Choosing Computing: How and Why Women Enter Computing Through Coding Bootcamps

Abstract

Current shortcomings of the pipeline and life course model, as well as negative tech culture discourse, underestimate the potential and resilience of women in computing. Women may be pushed out of computing in their youth, but they can come back—and they do. Using data from in-depth interviews with women graduates of coding bootcamps (accelerated programs that teach beginners digital skills), this study provides empirical data on how and why women enter computing later in life, often after having non-technical degrees and careers. This study finds that to successfully enter the computing workforce, women must arrive at three end states, which are often achieved via three transitions: “I can’t code” to “I may code;” “I’m on another path” to “I want to code;” and “I can code” to “I do code.” In addition, this study finds surprising evidence of women choosing to enter computing for better pay and work-life balance, in contrast to research that suggests women leave for these reasons. Rather than add to the extensive literature on why women leave, this article highlights how and why women enter computing and overcome the odds stacked against them.