Learning to code is a career boost for anyone

Coding is a skill that can give any career a boost. It’s not just for software engineers and programmers, learning to code is a career boost for anyone.

Business, Financial and Data Analysts can use computer programming to better analyse data and solve problems in business and finance. Marketers who know how to code can make improvements to websites and campaign reporting. HR and Recruitment specialists who understand coding will be better able to assess candidates for more technical roles. Even speech therapists, who may have to help patients learn to use Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) software, can use coding skills to develop better talking boards.

It’s not just about knowing the coding languages – like JavaScript, CSS, Python or R. It’s about the cognitive skills you learn while you code. It’s a great way to develop those all-important critical thinking skills¹. As Steve Jobs once said, “I think everybody in this country should learn how to program a computer, because it teaches you how to think. I view computer science as a liberal art.”

Far from the solo endeavour many people imagine programming to be, learning to code can also help you develop better communication and collaboration skills. Developing something – a new website, a reporting dashboard, a building design or a customer service app – usually requires many different people with varied perspectives, ideas and skills to work together. Non-technical people with some knowledge of coding will have a better sense of what can be done, how long it will take and how it’s likely to work, making them better teammates or leaders.

 

Fun ways to learn to code

Fortunately, there are fun ways for graduates who haven’t been exposed to coding in their studies to start building skills at entry level. Why not try some of these fun and free online games?

1. Code.org – One of the best-known learning platforms for programming, Code.org allows anyone to start learning the basics of software development for free. From apps to games to computer animations, the projects and courses are separated according to your coding ability. It’s a great place to start even if you’ve never tried coding before.
2. Code Combat – This website teaches you how to master Python, JS, CoffeeScript, or C++ while playing a simple browser video game. Creating a user account allows you to save your progress, but it’s also possible to play without signing up.
3. Tynker – This site provides a massive library of games, puzzles and animations to teach game, app or website development. A free student account gets you access to 20 free games, Minecraft skins and mods and a Minecraft private server to practice on.
4. CodinGame – With a wide selection of programming languages to play in, CodeinGame teaches you to code through a turn-based game in using the language best suited to your preferred work environment. It’s also one of the best-looking interfaces on this list.
5. Blockly Games – This free-to-use platform teaches JavaScript coding though a versatile set of games in which you’ll use code blocks and place them in the right order to achieve a goal. When the blocks are placed correctly, a popup window appears and shows the script so you can see what the code looks like.

So, if you’re looking for fun ways to upskill over the holidays give these a go!

 

References

1. The Future of Jobs Report 2020, World Economic Forum – https://www.weforum.org/reports/the-future-of-jobs-report-2020/in-full/infographics-e4e69e4de7