Why Now is the Time to Change Careers to Web Development
Technology careers are projected to be some of the fastest-growing jobs in 2021; learn how to change careers to web development, fast.
Are you thinking about a career change? If so, you’re not alone. Whether it’s because of burnout in the workplace, or layoffs due to the pandemic, the number of people changing career paths is up. In fact, about 20% of those seeking jobs changed industries during the second quarter of 2020, per Challenger, Gray & Christmas, up from 15% in the first quarter.
Additionally, according to AP News, there is evidence suggesting that many retail, service industry, and hospitality jobs will not return due to economic pressures stemming from the pandemic: “As the coronavirus continues to transform a vast swath of the economy, it’s becoming evident that millions of Americans face the prospect of a permanent job loss that will force some to seek work with new industries or in new occupations.”
No matter what your reasons are for changing careers, you have options. Whether you’re in your 20s, or you’re deciding to undergo a career change at 30, 40, or 50 it’s never too late to start a new career, especially one that offers more financial stability and job security. Check out the four reasons why pursuing a new job in software development could be the best career change option for you
Why You Should Consider a Coding Career
Fast-Growing Job Market
Web developer jobs are some of the fastest-growing jobs in any industry – a trend that is projected to continue. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, “Employment of software developers is projected to grow 22 percent from 2019 to 2029, much faster than the average for all occupations. Software developers will be needed to respond to an increased demand for computer software.”
Career Stability
Additionally, a coding career offers professional stability, both financially and in terms of job security. For reference, on average, Tech Elevator Coding Bootcamp grads earn $23,000 more per year in their first coding career salary as compared to their previous role.
And it’s not just financial stability that makes this career path worth considering. These jobs also offer the ability to work from home – a benefit that has increased in demand due to the pandemic. According to Tech Republic, tech jobs have become some of the most stable jobs during the COVID-19 “work from home” economy. You can also learn to become a software developer online safely from home through Tech Elevator’s Live Remote Learning program. Our industry-leading remote coding bootcamp program offers high-quality instruction, practical curriculum, and career coaching online, so you can learn from the safety of your home.
Coding Experience & College Degree Not Required
Previous coding experience or a college degree is not required to learn to code and land an entry-level web developer job. Using data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and PayScale, Monster placed web developer and computer programming jobs on a list of the highest-paying jobs without a degree. Additionally, your previous professional skills can relate directly to a career in tech; past Tech Elevator Coding Bootcamp students come from a wide range of professional backgrounds including retail, the service industry, sales, and marketing. Check out this blog post to hear from Kaylee, a recent Tech Elevator graduate, on what inspired her to change from a code-free marketing role to a technology career.
The Need for Diversity in Tech
The tech industry is also in need of workers from diverse gender and racial or ethnic identities. In the US in 2019, 22% of respondents on the Stackoverflow Developer Survey, the largest and most comprehensive survey of people who code around the world, were people of color, and 11% of respondents were women. Recent initiatives like the OneTen coalition, a coalition of leading executives who are coming together to upskill, hire and advance one million Black Americans over the next 10 years into family-sustaining jobs with opportunities for advancement, work to remove systemic barriers like a 4-year degree, and encourage companies to take a skills-first approach rather than a credentials-first approach. Additionally, Apple has launched a set of major new projects as part of its $100 million Racial Equity and Justice Initiative to help dismantle systemic barriers to opportunity.
At Tech Elevator Coding Bootcamp, we believe that our world of products and services is best when the people creating them represent all of us, and we know that success in our program (graduation rate, job placement rate, etc) is the same no matter a graduate’s socioeconomic status or background. To that end, we’re proud to offer scholarships to historically underrepresented groups that cover a majority of tuition creating greater accessibility to technology careers.
Ready to Start? Here’s What to Consider.
If you’ve decided you’re ready to change to a coding career, here are a few things to consider.
First, do you have aptitude for software/web development? A coding career can be a good fit for people who enjoy solving problems, building things, and collaborating with others. Take our free Aptitude Test to see if you have what it takes to become a web developer, no coding required.
Next, you should consider which is the best coding bootcamp for you. Not all coding bootcamps are created equal. Coding bootcamps usually cost significantly less than a 4 year computer science degree, but they vary in what you get for that price. For example, you can attend web development courses and learn html, but if your goal is to become a software developer, you’ll need to learn both frontend and backend technologies (known as full-stack web development) in your foundation as a coder. If a bootcamp only focuses on one area, your job options after graduation will be limited.
Additionally, one key question to ask is how a coding bootcamp will support your career goals and help you secure your first job. At Tech Elevator, many of our students credit our Pathway Program as one of the most important aspects of the bootcamp experience. It runs parallel to the coding bootcamp and focuses on developing career readiness skills with sessions on elevator pitches, resume/interview prep, and networking; it also follows graduation with 6 months of career support. To learn more about how to choose which coding bootcamp is right for you, check out our expert guide as you navigate your decision.
Something else to consider: cost. The best way to understand the cost of an online coding bootcamp is to understand value. Real value comes from return on investment and that comes back to transparent job placement outcomes. At Tech Elevator Coding Bootcamp, we’re proud that 90% of Tech Elevator graduates are hired in a new tech job within 6 months of graduation, and on average, our grads are earning $23k more per year more than they did before Tech Elevator. We understand that figuring out how to finance your education can be intimidating for many students. To learn more about how to pay for a coding bootcamp, check out this article that outlines financial lending options, scholarships and more.
According to the New York Times: “The nation’s economic recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic will hinge to some extent on how quickly show managers can become electricians, whether taxi drivers can become plumbers, and how many cooks can manage software for a bank.” It’s going to depend on people like you to make this transition, and at Tech Elevator Coding Bootcamp, we’re here to support you in any way we can. If you’d like to take the next step, sign up for an open house – we’d love to meet you.