More and more students are expressing a desire to learn practical job skills rather than simply pursuing academic studies, according to a recent survey conducted among a large number of graduate and undergraduate students in various cities.

The survey, called the “Placement Survey,” focused on recent graduates who were considering bootcamps to improve their coding and data analytics abilities. The survey, conducted with a sample group of over 7,500 individuals that included recent graduates and professionals with 0-2 years of experience, was conducted by FunctionUp, a bootcamp specializing in web development and data analytics.

The survey findings revealed that 93% of respondents preferred online bootcamps as a means to learn new technical skills and increase their chances of job offers. Of the respondents, 61% were recent college graduates, followed by individuals with up to one year of work experience (11.9%), those currently pursuing their studies (20%), and others.

The survey also indicated that 63% of recent graduates aimed to enhance their employability through practical learning methods, with communication skills being viewed as crucial for career development.

Bharat Gupta, CEO and Co-founder of FunctionUp, commented on the survey, stating that a significant number of college graduates were showing interest in bootcamps as a means to gain technical skills and secure desired job placements. Gupta emphasized the need for students to acquire both technical and communication skills, as well as the guidance and mentorship necessary for success in today’s job market. He also noted that traditional college education often failed to prepare students adequately for employment opportunities.

Key highlights of the FunctionUp survey include:

  • 64.3% of respondents believed that bootcamps were an effective method for acquiring practical skills needed to launch their careers.
  • Over 76% of students recognized the importance of communication skills alongside technical knowledge during job interviews.
  • More than 63% of students found bootcamps to be highly useful for practical training through industry-level projects.
  • Students enrolling in coding bootcamps like FunctionUp expressed a strong desire to gain technical knowledge (61.6%), practical experience through industry-relevant projects (33%), networking opportunities (10%), and interview practice (10%).
  • 75.5% to 82% of students highlighted the significance of adequate guidance and interview preparation, such as live coding sessions, mock interviews, and hackathons, in securing desired job positions.
  • Approximately 45.9% of bootcamp students did not seek any advice before enrolling, while 36.4% sought input from friends and 16.3% consulted family members. Interestingly, only 5% received advice from college faculty.