The Tech Sales courses offered by Springboard provide students with the knowledge and skills needed to excel in the competitive world of technology sales.

Students learn the fundamental business statistics concepts and skills needed for selling tech products and services, building effective tech sales strategies, and forging strong relationships with clients and customers.

The curriculum is designed around real-world sales scenarios, providing students with practical experience and insights into the tech sales process.

Digital Marketing

Springboard’s Digital Marketing courses help students gain a solid understanding of digital marketing strategies, tactics, and tools that are essential for driving online business success. The courses cover key topics such as branding and online marketing, including social media and content marketing, as well as market plan building for products or companies as capstone projects.

There are also courses in search engine optimization (SEO), and analytics. Very importantly, students learn how to use metrics and measurement tools to understand their customer base, as well as to optimize their conversion rates via organic or paid channels.

These are skills that can come in handy in other fields; for instance, a tech sales student would find an additional digital marketing program useful. Additionally, Students get to work on real-world projects and case studies to develop digital marketing proficiency, preparing them for a career in this rapidly evolving field. And

Teaching Approach and Curriculum

According to numerous Springboard reviews, the curriculum offered by the platform is comprehensive, up-to-date, and designed to provide students with a strong foundation for their careers. The curriculum is constantly updated to keep up with industry trends and technologies.

For example, the data science bootcamp covers all core data science concepts, such as machine learning, data visualization, and data analysis. Similarly, the software engineering bootcamp covers everything from coding languages to software development methodologies.

Mentorship

Springboard’s teaching approach emphasizes the importance of mentorship, so students are introduced to a personal mentor who guides them through the curriculum, providing support and valuable industry insights.

For instance, a cyber security career track student will be paired with a skilled cybersecurity mentor. These mentors offer guidance and support, ensuring that each student receives personal attention tailored to their unique needs. Rather than solely focusing on theoretical knowledge, these mentor-led online programs also emphasize practical learning.

Students are allowed to work on projects that closely mirror the type of work they’ll be doing in their respective industries. This could include building a software application from scratch in the software engineering career track or executing a full-cycle data analysis project, for those in the data science journey.

The one-on-one mentorship is a crucial element of the Springboard experience, which aims to bridge the gap between online learning and real-world application. It is also one of the most sought-after features that sets Springboard apart from other online learning platforms.

The emphasis on practical work is beneficial in two significant ways. First, it allows students to apply what they’re learning in a practical context, reinforcing their understanding of the subject matter.

Second, it provides students with a portfolio of work that they can showcase to potential employers in their new career, demonstrating their capability to execute real-world tasks. Many Springboard reviews indicate that these practical projects played a crucial role in helping them secure jobs after graduation.

The platform also recognizes that landing a job requires more than just technical competence. You need both technical and communication skills, which your platform’s personal student advisor will teach you and gauge through a technical skills survey.

Part-Time and Self-Paced Learning

Springboard’s curriculum is designed to be flexible and cater to the needs of working professionals. The part-time structure allows students to balance their studies with other commitments, while the self-paced learning format enables them to progress through the material at their own speed.

This approach ensures that every learner can make the most of their educational experience without being overwhelmed or left behind.

Capstone Projects

One of the key components of Springboard’s curriculum is the inclusion of capstone projects. A capstone project gives students the opportunity to apply the skills and knowledge they have gained throughout the course to real-world scenarios.

The projects are designed to be challenging and engaging, pushing students to think critically and problem-solve effectively.

Completing a capstone project not only demonstrates a thorough understanding of the subject matter but also serves as tangible evidence of a student’s capabilities when applying for jobs or making professional advancements.

Job Guarantee and Career Support

In addition to a robust curriculum, Springboard also offers a range of career services to students. These include personalized career coaching, job search strategy sessions, and resume and LinkedIn profile reviews.

These services are designed to help students acquire the necessary skills and land a job in their chosen field. For example, career coaches can help students craft a successful job strategy, build a professional network, and find the right companies to apply to.

They also offer guidance on crafting a perfect resume and LinkedIn profile and tips on how to ace job interviews and negotiate salaries.

Career Coaching

Springboard offers dedicated career coaching to its students, focusing on personalized guidance for each individual. Career coaches assist students with various aspects of their job search, including resume and LinkedIn profile review, interview preparation, and job application strategy.

During the career track courses, students have access to one-on-one meetings with their assigned career coach, allowing for tailored support and advice based on their specific needs and goals.

It’s important to note that the Springboard job guarantee depends on the student’s active participation in the career support services. To be eligible for the guarantee, students must work closely with their career coach, attend networking events, and fulfill the outlined requirements.

Networking Support

In addition to career coaching, Springboard provides networking support for its students. They connect students with a community of peers, mentors, and alumni, enabling them to expand their professional network and gain valuable insights into the industry.

Springboard also hosts events, webinars, and meetups, offering students opportunities to learn from experts and make connections that could lead to potential job offers.

Students who actively engage in networking support, as well as utilize all the career services provided by Springboard, have a higher chance of finding a job after completing their course.

