The Compelling Reasons to Pursue a Career in Programming
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Chapter 1: Why I Chose Programming
There are several compelling reasons why individuals like me are drawn to programming: promising job opportunities, personal satisfaction, continuous learning, increased self-confidence, and the development of technical skills.
In my previous job, I was involved in sales support, but I realized the importance of acquiring technical skills that would enhance my marketability. My journey began with VBA, transitioned to SQL, and eventually included SharePoint administration. This exploration led me into the IT field, where I discovered my passion for coding and decided to delve deeper into it.
As I reflect on my technical journey, I recall having a sense of inadequacy regarding my math and physics skills. In high school, I was in a humanities track, which didn't emphasize advanced scientific knowledge. Eventually, I pursued philological studies, and technical subjects seemed irrelevant. However, I later recognized the value of technical skills in everyday life and wanted to learn something more concrete, though I was uncertain how to start.
I initially dabbled in SQL but struggled to apply it practically. It was through writing macros in VBA that I found joy in my work, realizing I wanted to engage in coding more extensively. This curiosity led me to front-end development, where I learned HTML and CSS, enabling me to create simple web pages. The instant gratification of seeing my work come to life was exhilarating.
Chapter 2: The Joy of Creation
Now focused on JavaScript, particularly Angular, I experience immense satisfaction whenever I successfully tackle a challenge. It's rewarding to invest hours into resolving an issue only to finally find a solution.
While seasoned programmers may have a different perspective, I remember my early days of learning languages, which often felt tedious and yielded slow results. The immediate feedback from programming, however, is thrilling. At times, it can be frustrating—like when I spend an hour troubleshooting only to realize that a single line of code needed alteration. Yet, the satisfaction of solving the problem makes it all worthwhile.
The first video highlights the "Top 5 Reasons to Become a Programmer," providing insights into the motivations that drive individuals toward this rewarding career.
Chapter 3: Career Prospects in Programming
I have never encountered such a plethora of job openings for programming positions. Although I am still a novice and may not qualify for many roles, it's encouraging to see the range of opportunities available and the skills needed to advance. The knowledge that I can continually grow and improve is incredibly motivating.
Section 3.1: The Importance of Continuous Development
Repetition in the workplace terrifies me. The thought of performing the same tasks day in and day out is daunting. I once worked in a role where I had to generate identical reports monthly, which became monotonous. Even though I was encouraged to innovate, the constraints were frustrating.
Programming, in contrast, is an intellectually stimulating endeavor. It fosters logical thinking, encourages exploration of new technologies, and allows me to transfer what I learn from work to home. When faced with a challenging task, I can replicate the process at home to fully grasp the reasons behind any issues I encounter. This ability to experiment and innovate is what I find most appealing.
Section 3.2: Seeking New Challenges
In my previous roles, I often felt I had reached my limits; I could perform my tasks competently and even offer advice to others. While this may seem ideal, I craved more challenges and the opportunity to learn new things. Programming fulfills this desire, continually presenting me with new hurdles to overcome.
Chapter 4: Building Self-Confidence
This may sound grandiose, but one of the most significant benefits I've gained from programming is a boost in self-confidence. I now possess skills that are in demand in the job market. I can create web pages and assist with blogging. While these may not seem extraordinary to seasoned programmers, they represent a substantial achievement for me.
I have transitioned from being someone who could only manage basic tasks in Excel to someone who can confidently navigate technical challenges. I no longer have to rely solely on verbal persuasion during interviews to showcase my worth; I can demonstrate my coding abilities directly.
The second video discusses "Lessons From the Fifty-Year Quest to Turn Programmers into Software Engineers," shedding light on the evolution of programming and its significance in today’s job market.
In conclusion, I wholeheartedly encourage anyone with a background in humanities to explore coding. Don’t let the belief that you lack the skills to succeed in the tech world deter you. Remember, you may not know much now, but with determination and hard work, that can change.