Five Golden Rules – learning to code

Changing jobs is daunting, especially when you’re moving from one role to a completely different one. With the world’s increasing dependence on technology, more and more people are upskilling to software development. If this describes you, then here are five golden rules that need to be followed when learning to code. 

In their recent Future of Jobs Report, the World Economic Forum looks at the jobs of tomorrow, taking into account the effects of COVID-19. In the report, they recognise that as many as 89 million jobs are at risk due to technology. At the same time, though, they reckon that as many as 97 million new roles will emerge that are “more adapted to the new design of labour between humans and machines”. 

The same report tells us that between now and 2025, software developers will be among the highest in demand. It has been the case for a long time now that there are not enough developers to satisfy the needs of businesses. It’s for this reason that Governments include digital strategies into their annual budgets and plans. 

Five Golden Rules – learning to code

Software development is a career that will be secure long into the future, and now is a great time to start the upskilling journey. So, if you’ve been contemplating reskilling yourself for a career in software development, then here are five golden rules for changing career to programming. 

1. Choose the right course

Make sure you choose a programme that is suited to you. Do your homework. Is the programme recognised? Are the right programming languages on the curriculum? Does the curriculum offer in-demand skills? Choosing a course that provides skills that are widely used and needed is essential, especially if changing careers is your goal. 

2. Use the supports

If you’ve decided to embark on a coding journey, congratulations. Changing a career is challenging, as is learning something new. For some of you, coding may come naturally; for others, it may take a little longer. Learning to code is like learning a new language; it can be tough. 

However, if you put your mind to it, this is entirely achievable. To help you on your way, the best education providers will offer a comprehensive support package. 

For example, Code Institute’s support is unrivalled. Between Student Care, Tutor Support, Personal Mentors, Community Support and Career Services, what’s on offer is fantastic. However, it’s up to each of our students to use these supports. While our Student Care team will stay in frequent contact, our students must avail of the tutor supports when and as required. Likewise, our Career Support begins after the completion of your second milestone project. 

3. Know your end goal

The best advice we can offer anyone who starts a new programme is to keep your eye on the prize. Why are you doing a course? What is it that you want to achieve? Write down whatever it is that you are using as motivation. Whether it’s to get a higher paid job or to have a career that allows you to spend more time with your family, write down the reason, and whenever you feel yourself going adrift, read your motivations out loud. 

4. Always be learning

Technology is always changing, as are languages. Code Institute continually updates its programme based on these changes; however, when you do become a programmer, go in with that attitude of always being willing to learn. This will make you even more valuable as an employee. 

5. Stay on Track

All of the best learning programmes will have an end date. For example, with Code Institute, our full-stack software development programme is designed to be completed within 52 weeks. The programme can be completed much earlier, depending on the hours you put in. We recommend an absolute minimum of twelve hours per week to complete the course in 52 weeks. 

As in business, you will have deadlines for your projects, and it is your responsibility to keep your eye on the prize. The tip here is to stick to the schedule that you agree with your course provider. If you do that, you will be able to change your career much sooner. 

Time to get started

These five golden rules for learning to code are hugely important when it comes to doing our programme. If you want to get a taste as to what it’s like being a developer, why not try our free 5 Day Coding Challenge? Here, you’ll learn the basics of HTML, CSS and JavaScript. It only takes an hour per day over five days. Go on, sign up, it’s time to get started. Register now through the form below. If you’ve already done the challenge, or if you want to find out more, you can download our brochure here.