Best Part-Time Finance Bootcamps

Many schools offer finance classes in a part-time format. While a part-time class takes longer to complete than a full-time option, it does have a number of unique benefits, making it a good choice for certain people. This article covers some of the differences between full-time and part-time learning and offers advice about how to choose the class that will be best for you.

Why Learn Finance Part-Time?

Part-time learning has a number of unique benefits. One of the most common reasons for choosing a part-time program is the flexibility it allows students. A full-time class will take a significant amount of time and attention, and in most cases will become your primary focus. In contrast, when you learn part-time you’ll have the flexibility to balance your education with other needs such as work or family responsibilities, and other interests. For instance, many people are able to attend school part-time while also continuing to hold a job. Not having to quit your job means you’ll have a reliable income while you learn. It can also help you fund your education. Another benefit of not having to give up your job to attend school is that you may not feel so much pressure to get a job right after you graduate. Instead, you can take the time to find a position that is the ideal fit for you.

Another advantage of learning part-time is that you’ll have more time to absorb all the new information you’re gaining, practice your skills, and develop a portfolio of projects. You won’t have to rush; instead, you’ll be able to take the time to really understand what you’re learning. In a field like finance, where there are a lot of new concepts to learn, this can be a significant advantage. Further, when you learn part-time you may also have more time to gain relevant work experience, which can increase your chances of finding work after you graduate.

Drawbacks to Learning Finance Part-time 

However, while part-time learning is associated with a number of unique benefits, it also has some drawbacks. The biggest drawback to a part-time program is that it will take a lot longer to complete than a full-time program. There are a number of reasons why you may want to learn more quickly, both financial and professional. If you do have a need to finish your education as quickly as possible, the pace of a part-time course may be a significant concern, and a full-time program may be a better option. 

Another concern with part-time learning is how much focus you’ll be able to put on your education. Some people say that learning finance takes focus and practice. When you’re only learning part time you may not end up devoting the time and attention that is needed to master this field. Further, if you’re learning part-time, you may have competing obligations--such as a job--that can further detract from your focus. For these reasons, some people argue that the most effective way to master finance is to follow an intensive full-time program, where you focus all of your energy on learning financial concepts and skills.

Is a Part-Time Finance Bootcamp Right for You?

Everyone has different goals and needs, so the decision about whether a part-time finance bootcamp is best will vary from person to person. Some students will want to complete their education as quickly as possible and will have the time and money to do so. For them, a full-time program will be a better option. However, for many people, a part-time bootcamp is an excellent way to prepare for a career in finance. When you learn part-time you won’t have to quit your job or feel pressured into accepting another. You’ll also be able to spread out both the cost of the class and the learning experience. 

Ways to Make Learning Finance Part-Time Easier

Some students say that when you’re learning finance part-time instead of full-time, you need to make an extra effort to make sure you stay focused on learning. They explain that when you learn part-time and also have a job or other obligations that take a significant amount of your time, it can be easier to lose focus. Tips for success include setting aside a certain time each day to work on coding, having a learning plan, and practicing time management. 

Whether you are learning finance full-time or part-time, another tip for making the learning process easier is to practice as much as you can. Practice is an important part of mastering any new skill. It reinforces the concepts you have learned, helps you master them, and teaches you to apply them in real-world situations.

Another way to make the learning process easier is to enroll in a live finance class. When you learn live, you’ll have an instructor to guide you through the ins and outs of this topic. A live class will give you structure and guidance and can help you stay on track and succeed with your long-term finance training goals. In addition to structure, learning with a live instructor will also give you a chance to get focused feedback on your work and support when you run into problems with the lessons. This added support might not seem like the most impactful aspect of learning these skills, but it will help to ensure that you don’t fall behind or stop with your training because you run into significant issues.

Another benefit of taking a live class is that you’ll learn as part of a group. This can be beneficial in a number of ways. One is that it enhances the learning process because you’ll be exposed to a range of different perspectives and ways of working; many students say that they gain a deeper understanding of finance concepts when they discuss them and work through exercises as a group. In some cases, you might ask peers for help or you might be the one offering help, both of which can enhance the learning process further. Finally, being part of a group of people with similar professional goals can give you access to networking relationships that can be valuable throughout your professional career. 

