Beyond Software Engineering: 6 Tech Career Paths for Bootcamp Grads
TLDR: If you’re curious about a coding bootcamp but not sure you want to be a software engineer, you’re in luck. Coding skills can open doors to careers in data, product design, tech leadership, and more. This guide shares six exciting tech roles and real stories from Veterans and military spouses who’ve made the leap to them.
When you think about the jobs people get after a coding bootcamp, “software engineer” is probably what comes to mind. But what if you aren’t sure that building software full-time is going to be your thing? Don’t worry, you aren’t alone!
I’ve seen Veterans and military spouses get non-developer jobs that combine their technical training with the problem-solving, leadership, creativity, and strategy built from their military backgrounds. Whether you’re more analytical, people-focused, or a big picture thinker, we can help set you up for success in a wide range of tech careers. Below are six in-demand careers you may not have considered but can definitely pursue after a coding bootcamp:
1. Data Engineer
Data Engineers are like detectives. They sift through data to spot trends, make forecasts, and help organizations make smarter decisions, whether that’s in healthcare, finance, retail, or beyond. If you enjoy puzzles and figuring out patterns, data engineering could be your ideal career.
“During bootcamp, I was better at working on the back end of my projects, which is how I became a data engineer. In my role, I work with the product teams to find out what data and connections they need to work better, and then I build the solutions for them. I like what I’ve been able to do so far, and I want to keep doing it as long as I can.”
Jon, Navy Veteran and Data Engineer at ExxonMobil
2. Optimization Specialist
Optimization Specialists make tech work better. That might mean improving a website’s performance or cutting costs across a company’s tech stack. This role blends coding, data, and strategic thinking, making it perfect for a coding bootcamp grad who likes to tweak and fine-tune their programs until they run as efficiently as possible.
“I used to work in business, and I’ve always been passionate about making a meaningful impact. At Amazon Web Services (AWS), I help customers get more value out of their cloud solutions. My background and technical skills help me bridge the gap between strategy and execution, whether I’m helping someone save money, building scalable solutions, or supporting our teams.”
Crystal, military spouse and Cost Optimization & Acceleration Specialist at AWS
3. Technical Team Lead/Manager
If you’ve been in leadership roles during your military career, this career path might feel like home. Technical Team Leads guide software teams, mentor junior developers, help solve problems, and make sure projects move forward. This is a great fit for a bootcamp grad who enjoys working with people just as much as writing code—just know you’ll need some software engineering experience to get up the career ladder to this position.
“First, I worked on a ‘bug smash team,’ where I spent a lot of time researching and reviewing metrics. I began overseeing subcontractors because I became the subject matter expert, and then I became the Team Lead… I help manage my team’s priorities with our software product, lead Agile ceremonies, and work with stakeholders to create the future of our technologies.”
James, Army National Guard Veteran and Product and Technical Team Lead at Procore Technologies
4. QA Engineer
Quality Assurance (QA) Engineers or Analysts are the last line of defense before a product goes live. They test software, find bugs, and help ensure a smooth user experience. If you’re someone who takes pride in catching mistakes and solving tough problems, this role is a great way to blend coding knowledge from bootcamp with a focus on finding and fixing mistakes.
“At Zermount, I lead Quality Assurance efforts by creating vulnerability test plans, finding software defects, and creating automated testing to improve our software’s reliability and performance. This work significantly contributes to the overall security and efficiency of the organization.”
Abou, Army Veteran and Zero Trust Compliance/Quality Assurance Engineer at Zermount, Inc.
5. Product Manager
Product Managers (PMs) figure out what needs to be built and why, then figure out how to make it happen. They talk to users, define goals, set priorities, and guide teams of developers, designers, and stakeholders to build products that solve real problems. Even though PMs don’t code, the technical foundation from a coding bootcamp will help you understand how things work under the hood and communicate clearly with company stakeholders and product users.
“Transitioning from nursing to tech, I wanted to improve everyday technology. Code Platoon introduced me to product management, which resonates more with my skills and interests than software engineering. At Pinterest, I blend problem-solving with collaboration and empathy, qualities I genuinely enjoy exercising in my daily life. I love working with diverse teams to tackle product challenges and create user-friendly solutions.”
Natalie, military spouse and Apprentice Product Manager at Pinterest
6. Solutions Architect
While Product Managers guide what gets built, Solutions Architects create the technical systems to make it happen. They design the structure of complex products, implement the right tools and technologies for the job, and make sure everything works smoothly together. If you enjoy strategic thinking but still want to stay close to the technical side, this role could be a perfect match.
“I chose Solutions work because it’s a perfect marriage of software development and business. Solving complex business problems that have real-world impact is a gratifying experience. Code Platoon helped me understand foundational tech skills, and I’ve learned there’s so much more to tech than raw code.”
Will, Navy Veteran and Solutions Architect at AWS
Take the First Step on Your Path to Tech
There’s no single path to success in tech. You can learn how to code, but it’s just as important to get guidance on where those skills can take you. Whether you’re drawn to leadership, design, analytics, or optimization, Code Platoon’s programs and Career Services can help you turn your technical training into an impactful new career that aligns with your favorite aspects of tech.
