We've put together 7 reasons that show the amazing advantages of learning it. Learning it provides abundant, but not pointless, intellectual hurdles to train your brain. Here’s why: The real target job titles for people who learn computer programming are most often “software engineer,” “software developer” or “programmer”. Many self-taught programmers have managed to land jobs even in major companies or launch their startups within a couple of years after starting to learn to code. “It's a logical way of thinking that I've been able to apply just as successfully when developing a media strategy as trying to figure out why Internet Explorer isn't cooperating.”. Even if that’s not a part of your education, you’ll at least have someone reviewing your code on a regular basis. Median salaries for graduates of 11 programs ranged from $42,000 to $80,000. “Everyone should learn to code” movement is wrong because it assumes that writing code is the final goal. After all, when a single misplaced hyphen or missing period can mess up your entire code, you become quite skilled at checking your work (not to mention, doing things right the first time!). After all, anybody is supposed to be able to do this stuff, right? It's far more important that we re-tool our education system to give kids more opportunities to develop teamwork experience, communication skills, and curiosity … Words Amelia Butterly, interview James Waterhouse Newsbeat reporters No matter how easy we make it to learn to code, this greater ease will only amplify the abilities of those who already could. If you’re not interested in learning new things, and don’t want to be challenged on a regular basis, then coding probably isn’t for you. “Everybody in this country should learn how to program a computer, because it teaches you how to think.” – Steve Jobs. All Rights Reserved, This is a BETA experience. However, this isn’t the only way coding can open up job opportunities. Honest information about graduation rates, salaries and job stability may lead prospective code academy students to reevaluate career options. In my recent article titled “Why Everyone Should NOT Learn to Code” I heard a TON of feedback both for and against my position. Learning to code is super rewarding. Here Is Some Good Advice For Leaders Of Remote Teams. This could actually be your guide to become the next Mark Zuckerburg! If you decide to buy any product, I’ll receive a small commission, at no extra cost to you. Still, there’s the fundamental question. Whether you want to be a software engineer, or just want to learn something new, there’s a reason for everyone to learn to code! There is currently a shortage of software developers worldwide, so learning to code can be an easy route into an open field of work. From getting a job to enhancing your problem-solving and logic skills, find out why why you should start learning to code. Here, two self-taught coders explain why millennials, or really anyone, should learn how to code. For those who like alphabet soup, I hold an S.M. You may opt-out by. Ideally none. But it's not. It assumes that coding is the goal. Should you learn to write code? Well, two months after I joined her team, she got a huge promotion. Coding is becoming a skill similar to reading. Ambition drives the market for education of many types, from elite university MBA programs to modeling schools to competitive kindergartens. Coding is something that each student can do and is a more engaging way for students to work on their collaboration, critical thinking and problem-solving skills. In the modern world of rapid IT development and expansion, programming languages are the tools for managing each and every bit of it. Find out the top 5 reasons here. You should be learning to write as little code as possible. I’m author of Data Mining for Dummies, and creator of the Storytelling for Data Analysts and Storytelling for Tech workshops. Learning to code will teach you how to think, and it will also help develop you in other ways: learning how to focus, problem-solve, overcome challenges, perseverance, etc. According to the academies and their fans, this is a great deal compared to university programs, which cost more and take longer to complete. Having the right motivation, determination, and perseverance is required to learn any complex physical or cognitive skill. Kids learn better and faster when they’re young. Remember my former manager, the marketer who knew how to code? Aja Frost is the author of Work-From-Home Hacks: 500+ Easy Ways to Get Organized, Stay Productive, and Maintain a Work-Life Balance While Working from Home! you are probably not even serious, I can’t tell. You Have to Be a Team Player …said every job description ever. It’s worth considering whether alternatives such as career coaching might yield similar results at lower cost to job seekers. bad for borrowers who do not come from affluent backgrounds. Or if you're in customer support, you could quickly resolve a ticket without having to ping a co-worker. Not only will you save time, but you’ll gain valuable credibility. Is it worth the effort, let alone the money, to learn to code? And programming skills are useful for many jobs other than becoming a full time software developer. Their job is to solve problems. 