How to start a career in coding

With competitive salaries, high job satisfaction and opportunities to work at the heart of some of the most exciting tech companies in the world, starting a career in coding is an excellent move.

It is undoubtedly a lucrative and rewarding occupption, so why aren’t more people interested in coding jobs? With a global shortage of software engineers, there has never been a better time to start upon the coding career path.

In celebration of National Coding Week - a week dedicated to inspiring the next generation of programmers and championing the talent in the industry - we wanted to provide some top tips to set you on the path to a successful coding profession.

What is Computer Coding?

Computer coding is the process of creating instructions for computers using a special coding language. Coding is used to help create software, apps, programmes and operating systems that we use in everyday life.

How to Learn Computer Coding

When it comes to learning computer coding, there are a number of different routes you can go down and a variety of code programming languages to learn.

Studying Computer Coding at University

Many people learn how to code whilst studying an undergraduate degree at university, such as computer science or computer engineering. 

Additionally, there is also the option to complete a master’s degree in computer programming, to really hone in on those coding skills and knowledge.

Are There any Jobs in Coding Without a Degree?

For those who would prefer not to go down the academic route, or simply want a career change later in life, it is also possible to learn how to code and pursue a career in the area without a degree. 

Some people may choose to apply for an apprenticeship in order to learn on the job. Ada, the National College for Digital Skills offers a number of different options for those wanting to learn how to code without attending university, helping to improve theoretical and practical understanding. 

In addition to apprenticeships, there are also a number of online coding courses which can help you to learn the tricks of the trade. From shorter courses to whet your appetite, to longer, more intense courses to expand your knowledge - there’s something for everyone. 

How to Start a Career in Coding

Whether you’ve attended university, or completed online qualifications, once you’ve learned the required skills, it’s time to seek out a coding job.

It’s advisable to have completed a personal coding project or two prior to applying for jobs, so you’ve got a portfolio to showcase some of your work at job interviews. 

Before applying for coding jobs, you need to establish what area you’d like to focus on. According to Indeed, some of the coding-related jobs with the highest starting salaries in the UK include:

• Software Engineer 

• Data Scientist 

• Cloud Consultant 

• Python Developer 

• DevOps Engineer 

Depending on your skills, experience and interests, these are some of the most lucrative careers that will allow you to put your coding skills to good use.

So, whether you’re looking to make a career change, or you’re wondering how to get a job at the end of your university course - our top tips will help you to find the ideal coding job for you so you can embark on an exciting new career path.