While there are still plenty of stories about self-taught programmers becoming successful, the vast majority of work in the computer programming field requires formal education. The main reason for these more rigorous qualifications is the increased complexity of the field. Computer technology permeates more areas of society and has taken on more features. Even with these greater expectations, self-learning still plays a part for anyone wanting to be a computer programmer.
A Degree Can Open Doors
Deciding on what type of degree to pursue depends on how far you want to go in a programming career. Many companies, especially smaller ones, will accept an Associate’s degree in programming. This level of education focuses on the basics of the work. You are taught how to create and test a program to perform a specific function. It’s important to keep in mind that the more programming languages you know, the better your hiring chances. While this may seem taxing, the good part is that once you learn the first language, the others utilize the same basic principles. On the downside, the pay won’t be particularly high, and there’s not much opportunity for advancement. Adding to the problem is the fact that much of this work can be sent to nearly anywhere in the world where there’s lower labor costs. There are also a lot of people around the world with sufficient knowledge to do the work.
More Education Means More Career Growth
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Jobs with more responsibilities and opportunities for advancement require a Bachelor’s degree. At this level, the work is often referred to as software engineering. This and similar positions include programming as an important component, but the work goes beyond just programming. A simple way to understand the difference between a software engineer and a programmer is that the programmer knows how to write software to perform a task, but the engineer determines what that task should be. They also have to consider how the software is integrated into a larger system. A Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Information Technology, or a related field is a must. There’s also additional education in areas like business, health, manufacturing, or some other economic sector. This can take the form of a college minor.
The Learning Never Stops
Along with an understanding of a particular line of business, programmers and engineers usually specialize in a certain area of computer technology. There’s programming for the web, desktop applications, phone apps, and other emerging uses. Because the industry is constantly changing, you can’t rely on just what you learned in school. Staying competitive requires continual updating of skills. Some of this can be accomplished by taking courses that provide certification. It can also be achieved through personal effort. As was briefly pointed out, many early programmers taught themselves the work. The same approach can be used to add new skills.
Staying Motivated Wins the Game
Establishing a career as a computer programmer takes more schooling than it used to. Not only is a 4-year degree needed for the best jobs, but staying on top of the latest trends is also necessary. This work involves life-long learning.
Further reading: So You Want To Become A Programmer?
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