0. You will likely be working in a technical space with engineers, product managers, and web designers. “I can build landing pages for marketing campaigns without having to rely on a designer or an engineer,” says Tyler Moore, Marketing Director for App Press. And with all of the learning resources available online and in-person, learning programming skills may not be as difficult as you think. EY & Citi On The Importance Of Resilience And Innovation, How Digital Workflows Helped Save Basketball During The Pandemic, Impact 50: Investors Seeking Profit — And Pushing For Change, Michigan Economic Development Corporation With Forbes Insights, Three Things You’ll Need Before Starting A New Business. Then I started working under a marketer with coding chops. Why you should not learn to code. You’ll be able to put your coding skills to use to fix the applications you need, and that in turn will make you a more self-reliant and valuable employee. Course Report’s survey of graduates found that a little more than half (57%) of code academy graduates had a single job since graduation at the time of the survey. When you’re a freelancer, you’ll be the master of your own schedule. Technology is taking over Computers are … Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate Links. My work focuses on two challenges: 1) helping technical experts communicate effectively with everyone else, and 2) providing guidance for organizations launching or expanding analytics programs. There is currently a shortage of software developers worldwide, so learning to code can be an easy route into an open field of work. If you attend a local meetup you are likely to find a few people who have just started coding that month. The buzz says that code academy graduation is a ticket to a six-figure salary, but the data says different. Like nuclear weapons, we should use software sparingly, if it all. What good is a strong salary if no one is looking to … If you have an idea, then no one besides you is the best person to realize … Learning to code and entering the world of tech is sustainable. Actionable Steps to Fight Workplace Racism, General Assembly’s part-time Front-End Web Development course. Kyle Pearce December 13, 2013 Learn In the Lost Interview with Steve Jobs, Apple’s co-founder said, “I think everybody in this country should learn how to program a computer because it teaches you how to think.” It is scary or frustrating for you or maybe fun for you. In other words, learning to code won’t just give you technical knowledge—it’ll also give you a new way to approach your work. Those are all really good traits to develop, and if you can learn really valuable tangible skills while also developing these traits, you’ll be much better off. Instead, what’s true is coding is, in fact, cool but you should actually make your kids get to learn to code because they’ll be rewarded as a result in the future. It’s not being said anymore that – “coding is cool, so go do it,” end of story. Why would you want to do this when you could take a quick syntax lesson and start typing? Work-From-Home Hacks: 500+ Easy Ways to Get Organized, Stay Productive, and Maintain a Work-Life Balance While Working from Home! Another thing brought to light by the CIRR reports: many people don’t graduate. No, I can't get behind that. Review job postings for software development jobs at companies where you want to work. But not every person wants or needs to learn to code, and even those who do can be successful learning as adults. It open up other job opportunities For now, let’s look at why one should learn to code. “Tools exist, but most of them involve manual data crunching. It’s still good to know the different types of coding, even if you’re only learning for personal projects. But many others had switched jobs, with the average time in the first job before switching only 8 months. ... Computational thinking is a skill that everyone should learn. It’s one element of the complex world of software development, and software development is no more than a corner of the diverse tech industry. Since then, I’ve met dozens of non-engineers—in all sorts of professions—whose programming knowledge has accelerated their careers. enrolling in your first class, workshop, or event. Fact is, programming is difficult. In this module, you will learn to read code and execute it by hand. Seven of the twelve code academies reported more than 90% of students graduating, if not on time then a least within 150% of the published program length. Many companies prefer candidates who also have industry experience upon graduation; it’s a more competitive market than you might have been led to believe. But here’s the problem with that idea: Coding is not the new literacy. Let’s say you’re a sales rep: If a potential customer asks you a technical question, you can answer immediately instead of consulting an engineer. But Fahim Ul Haq of Educative has a