Are Tableau Bootcamps Worth It?

Learning Tableau means deciding what learning path works best for you, whether that means attending a long-term in-person program or enrolling in a one-day introductory course. The method of learning you choose depends on how much time you have, your budget, and how skilled in Tableau you want to be. This article will discuss Tableau bootcamps and aims to help those interested in learning Tableau understand how learning Tableau in a bootcamp differs from learning Tableau in a different type of class. 

What is Tableau?

Tableau is a visual analytics platform that allows users to explore, manage, and process data to help make effective business decisions. Data Analysts and Data Scientists rely on Tableau to create eye-catching visualizations of data that make it more digestible. Tableau’s popularity is thanks to its user-friendly interface, detailed insights, and integrated analytics. Tableau’s uses have grown from its original aim to improve the flow of data analysis and increase accessibility; now, professionals use Tableau to aid in machine learning, statistics, and decision-making.

What Can You Do with Tableau?

Tableau has a variety of uses, depending on the user’s goals. With Tableau’s developer tools, the software allows you to create charts, reports, and visualizations. Users also have access to sharing tools through Tableau Online, Tableau Server, and Tableau Reader. With these tools, teams can share their visualizations, reports, and dashboards, enhancing collaboration and communication. 

Another benefit of Tableau is its ability to consolidate data in one place. Users can extract and blend data from a variety of sources and access them all from one central source: Tableau. Tableau does not require coding, making it an appealing software for non-technical professionals and ultimately making data more accessible. Tableau is one of several programs that have helped Business Analysts more easily perform their jobs and make data-based recommendations. 

Why Learn Tableau in a Bootcamp?

Before enrolling in a Tableau program, consider the benefits and drawbacks of a bootcamp and the benefits and drawbacks of other training programs available to you. Bootcamps offer students career-focused training at an accelerated pace and oftentimes include substantial career services. Rather than spending years training, as students in other programs must do, enrollees of Tableau bootcamps can learn in less time. 

Bootcamps Compared to College Programs

Colleges and universities offer Tableau training as part of existing degree programs and continuing education programs. Rather than focusing solely on Tableau, students can find a wide range of data-related subjects taught in a college program, from data science to programming to data analysis. Continuing education programs tend to focus more narrowly in scope, but still cover broad topics, unlike live classes, which you can find focused on just Tableau. 

College programs provide immersive training in Tableau as part of a data science, data analytics, or business analytics degree or certificate program. While immersive training provides detailed lessons in Tableau and other software, these programs cost a lot. Continuing education programs generally run for several semesters, but other college programs can take two, four, or even six years to complete. During those years, tuition often adds up to tens of thousands or sometimes upwards of a hundred thousand dollars. This option is not affordable for most students, especially working professionals who don’t have time to attend a degree program. To graduate on time, most colleges require students to take a certain number of courses per semester, restricting the type of person that can obtain a degree to those who can afford the time and monetary commitment. 

Bootcamps provide students with a way to learn Tableau that won’t empty their wallets or take up all their free time. In a Tableau bootcamp, you’ll attend accelerated classes that emphasize hands-on learning and gaining practical skills. Bootcamps cost more than basic introductory classes but cost considerably less than degree programs. The average Tableau bootcamp costs between $1,000-3,000, with career services often included in the price of tuition. Bootcamps also come in a range of modalities, like part-time, full-time, in-person, and live online. These options provide students the opportunity to learn Tableau when they have the time, rather than scheduling their lives around classes. 

Because Tableau bootcamps are accelerated, you’ll receive less hands-on training than a college degree program provides. Professionals consider Tableau user-friendly and easy for non-technical professionals to learn, so this drawback mostly impacts students who want to learn Tableau and other programs and tools. For example, data analytics bootcamps cover Tableau and other software at a much more accelerated pace than a data analytics degree program. Regardless of the length of the bootcamp, students still have access to instructors who can answer their questions and help them if they’re struggling with the pace of the course. 

Bootcamps Compared to Introductory Courses 

Introductory Tableau courses appeal most to individuals interested in learning Tableau but not committed to an immersive course. This can include those who need to learn Tableau for a simple and short-term work project or those considering a career change but unsure about it. Introductory classes provide beginners with a basic understanding of data management and visualization before walking them through the Tableau interface. Classes usually run for several hours but may take place over two days or a week if scheduled part-time. 

Introductory classes allow students to explore Tableau and gain an understanding of what it means to create data visualizations. This can help them bridge the gap between their current work and an upcoming project, or help them realize that they want to transition to a role that involves working with data. Because introductory classes cater to beginners without the goal of career development, they often provide just a cursory look into Tableau and its functions. Some training schools offer follow-up intermediate and advanced-level classes for those who benefited from the beginner-level class. 

Like bootcamps, training schools offer introductory classes both in-person and live online. Taking a short-term introductory class live online is an efficient way to learn the basics of Tableau. Because the course is not accelerated and does not follow an advanced curriculum, it’s generally easier to follow an introductory course live online than a bootcamp. Introductory courses also lack the career-preparation services that many bootcamps offer, so students who may feel wary about taking advantage of online career services don’t need to worry about that. One drawback to introductory courses is that because they typically last one to two days, you may need to find time in your schedule that can accommodate a full or half day of learning. This is more convenient than blocking off weeks at a time for classes, but it will still cause trouble if the training school you’re interested in only offers classes when you’re working. 

