Interesting read. I graduated from a UX Bootcamp in NYC 6 years ago. My biggest complaint about it is not that I did not learn anything or missed employment opportunities, my biggest complaint is that they actually had us work as research teams for real clients that must have paid the school handsomely.

It was wrapped as 'real world experience' projects. We worked 80+ hour weeks, had to deliver our UX assignments neatly presented with graphics on Monday mornings. Failure to do so would have meant no certificate.

While we were immersed in the intensity of the camp, it was impossible to actually see what was going on.

As the air cleared a bit after I received the certificate, I could see through their scam as a seasoned professional. I know what pitch decks look like, I know how expensive in-the-field research is, I know how painful it is to wrap all the data into a gorgeous presentation. We did it all for free at Bootcamp, while we even had to pay enormous tuition.

I understand your point of view. The only positive thing maybe is that having the experience of having done a bootcamp and graduated is not for nothing.

It's a valuable life lesson. It's, as you say, one can develop an appreciation for the 'real' education path, and the value of excellence in learning. It's a sliver of knowledge that can build the foundation of much more learning. It was that for me.

Also, my professor was awesome. No complaint there.