{"id":49732,"date":"2023-09-18T08:52:56","date_gmt":"2023-09-18T15:52:56","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.springboard.com\/blog\/?p=49732"},"modified":"2023-12-05T23:38:07","modified_gmt":"2023-12-06T07:38:07","slug":"coding-good-career","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.springboard.com\/blog\/software-engineering\/coding-good-career\/","title":{"rendered":"Is Coding a Good Career in the Face of AI and Tech Layoffs?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

If there\u2019s one career path that everyone seems to be bullish on these days, it\u2019s coding. Our world is increasingly digital, and skilled programmers are at the forefront of that development. At the same time, there are also certain market trends that might temper our excitement about a career in programming. The layoffs that have happened at major corporations come immediately to mind.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

These contrasting trends can lead to some confusion about whether coding is still a good career option for those entering the job market or considering a career switch. In this article, we\u2019ll explore whether or not that remains the case. We\u2019ll go over statistics that can help us forecast the software job market, look at different career options within the industry, and consider strategies that can help you navigate the job market during layoffs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Is Coding Still<\/em> a Good Career Choice?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The answer to that question remains a very confident yes. Despite the layoffs that are currently ongoing at some companies, coding is a great career choice and a skill that is still highly sought after<\/a> in the professional market.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The reason for that lies in the increasingly technological outlook that most industries are taking. Most of the layoffs that occurred were in the tech and crypto industry, but there are new tech roles that are constantly emerging in industries like agriculture and manufacturing. Many coders who lost their jobs in tech were swooped up by other industries in a matter of hours.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The bottom line is that the programmer jobs that were lost are likely to be replaced soon. A career in coding is still viable and, in many cases, as lucrative as ever.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Coding Job Market and Demand<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Let\u2019s now turn our attention to the status of the job market for coders. Here are a few stats that can help us figure out the status of the market.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Coding Job Market<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The job market for coders is overwhelmingly a positive one and will remain so for the near future. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 25% increase<\/a> in jobs for software developers, testers, and quality assurance analysts between 2021 and 2031. That translates to over 400,000 jobs being added to the market during that time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are also other signs that point to a programming career still being a good career option. In its list of the 100 best jobs in 2023, US News placed the role of software developer at the very top of its list. The list was compiled based on how rewarding a job is, the potential for growth, and salary expectations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s clear that the coding job market remains healthy despite layoffs in the tech industry. The job outlook is rosy in this space, and you have the potential to make a big impact through your work. So if you\u2019ve been considering a career in coding<\/a>, you would do well to stay on that path.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What Is the Scope of Coding?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

A coding career doesn\u2019t imply working just in the tech industry. Today, you can work in just about any industry if you\u2019re someone who possesses programming skills. Automobiles, finance, healthcare, banking, and manufacturing are all areas that now hire coders in large numbers due to their digitized operations. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The result is that coding is a job that has scope in just about any commercial niche. According to one estimate<\/a>, there were 24.3 million software developers in the world in 2021. That number is projected to increase rapidly and reach the 45 million mark as early as 2030. This projection shows that a coding career has scope\u2014not just today, but well into the future.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Is Coding in Demand?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

As we\u2019ve already seen, coding is a skill that\u2019s highly in demand in today\u2019s job market. In fact, the availability of programming jobs is high enough that most states in the US are facing a shortage of talent.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The EMSI Jobs Posting Dashboard recorded a 66% increase in job postings<\/a> for software developers year-on-year. Most states in the US haven\u2019t been able to respond to the increased demand for coders and face a skills gap. The good news for coders, however, is that they possess the essential skills required for these software development roles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A Career in Coding: Benefits and Drawbacks<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

We\u2019ve established that there is no dearth of job opportunities for coders. However, that\u2019s not the only factor that you need to take into account when considering a job in tech. Let\u2019s take a look at some of the main benefits and drawbacks of programming jobs so that you get a better idea of what life in this industry is like.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Benefits<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Here are some of the pros of a career in coding:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Multiple Learning Paths<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

