Learning to Code Without a Map: Mentorship and Entry Paths in the Post-Bootcamp Era
Erin Pintozzi • Boulder, CO • Talk

Date: October 06, 2025
Published: not published
Announced: unknown

Bootcamps once offered a fast, accessible path into tech—especially for career changers, people from nontraditional backgrounds, and folks historically excluded from the industry. As the industry shifts and many programs close or scale back, the landscape for learning and mentorship is changing fast. So where does that leave aspiring developers, and the folks trying to support them?

In this talk, we'll explore how the loss of bootcamps is reshaping the journey into software development—especially for those who relied on them to break in—and what's emerging in their place. We'll look at the evolving entry paths, how mentorship is adapting without a structured pipeline, and how the Ruby community can step up to fill the gaps. Whether you're a hiring manager, an engineer (aspiring or otherwise!), or someone who loves to mentor, you'll walk away with a clearer picture of what's working, what's missing, and how we can all build more sustainable, inclusive pathways into tech—bootcamp or no bootcamp.

Rocky Mountain Ruby 2025