Bootcamps and introductory classes typically differ in price, with bootcamps costing more partially because of the career-focused curriculum, possible career services, and slightly longer class length. In terms of content, bootcamps and introductory classes offered by the same school tend to overlap. One of the main differences to consider when deciding between a Tableau bootcamp or an introductory Tableau class is how much you would like the class to focus on professional development and how far into advanced topics you would like to progress. 

Bootcamps Compared to Self-Paced Courses

Self-paced courses exist on the opposite end of college degree programs. These on-demand or lecture series-style programs, hosted by an online learning platform like Coursera or Skillshare, provide busy students with the chance to learn Tableau at a pace that works for them. Self-paced classes provide basic lessons in Tableau and cultivate an environment of self-reliance since students must guide themselves through the course without an instructor to oversee them. Busy individuals who work long or inconsistent hours benefit from a self-paced Tableau class since they don’t need to worry about potentially missing a scheduled live class. 

The price of self-paced courses is usually lower than bootcamps. Students enroll in a self-paced course and receive instant access to course materials, which may include pre-recorded video lectures, reading assignments, and exercises, which help keep costs low. Self-paced courses come with several drawbacks, including the lack of a live instructor. Although this benefits students with busy schedules, not having a live instructor is difficult in a class where you have questions to ask, need help troubleshooting, or want feedback. Self-paced courses may also not be entirely up-to-date on topics or software, unlike a live class where an instructor is consistently evaluating material. 

Self-paced Tableau classes provide students who are otherwise too busy to attend a Tableau class the chance to learn Tableau at an affordable price. However, the limitations of self-guided learning stand out when compared to directed hands-on training offered in a live class. Without an instructor to direct the class, students may fall behind in a self-paced class. Ultimately, these courses provide a good opportunity to test out Tableau and learn the basics before committing to a bootcamp that will take your Tableau knowledge and professional development to the next level. 

Bootcamps Compared to Free Training Options

Students may want to explore free Tableau training programs. Free training typically comes as short video tutorials uploaded on YouTube or another video hosting platform where beginners can start learning the basics of Tableau and seek out step-by-step guides to troubleshooting common problems. Some experts also post guides to Tableau on online forums and engage with learners and fellow professionals. Along with videos and guides, you can browse your local library to see if they have books on starting with Tableau. 

Free training is a great way to learn about data management and the purpose of data visualizations and to receive a look at the interface of Tableau. However, it’s unlikely that free training will help you learn more than the basics of Tableau. Many free resources only cover introductory information and expect you to turn to more formal sources of learning for advanced topics. It’s also important when learning a new skill to have the chance to ask questions and receive feedback, which you cannot do when learning from these free resources. 

Ultimately, turning to free resources provides a good introduction to Tableau before committing to a bootcamp, which can take your skills to the next level. If you have prior experience with data visualization software and understand the concept of data analysis, you may consider brushing up on the basics of Tableau with free training before enrolling in an accelerated bootcamp.

Learn Tableau with Noble Desktop

If you want to immerse yourself in learning Tableau and data visualization, consider the courses offered by Noble Desktop. Noble provides in-person and online training in Tableau and related topics like Excel, SQL, and data analysis. 

Noble Desktop’s 12-hour Tableau Bootcamp aims to take you through the concept of data visualization and then from beginner to advanced-level Tableau skills. Class begins with lessons to help students understand data before shifting toward working with Tableau to format visualizations, manipulate data, and create advanced visualizations. Project-based learning intends to help students focus on developing career-ready skills so they can begin or transition to a career that uses Tableau. No prior experience is required to enroll, but students need experience using a computer. 

If you want to take Noble Desktop’s Tableau Bootcamp to the next level, enroll in their Tableau Certification Program. The curriculum for this 18-hour course includes that of the bootcamp in addition to six hours of private tutoring. This program guides students through the same concepts as students enrolled in the bootcamp, while also preparing them to take the Tableau Desktop Specialist certification exam at the end of class. To help you pass the exam and work toward becoming a Tableau Desktop Analyst, you’ll receive six hours of private tutoring where you can ask questions about exam concepts. 

Individuals interested in beginning a career as a Data Analyst can enroll in Noble Desktop’s Data Analytics Certificate program. Students can choose from attending the six-week full-time or 24-week part-time program held live online. This immersive program will help students develop the skills needed to begin working as a Data Analyst, including knowledge of data analysis, statistical analysis, Tableau, Excel, SQL, and Python. If you need to learn Tableau for a work project or simple data visualizations, this program is likely unnecessary. However, if you want to explore data analysis for career purposes, consider enrolling. 

Do you have employees that need Tableau training? They can receive flexible, affordable training in Tableau with Noble Desktop’s corporate training option. This option allows employers to select from Noble Desktop’s existing Tableau classes or work to develop a customized curriculum. Classes take place in-person at Noble’s NYC location, live online, or onsite. Employees can schedule their Tableau training at a time that works best for them, while employers can take advantage of purchasing vouchers in bulk at a discount.