Choosing the Best Part Time Finance Classes or Bootcamp

When you’re choosing a part-time finance class, you’ll want to make sure you look at the curriculum of the class that you’re interested in. Every school has its own unique curriculum, and it's important to choose a course that is compatible with your learning goals and learning style. Some classes focus just on a more narrow set of skills, while others are more general. You’ll also find differences in the ways different classes are taught. Most will include at least some hands-on training, where you work on projects, however, the degree of project work can vary. 

Cost is also an important consideration for most people. The cost of a finance class varies widely. Longer courses--like bootcamps and certificate programs--can cost up to $20,000 or $30,000. This is generally cheaper than the cost of a college education, but it is still a substantial investment. Some schools require you to pay the entire tuition up-front, while others offer a variety of payment plans. If you’re looking at shorter classes, the cost will be substantially less. Depending on the type of class you choose, it could be anywhere from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars. However, you’ll also get fewer hours of instruction.

When evaluating finance classes, you can also consider whether they include any unique benefits. For instance, some schools--like Noble Desktop--give students the option of a free course retake. This can be an excellent way to refresh your skills for free in the future. Many schools also offer a variety of career services like help building your resume and portfolio, mock interviews, and access to internships or industry networks.

With so many different finance programs out there, it can be overwhelming to choose one. As a way to help solve this problem, Noble Desktop created the Classes Near Me tool to help you narrow down your options. This tool allows you to sort classes by geographic area, find online options, and also compare short and long programs.

Learn Finance with Noble Desktop

Noble Desktop is based in New York City and offers a number of different finance classes, including both short courses that can help you quickly master the basics, and longer, more comprehensive programs, where you can develop a strong finance skill set. Its classes can be taken in person at its Manhattan facility or in a live online format. Most are available either full-time or part-time. Noble Desktop is licensed by the New York State Education Department. All courses include the option of a free retake within one year.

• One popular Noble Desktop option is the “MBA” Business Certificate. This course is an “MBA-style” program and it includes some of the skills taught in MBA programs. In this class, you’ll learn tools and strategies for finance, project management, marketing, and data analysis. You’ll also learn about the practical applications of generative AI and will get access to a self-paced class that covers the basics of business insurance, employment law, and business law. This class includes the option to take electives that match your specific area of interest. Finally, it comes with eight one-on-one mentoring sessions.
• Another option is the Financial Modeling Bootcamp. This course covers finance and accounting concepts, and you’ll build a comprehensive discounted cash flow model in Excel that is based on a real company. You will also learn about corporate finance and you’ll gain advanced Excel skills. Students who want to take this class should have intermediate-level proficiency in Excel. 
• Noble Desktop also offers a Financial Analyst Training Program. This class covers core Excel skills, in addition to Excel skills used in financial modeling. You’ll also learn about financial modeling, and build a 3-statement financial model. In addition, you’ll learn about reviewing company presentations, financial reports, and earnings releases so that you can find model drivers and assumptions. Finally, the course covers accounting, corporate finance, and valuation. 
• One of Noble Desktop’s newest offerings is the Chat GTP & AI for Business Bootcamp. This course is designed to give you the skills you’ll need to utilize AI in your daily business tasks. You’ll learn how to create effective prompts, manage conversations, and use advanced features like memory settings. You’ll also learn about the ethical considerations of AI. In addition, the course focuses on ways to use AI for task management, communication, and project planning. You’ll learn about automating repetitive tasks, optimizing schedules, and improving collaboration and administrative workflows.

Noble also offers a variety of short Excel classes: Excel Level 1,Level 2, and Level 3. Level 1 is focused on getting familiar with the interface, entering data, using essential formulas and functions, and creating charts. You’ll also learn how to format and print. Level 2 covers splitting and joining text, adding data validation, named ranges, database functions, adding logical statements, and using Pivot Tables. In addition, you’ll learn to use statistical functions and create advanced combo charts. In Level 3, instructors cover advanced concepts including cell locking, auditing, hotkeys, formatting for calculating dates, advanced functions, advanced analytical tools, Pivot Charts, and advanced database functions.