6 Reasons Why Coding Skills Are Important For Your Career Growth

If you want a career in the growing tech industry, then coding is a skill that you should seriously consider learning. The world is becoming increasingly digital and, as a result, there are now more career opportunities in tech. In fact, industry experts are projecting a rise in digital and tech jobs in the coming year. The best way to ride this growing wave is by learning the basics.

But first, what is coding?

Coding is the foundation of digital technology. It is a language or a set of instructions designed to make computers perform tasks, from simple to highly complex ones. Coding is the building block of the digital world. It is what makes every digital solution possible – every app, website, software, and digital algorithm.

Having coding skills can get you far in the tech industry. You can get many sought-after jobs such as software engineer, systems analyst, or web developer. But it can help you in other industries or other jobs as well. Coding is a valuable skill that teaches discipline, hard work, and many other soft skills that you can apply to any other job. Learning how to code can be well worth it, especially in the new normal.

Here are the top 6 reasons why coding can be instrumental in your career growth

1. It can help you keep up with the changing times

Technology evolves at a pace that is accelerating with each year. But while trends change and new innovations emerge, everything still boils down to basic coding. Proficiency in coding means you have the foundation for a future-proof career. Coding knowledge will give you the built-in capability to update your skills in accordance with the latest technological developments.

If you have basic coding skills, it will be easier to catch up by learning new programming languages and new technologies. It will also give you a lot of work flexibility, as many digital tech jobs can be done remotely. This means that whatever changes lie ahead, coding skills can help you adapt more easily.

Technology is the future. Therefore, having a firm grasp of it means you will never be obsolete in the job market. For instance, Artificial Technology (A.I.) has been a growing field in tech and is poised to change the way we live in the next few decades. Knowing the programming language behind A.I. can give you a window to a whole new world and can get you a front seat into future trends.

2. It can broaden your opportunities

Coding skills are essential for many tech jobs and are also very useful for other non-tech jobs. The fact is that technology encompasses many industries. Coding is also relevant in manufacturing, sales, and even in the medical industry.

Coding is a great value-add to the skills you already have. Graphic designer s can widen his or her career opportunities in web design by learning to code for HTML, CSS, or JavaScript. Business analysts and researchers can enhance their existing skills by learning all about data visualisation, so they can interpret and present data better.

Learning data algorithms or how to build computer models can also make any task or job easier and more efficient. By applying programming skills to any knowledge or expertise you already have, your value in the job market immediately skyrockets. Your set of skills will be in great demand because you will be capable of building systems that can enhance business processes in your area of expertise. This will open up more opportunities for you in tech and even beyond.

3. It can lead to some of the highest-paying jobs right now

Many of the top-earning jobs in Malaysia right now are tech-related, such as Java Developers, Software Engineers, Data Scientists, and Software Architects. All of these jobs require basic to advanced knowledge of coding. Salaries for I.T. Professionals who hold technical jobs usually range from RM4,000 to RM17,000 monthly.

Coding is obviously a skill that can earn you top ringgit right now and, if forecasts are correct, can earn you even more in the coming year. With tech being a huge part of the future, it is reasonable to assume that this trend will continue in the years to come.

4. It can enhance your creativity

Are you overflowing with ideas on things you want to do or problems you want to be solved? In this new digital age, many solutions come in the form of tech products or applications. You may have expertise in your own field, but your ceiling may be limited without some expertise in tech. With coding, the only limits will be your imagination.

Everything you know from your previous background can be further enhanced through tech; whether via an app, website, or any kind of online content. Instead of relying on other developers and hoping nothing gets lost in translation, why not execute your own vision through digital means? With coding skills, you can bring your own ideas to life and raise your own potential as a worker.

5. It can improve your problem-solving skills

Coding can also sharpen your critical thinking. It is a skill that conditions the mind to treat problems in a methodical way, which can help you approach problems more effectively, even in non-tech situations. Coding helps build a mindset of patience, trial and error, and all the necessary discipline to arrive at the best solution. All of these are traits you can carry over in all aspects of life.

Critical thinking is a highly valuable soft skill in any job or industry. Learning how to code can also improve your overall mental aptitude to perform any job, not just tech-related ones. It will also allow you to troubleshoot tech issues on your own, without having to wait for I.T. assistance. Imagine all the time you can save and all the productivity you can have instead of sitting around, waiting for tech support.

6. It can give you a better understanding of the world

Tech influences everything we do these days; from making purchases and ordering food, to conducting business and engaging with entire communities. Because of this, coding will help you understand, not just the language of computers, but the whole world at large as well. It can give you a deeper appreciation of how the stock market works, how pandemics occur, how effective vaccines and lockdowns are, how customers think, and how trends evolve.

In other words, you will gain a more holistic understanding of your job, your company, and your role in the whole industry. You will gain the mindset of leaders. This means that, beyond the technical know-how you will learn from coding, you will also develop a way of thinking that is perfect for managerial roles.

So, if you want to stay relevant and increase your potential for the foreseeable future, coding is a worthwhile skill to learn and develop. If you are the type of jobseeker who always likes to think of the bigger picture, then now is a better time than ever to seek ways on how to learn coding.  The best part is that there are several resources for learning how to code — even for beginners!

Start the search for #JobsThatMatter

Now that you know what coding is, it is the perfect time to update your JobStreet profile accordingly, so the right employers can find you as you seek passion and purpose in a new career. You can also search for the #JobsThatMatter to you on our website or app. And when you are ready to get hired, add #WorkNow to your profile. For more expert insights and helpful tips on growing your career, visit the Career Resources Hub.