Contrary to what many believe, a career in computer programming does not just require an aptitude for maths or science subjects. Your academic results are only part of the story: employers tend to look for characteristics such as a team ethic and a creative mind when evaluating a candidate. Here are five reasons why coding may be the career for you.
1. You Appreciate Technology
This might seem like an obvious starting point, but a genuine interest in all types of technology and the myriad ways it is applied in today’s world is the foundation of a good programmer’s skill set. Knowledge of what’s out there, what has already been successful and what you can utilise to get results – all of these will prepare you for any coding challenge.
2. You Get On with People
Forget the stereotype of computer programmers as awkward and antisocial. A truly effective programmer is also good at communication, both within their own team and throughout the company. Whether it’s explaining a complex issue so that it’s clearly understood by a non-developer or working with fellow programmers to track down bugs and improve your software, being relaxed and confident in your interactions with other people is a real plus.
3. You’re Patient and Focused
Complex programming issues can take anything from hours to days to resolve. If you’ve got the patience to methodically work through a problem and attack it from a variety of angles, you might be perfectly suited to tackling computer code. Thinking logically and being detail-oriented are also vital, especially when a single misplaced semi-colon can prevent a whole program from doing its job.
4. You’re Motivated to Solve Problems
In software development, you can’t just brush problems aside: one way or another, you have to fix them. If you’re one of those people who actively enjoys confronting a problem and persevering until you find a solution, this may be an ideal career to pursue. And taking practical issues, such as budgeting and scheduling, into account when solving those problems will really make you valuable to an employer.
5. You Really Like Making Stuff
If you enjoy stretching your imagination and creating something innovative, or love taking things apart and trying to make them better, you could easily apply these skills to a software development career. Programming is a great way to make your ideas a reality, and in the digital world you’re not limited by physical constraints.
We live in a world increasingly reliant on technology, and while this means the decline of some industries, the programming sector continues to expand. If you have the all-round skills that appeal to prospective employers in that sector, your next career move could be a highly satisfying one.
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