Springboard vs CareerFoundry: Which is Best for Your Tech Career?

Choosing the right online platform to launch or transition a career in tech is a critical decision. Springboard and CareerFoundry are both renowned resources that offer comprehensive educational programs for individuals aiming to elevate their skills in various tech fields.

This article will provide a comparison between these two platforms to help readers make an informed decision about their learning journey.

Springboard and CareerFoundry are committed to providing quality education through their carefully curated curricula, interactive learning environments, and dedicated student support.

The services they offer vary in areas such as course offerings, learning formats and styles, tuition fees, financing options, and job support, to name a few. As learners have different needs and preferences, it is important to weigh the pros and cons of each platform carefully.

Key Takeaways on Springboard vs CareerFoundry

• Springboard and CareerFoundry offer diverse tech-related courses and learning formats.
• Tuition, financing options, and scholarships differ between the two platforms.
• Both provide job support, student and career support, and opportunities for project and portfolio development.

Overview of Springboard and CareerFoundry

Springboard and CareerFoundry are popular online bootcamps that offer comprehensive and flexible courses for aspiring professionals seeking to enter the tech industry. Both platforms provide a range of learning paths in high-demand fields such as web development, data analytics, and UX design.

Springboard is an online bootcamp offering self-paced, project-based courses that balance theory and practical skills. It is characterized by its personalized mentorship, wherein each student is paired with a dedicated industry expert who provides guidance and feedback throughout their learning journey.

Springboard also offers job guarantees for eligible students enrolled in certain courses, such as data science and UX design.

CareerFoundry, on the other hand, is known for its immersive career change courses that focus on hands-on, practical experience through project work and real-world scenarios.

CareerFoundry’s programs are structured in a way that allows students to learn at their own pace, with the support of experienced mentors. This platform also boasts strong career services and a job guarantee, ensuring students have the necessary support and guidance to land a job in their chosen field.

While both Springboard and CareerFoundry share similarities in terms of mentorship and job guarantees, they differ in their approach to course content and learning schedules.

Springboard typically offers a more flexible approach, which may be appealing to those with variable workloads or other commitments. Alternatively, CareerFoundry’s courses can be taken either full-time or part-time, allowing students to choose the option that best suits their needs and lifestyle.

When comparing the course offerings, both platforms cover a range of in-demand tech fields. Some of the popular courses offered by Springboard include:

• Data Science
• Machine Learning
• UX Design
• Data Analytics

On the other hand, the main courses provided by CareerFoundry include:

• UX and UI Design
• Web Development
• Data Analytics

Courses Offered

Springboard and CareerFoundry are both renowned for offering high-quality tech courses with a focus on helping students build successful careers in the industry. Each platform offers a diverse set of programs that cater to various skill levels, from beginners to advanced learners.

Springboard is known for its offerings in data science, software engineering, and machine learning. It provides various introductory courses for students who are new to these fields, as well as advanced courses for those looking to level-up their skills.

A popular choice among students is the Data Science Career Track, which covers topics such as Python programming, inferential statistics, and machine learning. Springboard also offers comprehensive courses in UI/UX design, making it a good choice for those interested in acquiring skills in this area.

CareerFoundry, on the other hand, offers broad programs in UI design, UX/UI design, and full-stack development. Its Introduction to Design course provides a solid foundation for beginners, while its more in-depth UI/UX courses help students develop expertise and specialization.

CareerFoundry also offers a Tech Sales program, which is unique compared to other online learning platforms; this course equips students with essential skills for navigating the world of tech sales, including lead generation, deal-making, and relationship-building.

Both platforms emphasize hands-on learning, with students working on real-world projects and receiving mentorship from industry experts. This approach helps learners build their portfolios and gain practical experience, making them more marketable as they enter the tech job market.

Learning Format and Styles

When comparing Springboard and CareerFoundry, it is essential to consider the learning formats and styles they offer to their students. Both online platforms cater to learners seeking flexible, accessible education in a variety of technology-related fields.

In terms of learning styles, both Springboard and CareerFoundry present a combination of self-paced and structured courses. Learners can engage with their lessons at their own pace, allowing them to balance their studies with their personal and professional lives.

