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Technology has evolved in this century. It is fast-paced and it is used by everyone daily. When we were younger, we were always so curious about how things worked. But have you ever asked yourself lately how the technology you are using works?
The answer to that is coding. So, what is coding really? Coding or computer programming is basically a set of instructions that a computer follows to complete a task. It is a step-by-step instruction on how the computer should work.
Similar to well-known jobs such as being a doctor, lawyer, or government official, a career in computer programming to create technology could be introduced to kids especially at a young age. Coding and computer programming uses different mental skills such as mathematical and logical skills that could be developed throughout the years.
To help you see why coding is a good career choice, here are 5 good reasons!
1. Coding is a growing industry
Unlike in the ’80s and ’90s, coding today is a growing industry. There are so many opportunities especially in those countries which are developing technology for everyday use. Some examples of careers are that of a software application developer, web developer, computer analyst, software engineer, and many others.
Similarly, basic coding is a skill most employers look for even though their industry is not strictly related to computers. This results in a more versatile industry for coders.
In the UK, Computer programming is now the fastest-growing profession. However, researchers said that despite this, tech recruiters face a growing digital skills shortage. Similarly in the United States, coding is a booming industry and most tech developers can be found in major city-states.
2. The future generation lies in coding
Coding is a good career choice. However, if you are second guessing whether you are cut out to be a professional coder or not, then you should check, see, and try coding for yourself. There are lots of free online courses, educational games, explainer videos, and even coding for kids programs that would help ease you into your coding journey.
To date, anyone, even kids as young as 7-years-old, can learn coding. There are several ways to learn and teach how to code, with the most popular ones being block-based and text-based coding.
Block-based coding makes use of visual and easy-to-understand lines of codes. Programs like Scratch and Blockly are just some of the most popular block-based coding platforms used by kids and teachers nowadays. By simply dragging and dropping blocks of codes in these platforms, anyone would be able to start coding in no time.
Text-based coding, on the other hand, is a more advanced and expansive approach. Given that text-based coding is the method used by professional coders in the real world, older kids and adults prefer this method over the block-based one. But once you have already mastered block-based coding and fully understand the fundamentals of coding, then anyone can immediately learn text-based coding.
That being said, anyone, regardless of age, can now learn how to code.
Given that coding runs most of the technology that we use everyday, the advancement and progress of tech now lies in the hands of student coders like you. So whether you are a 12-year-old or someone who is pushing 30s, it is never too late to learn how to code.
3. The coding industry offers a good income
In the United States of America, computer programmers are estimated to have a median salary of $86,550 in 2019. In that year alone, the 25 percent made $112,120 while the lowest-paid 25 percent made $65,760.
While in the United Kingdom, the average salary for a computer programmer is £31,653 or around $45,000 annually.
However, in Asia the coding industry is still developing- thus the average is around $10,000 to $20,000 annually. Those rates would differ if a person is employed as a freelance computer programmer.
If you live in the United States, another factor that you should also consider is the state where your company resides.
For example, different states and districts pay computer programmers that average to $177,210 in Washington, $ 119,010 in the District of Columbia, $ 107,300 in California, $ 103,150 in Virginian, and $ 102,650 in Texas.
The reason these states have a high salary for computer programmers is that Washington houses the National government, California is a haven for developers, and Massachusetts is where the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) is located.
Generally, the salary depends on many factors such as the state or the country you reside in, the company you work for, or even the demand in the industry you are in. The key takeaway here is that even though rates vary from different states or countries, it is still worth noting that computer programmers are one of the most lucrative careers today.
4. Coding allows you to work remotely
This is one of the best things when having a career in computer programming. Coding is not like any other industry since you can work remotely. Most companies allow this because computer programming only requires the computer and the coder. Physical presence in the office is not really necessary as one can build a good program even at home.
With more and more machines being automated and even replacing the jobs of humans, computer programming is still the best proof that a human’s intellectual level is that of machines. Ultimately, there may be no career that could be awarded as the best career but coding is a good career choice as it is and will always be the future of all industries.
