Why Should You Learn To Code in 2021?
The events of 2020 have found many of us with more time on our hands than we might like. What better way to put that time to use than to learn a new skill? But why should you learn to code specifically? Well, the obvious reason is that if coding turns out to be something you’re good at, it could open the door to some of the highest paying jobs out there. Sound good? Keep on reading to find out more great reasons to learn to code.
Reasons to Learn to Code
The great thing about learning to code is that you don’t have to commit to a university degree. It’s easy for anyone to code starting with just 15 minutes a day. Making this choice to focus on your education and career development will only benefit you in the long run. With coding being one of the most in-demand skills right now, it’s a great place to start. Below are just a few reasons to learn to code:
Because You Never Know, You Might Enjoy It!
The thought of learning to code is often more daunting than the task itself. In essence, learning to code is like learning any language. The obvious difference is that if you were to learn Spanish, for example, you could have a jolly nice chat with the locals next time you go on holiday. Learning to code, on the other hand, enables you to ‘speak’ to a computer.
Put like that, it certainly sounds like a strange concept and might not be everyone’s cup of tea. But you never know how much you might enjoy learning programming languages until you give it a go!
Because You Can
Steve Jobs famously said; “Everybody should learn to program a computer because it teaches you how to think.” That was back in the 1990s when the only thing most people used a computer for was to produce a CV and write a cover letter. Back then, only a small minority of people had computers and a tiny minority of those, understood computer language.
Now, almost every single one of us has a computer in our pockets that’s so powerful you can use it to learn to code. OK, the screen might be a little small, but its processor is likely more than capable. The point being; most people have access to the equipment.
What’s more, you don’t have to commit to a full-on web development course, there are many apps and online courses available which will teach you coding skills for free.
We’re big fans of Codecademy, a site that enables complete beginners to learn the basics of coding for free. Here, you can try out simple languages such as HTML and CSS. If you find you enjoy it and want to go further, it offers different career paths to follow. For example, a Web Developer, where you might progress onto other languages like JavaScript, Python, Ruby or PHP. Along the way, you will complete projects that allow you to showcase your skills in an online portfolio.
Having a digital portfolio to back up the skills on your CV demonstrates to employers that you can put your coding knowledge into practice.
Because Learning to Code is Good for Your Mental Health
Learning any skill can be an enormous boost to your confidence and self-esteem. Additionally, learning to code helps you to think more logically and creatively. In turn, this helps you to stay more in control of your emotions and maintain healthy mental wellbeing.
Learning to Code Can Open the Door to Endless Job Opportunities
When people first start learning computer languages, it’s often with the aim of pursuing a specific career. For example, Web Development or to become a Software Engineer or a Full-Stack Developer.
Although programming skills can also open the door to many other tech careers such as IT Project Management or Digital Marketing, particularly SEO.
A Few Final Thoughts on Learning to Code
Learning to code was such a waste of time — said nobody, EVER! Even if you start working towards a goal of becoming a Mobile App Developer and you decide you hate it, its OK to change your mind. Any skills you pick up along the way will likely come in useful for any career in tech.
If you need any more motivation, to learn to code, why not check out our latest vacancies?