Additionally, these platforms provide mentorship and regular check-ins with instructors, ensuring that students maintain progress and get personalized guidance.

Here are some features of each platform related to learning format:

Springboard:

• Primarily offers part-time courses
• Self-paced with weekly mentor calls
• Access to a community of learners and industry professionals
• Project-based learning with real-world examples

CareerFoundry:

• Offers both part-time and full-time course options
• Self-paced with daily or weekly mentor support
• Collaboration with fellow students through an online community
• Practical, hands-on projects to build a professional portfolio

In terms of curriculum, Springboard and CareerFoundry offer courses that are designed to help students acquire job-ready skills quickly. The content of the programs focuses on industry-specific knowledge, technical expertise, and understanding of best practices.

Students are also exposed to a wide variety of resources, including video lectures, readings, quizzes, and other interactive elements to enhance their learning experience.

Tuition, Financing, and Scholarships

When comparing Springboard and CareerFoundry, tuition costs and financing options are essential aspects to consider. Both platforms offer multiple payment methods, allowing students to select the option that best fits their financial situation.

Springboard offers various tuition payment options, ensuring students can find an affordable solution. Some of the available financing options include:

• Upfront payment: Students can pay the entire tuition fee upfront, which usually comes at a discounted rate.
• Month-to-month: Allows students to pay their tuition in monthly installments, providing flexibility in managing their resources.
• Deferred tuition: Students can delay tuition payments until they secure a relevant job, with a minimum income threshold determining when tuition fees become due.
• Climb Credit Loan: Springboard partners with Climb Credit to offer loans for qualified students, enabling them to split their tuition into monthly payments.

Springboard also provides various scholarship opportunities, including discounts for women in tech and underrepresented minorities, to promote diversity in the technology workforce.

CareerFoundry also has multiple tuition and financing options for its students. Some of these options include:

• Upfront payment: Students pay upfront on the full tuition fee, often receiving a discount for choosing this option.
• Month-to-month: Students pay their tuition in monthly installments, spreading the cost over the duration of the program.
• Deferred tuition payment: CareerFoundry allows students to begin making tuition payments after securing a position in their field.
• Ascent loan: CareerFoundry partners with Ascent Funding to offer student loans, which enable participants to finance their education and repay the loan in monthly installments.

Scholarship opportunities are available through CareerFoundry as well. The platform offers scholarships for individuals from underrepresented groups and various other financial aid initiatives for eligible students. Additionally, each of these platforms provide free courses that provide some basic necessary skills for different careers.

Job Support and Outcomes

Springboard and CareerFoundry are both reputable bootcamps in the tech industry offering extensive job support and outcomes for their students. They take pride in preparing their students for the ever-growing demand in fields such as cybersecurity, data science, and web dev.

Job Guarantee: 

Both Careerfoundry and Springboard offer job guarantees for their students. Springboard provides a job guarantee for specific programs, assuring students that if they do not find a job within six months of graduation, they will be eligible for a tuition refund. Similarly, CareerFoundry offers a job guarantee for all their programs with similar conditions. 

This assurance is especially solid for UI and UX design course students, as both boot camps offer not just online courses with great overall rating but also go the extra mile to ensure better career coaching to help students along on their dream job search.

Mentorship and Career Support: 

One of the bases for Careerfoundry and springboard’s job guarantee, the importance of mentorship and career support in their programs. Springboard assigns a student advisor to each student and holds regular one-on-one meetings to discuss progress and provide feedback.

CareerFoundry also connects students with dedicated career specialists and offers mentorship from experienced professionals in the industry. 

However, a huge chunk of the career support comes from the sizable communities each BootCamp offers access to. Springboard’s self paced programs have been taken by over 20,000+ people, not counting existing students.

Careerfoundry has a smaller community, with around 7000+ graduates from its paid and free courses, especially in voice user interface design. The huge community of fellow students as well as alumni means students have inexhaustible career connectivity options and community support.

Career Counseling: 

Springboard offers career counseling services to assist students in securing jobs. Their career counselors conduct mock interviews, resume reviews, and provide tailored advice targeting specific industries.

