Benefits of programming
From sports to fashion to music, computer programs are becoming a larger part of our lives. We need people from different backgrounds to build computer programs that meet diverse needs.
Impact
Programmers have a positive impact on their communities by using their unique perspectives to come up with real-life solutions.
Flexibility
Many programmers work flexible hours from wherever they have an internet connection. This allows them to achieve the right balance between their jobs and their personal needs.
Many Career Options
Anywhere you find computers or electronics, there are computer programmers nearby—in just about every industry including sports, fashion and music.
More benefits of programming: High pay compared to other careers
The average salary for programmers is $80,000/year* which is more than many other jobs.
Start earning right away
The average starting salary for computer science majors is $62,000/year
Years of school
Programmers start earning right out of college, while other professions often require more time and money to get started.
More programming jobs
As computers become part of our daily lives, there are more types of programming jobs. Here are some examples.
- Software Engineer_
- Software Engineers use their understanding of how computers and networks work to design, develop and maintain the programs (software) that run computers. From video games to medicine, from music to banking, from the way we work to the way we play, software engineers have become essential to the world we live in now.
- Front-End Developer_
- Front-End Developers are computer programmers that create a website’s or app’s visual experience. They are the face of the site. If you like the way a site looks, the front end developer deserves a lot of the credit!
- Back-End Developer_
- Back-End Developers create the foundation on which a website or app is built. They use programming “languages” with names like Ruby, Python and Java to write the code that supports the site.
- Full Stack Developer_
- Full Stack Developers are ‘jacks of all trades.’ They can do the jobs of both the front-end and back end-developers. They are solution-oriented and knowledgeable in every facet of how a website or application works.
- Mobile App Developer_
- Mobile App Developers specialize in software for mobile devices. From smartphones to tablets, every mobile device uses its own specific programming language. Mobile App Developers speak that language and use it to design programs that work for those specific devices.
- Infrastructure Engineer_
- Infrastructure Engineers build the systems that run a company’s computer applications. They touch a wide range of technologies focusing not just on how a system works but on security and privacy. They work with other members of the engineering team to design the tools needed to implement the most reliable system.
- Data Engineer_
- Data Engineers are designers, builders and managers! They “crunch the numbers,” looking for ways to help an organization run more smoothly. In today’s digital world, if there’s an improvement in an organization’s performance, there’s probably a data engineer behind it.
- Security Engineer_
- Security Engineers are defense specialists. They create computer security systems that protect a company and its customers from disruption – from natural disasters to criminal hackers. They establish security requirements and then build the computer systems that meets those requirements.
- Developer Advocate_
- Developer Advocates are every computer programmer’s best friend. Their job is to make it easier for developers to do their jobs. They know programming, they understand the company’s mission, and they keep developers up to date with anything that can make them better at their jobs.
- Solutions Engineer_
- Solutions Engineers are problem solvers. They are the ones a customer turns to if there is a problem with the software they are using or the computer itself. Solutions engineers work with the customer to understand what’s wrong, what they want, and then they use their knowledge to create a solution. (Solutions engineer to the rescue!)
- Product Manager_
- Product Managers are responsible for defining a product’s features and creating a pathway to success. They represent the bridge between engineers, designers and customers. Good communication skills. The ability to spot tech trends and see how they impact the product’s success. Product managers have to do it all!
People skills
There is more to being a good computer programmer than learning to write code. A number of important people skills are required to succeed.
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Problem Solving
Figure out possible causes for a problem and work to solve it in different ways.
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Communication
Describe what you are thinking or doing out loud so others can follow along.
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Creativity
Use your imagination and experience to think of new ideas or solutions.
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Learning Mindset
Be eager to constantly improve, including asking for feedback from others.
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Teamwork
Work with others to solve a problem or complete a project together.
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Organizational Skills
Use your time, energy, and resources in an effective and efficient way.
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Self-Starter
Start projects or ideas on your own without being asked and often without help.
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Leadership
Take responsibility for your work and motivate others to act.
? This comes from the number of job openings in April 2016 as reported by The Conference Board’s Help Wanted OnLine®service.