Coding is an essential skill for IT, but not something to think about in other careers on in pursuit of a pay rise, right? Wrong!!
The tech sector is an industry that’s largely dominated by men, and while this is changing, there are so many other industries and careers becoming increasingly tech savvy, and because of that coding is shaping up as a skill that’s becoming more relevant across the board.
Understanding the basics of coding makes you more marketable to any business with an online presence.
Even if you’re not specifically tasked with creating digital content or structures, you’ll understand the process and be better able to communicate with those that are, both internal colleagues and external consultants, and will appreciate the back-end of systems that you use.
Your skills could also enable you to manage ad hoc tasks, such as a simple website or app update that may otherwise be outsourced, saving your employer time and money and increasing your value.
Where a second spoken language was once desirable in a candidate – even for employers without the need for a bilingual employee, coding has taken over.
Even non-digital businesses will benefit from your skills as coding requires problem solving skills and critical thinking that can be translated to any situation.
As Steve Jobs once said “I think everybody should learn how to program a computer because it teaches you how to think”. Coding is the perfect ‘brain-training’.
So how do you learn to code? There are a variety of options, from formal courses to online software and free mobile apps.
We’re not saying it’s super easy because it will take time and effort on your part, but the basics are surprisingly easy to master.
Even primary school students are learning to code and even develop apps themselves!
For those with a penchant for coding, you’ll be pleased to know that digital careers are growing at twice the rate of others, and pay more than other entry-level roles.
So, if you’re looking to add another ‘string to your bow’, consider coding. It can enhance your job prospects and even the size of your purse.