On the other hand, CareerFoundry’s career counselors also help students find job opportunities and offer personalized support throughout their job search.

Graduates’ Success: 

Both bootcamps have a notable track record of successful graduates who have achieved promising outcomes. Springboard’s graduates have landed jobs in prestigious companies such as Google, Amazon, and IBM, while CareerFoundry’s alumni have secured roles at renowned organizations like Google, Deloitte, and Apple. 

Both boot camps also boast high degrees of job success among graduates from their online classes. For instance, Springboard reckons that, of its alumni (especially web dev ones with bachelor’s degree in frontend development), more than 93% have received job offers within 6 months of graduating.

Salary Increase and Work Experience: 

Students from both Springboard and CareerFoundry have reported significant salary increases after completing their respective programs. For Springboard alumni who report salary increases, the average increase is $18,859 on their first jobs, according to the platform.

According to Careefoundry, the average time it takes for a new graduate of their online learning platform, especially UI designers, is 75 days. Additionally, the average salary increase per first job after graduation is $15,082.

Gaining practical work experience is also a primary objective for these bootcamps. Springboard, for instance, offers students the opportunity to work on real-world projects to build their portfolios, while CareerFoundry encourages students to develop practical skills by working on industry-oriented projects.

Remote Work: 

Both Springboard and CareerFoundry deliver their programs as online, remote learning experiences. This allows students to access and complete their studies from anywhere in the world, providing flexibility and the ability to progress at their own pace.

In summary, Springboard and CareerFoundry excel in providing job support and outcomes to students. Both boot camps offer job guarantees, mentorship, career support, counseling, and successful graduate placements.

While their approaches may differ slightly, they both strive to ensure their students’ success in securing employment in the tech sector.

Course Duration

Springboard and CareerFoundry are designed to help students enhance their skills and embark on new career paths, but their course durations differ. In this section, we will compare both platforms’ course durations.

Springboard courses generally range from a few weeks to several months, depending on the level of commitment and field of study. Students have the flexibility to complete the courses at their own pace, often aiming for a target of 8 to 10 hours per week. For instance, their Data Science and UX Design courses usually take around six months to complete.

On the other hand, CareerFoundry courses are typically longer and more structured. These courses can take around six to ten months to complete, depending on the chosen track and individual pace.

Their Web Development and UX Design courses, for example, are designed to be completed in 6 to 8 months. Many students appreciate this extended course duration as it allows them to gain a deeper understanding of the material and work on more projects.

To better understand the difference in course durations, let’s take a look at the following table:

Platform Course Duration Springboard Data Science 6 months (approx.) Springboard UX Design 6 months (approx.) CareerFoundry Web Development 6-8 months CareerFoundry UX Design 6-8 months

The table illustrates that the course durations for both platforms lie within a similar timeframe, with CareerFoundry courses generally taking slightly longer to complete. This difference in duration should be taken into account when choosing a course that suits your own learning preferences and availability.

Student and Career Support

Springboard and CareerFoundry both offer robust student and career support services, catering to their learners’ professional growth and success. Throughout their courses, students receive personalized guidance and access to dedicated assistance.

At Springboard, students are paired with a student manager who helps track the progress and provides support during the course. Additionally, they are matched with an industry expert mentor to offer guidance, career coaching, and real-world insights.

Springboard emphasizes the development of a strong professional network, offering events and workshops to enrich students’ connectivity in their chosen fields. This professional network exists both in an outside these tech bootcamps, as the as the students are able to benefit

CareerFoundry, on the other hand, connects students with a tutor and a mentor who have industry expertise. The tutor offers personalized feedback on assignments, while the mentor supports the student with video calls and real-world knowledge.

Moreover, students can access assistance from their dedicated career specialist, ensuring they have practical advice on crafting resumes, preparing for interviews, and building their online presence.

When it comes to post-course career support, both platforms excel in assisting their students. Springboard offers a job guarantee, pledging that if a student does not find a job within six months of course completion, they will receive a full refund. This is conditional on the student meeting certain eligibility and participation criteria.

