Joe Kiely at Code Institute discusses the benefits of the Level 5 Web Application Development course, and the types of opportunities it could lead to as well as the incremental benefits software development can bring in all sectors.

Here’s why YOU should get into Software Development…

The skills required to become a software developer are some of the most transferable on the job market and software developers are working in just about every industry.

Right now, many companies are experiencing a tech shortage, yet, innovations in IT across the board are driving up job vacancies at a fierce rate.

There is no such thing as a typical candidate for a career in software development. Anyone can enjoy a fulfilling and rewarding career as a software developer and the opportunities to develop your role into other areas of tech are endless. Here’s why a career in software development may be for you…

 

1. Programming is useful in jobs you do not expect

Software development skills reach far beyond just tech-based jobs. Digital is the future for businesses across every sector; from food, furniture and fashion, to manufacturing, government, charities and creative (the list goes on), all industries consider technology to be at the core of their business growth.

You will gain the essential skills needed in pretty much every job to update and fix web pages and blogs, as well as problem solving and analytical skills that will come into play in all aspects of online and offline professional life. 

 

2. Lots of opportunity

Right now, there is an unprecedented demand for digital skills, with 60% of UK businesses saying that their reliance on digital technology is set to increase. 

The last five years has seen a significant rise in tech job openings, with jobs for front end developers set to increase further by 15% by 2026. Yet, despite growing opportunities in IT, the number of people undertaking digital training in software development is declining . This means there is less competition for more open roles.

 

3. Earning Power 

Most jobs that involve programming skills have a higher-than-average salary. The salary is different depending on what kind of job you are looking for, but the general trend is that a career in programming will raise you 1 or 2 levels on the pay scale.

A starting salary for a software development role in London is currently around £35,000 and for the rest of the country, around £28,000. However, with remote working as standard for many companies these days, you don’t necessarily need to live in the capital to enjoy London weighting. 

 

4. Freedom

There are many forms of freedom with programming. With the assignments being online, a physical presence is not always necessary and many companies will allow you to work from home if you want. Furthermore, there is less focus on your working hours but more focus on project completions. As such, you can often schedule your tasks and working hours as you please.

 

5. Continuous learning opportunities

Technology is extremely fast moving and software developers need to be able to adapt to the continually changing environment. There are different types of developers, including front-end developers, back-end developers, DevOps, software developers, game developers, full stack developers… There’s something for everyone. 

A  full stack developer straddles front and back end development, and gets involved in all aspects of a website. This constant evolution is an amazing learning opportunity, keeping your mind fresh and the job interesting!

 

Learn more

The Diploma in Web Application Development course at Halesowen College, in partnership with Code Institute, is designed to deliver the practical skills to develop, build and test a web-based software application and prepare anyone for a career in software development.