In many Springboard reviews, and on almost every springboard review site, students attribute their success in landing a job offer to the practical skills they acquired during the course, as well as the extensive support provided by career coaches and the Springboard community.

Overall, Springboard’s job guarantee and career support offerings play a significant role in helping students succeed in their desired career paths.

By providing tailored career coaching and networking opportunities, they ensure students have the resources necessary to secure a job in their chosen field.

Cost and Financing Options

To enable the program to reach the most people, it has to be made affordable. Here, we will look at the bootcamp’s tuition and pricing structure.

Upfront and Deferred Tuition

Springboard offers a variety of payment options for its students to ease the financial burden. Students can choose between upfront tuition payments and deferred tuition plans.

For those who can afford it, upfront payment typically results in a lower overall cost. This option allows students to pay the full tuition cost before starting the program.

For students who might need more flexibility, Springboard provides deferred tuition. This plan allows students to begin their studies without making any upfront payment. Instead, they will start paying back the tuition after securing a job in their field of study.

With this option, students pay a portion of their salary for a fixed period after gaining employment. This plan aligns the interests of the student and the program, as payment is tied to successful job placement.

Scholarships

Understanding that some students may need additional support, Springboard also offers scholarships to eligible individuals. These scholarships are awarded based on factors such as financial need, merit, and belonging to underrepresented groups in the tech industry.

To apply for a scholarship, students must submit an application and meet the eligibility criteria.

Various scholarships offered by Springboard include:

●     Women in Tech Scholarships: Designed to support women and gender non-conforming individuals pursuing a career in technology.

●     Veterans Scholarships: For military veterans looking to transition into the tech industry.

●     Underrepresented Groups Scholarships: Aimed at supporting individuals from minority backgrounds or those who have faced adversity.

Springboard’s commitment to making education accessible is demonstrated through these various financing options and scholarships. By offering diverse payment plans and scholarships, the program ensures that students can focus on their studies and future career without being burdened by financial constraints.

Reviews and Feedback of Graduates

Graduates have shared their experiences and opinions on Springboard through various reviews and platforms. Their feedback provides insight into the quality and value of the programs offered.

Many graduates appreciate the personalized mentorship and career coaching provided during their Springboard journey. With access to experts in the field, students have a better understanding of industry expectations and how to achieve their goals.

Mentorship is consistently mentioned as a significant advantage in multiple Springboard reviews.

The flexibility of the online platform is also praised by many graduates. Students can complete their coursework and learn at their own pace, allowing for a better work-life balance. This flexibility is particularly beneficial for those who are already working full-time or have family commitments.

In addition, graduates have commented on the practicality of the curriculum, which includes hands-on projects that are relevant to real-world situations. This practical approach enables students to build a portfolio of work that demonstrates their skills and knowledge.

However, some reviews mention that Springboard may not be suitable for absolute beginners in certain fields. The courses may require a basic understanding of programming concepts or familiarity with certain programming languages.

While Springboard does provide some resources to cover these fundamentals, beginners might find it challenging to grasp the concepts swiftly.

To summarize, graduates’ reviews of Springboard tend to be positive, highlighting the personal mentorship, practical curriculum, and flexibility of the online platform.

Some students may face challenges if they are absolute beginners, but overall, the value and support provided by Springboard appear to be appreciated by many of its graduates.

Eligibility and Enrollment Process

The eligibility criteria for Springboard mainly focus on an individual’s educational background, work experience, and motivation. To be considered, applicants should have a basic understanding of certain subjects relevant to the program they intend to enroll in.

For instance, knowledge in mathematics and programming languages like Python are commonly required.

The enrollment process at Springboard is straightforward. Candidates must first fill out an online application form, providing details about their education, work experience, and reasons for choosing the program.

There might be additional steps for specific courses, such as completing a skills assessment or a pre-work assignment. The admissions team usually reviews applications in a few days and sends out acceptance notifications via email.

Once accepted, students are expected to submit the required enrollment fee. They can then access the Springboard platform and start learning at their own pace. The enrollment process includes support from the

Springboard team, who will guide students through any administrative tasks and provide assistance in choosing the right payment plan, such as monthly or upfront payments, or exploring financing options.

It’s important to note that specific Springboard programs might have different eligibility requirements or additional enrollment steps. Prospective students are encouraged to research individual programs to gain a deeper understanding of the prerequisite knowledge and requirements before applying.

Partnerships

Springboard has established partnerships with leading technology companies, such as Google and Microsoft. These collaborations are valuable as they provide students with additional resources, industry exposure, and a more enriched learning experience.

For example, Springboard offers a course called the Data Analyst Career Track. This program is designed in collaboration with Google to help students master in-demand data analysis skills, using Google Analytics, Sheets, and various other tools.

As a result of this partnership, students can access Google’s resources and learn from professionals working at the forefront of the data analysis field.

Similarly, Springboard has collaborated with Microsoft to create content for its UX Design Career Track. Microsoft’s involvement in the program ensures that aspiring UX designers are exposed to best practices and case studies from one of the world’s leading technology companies.

