Embarking on a career in programming without the traditional university route can feel like navigating uncharted waters. You might be learning independently, possibly without access to formal career services, and figuring things out as you go. The path may seem daunting, but with the right approach and persistent effort, a rewarding career in programming is absolutely achievable.
First and foremost, never stop learning. Completing a course like “Python for Everybody” is a fantastic start, but the tech world is vast and ever-evolving. The specific skills you acquire in one course might not perfectly align with the requirements of your first job. The key is to maintain momentum. Continue expanding your knowledge base at a pace that keeps you engaged and enthusiastic about learning. Consider delving into web application development with resources like “Django for Everybody,” where you’ll encounter HTML, CSS, and JavaScript – broadening your skillset significantly beyond just Python. Further enhance your web development expertise with courses like “Web Applications for Everybody,” which introduces PHP, reinforces JavaScript, and deepens your understanding of web protocols and databases. For robust database skills, “PostgreSQL for Everybody” is an excellent choice. The more diverse topics you explore, the more confident you’ll become in your existing knowledge. Remember, landing your first programming job is less about what you already know comprehensively and more about your capacity to learn new technologies quickly and efficiently. Equip yourself with a broad foundation so you can readily adapt and learn whatever comes next.
A highly effective strategy for breaking into programming is to gradually transition within your current job. Think about your existing role and identify opportunities to introduce programming. For instance, if you work in sales and regularly deal with monthly sales spreadsheets, consider writing a simple Python script to automate report generation. This could create insightful reports that are challenging to compile manually. Present this automated report to your supervisor and inquire about other reporting needs within your team or department. You might find yourself progressively dedicating a few hours each week to data analysis and automation tasks. Enhance the report with data visualizations, turning raw data into easily digestible graphs. Volunteer for website redesign committees or projects that involve data handling. The pattern here is clear: when you demonstrate valuable technical skills, relevant tasks will naturally gravitate towards you. The beauty of this approach is that you can strategically choose your next learning focus based on the evolving needs you observe within your company.
For those who are unemployed or in roles where transitioning to a technical position isn’t feasible, the path to an entry-level programming job is often more challenging. Let’s address why entry-level jobs can be so competitive and difficult to secure from outside an organization.
Imagine a small company seeking to expand its team. Ideally, they’d want to hire an entry-level programmer who can immediately contribute to simple tasks, is a positive addition to the team dynamic, and is eager to learn and grow into more complex roles. If this company were to post a job advertisement online – “Paid entry-level programmer position, part-time, remote work possible, minimum skills: Python, HTML, CSS, JavaScript” – they would likely be inundated with hundreds, if not thousands, of applications. For a small business owner, especially one managing the company part-time, sifting through such a massive volume of resumes to identify suitable candidates for interviews, conducting those interviews, and narrowing down to a single hire becomes an incredibly time-consuming and resource-intensive process. Then comes the onboarding and training phase. What if the new hire’s skills are not as advanced as their resume suggested? The company might not have the bandwidth to provide extensive remedial training. What if the work itself doesn’t resonate with the new employee? The cycle of hiring, training, managing, and potentially letting go and restarting the entire process is simply unsustainable for many small businesses.
So, how do companies effectively find and hire entry-level talent? Often, it’s through trusted referrals. Consider a real-world example: A current employee might mention a friend during a casual conversation with their manager. “I know someone who’s currently in a role that doesn’t fully utilize their abilities, but they’re highly competent. They have some coding experience, though not expert-level. However, they’re a dedicated worker, have a great attitude, are eager to learn, and are willing to start with less glamorous tasks.” The company could offer this person a part-time, trial period to assess their fit and skills. This approach mitigates much of the risk associated with hiring a complete stranger. The referred candidate comes with a degree of pre-vetting and a built-in mentor within the company. Expectations are managed, and if it doesn’t work out, the separation is amicable.
Larger organizations often utilize internship programs and similar initiatives that allow both the company and potential employees to evaluate each other in a low-pressure environment. While internships require organizational effort and management, they foster relationships and provide a less risky pathway to hiring.
So, what concrete steps can you take to start your programming career?
Continue learning relentlessly. As emphasized earlier, continuous learning is paramount. If you are currently employed, excel in your role. The work ethic and professional habits that make you a valuable employee in any field are transferable and equally valuable in a technical career.
For entry-level positions, personal networks are significantly more effective than broad online job boards. In today’s world, particularly post-pandemic, building new connections can be challenging. However, actively seek out opportunities to socialize and network within the tech community. Find local Python User Groups, Django Girls chapters, or general IT professional groups in your area. Many of these groups host regular online or in-person meetups. Attend these events, even if initially just to observe and learn from the sidelines. Research the types of companies and tech jobs present in your local area. You might be surprised to discover smaller, local businesses engaged in technical work. It’s often said that if you position yourself in the right environment, career opportunities will naturally find you.
Volunteer your skills. Numerous non-profit organizations often require technical assistance with website maintenance, data processing, or other digital tasks. This is where a breadth of skills becomes incredibly advantageous. Non-profits often utilize a mix of technologies, not always the most cutting-edge or perfectly streamlined. Real-world projects are often messy and require problem-solving in ambiguous situations. You get paid for your ability to handle uncertainty and complex, imperfect scenarios. Avoid waiting for the ideal, perfectly defined job that only requires the one skill you’ve already mastered. Such opportunities are rare.
Consider seeking a non-technical role at a company you admire or that operates in the tech space. Perhaps a smaller tech company needs someone in shipping, customer support, or their call center. Take that non-technical job and excel in it. Being “in the door” provides invaluable exposure to the company culture, operations, and needs. You’ll meet people, learn about the company’s technology stack, and identify potential pathways into technical roles. If the company uses specific technologies you’re unfamiliar with, consider taking a course to upskill in those areas.
In Summary:
To kickstart your programming career, remember these key strategies: Commit to continuous learning, actively build your network, volunteer your skills for practical experience, and consider entry-level non-technical roles within tech companies.
Throughout my 40-year career, I have never secured a job through a formal interview with complete strangers. My very first technical role originated from a casual conversation with a fellow student in a Calculus class. He mentioned, “I work as a student consultant assisting people with computers – we’re looking for more people, are you interested?” It was a part-time position paying $4 per hour. But for me, that offhand comment from my new friend Kirk in a Calculus class in October 1975 marked the beginning of my programming career. Often, the most significant career opportunities arise from unexpected connections and proactive engagement within your community.
