A career in coding awaits

Have you reached a crossroad in your career but have concerns leaping into the unknown?

Do you believe that subject choices made during your youth are preventing you from rewriting your career story?
Should previous studies shape your future?

Mvelo Hlophe, CEO of the online coding training platform Zaio, says anyone can pivot into a career in coding.

“Entering the field of computer programming is not determined by the subjects studied in school or the degree you obtained from university or college,” explains Hlophe.

By offering free courses in computer literacy and introductory coding, the online platform offers practical learning experiences to apply newly developed skills, which may lead to employment opportunities in as little as six months.

According to Hlophe it is important to offer free and practical courses, allowing students to first determine whether it is the right career path for them.

“Here you can ‘try before you buy’ while building a portfolio for the developer job market,” he said

Steps to becoming a developer
• Clarify your objective
Define your purpose for learning to code. Are you aiming for a side hustle, a career change or pursuing it as a hobby?

• Enrol in an online course at a reputable institution
Select a suitable coding course, sign up, and see it through to completion. Take advantage of the structured learning environment to build a solid foundation.

• Engage with the developer community
Interact with fellow developers on platforms like Discord to expand your network, seek advice and stay updated with industry trends.

• Apply your knowledge
Whether it is embarking on a job search for an alternative career, launching a side project or integrating your newfound skills into a personal hobby, take the initiative to apply what you have learned in practical scenarios.

• In-demand industries and programming languages
The most lucrative industries for developers are currently Cloud computing, financial technology (Fintech), healthcare technology, and e-commerce.

In 2023, JavaScript stood out as the highest paid programming language, commonly used for iOS and macOS app development.

For less competitive options, Python remains one of the most in-demand languages, while HTML/CSS offers the highest number of job opportunities among programming languages.

• Thriving opportunities for developers in South Africa
The surge in remote work has unlocked international prospects for developers based locally.

“Despite the increasing prevalence of AI, industry experts emphasise that aspiring developers should not be discouraged from pursuing coding careers,” says Hlophe.

“View AI as a tool for enhancing workflow and improving efficiency rather than a threat.”

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