The benefits of being a coder become available to you even before you start a career as one. In order to enter this career, you have to, of course, think about how you can gain the requisite skills.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The good news for coders is that there are a myriad of options when it comes to learning resources. That includes online courses<\/a>, free classes<\/a>, and an almost endless number of YouTube channels and blogs from which you can pick up specialized skills in the area.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

High-Impact Work<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Coders have the ability to contribute to the organization and the world in general in a big way. Consider how most of us extensively use digital products in our daily lives. The same is true in how work is done in erstwhile low-tech industries like agriculture. Coding skills give you the ability to participate in the transformational work of building technology products and creating innovative solutions to everyday problems, making it one of the most rewarding careers out there.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Lucrative Opportunities<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

The average coding salary in the US is a shade above $73,000. That\u2019s already much higher than the average across employment sectors. The annual salary numbers go up significantly once you specialize in an area of software development like data science or machine learning<\/a>. There are few careers in which you have the potential to make as much money as you do in coding.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Flexible Work<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

According to one survey, 86% of coders<\/a> work from home. That flexibility also extends to the ways in which coders can engage with companies. There are, of course, plenty of coders who work full-time. But more experienced coders also have the option of moving into contract or freelance roles, instead of more restrictive full-time roles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Drawbacks<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Here are some of the downsides of a career in coding:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

High-Pressure Situations<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Because of how important software has become across industries, coding has become a more high-pressure role. You will find yourself working under tight deadlines and having to burn the midnight oil to get work done. It\u2019s important that you have conversations with your manager and HR so that you have a manageable workload and a healthy work-life balance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sedentary Work<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

This is something that affects most workers these days but is especially true for coders. You will have a rather sedentary working style on a daily basis. Tech jobs usually tend to be limited to a single desk and require very little physical activity. This means that you will have to invest in regular breaks and might consider options like standing desks so that you can maintain a healthy lifestyle even at work.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A Career in Coding Is for You if\u2026<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Here are a few characteristics that are signs that you are someone who would do well in a technical position.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You\u2019re a Problem-Solver<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

You might think that loving and understanding groundbreaking tech is the recipe for a career in coding. But really, it\u2019s something much simpler. Coding is a job where you will solve problems every day. While technical knowledge is important eventually, what\u2019s more important is that you enjoy solving problems and figuring out how to bring ideas to life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You\u2019re Logical and Analytical<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Being a programmer requires a logical and analytical bent. Strong computer programmers don\u2019t just know the syntax of the programming languages they use, but they also understand how to deploy algorithms<\/a> based on the analysis of a problem statement. If you enjoy things like logic puzzles, then that\u2019s a good sign you have one of the basic skills required for a programmer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You Enjoy Upskilling<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Technology is a field that\u2019s in a constant state of flux. There are always new programming languages and development approaches coming into the field. As a programmer, you have to be willing to go beyond the basics of coding and upskill yourself by working on advanced knowledge areas in the field and working on new kinds of software products. Senior programmers enjoy job growth and higher-than-average salaries by doing just that.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Coding (and Related) Careers To Explore<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Coding isn\u2019t a job title on its own. It\u2019s a skill that can lead to a career in various domains. Let\u2019s take a look at what some of the most popular ones are.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Software Engineer<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Software engineer is a generic term used to describe someone who builds software. You could work on many different kinds of operating systems and device types in a software engineer role. You need to be a strong computer programmer and understand the software development process<\/a> to be considered for the role.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Full-Stack Developer <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Full-stack developers have a strong grasp of both front-end development and back-end development<\/a>. That means that they can be assigned tasks that deal with the form and appearance of a website as well as its server elements. Full-stack developers usually start by focusing on either front-end or back-end development and then branch out into the complementary discipline.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Machine Learning Engineer<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Machine learning is a field that’s at the forefront of a lot of exciting developments in the field of technology. Machine learning engineers develop algorithms<\/a> and build software that has the capability to learn in meaningful ways from training datasets. You need to have a strong understanding of certain mathematical concepts (linear algebra, calculus, statistics) and understand data science to work as a machine learning engineer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Game Developer<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Game developers write code and run tests for games. This is a field where you get to work with gaming engines and implement narrative plots developed by your team. Game developers need to understand in-game physics to create games that give their users a consistent and entertaining experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cybersecurity Engineer<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Cybersecurity is a field that deals with all aspects pertaining to the protection of an organization\u2019s digital assets. Cybersecurity engineers develop programs and regulatory frameworks for their companies. This is an exciting field where there is a large demand for skilled talent.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

