A Beginner’s Guide to a Career as a Computer Programmer 

A Beginner’s Guide to a Career as a Computer Programmer 
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Designing and building executable programs has become quite popular among young people in the last few years. Young students around the world are in awe of the career possibilities available in the coding profession; however, without the proper guidance and hard work, many don’t reach their full potential.

Whether you are a student that has been honing your skills since learning your first computer language or a newcomer that wants to make it, we have some advice that will set you on the right track toward your goals.

Here are 6 steps you need to take to achieve your coding goals.

Learn the basics

The pillars of every knowledge are the basics. You can tackle the basics by yourself if you have the means, but scattered all over the internet are comprehensive and interactive courses and websites that offer just that.

A coder is more than just a person who hacks away at the keyboard all day; they are problem solvers, and developing strong fundamentals will ensure that you can overcome any challenge thrown your way by the digital world.

As a coder, you have to form healthy habits from the very beginning as the work can sometimes become too much. Find a way to form healthy habits and ways to deal with the obstacles on the coding road like procrastination.

To battle procrastination, many people swear by the Five Minute Rule. By committing to a task just for five minutes and then taking a break, you’ll start creating positive momentum and keep the burnout and boredom at bay. After a while, you will see that this small step yields big rewards.

Jack of all trades, master of none

When it comes to coding, we are talking about individuals that specialize in coding language. Coding language is a set of rules and syntax that computers understand and is then translated into a task or a visual. Adaptability is key in this profession, but the biggest mistake is not being completely fluent in one language before moving on to another. When you are taking upcoding, it’s important that you focus on one language at a time. Languages like Java or Python are great starting points.

Never stop learning

In the beginning, it’s very important not to let the learning curve dip. You can make sure of that by taking advantage of the internet for searching for online tutors and classes.

For example, if you are still a student trying to learn Python and require assistance, you can always turn to experienced tutors online to help you with your Python homework help needs.

Another way to expand your knowledge is to work with other beginners on projects where you can hone your skills and backtrack to see your mistakes. Online videos about certain problems will always be there to set you back on the right path.

Consider joining a coding boot camp

Boot camps are a great way to learn to code as they are very intensive. However, they come at a substantial price. Before splurging your money by enrolling in a boot camp, see if you can’t overcome the obstacles on your own, but if you are set on learning it real quick, then maybe the price can be overlooked.

Show your potential

After accumulating skills, it’s time to create something of your own. You don’t have to develop sophisticated software at the start but aim for something that will show potential recruiters your skillset and talent.

Here are some simple project ideas you can create:

  1. Random Number Generator;
  2. Data Structures and Algorithms;
  3. Activity Lifecycles.

Now that you have something to back up your talent, it’s time to look for an internship to broaden your knowledge even further.

Show your potential

Look for internship

For the next step, it’s time to show the world what you can do. You can share your skills and expertise on GitHub or LinkedIn and potentially attract recruiters. With a project in hand, recruiters won’t think twice about hiring you, of course, if you are deemed as an up-and-coming potential.

What you should be looking for from an internship is support, motivation, and understanding, as you will likely get stuck on some tasks. See how you are treated during the internship, and if they provide you with input and support, you can consider joining them full-time if they also want your services.

As a coder, finding a job should never be a big concern as the demand for programmers continues to grow with each passing day. Look for companies that value your talent and listen to your input.

Final Thoughts

Computer programing is a great career choice for anyone that’s passionate about creating something new. The beginnings can feel as if you are making baby steps, but dedication and help from experts can help you on this wonderful coding journey. Feel free to go over our tips again so that you are 100% sure that success is waiting in the wings.

FAQ’s

What Does a Computer Programmer Do?

A computer programmer writes, modifies, and tests code and scripts that allow computer software and applications to work. These professionals convert software engineers’ and software developers’ designs into computer instructions.

Is there a difference between a programmer and a developer?

Despite sharing similar tasks, developers and programmers are two separate professions. The difference between a programmer and a developer is that the former is a technician who specializes in coding, and the latter is a designer who also writes code.

How much math is involved in coding?

Mathematics skills are crucial for programmers since they must build logic around numbers. Coders and programmers are unable to succeed without an understanding of certain concepts in mathematics.

What is the salary of a computer programmer?

The median salary for computer programmers in 2021 was $89,190. That year, the 25 percent with the highest pay made $116,220, while the 25 percent with the lowest pay made $67,370.

These rates can differ in each country though, so the above figures are just a guideline.

Thank you for reading!