Computer programming is a fast-growing field that is very lucrative, making it a great choice for those with a head for it. The job is expected to grow around 11% consistently through to 2029. What this means in actual figures is millions of new job listings every year. In the last year alone, for example, there were 2.8 million job postings that those with a computer science degree would be able to apply for.
What Do Computer Programmers Do?
Computer programming is an essential skill that allows you to work and create digital tools, games, and software across all devices. You can work in almost everything digital, from web development to video game development and beyond.
What Do You Need to Be a Good Computer Programmer?
You need to have a strong background in mathematics and find it comfortable working with sequential and logical processes. As you will need to specialize in one or more of the programming languages, this is also a must for those looking to become a computer programmer.
Knowing the language is, of course, just the start. Having a portfolio of the work you have created is also a great way to get started in your career. Technically speaking, you can build this portfolio on your own, though this is very hard to do on your own, and very few people will be able to build an impressive portfolio and skillset without the use of formal education.
If you are not a natural, do not worry. There are many great training options to help bring up your experience and build up your portfolio of skills by the time you graduate.
What You Need to Become a Computer Programmer
You will need a few key things to become a computer programmer. First, prove what you can do (both through credentials and through your portfolio is how you will get job after job and how you can expand your career options.
Academic Training
The best place to learn computer programming and other essentials like a foundation in software development, algorithm development, and data management is with the right degree. You can get started from your bachelor’s onwards, or you can choose a Bachelor’s in a related field, for example, mathematics with a minor in computer science, and then earn the rest of the foundational credits during your Master’s.
A great Master’s, like this Worcester Polytechnic Institute’s online MS in Computer Science, works to deepen your understanding of your chosen specialty and also offers you a capstone experience that will allow you to craft a project that aligns with your career goals so that you will have working experience by the time you graduate.
There are a lot of applications of the computer sciences. Of course, choose the field and work that you find most enjoyable because the possibilities are endless, but the best way to get started with your career is by specializing in the area that you are most interested in, regardless of your reasons.
Do not limit yourself to what is nearby, either. While there are multiple benefits to being on-campus for your Bachelor’s, you. will often find that is not the case with your master’s degree. Instead of limiting yourself during your master’s to the options nearby or the options in cities you can afford, you can save and even potentially work while studying with distanced learning. Computer Science is the perfect kind of degree for online learning, so choose the best option for you, not the best option nearby.
Proficiency in a Computer Language
You will become proficient in one or more computing languages during your education. Though many programmers can work with just one, it is always better to know the basics. This way, you can read and generally understand whatever piece of code comes your way. The general advice is to know and be proficient in at least three programming languages. In addition, you need to know one procedural language, one object-oriented language, and one functional language.
There are others that advise you to know the five basic programming languages:
- Java
- Python
- JavaScript
- C or C++
- Scala
Others advise that you should aim to learn one new language a year, though it is important to remember that knowing a programming language and being proficient in it are two very different things, and you need to not let one fall as you learn another.
Regardless of which strategy you want to invest in, know that you need to keep your skills sharp. Personal projects, workshops, short courses, and online certificates are excellent ways to stay on top of these languages and expand your proficiency in new languages.
A Great Network
Every career needs a network. Business is a social enterprise because if you existed in a vacuum, there would be no opportunities.
A great place to start building your network is with your alumni network. Your university or college should have an alumni network or portal out there that will allow you to connect with those who graduated with you or before you. You can find a mentor through this method, or at the very least, stay in touch with others and follow their career. If you are social on these groups, then you can even offer your help or volunteer when they have opportunities or job offers for their network.
Events, workshops, and conferences are also great places to learn and build your network. Remember to connect with them online on a mutual platform to continue to learn about these new people and start developing a relationship with them online.
Finally, use the world of online. There are very active communities for programmers online, and joining them is a great way to learn, share your experience, and to meet and make friends. Never underestimate how important showcasing your skills and your personality can be, because even in an online community, you can open doors that would never have been available to you beforehand.
