“Everybody in this country should learn how to program a computer… Because it teaches you how to think” - Steve Jobs

So in today’s post, I will be discussing why I think everybody should learn how to code. Now I`m not just talking about people who want to become software engineers or get into the tech industry. I think everybody can get a tremendous amount of value from learning how to code.

Let’s dive into the 10 benefits of learning to code

BENEFITS OF LEARNING TO CODE

1. Tech industry is one of the fastest-growing industries in the world

Just think of how much the tech industry has advanced over the last 5-10 years. We have smart cars now, we have smart homes, there is a tone of expansion happening and that’s only going to persist as more advances in artificial intelligence and automation keeps evolving. So this means that for people like you and me, there’s going to be lots of opportunities to get involved.

2. Millions of job openings requires coding skills

There are lots of jobs available in the tech industry, there are hundreds of thousands of them going unfilled every year. Recent research shows that the job growth projection of the tech industry would increase by 120% by 2026. One of the biggest problems the tech industry is facing is that there is an extreme talent shortage in the industry right now.

3. Technology runs the world

The world we live in right now is so digital that about 50% of our time every day is spent in this digital world. We’re on the computer, we’re dealing with web browsers, we’re searching the web on our phone, we’re calling someone, texting someone. Yet how many people understand how any of that works? Or what any of that is? Only a very small amount of the population does. 

Social media, websites and a lot of technology are built with code

4. Working from home

There is more opportunity in the tech industry to get a job that will allow you to work remotely or from home. Although not every programming job can be done with a laptop and a basic wifi connection, a lot of companies are expanding their policies to allow you to do just that, which can mean more freedom over your time and schedule.

5. Several career options

There are lots of job opportunities you would get if you know how to code. Some of them are not even related to code but you are more likely to get that job if you know how to code than someone who doesn’t. For example, you can become an instructional designer, a technical writer, a content marketer, a project manager, customer support, a business analyst, even an app developer, you can build iPhone and Android Apps. You can do countless things if you know how to code because coding is the root of the technology that we use today. 

6. Logic-based

Some of the strategies used to build methods that control your entire programme can as well be used in solving everyday problems.

7. You can work for yourself and at your own pace

One of the benefits of learning to code is that you can do a little freelancing on the side, you can build Websites and Apps for other people, in charge of your rate which is just like having your own business. If working 8 am to 5 pm isn’t convenient for you, you can use your programming skill to get to start working as a freelancer where you make the rules.

8. Critical thinking and problem solving

These skills are very important in every aspect of life and coding can help you develop them. When programming, you are going to encounter hundreds of problems probably every day and you need to be able to break those problems down, think about them and solve them. One of the greatest advantages of coding is it forces you to think and use your brain. Coding is a good way to practice problem-solving and to practice thinking.

9. You don’t need a degree certificate to start coding

You don’t need to have a fancy four years degree to get your foot in the door in the tech industry anymore. The internet has made it easier as there are lots of free and very inexpensive ways that you can start learning how to code today. And because development skills are in high demand, companies aren’t so concerned about only having people with fancy degrees. You can get an online certification, you can go to a coding boot camp or you can be self-thought and still be able to secure a job in the tech industry these days.

10. Increase your earning potential

People make a lot of money in tech and that’s a driving factor for you to learn how to code. Learning to code can increase your earning potential in the current industry that you are in. A lot of people think that learning to code means that they need to have a career shift into something else and they have to work in the tech industry, but that’s not necessarily the case. But when you pair your ability to code with the experience and knowledge that you have in the industry you are working in, you would have a huge impact. For example, if you have experience and understand the problems and challenges that your industry faces, you would be able to better meet the needs of that industry with code than someone who is coming in from the outside. The more problems you solve and the more value you bring to an organisation, the more your earning potential.

Are you thinking of learning to code?  And you don't know how to start or where to learn.

As a tip, at Mentortribes you get to learn from the best in the field which would set you up for greatness.