There is no doubt that a computer science degree can fetch a dream package and there is no dearth of coding schools in the country either.
However, do you know what cognitive skills are important to succeed as a software developer? Software is a creative field where you need key analytical, logical, critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
Let us discuss some important traits in a coder that can be developed to ensure success.
Forever learner
A software career requires lifelong learning. There is continued technological advancement, new languages, new concepts and you must be ready to acquire these new skills to stay relevant in your profession. You should be keen to experiment with the latest tools and data structures.
Apart from top companies like Facebook, Google and Microsoft, even small companies are inclined in embracing the latest programming developments that are targeted to make the solution easy and effective, which, you would agree is the crux of all innovations.
Eye for details
Once your program is running, it needs to be tested. Good programmers often take care of testing themselves. You should have an eye for detail because even a small error in the data structure can cause memory leak and risk the security of the application. Apart from testing the logical flow of the program, key details are analyzed on a consistent basis before it can be packaged for use. It is a relentless work which needs patience and perseverance.
Critical thinking
Once the application is ready, you are responsible for its next version. You need creative thinking for out of the box ideas for your latest assignment. This may involve experimenting with new skills.
Teamwork
Though you are coding alone on your system, but you need to work in a team. You need to collaborate with other developers working on different parts of the modules, coordinate with designers as well as the business development team in order to understand the problem, its impact and then provide a logic-based programming solution.
If you have passion for coding and the zeal to change lives, then check whether you have the right cognitive skills using the free career aptitude test before you embark on a software career.
However, if you fail to crack the college admission test pertaining to CS degree, you must not lose heart.
Myths around software developer without a CS degree
There are many unfounded myths that only a CS degree is the ticket to lucrative programming work. While the best IT companies pursue these degrees while hiring to reduce the risk of under performance, they also look for talent using network channels and GitHub.
If you have a great GitHub profile with multiple projects in your portfolio, there is a great chance for top companies to recruit you.
Here are five steps to become a software developer without a formal engineering degree.
Choose a language
You must choose your first programming language that is easy to grasp and in demand. PHP is a very popular language and has a huge library of built in functions and classes that make almost all tasks very easy to do.
Combine it with HTML, SQL and CSS skills, you are on the way of designing your themes and APIs. You can easily find work as a WordPress Developer. You can choose other languages like Java, Scala and Ruby which are famous as beginner’s language.
Data Structure and Algorithms
Work on your core computing concepts. Top companies are not interested in your preferred language but on your strong analytical and problem-solving skills. They will evaluate your data handling and memory management skills and how you structure complex references using algorithms.
Practice makes perfect
Coding needs perseverance and you must practice in order to master the language. Practice with tools that are used by real time programmers. Avoid browser-based coding solutions and learn to read codes of other programmers. It may seem difficult in the beginning but take help of the comments in order to understand the logical flow of the solution. This will undoubtedly help build your coding skills.
Build your profile
It is time to implement your coding skills. Build your portfolio and work on your GitHub profile, volunteer in software communities and solve their queries. Create your blog, share your inputs on twitter and start networking. Do you know, when you apply in top companies, the hiring managers are going to first google your profile?
Prepare for interview
There are many books and sites like leetcode that can help you practice interview from a collection of real company questions. Ask your friends to take mock interviews and try understanding the underlining rationale of the question.
Work on your communication skills and build your confidence. Apply for internship in startups and small business houses with limited workforce, as they can provide excellent opportunity to enhance your programming skills and a solid foundation for a bright “coding” path.
Wishing you all the best for a successful coding career!!