How to Become
a Computer Programmer

Computer programming has been around for years and has evolved into the popular field it is today. It is a growing industry with many career opportunities.

The most common way to break into this profession is to complete a bachelor’s degree program. But that may not be the most suitable path for everyone. There are many paths you can take, including coding boot camps and online courses, to learn how to become a computer programmer.

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In this article, we provide answers to the most commonly asked questions about careers in computer programming.

A computer programmer writes and tests lines of code that allow computer applications and software to function properly. They convert program designs created by software developers and engineers into a set of instructions that computers can follow.

Once you’ve decided to become a computer programmer, the next step is to decide which education path is right for you. The three main routes to becoming a computer programmer are outlined below.

Earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science or Information Technology is the most common choice. The curricula for such programs provide an in-depth understanding of programming and equip you with industry-standard skills.

Although course requirements vary by university, a computer programming degree generally requires you to complete general education in coding, mathematics, and user experience. If you’re looking to become an expert in a specific programming subtopic, you should consider going the extra mile and getting a Master’s Degree in Computer Science.

Bootcamps are great alternatives to higher education. They are crash courses covering all the essential topics in a short period. Joining one of the best coding boot camps is a good option if you are looking to add a skill set or switch careers.

Computer programming courses are available online and on-site. These courses are a good choice if you are starting with the basics and prefer to split your learning into separate courses.

The online learning platform edX is a good resource for learning computer programming. The platform has a selection of courses for different levels and different time frames. These courses are taught by lecturers from top institutions, including NYU, Harvard, and top companies such as IBM.

There is no single way to learn computer programming. The best way is to find a method that works for you. Like any other profession, understanding what it takes to be a programmer is your first step.

To make things easier, we have a step-by-step guide to help you.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average computer programmer makes $89,190 per year. Unfortunately, BLS also projects that the employment of programmers in the United States will decline nine percent by 2029. One possible reason is that the trend of hiring computer programmers from other countries limits the growth of domestic jobs.

Most entry-level computer programmers have a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science or a related subject. Some employers may be open to hiring those who have different degrees but with relevant experience in specific programming languages.

To qualify for an entry-level programming job, you should know how to write code, troubleshoot design issues, and debug software. You also need to be able to work as part of a software development team and perform administrative tasks as needed.

According to ZipRecruiter, the average salary for an entry-level computer programmer was approximately $43,000 as of May 2021.

Attention to detail and a knack for problem-solving are common attributes of computer programmers. Make sure your resume is free of mistakes and updated with all your skills. It is helpful to highlight a section of relevant skills and interests that qualify you for the job.

Read about the company and job you are interviewing for beforehand and make sure you can answer important, company-specific questions.

You may be asked to perform technical tasks as well. If you are, remember to double-check your work. Rechecking shows the interviewer you have a professional mindset and are focused on doing high-quality work.

Your computer programming job interview may include both general and technical questions. It will be beneficial to prepare yourself for both. Some example questions are listed in the following section.

• Do you have any professional certifications?
• Which programming languages are you most proficient in?
• What is the one challenge you face when integrating new code into an existing application?
• Describe your process for debugging an application.
• How would you use linear data structures?

Computer programming certifications give you an upper hand and the possibility of increasing your earning potential. Some companies may also require their computer programmers to be certified in the products they use.

There are various programming certifications available online or through universities. These certifications range from entry-level to advanced. Below are some of the certifications for you to consider.

Google is known to heavily invest in cloud technology. The Google Certified Professional Cloud Architect credential displays your technical expertise in using the Google Cloud platform to design, develop, and run apps.

This is an entry-level certification and is a prerequisite to professional-level candidates.

The Project Management Institute manages this certificate. It is designed for experienced professionals in various fields and proves you can handle large-scale projects.

To be certified, you must have 35 hours of PMP-related training. You can apply for the training with or without a bachelor’s degree but you need a certain number of project management experience hours to qualify.

This is a professional-level software engineer certificate that proves your expertise in designing and developing applications for MySQL database servers. It will be a good addition to your portfolio as it tests your fundamental understanding of MySQL applications.

The exam covers standard MySQL topics, including design, architecture, syntax, modifications, and applications.

Earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science will take up to four years, whereas studying at a boot camp will require a 12- to 24-week commitment. Educate yourself on the differences between coding boot camps and degrees before deciding which path to take.

While online courses are unlikely to provide comprehensive education, they’re a great way to sharpen specific programming skills. Just know that most courses range from two hours to two weeks in length. Many of them come with a certificate of completion that you can show a prospective employer.

We are living in an era of evolving technology. Although employment for programmers is projected to decline, the third LinkedIn U.S. Emerging Jobs Report notes that the tech industry as a whole is in need of skilled labor. Computer programmers who can adapt to emerging technology will have a competitive edge in the job market.

The report also notes that remote work is on its way to becoming mainstream. This plays to the advantage of computer programmers, who can work from anywhere as long as they have a computer and an Internet connection. This also gives them the flexibility to be self-employed or freelancers.

Being a computer programmer does not necessarily require a degree, which is great because that can sometimes be a prohibitive requirement. Instead, you can look into other means of professional training that will help you qualify for employment.