As the world progresses on the wings of technology, computer programming is an aspect that has become crucial and necessary today. We believe that you should be conversant with the term “computer coder,” which is the same as a computer programmer. Essentially, a coder is a digital architect who designs tech features and functionalities.
Coding is a great career for many reasons. One of them is the fact that a large number of individuals live in the online space. Now everyone is welcome to learn how to code. However, there are certain tips to be considered. Here in this blog, we have provided a clear roadmap to becoming a coder.
Explore Relevant Online and Offline Resources
Starting a career in coding is all about training and networking, either online or offline. A great number of individuals have previously taken the path you are about to take. Through years of experience in the field, they have created resources to make the journey easier for beginners.
There are lots of courses created for different categories. YouTube and Coursera are good places to kick-start.
Some examples of online courses include:
- Freecodecamp
- W3schools
- Mozilla Developer Network, etc.
In addition, you can search and meet developers and speak to them offline. Becoming a coder is connecting with like-minded people, where you can speak the same language and share knowledge. Also, consider entering a technical institute, college, or university.
Choose Your Speciality and Make a Focus
The coding industry is pretty extensive, with different fields expanding into little branches. You cannot learn everything about coding. Choosing a niche is a crucial step to growing as a professional. When starting, you may not know the field, but you can use what appeals to you to get an idea.
To do this:
- First, ask yourself what problem you are interested in solving.
- Next, go online and search for materials on how to grow in that niche.
- Start learning.
Some of the fields that you can explore are:
- Mobile development
- Web development
- Cybersecurity
It’s okay to try different niches as you pick up.
Consider Coding Bootcamp
As you start acquiring new skills, you will notice that you’ll need hands-on practice. The coding industry is full of pressure and competition, and you should be able to use it to your advantage. This is why you should consider going for a coding bootcamp.
A coding bootcamp is an intensive program designed to help students get the relevant training and hone their skills quickly. Interestingly, it is a good alternative to getting a computer science degree while building professional and practical knowledge.
Many of these bootcamps are either remote or offline, paid or free, full-time or part-time. We believe that most of them are full-time.
Get a Tech Internship
Tech internships are a great way to get work experience for your resume. It is a chance to be in a work environment and gain a real-life understanding of how coding companies function. You can also use it to perfect the skills you learned during your coding bootcamp.
Getting an internship is more like searching for a job. You have to prepare your CV and get ready to answer technical questions. In essence, the company expects a certain level of responsibility from you. You can also consider volunteering at an organization involved with your passion.
An internship is crucial because you can get project experience and network with other developers. Some sites where you can search for intern positions are LinkedIn, Indeed, Github job ads section.
Create Your First Product (Site)
As you’re getting your job experience, another thing that adds to your credibility as a coder is building products. An example is making your portfolio website dedicated to you, your skills, and your work experience. Think of it as your digital resume.
The website will show your strengths to potential employers and speaks volumes about how far you have grown in the tech space. Consider collaborating with other developers, which you can also add as your achievement. You can do this by building on open-source development projects, contributing to software or websites that add value to the community.
Essentially, the coding industry rewards people who take on challenges and make them worthwhile. Begin your journey today! The tech world is waiting to hear from you.