DevOps Engineer<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

DevOps is a field that focuses on the logistical and productivity aspects of software development. As a DevOps engineer, you will be tasked with studying the requirements for different projects, assigning resources, and setting up the infrastructure to ensure that project assets are delivered on time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Blockchain Developer<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The blockchain is a software structure that has gained significance recently for its ability to immutably record transactions between participants in a network. Blockchain developers are tasked with developing and maintaining blockchains for different kinds of applications. While blockchains gained prominence in the crypto space, they\u2019re also relevant in industries like logistics and gaming.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Data Scientist<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Data scientists<\/a> are professionals who work with large datasets and build tools that make it possible to derive meaningful insights from those datasets. This is a field where you need strong mathematical foundations and understand the end-to-end data management infrastructure of a system. If you\u2019re interested in working with data, it\u2019s important that you understand the distinctions between data analysis and data science<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cloud Engineer<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The cloud is a piece of software infrastructure that has gained prominence in many different applications over the last few years. It is now used in everything from storage to setting up programming environments. Cloud engineers work to set up cloud systems based on project requirements and ensure their smooth functioning through the length of the project.<\/p>\n\n\n

Get To Know Other\tSoftware Engineering Students<\/h4>
\"Kristy<\/a>

Kristy Chu<\/p>

Software Engineer at FloQast<\/p><\/div>

<\/div>

Read Story<\/a><\/p><\/div><\/div>

\"Moshood<\/a>

Moshood Adeyemo<\/p>

Software Engineer at LinkedIn<\/p><\/div>

Read Story<\/a><\/p><\/div><\/div>

\"Dave<\/a>

Dave McConeghy<\/p>

Software Engineering Career Track Student at Springboard<\/p><\/div>

Read Story<\/a><\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

A Coding Career Amidst AI and Tech Layoffs: Answering Common Queries<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

It can be unsettling to hear about layoffs in AI and tech if you\u2019re working towards a career in the industry. Let\u2019s take a look at a few common questions that aspirants ask in response to layoffs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Will AI Replace Coders?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

It is very unlikely that AI will completely replace coders. There will always be demand for skilled professionals who can build software systems from scratch and not just produce lines of code by writing prompts. AI can, however, impact the job market in important ways by making it possible to automate some of the work performed by coders.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Is Coding an Oversaturated Career Path?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Coding is currently not an oversaturated career market. In fact, there is a shortage of skilled programmers<\/a> running into the millions at a global level.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Is It Hard To Land a Coding Job?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

It isn\u2019t particularly hard to land a coding job<\/a> if you\u2019ve got the right skills and experience. It becomes easier to land a job if you have a strong portfolio of work and prepare for common coding interview questions<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Is Coding a Good Career for the Future?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Yes, coding is a good career for the future. The technology industry is one that will define progress across the commercial sector. That makes coding a future-proof job profile where candidates will be able to find open roles across industries.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Coding Career Overview<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Here are a few things that you need to know in order to plan your career as a coder.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

General Prerequisites for a Coding Career<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Here\u2019s what you\u2019ll need to launch a career in coding:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Foundational Knowledge<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

A basic understanding of programming forms the basis for all of the work that you will do as a coder. The best way to start off in this space is by picking one programming language and sticking with it until you understand how to build full-fledged software programs in it. Focus on learning the syntax, paradigmatic approaches, and key libraries that the language offers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Education<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

A four-year degree in computer science or IT is an option if you want to become a coder. That said, there are now less costly and time-intensive ways to get an education in coding. There are coding bootcamps<\/a> that you can enroll in to quickly gain programming skills and become a job-ready coder.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Skills<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Here are the key skills that you require as a coder. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Technical Skills<\/h5>\n\n\n\n