This is a sponsored post from our friends at General Assembly London.
There was a time when computer nerds were seen as misfits (watch the 1984 movie ‘Revenge of the Nerds’ if you don’t believe me). These days, that characterization couldn’t be further from the truth. Programmers, computer engineers, and data scientists are hailed as leaders in the business, technology, and design communities.
If you’re not convinced, here are three reasons to become a developer, plus one way you can get there!
1. Maintain a flexible lifestyle
I used to work for IBM. I had to wear a formal business suit, work from 8am to 6pm, and commute every day to a far away office through traffic. One day, I had a computer issue, and took it upstairs to where the developers worked. They were all wearing jeans, throwing around mini basketballs, and seemingly living the life. I remember being severely jealous of these people; their working ethos followed an entirely different one to the one that I had been forced into.
Because developers only need a computer, and companies are generally desperate for their services, they can usually get away with working remotely and maintaining flexible hours. Think about that, next time you’re stuck in traffic, way too early in the morning, in an uncomfortable outfit!
2. Take control of your own startup
Do you dream of starting your own company? Were you bitten by the entrepreneurial bug? Sometimes, it feels like the only thing stopping you from being your own boss is your complete and utter inability to build a website. It can feel like an insurmountable wall to climb, and hiring contract programmers can get expensive. DIY-make-your-own-website platforms like WordPress are getting better all the time, there’s only so much you can do as technical n00b.
3. Get a job
You know that feeling we just talked about in point 2? About how building a website seems like it can only be done from a wizard casting magical spells? Well you could be that wizard, if only you knew how to program. Companies big and small need programmers; look at any job board for proof. It’s a tough job market these days; I often wish I could go back to university and study something useful. Something like, say, computer science.
Luckily, there are myriad programs out there that will help you hack that computer science degree and get you programming like a pro in no time.
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Ready to get started?
General Assembly’s Web Development Immersive course turns its students from neophytes into full-stack web developers in 12 intensive weeks. The next course commences in London on March 31st. Register now by visiting the GA website.
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