Technology makes our world go around today, and it’s no surprise that the highest paying, most in-demand jobs are in tech fields. You’ve likely heard before that you should learn to code. But why is that? Why learn to code? It’s so much more than just something to add to your resume. Read about all the benefits here.
Learning To Code: What You Should Know
Align The Language With Your Goals
Don’t start learning a programming language without doing your research. Why learn to code? To be able to create programs.
Next, ask yourself what programs do you want to make? How are they made? Someone interested in website development, for example, needs to learn HTML, CSS, and Javascript. Someone interested in virtual reality game development should learn C#.
Why isn’t computer science the same as software engineering? Software engineering and computer science go hand in hand, but they are not the same.
Computer science refers to a wide variety of topics such as computer systems and networks, memory allocations, database structures, human computer interaction, bioinformatics, and computing theory.
While software engineers, programmers, and coders should have some knowledge in these areas, many are not necessary for the job at hand.
Learning to code is the first step on the path to a lucrative and in-demand software career. Not only will learning to code open up doors to software development and engineering, but other areas of software as well.
2. Other Job Opportunities
If you are looking to get into the field of technology, having an understanding of code is an essential part of the process. Even in sales, marketing, or graphic design, knowing the structure of code will help you create, sell, and market your products better.
In addition, many startups may not have the means to hire one person for each role. You may be able to offer coding as well as other skills that you are more interested in when applying to startup companies.
3. Your Job Application Stands Out
No matter the position or industry, knowing code is an impressive skill. It will likely be relevant in at least one area of your future work, even if you aren’t directly coding. In addition, coding requires a certain level of skill and intelligence that employers and hiring managers are seeking out.
4. Coding Literacy
Become digitally fluent by learning to code. What does this mean? It means that when you understand how coding works, and know some coding languages, you will be much more likely to understand other aspects of technology as well.
If you’re looking for flexible freelance work, or some extra money on the side, learn to code! You can pick up small coding gigs, or go bigger by coding entire websites for clients. Start by learning the code language you want to work in, and then start your own small projects to build your portfolio.
6. Pursue Passion Projects
Have you been using an app and thought, “I could make something better!” Or maybe you have a dream startup idea.
Learning to code is the first step to achieving your dreams. Working on your passion project will also help you practice your coding skills and increase understanding of the entire process, start to finish.
7. Logic Skills And Problem Solving
Your left brain is the side of the brain responsible for logic and problem solving. That is the part of the brain that gets ‘exercised’ when you learn and practice coding. This can help you build up other skills in mathematics and scientific reasoning.
8. Build Your Confidence
When you know how to code, you’ll feel much more confident in a room with engineers, hiring managers, CTOs, designers, and other people involved in the technology process. You can increase your confidence to speak up at work, offer new ideas, or apply for jobs you may not have before.
9. Teaching You How To Think
Those who code know that learning to code teaches you a new way of thinking. You look at a problem, come up with a solution, and troubleshoot until you get the best one. You will also increase your critical thinking skills, as well as attention to detail. One misplaced comma can cause an entire program to malfunction!
10. Self-Sufficiency
When you are on a team with developers, you may put in requests for help and then have to put a project on hold. After you learn to code, you may be able to solve problems yourself, come up with simple fixes, or at least get enough done to move on to the next step without waiting on others.
11. Communication And Collaboration Skills
While learning to code, you will likely start to be able to have more detailed conversations with engineers, product developers, and other tech professionals. You will increase your communication skills by having a deeper understanding of the topic.
Coding also teaches you collaboration — you may need to work on a team of coders to complete a large project, or you may need help from a more experienced coder on a team project.
12. Increase Your Productivity And Efficiency
If you are able to program a computer or device to do anything for you, you are increasing the efficiency of the machine. And therefore, you increase your own productivity, because you no longer have to spend time and mental energy on that task — you got the computer to do the work for you!
13. Understanding The Tech Community
If you’re looking to get your foot in the door with tech, learning to code is your chance! It is the commonality of all things tech — there is always code involved and everyone must know a bit about it. Learning to code will have you joining in at events and in conversations you would not have been able to participate in if you didn’t know code.
14. It’s Empowering
Learning to code is a major accomplishment — and it’s never fully finished. Each step of coding you master will feel like another small win towards a greater goal. And that gives you the empowerment you need to accomplish amazing things.
Job outlook for coders is looking good, and expected to rise 28% over the next ten years. Getting kids into coding now, will help them hone in their skills and excel before they enter the workforce.
3. Competitive Advantage For College And Jobs
Adding computer language proficiency to a job or college application is a great way to stand out. Even better is to have a completed, coded project to show or expand upon in an interview.
4. Coding Is Fun And Satisfying
Coding is fun! It involves a lot of creativity and for kids, it is almost like a game. They get to be in control, and see the effects of their thoughts and actions on a screen.
Creativity is all about coming up with new ideas and new solutions. That’s a big part of coding! While learning to code, kids increase creativity, which extends into other facets of life and school as well.
6. Coding Improves Problem Solving
When learning to code, kids will approach a problem in the same way that software engineers approach a problem — by breaking it down into smaller parts and figuring it out piece by piece. This important problem-solving skill can extend into other areas of their schooling as well.
7. Coding Improves Skills
Overall, teaching your kid to code will increase a great number of their skills. In addition to problem solving and creativity, kids also learn critical thinking. Learning to code also enhances some necessary skills for success such as persistence, communication, and collaboration.
The Bottom Line
Why learn to code? You should learn to code not just for your career, but for yourself as well. Increase skills, up your confidence, and get empowered by learning to code!
If you’re looking to become a programmer or learn to code, why not start at University of the People? With tuition-free, online degree programs in computer science, you’ll have an impressive degree to show future employers, and graduate with little to no debt at all.
At UoPeople, our blog writers are thinkers, researchers, and experts dedicated to curating articles relevant to our mission: making higher education accessible to everyone. Read More