This collaboration aims to prepare students not just for the job market, but also to adapt to the dynamic technological landscape.

These high-profile partnerships enable Springboard students to tap into a wealth of knowledge, gain hands-on experience, and develop a deep understanding of industry standards.

Furthermore, partnering with prestigious companies such as Google and Microsoft adds credibility and helps position Springboard as a top choice for professionals seeking to upskill and advance their careers in the technology sector.

Springboard in Different Regions

These are some of the regions where Springboard is available.

United States

In the United States, Springboard is an online educational platform available to learners across the country. As a private institution, Springboard provides a variety of courses and programs, particularly focused on the fields of data science, UX design, and software engineering.

They offer a combination of self-paced online study and mentor-led interactions, ideal for those seeking to develop their skills while maintaining flexibility. One notable aspect of Springboard in the US is that they’re certified by the California Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education, ensuring their commitment to quality education.

Some benefits of Springboard in the United States include:

●     Access to a wide network of professional mentors and industry experts

●     Tailored and personalized curriculum based on individual needs

●     Capstone projects that allow students to apply their knowledge in real-world contexts

●     Job guarantee programs and career support services

Canada

In Canada, Springboard also serves as a valuable resource for learners looking to enhance their skills and potentially advance their careers in data science, software engineering, or UX design.

Although Springboard is not accredited by any Canadian educational governing bodies, they still maintain a strong reputation for offering quality online education. Canadian students have access to the same benefits as their US counterparts, including access to industry professionals, personalized curriculum, and the opportunity to work on real-world projects.

Highlights of Springboard in Canada include:

●     Flexibility for Canadian students to study and complete their coursework online

●     Access to experienced professionals and mentors for guidance throughout the learning process

●     In-depth resources and tools for a comprehensive learning experience

●     Job support, including assistance with resume building and interview preparation

Both US and Canadian students can benefit from the offerings and advantages provided by Springboard. However, it’s essential for potential learners to evaluate whether the courses and services provided by Springboard align with their personal and professional goals.

Springboard Pros 👍

✅ Job guarantee Career Tracks and programs ensure the quality of the content and curriculum of the courses.

Springboard’s confidence in their educational offerings is demonstrated by their job guarantee. They have meticulously designed their career tracks and programs focusing on industry demand, ensuring students acquire the necessary skills and knowledge to secure a job in their chosen field.

✅ Realistic projects in the courses and programs help learners gain the practical exposure essential for the job.

The courses incorporate hands-on projects modeled on real-world situations. This helps students understand the application of theoretical knowledge and equips them with practical experience, significantly improving their employability.

✅ Variety of Career track, from Data Science, Software Engineering to Cyber Security Bootcamps.

This broad range of career tracks caters to various interests and career goals. Students can choose the field they are passionate about or where they see the most growth potential.

✅ Active online Springboard Students community.

The active online community of students provides a platform for networking, knowledge sharing, and peer learning. It helps foster a sense of camaraderie and makes the learning journey less isolating.

✅ Some program comes with 7 days no-questions-asked refund policy.

This policy allows students to test the waters and understand the course structure, teaching style, etc., without any financial risk, making enrolling more comfortable.

✅ Weekly video calls with your mentor and unlimited additional 1:1 mentor support.

Regular interaction with mentors allows students to clarify their doubts promptly, gain insights from their mentor’s experience, and get personalized guidance, contributing to a more enriching learning experience.

✅ Detailed Career tracks and program syllabus covering all the important skills.

The comprehensive syllabus covers all the necessary skills for a particular job role. This equips students with the competencies they need to excel in their career.

✅ Flexible payment options.

Different payment options cater to the varied financial capabilities of students, making the courses more accessible.

✅ Mock Interviews to get you well prepared.

Mock interviews help students prepare for actual job interviews by simulating the interview environment. They help students identify their areas of strength and areas that need improvement.

Springboard Cons 👎

❌ Pricing of the Career Tracks and Programs can a bit expensive.

While the courses offer a wealth of knowledge and resources, the cost might be a hurdle for some students. Considering this investment in light of potential career growth and salary hikes is important.

❌ Strict guidance and discipline are required in order to complete the program successfully.

The rigorous nature of the courses demands discipline and dedication from the students. While this ensures comprehensive learning, it might be challenging for some students, especially those juggling other commitments.

❌ Job Guarantee is only available in some countries.

While the job guarantee is a great feature, it’s not accessible to students in all countries. Potential students should check the availability of this feature in their location before enrolling.

Final Thoughts on Springboard Review 2023

Springboard is a powerful platform for anyone looking to break into the tech industry or level up their skills. Its comprehensive, mentor-led courses are designed to teach the necessary technical skills and prepare students for the job search process.

The job guarantee offers an extra layer of security to students. At the same time, the community provides a supportive environment for learning and growth. Springboard is worth considering if you’re willing to put in the work and are serious about transitioning to a tech career.

Frequently Asked Questions