CareerFoundry similarly offers a job guarantee for selected courses, with a 6-month time frame to find a job after completing the program. To qualify, students must adhere to specified requirements, including completing all course tasks, attending all mentor sessions, and actively applying for jobs.

Project and Portfolio Development

Springboard and CareerFoundry both prioritize project and portfolio development for their students. They understand the importance of showcasing one’s skills through a professional portfolio to help secure job opportunities.

At Springboard, students work on a series of projects that contribute to their professional portfolio. One of the key features of their curriculum is the capstone project, which offers students the opportunity to apply the skills they’ve learned throughout the course to real-world problems.

This capstone project not only demonstrates the students’ real-world expertise but also serves as a valuable addition to their portfolio.

CareerFoundry, on the other hand, provides its students with a project-based curriculum that focuses on building practical skills. While completing the course, students work on a variety of projects, which they can showcase in their professional portfolios.

CareerFoundry also offers job preparation assistance, which helps students build their own portfolio website to display their work and skills to potential employers.

Both Springboard and CareerFoundry ensure that their students have access to resources and support throughout the project and portfolio development process. This includes:

• Mentorship: Students receive guidance from experienced professionals in their respective fields.
• Peer support: Both platforms emphasize the importance of peer feedback and encourage students to collaborate within their community.
• Tailored curriculum: Students are given the chance to focus on specific skills and technologies relevant to their career goals.

Extra Features

Springboard and CareerFoundry both offer a variety of extra features to enhance the learning experience. These features help students upskill and achieve their goals in fields such as Redux, React, and design tools.

In terms of video content, Springboard provides students with an extensive library of video resources. These videos cover a wide range of topics, from researching and sketching to high-fidelity design. This helps students to better grasp concepts, and the visual aspects allow for more engaging learning.

CareerFoundry, on the other hand, emphasizes hands-on projects that require students to apply knowledge in practical situations. This includes activities like building wireframes and creating high-fidelity prototypes using design tools such as Sketch, Figma, and Adobe XD. Students build a diverse portfolio showcasing their skills, demonstrating their ability to design real-world solutions.

When it comes to learning React and Redux, both platforms offer specialized courses designed to teach these technologies. Students can dive deep into React and Redux, understanding how to build scalable applications with an emphasis on best practices.

Support is an essential aspect of any online learning platform. Springboard and CareerFoundry enable students to receive personalized guidance.

Springboard offers regular mentor calls, ensuring students have access to support throughout their learning journey. In contrast, CareerFoundry provides a mentor and career coaches who are available for one-on-one support and discussions.

Both platforms offer opportunities for peer-to-peer interaction. Springboard hosts Slack channels for different courses, where students can connect, collaborate, and share their ideas. CareerFoundry’s platform also has a community area for students to engage and interact with their fellow learners.

Comparison and Conclusion

Springboard and CareerFoundry both offer robust training programs in various career tracks such as digital marketing, product management, UX design, and full-stack web dev. The main difference between these two platforms lies in the course structure and pricing.

Springboard’s coding bootcamps and intensive courses focus on project-based training, enabling students to acquire hands-on experience while working on real-life projects. The platform offers various intensive courses such as Introduction to Data Analytics and Full-Stack Web Development, providing students an opportunity to learn at their own pace.

On the other hand, CareerFoundry emphasizes industry-oriented mentoring, with professionals guiding learners throughout their journey. CareerFoundry’s coding bootcamp and UX Designer programs offer structured course content and access to a variety of resources.

When it comes to cost, Springboard generally offers lower prices compared to CareerFoundry. However, the final decision should be based on the curriculum’s quality and the individual’s career goals. Both platforms provide ample resources, mentor support, and career services to ensure a successful transition into the tech industry:

Platform Cost Career Tracks Features Springboard Lower Prices Digital Marketing, Product Management, UX Design, Data Analytics Project-Based Training, Flexible Pacing CareerFoundry Higher Prices UX Design, UI Design, Full-Stack Web Development, Data Analytics Industry-Oriented Mentoring, Structured Courses

Discount codes may be available for both Springboard and CareerFoundry, which can help reduce the overall cost and make the programs more affordable.

Check out this other related post: Springboard Review 2023

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