Why change career to software development in 2021?

Every year, I find myself writing an article about why software development is a great choice for career changers. However, 2020 proved to be a year that cemented my thoughts even further. Since the onset of the COVID-19, the world has never seen such a high demand for technology – which leads me to today’s article. Why change career to software development in 2021? 

Software development in 2021

The demand for software developers has always been high. Even before this pandemic arrived, we had EU research saying that there would be 756,000 unfilled ICT roles by 2020. It’s a number that I’ve written about often. Then came the coronavirus, and that demand got even higher. 

Effectively, what happened was that for many companies to keep their doors open while countries locked-down or issued restrictions, curfews, etc., they had to turn to technology. Unfortunately, a lot of businesses were not ready for it because they did not have the right online presence. Whether it was automation processes or e-commerce websites, these were the things that were needed to keep staff employed and off pandemic payments. 

Thankfully, many of these businesses have since looked to online solutions, and while a retailer may have had to shut their physical doors, they were able to increase their online presence and open their virtual doors. As a result, many people have come back to work and off their respective pandemic payments. Unfortunately, others were not so lucky. 

World Economic Forum

Those who weren’t so lucky were in businesses that traditionally needed people to be physically present. For example, the impact on the hospitality industry was drastic, as was aviation, retail and many others. The question this raises is what those industries will look like in the future? One would have to guess that many industries are now, or will be, preparing themselves for if anything like this pandemic will ever happen again. They will look at ways of keeping their doors open, and will surely investigate technological solutions like automation, AI and machine learning. 

Here’s the problem, there are not enough software developers and digitally-skilled workers out there to accommodate for all of these changes that are coming. This is one of the primary reasons as to why one should change career to software development in 2021. In October 2020, the World Economic Forum issued their Future of Jobs Report 2020. In this document, they talk about the acceleration of technologies in companies, and they predict that by 2025 technology will displace 85 million jobs. A scary figure, however, with it comes another line—the opportunity. 

The next line reads that 97 million new roles may emerge that better suited to the division of labour between “humans, machines and algorithms”. The same report ranks software development as one of those roles that are in most demand. 

A positive year – 2021

Let’s be honest. 2020 has been a challenging year for most. I know that governments took different approaches to deal with the spread of COVID-19, but I can only guess that the pandemic has impacted us all in some way. Whether it’s losing our jobs, or not being able to hug a loved one. Even dealing with the stress of the constant talk of this terrible disease has had its toll on some. However, all indicators at the time of writing this are that we will have a brighter 2021. With talk of vaccines, there is talk of a slow, but sure, return to normality – or another “new normal”. 

One thing that will change is how we work. While some of these changes will require many to reskill, the outcome will ultimately be positive. Businesses will start embracing technology even tighter. Workers in some sectors will reskill, and there is no better field in which to work right now than software development.

Learn to code

So, why change career to software development in 2021? Well, coding is the base of most technologies. The opportunities available right now are excellent, but the wealth of opportunity over the next five years will be incredible. Every business needs software developers, but the gap is too large for companies to fulfil their needs. With this comes better terms for developers – whether it’s higher salaries, better benefits, or a fantastic work/life balance. 

How Code Institute can help

Code Institute is ready to help you change career to software development in 2021. Our full-stack software development programme teaches the skills that are most in-demand right now. We give you the skills that you will need for the future of work. 

Apart from teaching you these skills, we aim to help you change your career. Our careers team is there to help you find your first job as a software developer in a role that is actually suited to you.

Our support teams, from tutors, who are available seven days a week, to our student care, mentors, community and career support, we have the right people there to help you on your journey. 

Monitoring progress

Our unique learning technology helps you to progress through the course. We can see if you’re struggling and intervene with human support. At code institute, it’s all about equipping you with in-demand skills and placing you in employment. This personalised level support cannot be matched by traditional education or online zoom classes.

The next step

If you have chosen to change career to software development in 2021, or if you are thinking about it, then there are a few steps you can take. The first step is to try our free 5 Day Coding Challenge (registration form below). This will teach you the basics of HTML, CSS and JavaScript. After an hour a day over five days, you will have built your first-ever webpage. It will let you know if you have an aptitude for software development.

Another way to approach this is to get in touch with one of our education advisors today or join us at our next webinar.