Best Part-Time Machine Learning Bootcamps

Technology has evolved significantly in the last decade, and one of the most notable areas of growth has been in artificial intelligence. Machine learning is a branch of artificial intelligence that uses algorithms so that machines can perform tasks with minimal human intervention. Machine learning skills are highly valued in today’s market, not just in technology, but in many industries and fields that use technology. If you’re thinking of adding machine learning skills to your portfolio, one option is to join a bootcamp. Bootcamps are intensive training programs designed to teach you comprehensive professional skills in a short period of time. These programs are offered either full-time or part-time, with the biggest differences between the two being the intensity, structure, and duration.

While full-time bootcamps are likely to be held during the week, consisting of a full day’s worth of class, part-time courses are much more likely to be evenings or weekends. Though the curriculum will cover similar concepts and techniques as a full-time course, it will take a bit longer to learn them due to the slower pace. This can allow for deeper learning of the material and can be a great option for those who want a more digestible approach to machine learning. Part-time bootcamps can take months to a year whereas the full-time courses are more likely to be weeks to months. This article is for those who are considering taking a part-time machine learning bootcamp. We review what considerations are important to ensure that the course is right for you.

Why Learn Machine Learning Part Time?

Becoming a part-time machine learning student is valuable for several reasons. Part-time offers flexibility that allows you to manage your work, family, or educational obligations. Unlike with full-time work, part-time is great for those with non-traditional schedules, or those who are unavailable during regular working hours. This format allows you to have a job and fill your daytime hours with obligations. There’s also the matter of part-time learning being more sustainable for many people. While some students get burned out by the intensive schedules set in a full-time course, these part-time courses allow you to digest the content more slowly which can prevent overall burnout. 

Both part-time and full-time options expose you to hands-on, project based learning that is applicable in the real world. Bootcamps are designed to give you a comprehensive look at the field while also preparing you for a job. This is true of a part-time course as well. You can learn about things like Python programming, algorithms and neural networks, just a little bit more slowly. You’ll learn how to problem-solve common machine-learning issues, and gain experience working with real datasets. By the time you finish, you will have a functional portfolio made up of different projects you’ve worked on that can boost your employability and help you get more relatable tech jobs.

A machine learning bootcamp is great for shaking hands and building a professional network. This network is not only valuable for seeking advice, but for getting exclusive information about job opportunities or machine learning concepts or techniques. Your peers, instructors, and other industry professionals become those who support you throughout your career, and they are crucial in your transition between jobs or other relevant opportunities. Certain machine learning programs will offer career support, so double-checking the resources and help provided before signing up can be useful in knowing whether resume and portfolio workshops, interview preparation, or job placement assistance are a part of your part-time course package. 

Drawbacks to Learning Machine Learning Part Time

Part-time learning has obvious benefits, but there are some drawbacks worth considering if you want to join a course. The first is that compared to full-time learning, a part-time bootcamp will take longer. These programs can take several months to a year, rather than just a few months that you might complete a full-time courseload in. Over that time, if there are any unforeseen challenges or personal commitments that spring up, it may impact your ability to finish. Taking longer to finish the course also means a longer time before you are fully transitioned to the workplace. 

Part-time courses are also less intensive, which can mean a less immersive environment, especially if those courses are only over the weekend. That means there’s a full week between one set of classes and another. This can interrupt your ability to fully acquire the information. Self-discipline and finding a way to stay motivated becomes important with part-time courses as the gaps between classes can become a distraction for certain students. Overall, part-time learning takes more time and for some students, more energy. The extended duration for learning can impact how rapidly you learn new machine learning skills. 

Is a Part Time Machine Learning Bootcamp Right for You?

As you move along in your machine learning journey, you may be wondering if a part-time bootcamp is best for you. First and foremost, part-time learning bootcamps are great for working professionals who want to upskill or transition to a new job without quitting their old job first. The schedules for part-time are more flexible and don’t necessarily take place during common work time hours, so they are a reasonable option for those with other obligations. 

Part-time courses are also a good option for those who like more spaced out learning, or those who are easily overwhelmed by highly intensive courses. Because part-time courses happen over a longer period, the curriculum is easier to digest. Students who need additional time with their work don’t have to worry about cramming to meet the deadlines of a full-time bootcamp. If you’re looking for an easier schedule, are changing careers, or are just a lifelong learner who wants to perfect their skills in machine learning, part-time bootcamps are a good option for you.

Ways to Make Learning Machine Learning Part Time Easier

The way to make part-time machine learning easier will differ greatly by person. As we all have unique learning styles that dictate which classes, schedules, and resources work best for us, this section will discuss general recommendations that can work for anyone. High-quality tutorials and lecture notes can be great supplemental materials for your bootcamp. Open-source libraries like PyTorch and Scikit-learn are great tools for hands-on practice with things like Python programming. There are also additional sites that host open-source projects for you to study from or contribute to so that you can build your confidence in programming and other related subjects over time.

Live courses can assist in making machine learning content more digestible. Bootcamps are offered both in-person and online. In-person classes aren’t known for being as flexible as their online counterparts, in which case a virtual option may be more comfortable. You will still have the opportunity to ask questions in real-time but you won’t be face-to-face with your instructor or your peers, which can impact motivation for some people. Even though live courses are highly recommended, not all students have availability that allows for a course with a strict schedule, in which case online is recommended.

Choosing the Best Part Time Machine Learning Classes or Bootcamp

When choosing the best part-time machine learning bootcamp for you, there are a few recommended places to start. Those include the curriculum, learning format, finances, and resources. The curriculum is at the top of the list, as it’s important that the bootcamp cover concepts and techniques that align directly with your goals. Having a good idea of what you want to do with your certificate when the class is over can also help you better decide whether the class is for you. For instance, if you have a full-time job already, and are looking to expand your portfolio or your resume, a part-time bootcamp is accommodating to that unique schedule and can help you reach your goals. 

Not every learner is looking to get ahead professionally. Some consider bootcamps for filling gaps in their education, or picking up a new hobby and learning it in a comprehensive way. Even for those who are just hobby learners looking to enhance their technical skills, checking the curriculum to make sure it has all of the subjects you’re interested in will be important. Part-time bootcamps generally offer some form of career assistance in either case, and can help with job placements, or networking for those that are doing machine learning in either a hobby or professional capacity. 

Once the curriculum has been confirmed appropriate for your educational goals, and you’ve chosen the format for learning, the cost should be considered. Both part-time and full-time bootcamps can be expensive, costing thousands of dollars. Very few offer financial aid, though some do have other financial assistance, or offer discounts at certain times of the year. Part-time tuition is generally less expensive than full-time, so if you are on a budget that does not allow the full-time course, a part-time course is a viable alternative. 

Overall, determining which machine learning bootcamp is best for you is a highly personal decision that will be dependent on many factors. Before signing up for a course, it’s encouraged that you read fully through the offerings and the reviews to get a better picture of the amenities, resources, and knowledge you’ll be picking up along the way. Once you know what a course will provide, making the choice about which bootcamp is best for you will become much easier.