With the Covid-19 pandemic propelling global digitization forward at speed, there’s never been a better time to transition into a tech career. What’s more, the demand for talented programmers is at an all-time high.
Today, a career in programming offers unlimited creativity, collaboration, and a high salary to boot. As a programmer, you’ll get the chance to change lives with innovative digital products while working on world-leading tech teams across many sectors.
A career change in any field is an overwhelming prospect. With so much to learn and so many unknowns — where (and how) do you start?
We’ve got you covered with this quick-fire guide to shifting your career to programming:
- Make a plan
- Learn to code (enroll in a bootcamp, do a paid course, learn for free)
- Join a programming community
- Market yourself as a programmer
And now, to details.
Make a plan
No matter how confident you are in your decision, any career change requires planning. Laying out a step-by-step, persuasive plan — and a realistic timeline — will help you stay accountable and disciplined on your journey.
Which coding languages will you learn first? What kind of sector do you want to join? What are the tools you need to become a programmer?
What’s the job market like in your local area? Will you make the career change while still working in your current role or quit your job to pursue programming full-time?
You’ll want to ensure your plan addresses these questions as much as possible.
It’s also important to be well-researched. Gaining a deep understanding of programming will mean you’re more prepared for the more challenging aspects of your career change, like finding a programming job as a newcomer to the field. This video by Kalle Hallden provides insight into what life as a programmer is like, so you can get a real sense of what you’re getting into — and make sure you’re ready to commit.
Learn to code
When it comes to learning to code, the question on every beginner programmer’s lips is always, “Which coding language should I learn first?”
This depends on a few factors; including which kind of projects you want to join or in which sector you see yourself. You’ll also want to consider which languages are easy to learn and which one will help you land your first programming job.
Some of the best coding languages for beginners include:
- Python: A versatile and accessible programming language used across sectors.
- JavaScript: An all-purpose web-based programming language used to build websites.
- Ruby: A dynamic, open-source programming language that supports multiple programming paradigms.
In terms of how to learn these coding languages, you also have a few options:
- Bootcamps that transform total beginners into job-ready programmers in less time than a university degree. Popular coding bootcamps include General Assembly and Springboard.
- Courses, both free and paid. You can find beginner courses in coding languages on sites like Udemy, Coursera, and Codecademy.
- Tutorials on YouTube, blogs, and coding workshops. Consider channels like FreeCodeCamp and Programming with Mosh for practical tutorials and demos.
- Apps like SoloLearn and Programming Hub are great for learning to code step by step. They’re also interactive and affordable (free).
- Programming games are a less conventional but super fun way to learn to code. CodeCombat is one of the most popular games on the scene.
There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to learning programming. It’s up to you to figure out your preferred learning style and how much time you can dedicate to learning your chosen programming language daily. Luckily, you’re spoiled for choice!
Join a programming community
Starting from scratch can often lead to impostor syndrome, and many new programmers struggle with motivation. The good news? Thousands of programmers, even those advanced, can relate to this feeling.
Joining a programming community is something you should do as early on in your career change journey as possible. You’ll interact with fellow career-changers who are new to the field of programming, and you can motivate each other, share your experiences, and support each other. You can also get inspired by more advanced programmers who, like you, also changed their careers — and were successful. You might even be able to find yourself a mentor who can help you progress in your career.
Some of the places you’ll find programming communities include:
- Forums
- YouTube comment sections
- Social media
- Workshops and webinars
- In-person meetups
- Websites like Reddit and Quora
This blog post by Collective Ray lists 15 of the best developer communities every programmer should join in 2023.
Market yourself as a programmer
Once you’ve completed the first three steps, there’s only one thing left to do: Find a job as a programmer.
To find a programming job, you’ll need to prove your coding proficiency with a portfolio. Most programmers host their portfolios on GitHub, which allows others to view their source code.
If you’re doing a full career-change bootcamp course, you’ll likely work with a career specialist who’ll help you polish up your portfolio and write a programming resume. Some bootcamp courses even have special job preparation modules that teach essential skills, like interviewing for programming roles and networking at events.
Aside from creating a portfolio and updating your LinkedIn profile, there are many ways to give yourself a competitive edge in the developer job market — such as blogging your career change journey. For more information, you can check out Codersrank’s guide to marketing yourself as a programmer.
Final thoughts
Shifting your career to programming will take time, effort, and commitment. But as technology develops, the programming field will only grow — making it a lucrative (and exciting) career path.
If you don’t have any relevant previous experience behind you, you might think that becoming a successful programmer in less than a year is impossible. But it’s not! Just ask Syk Houdeib, who switched to programming with no relevant degree or background — and landed his first developer job in just ten months. Motivating, huh?
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