Coding

Unless they are targeting a very specific role or project, the majority of aspiring coding professionals start with the most popular coding skills and technologies. It is a strategy worth considering because it increases the pool of job postings that you qualify for. 

Use the list below to determine which popular skills match your interests. 

Front-end technologies — JavaScript, HTML, CSS, React.js, Angular

Back-end technologies — Python, JavaScript, Node.js, Django, Go, Rust

Full stack technologies — MERN Stack, MEAN Stack, MEVN Stack, LAMP Stack

Data technologies — SQL, NoSQL, MySQL, PostgreSQL, MongoDB

There are a variety of mediums through which you can learn coding skills. Consider which route best fits your needs and learning-style. Here are a few options to consider:

Self-education — If you are looking to learn asynchronously, informally, or casually, self-education is a great place to start. There are many approaches to this style of learning that support various career goals, budgets, learning styles, and time commitments. Here are some ways to self-educate in coding:

• Informal opportunities: Gain a greater understanding of the industry by reading. Explore books, articles, and even research papers to expand your coding knowledge and learn what’s happened or is happening in the field. Not a reader? There are plenty of videos, podcasts, and other forms of multimedia that can teach you a thing or two about careers or work related to coding.
• Online courses: If you prefer a more structured or socialized learning experience, online courses might be well-suited. edX.org offers several instructor-led and self-paced coding courses that may be of interest.
• Professional certifications: When you want a less casual learning experience, but don’t have needs that warrant a boot camp or degree, professional certifications may be the best fit for you. Professional certifications are a great addition to your resume and prove your technical skills for roles in coding. edX.org offers many certificate programs within the field of computer science that may interest you.

Boot camps — These innovative programs are designed by experienced curriculum teams to help you achieve your career goals in a fraction of the time it takes to complete a traditional degree. With many boot camps lasting just 3–12 months, you’ll be amazed at how quickly you can gain the knowledge and expertise you need to launch your dream career. Explore popular Coding boot camps on edX.org.

Computer science degree — Pursuing a degree in computer science means diving deep into the fascinating world of web and computer technologies! It’s an excellent choice if you want to gain a comprehensive understanding of the rich history, intricate theories, mathematical concepts, and cutting-edge innovations that have contributed to shaping the technologies we rely on today.

The technical hiring process is different from those of non-technical fields in two ways:

First, many employers require a portfolio of projects, such as course projects, personal projects, and professional projects. You’ll want to build a competitive online portfolio that highlights your skills and unique value. 

Second, many technical hiring processes involve a technical screening. This is a stage in the interview process where the employer assesses a candidate’s technical skills. They might sound intimidating at first, but remember that the employer wants you to succeed. They are hoping to find a great candidate and that candidate could be you.

Once you get your foot in the door of the industry, make sure to celebrate your success. The career journey is full of ups-and-downs and we believe that every victory deserves acknowledgement. 

With that said, your journey doesn’t end here — it’s only just beginning. Give yourself grace and understand that careers are not linear. Here are some of the ways that you could continue growing within the coding industry:

Continued learning — Always make sure to reference our course catalog on edX.org for continued learning opportunities. Now that you’ve secured a career in coding, it never hurts to brush up on your skills, expand your knowledge within the industry, or learn about other subject matters that could apply to your work, interests, or something in between.

Promotions — Career advancement in coding looks a little different than other industries. Coding professionals advance in their careers via two pathways: a technical track and a management track.

Pivots — Make sure to regularly check in with yourself and your satisfaction with daily tasks. If you find yourself disinterested in your current role, take stock of the things you like and dislike about it, keep your eyes out for company-sponsored growth opportunities, and pursue career pivots that optimize your background, skill set, and interests.