completely different experience, and through our interview with him - we think you will be inspired too! Lenders such as Pave and Upstart offer loans to these students at interest rates substantially higher than the current 5.31% charged for federal Direct Unsubsidized Loans for graduate study. How Can Tech Companies Become More Human Focused? You are an experienced person and you want to know that after choosing this field how far you have come and what changes you have … It can save you time on computer-based tasks while opening your eyes to accomplishments that were previously unfeasible. Tuition for non-accredited code academy tuition is not covered by conventional student financing such as federal student loans or the GI Bill. The interest in coding in K-12 education is misplaced. Programming and code are difficult, and not just in the sense of understanding logic and syntax, but also in the way that it's a never-ending achievement because it's always evolving. Archived. Coding can help to promote SEL (Social and Emotional Learning) skills as well. When you get a job, it may not last as long as you expect, either. But actually, it is not. 2. The fact is, the whole world should not learn to code anymore than all of us should learn to be a space shuttle engine designer or a lawyer. But if your goal is a software development job and a high salary, be cautious. “I’ve mostly worked for technical startups and SaaS companies, and being able to iterate quickly has made it a lot easier to ship new campaigns, or to get something started that I can hand off to an actual designer or engineer for polishing.”. Learn Something Else Entirely The Greek physician Hippocrates said “Ars longa, vita brevis,” meaning “The craft is long, Life is short.” So choose your craft wisely. When programmers are given a problem to solve, … When you learn to code, not only will you be able to go nomad, you’ll have freedom in so many other aspects than location. While I’m best known as an expert in text analytics and data mining, my first love is good, old-fashioned statistics, particularly statistics for quality improvement. They’re … Read on to learn four major reasons you and I both should start looking into coding classes. It will help you develop problem-solving skills. Here, two self-taught coders explain why millennials, or really anyone, should learn how to code. In many respects, we should encourage kids to code for similar reasons to those we give for encouraging them to play sports and learn an instrument: it’s good for their development. It makes you more valuable at your work. Code bootcamps attract students hoping for respected and lucrative careers in software development.... [+] (Image: Shutterstock). Not at all. “It’s not necessary to know HTML and CSS, but it’s so helpful,” she says. So without delaying any further, let us tell you why you should be learning how to code. If you find yourself with a lot of free time and would like to fill this time by learning something new, the Startup Oasis team have a suggestion for you: learn how to code. Whether you’re a marketer, a mom, a business owner, or just curious about the craft, we’re ready to convince you why coding is an important skill worth adding … Hefty fees raise the question of how students pay. From celebrities and educators, people from every walk of life are touting the benefits of learning to code. To do it, you have be patient about sitting at a computer all day, painstakingly writing computer language to do exactly what some more experienced developer directs you to do. You can code! Projects are rarely created in a vacuum. If you can handle sitting next to someone while he or she reviews each line of your work, you’ll kick butt at other types of collaborative projects. Of course then you find out the fridge ordered another $2,000 dollars worth of milk which is on its way if it doesn’t get lost because of other applications controlling the shipping screw up. Since not many people know how to code, the demand for people who know to code is very high. You’ll be able to put your coding skills to use to fix the applications you need, and that in turn will make you a more self-reliant and valuable employee. A new industry partnership between code academies and lenders, Council on Integrity in Results Reporting (CIRR), has begun to publish code bootcamp outcomes reports stating graduation rates and post-graduation salaries. Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts. Jobs that focus on coding seem plentiful now, but that can and will change. © 2020 Forbes Media LLC. Find out what training and experience applicants require to be hired for the positions and companies that you prefer. Elle is also in the process of learning two more programming languages, Go and Python. And the work that remains can be done anywhere, a fact already supported by the rise offshore software development firms. One had only 67% of students graduate. Reason 2: Employers still value conventional credentials. The "everyone should learn to code" movement isn't just wrong because it falsely equates coding with essential life skills like reading, writing, and math. By having some knowledge of coding, you’ll have a better sense of what’s realistic in terms of results, quality, and timeline, making you a much better teammate or leader. Why you should not learn to code. The sad reality is that not many 9-5 jobs are rewarding. And there’s another thing about coding. The requirements for these roles vary among employers and individual positions, and may call for sophisticated or specialized skills such as knowledge of advanced mathematics, specific (and often proprietary) tools or subject matter knowledge relevant to a particular industry. And if learning to code is good, then learning earlier is better. “After teaching myself how to code, I started tweaking the HTML and CSS of our clients’ websites. But if you know how to code, you don’t have to wait around for help: You might be able to do it yourself. And — as you can probably guess from the upside down text in my headline — that language should be JavaScript. But there are other reasons why you should learn to code. The fact is, the whole world should not learn to code anymore than all of us should learn to be a space shuttle engine designer or … If you don't know how to code, you've probably heard plenty of people telling you why you should. And why is it so important? Code academies (also called coding bootcamps) are expensive. Actual loan rates are determined on an individual basis, sometimes based on unconventional factors such as where you went to school, an approach which may be bad for borrowers who do not come from affluent backgrounds. Did you learn to write before you could read? If you prefer a more guided approach to learning code, some tutors promise to teach you programming basics within 30 days through real-time workshops and coding bootcamps. You are a beginner, just have entered in this field and you have doubts that you took the correct step choosing this field or not. Learning how to code is also going to help your children develop fluidity in their thinking. Here’s why you don’t–and what you should learn instead. And conventional college education is not always expensive, especially when compared to the more costly code bootcamps and commercial financing options. Tuition ranges from $5000 to more than $20,000 for 8-24 weeks of study. Programming is a practical skill on a tool you already use every day. Reason 3: The job won’t pay as much as you’re expecting. ("Just stop already, it's too hard.") No–You Don’t Need To Learn To Code The whole world seems to be telling you that you need to learn programming. Many people find it to be downright dull. Jessica Elle, who runs digital marketing for Forest Giant, uses her coding chops to improve site SEO and make quick design changes. If you’re doing it out of deep interest and a desire to learn for personal satisfaction, then you know what that is worth to you. I’m author of Data Mining for Dummies, and creator of the Storytelling for Data Analysts and Storytelling for Tech workshops. And since so many code academy students already have college degrees when they enter code bootcamps, there is room for discussion about how much the additional technical education really adds to potential earnings. Coding is a Career. The job of a software developer is to … And she told me her technical chops were the tipping factor. Now, if you’re like most code academy students, you already have a college degree. Posted by 2 years ago. “My position was ‘graphic designer,’ and that’s all I did,” she explains. Those who are good at teaching themselves new skills can learn to code with the help of books and websites that offer free or low-cost access to educational materials. Even if you’re not regularly working on projects with engineers, programming knowledge can make you a better co-worker. As a writer and marketer with no future dreams of becoming an engineer, I never really thought learning to code would be relevant for my job. Read on to find out. However, with the right attitude and hard work, you can learn anything. And you should. So, here are my five reasons why you should learn to code: Learn something new every day (for the rest of your life) You … Code academies (also called coding bootcamps) are expensive. Why every child should learn to code. The reality is technology is going to evolve at lightning speed in the future, but the set of skills a child develops from learning to code will be there for a lifetime. A survey of code academy graduates conducted by code academy directory Course Report concluded that more than 76% of code academy graduates already had a Bachelor’s degree or higher when they entered these programs. Self-training is an alternative that suits some. Beta experience those who like alphabet soup, I hold an S.M your guide become. From celebrities and educators, people from every walk of life are touting the of! Clients’ websites question of how students pay and faster when they ’ re a,. 8-24 weeks of study show the amazing advantages of learning to program software is n't the... 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