Coding. The very word conjures up myths, misperceptions, and misunderstanding.
Most of these misconceptions are tied to the personality traits and abilities needed to succeed at mastering this skill.
It’s time you learned the truth. Coding is a viable career path open to everyone. Let’s bust some of the crazier myths about coding skills.
- You must be a math and science nerd to excel at coding. It’s true, some coding jobs do require a deep understanding of math and science. Most, however, do not. Writing good code requires logical thinking and an understanding of processes.
- You need a college degree to pursue a career in coding. Don’t have a college degree? Not a problem. Companies need coders, and many companies don’t care where or how you get your experience, as long as you have it. Employers want to see that you’re dedicated to learning, passionate about technology, and willing to put in the hard work to continue to improve your skills. The immersive program at Zip Code Wilmington Java Boot Camp produces coders who transition directly into full-time coding jobs, with or without a college degree.
- It’s too difficult to learn. We won’t lie and say coding is easy. But, it’s also not the Riemann Hypothesis. Coding skills are teachable and learnable. If you put in the hard work, approach a problem with humility, accept help from teachers, mentors, and fellow learners, then you’re halfway home.
- Coding is a guy’s world. While there’s not a 50/50 gender split among the coders of this world, there are a growing number of women in the field – now more than ever. Women pioneers paved the way, like Grace Hopper, Ada Lovelace, Jean Sammet, and Katherine Johnson. If you’re a woman who thinks coding could be a good career path for you, you’re right. Change the equation by learning how to code!
- This type of work is so boring/hard/antisocial/<insert your own negative adverb here>. This is the same thinking that pigeonholes coders as math and science nerds. Coding has as many facets as human beings do. Hard. Simple. Exciting. Complex. There are all types of coding, and just as many types of people who do coding.
- The only coding jobs available are with tech companies. The digital revolution meant that tech invaded every business. You won’t find a company or organization that is no longer impacted by tech. It’s also good to note that tech jobs are not relegated to Silicon Valley or other high-tech hubs. Coding jobs are found everywhere across the U.S. In fact, according to a new publication from CBRE, the world’s largest commercial real estate services firm, New Castle County in Delaware led the Greater Philadelphia region in tech job growth between 2010 and 2015.
- If you don’t know coding by your teens, then it’s too late to learn. Coding appeals to teens…and young adults…and older adults…and even seniors. Unless your brain has stopped functioning, it’s never too late to learn coding.
What myths do you believe about coding? Stories from our alumni – men and women who transitioned from jobs as social workers, receptionists, engineers and warehouse workers to careers as software developers – bust many of the myths you believe about coding. Learn the truth about this field and the opportunities it offers to those willing to put in the hard work.
photo credit dotshock / 123RF Stock Photo
