It has been a rough few months. The COVID-19 pandemic, the worst global health crisis since the 1918 Spanish Flu, has killed over half a million people and infected many, many more. Unfortunately, that’s not all. The epidemic has also devastated the business world and left thousands out of a job. The present and near future look bleak for many.
Yet, despite COVID-19’s acute impact, some have not just managed to survive: they are thriving. Individuals with a certain set of skills continue to receive an income even in the eye of the pandemic.
Remote is the New Normal
With cities going into lockdown and authorities implementing social distancing, thousands of offices around the world have had to close. Companies unable to set up remote systems have had to halt their operations temporarily; some have had to close for good. Only those with the flexibility to transition to a remote system have been able to weather the storm.
Employees with skills that can be deployed entirely online have been kept in the payroll, while those lacking such skills have been let go. If you are looking to protect your financial future, investing in skills that can be deployed remotely is a wise decision.
Tech: A Thriving Sector
Remote work is not a passing trend. A host of companies, including Twitter, have already announced that they will allow their employees to work from home even after the pandemic is over. From here on, remote work will only continue to gain ground. The working world will never be the same.
Most remote skills fall within the realm of tech, which is why this is one of the very few industries that have thrived during the pandemic. From coding to website design, tech skills can help you safeguard your financial future. If you are planning a career switch, there has never been a better time to enter the tech industry.
Get an Edge: Coding
Coding or programming is the process of creating instructions for computers using programming languages. Coding is used to program the websites and apps we use on a daily basis.
Learning how to code is important if you are eying a transition into a career in tech, as many tech jobs require this skill. However, you may also want to learn to code if you are not planning to enter the industry. Learning how to code can help you regardless of your job. Any company can benefit from an employee fluent in a programming language, and coding skills will boost any resume.
Coding Bootcamps
Learning how to code doesn’t have to take years and huge amounts of money. Many tech hopefuls nowadays are learning the skills they need to get their first programming job through short, intense courses known as coding bootcamps. A coding bootcamp teaches the student everything they need to get their foot in the door in a matter of months and for a fraction of the price of pursuing a university degree.
There are many coding bootcamps out there, and they come in all formats to accommodate every student. You can attend a coding bootcamp in-person, where you’ll share a classroom with a few other students. But there are also remote courses and even self-paced versions where the student chooses when to study.
Springboard, for example, offers part-time bootcamps that will get you ready for a job in 6 to 9 months. Through a combination of expert-curated curricula and one-on-one mentorship, Springboard serves thousands of students around the world. It has courses on data science, UX design, data analytics, machine learning, and software engineering.
There are many career paths inside the tech industry with bright prospects. Learning these skills guarantees your future employability and helps boost your income.
Software Engineering
Our reliance on software grows by the day. We use computer applications in every aspect of our lives, including chatting with friends and family, keeping track of our finances and choosing what restaurant to eat at. But someone has to build all this software. Software Engineers design, build and maintain the programs and apps the world relies on using programming languages such as Java, C++ and Python.
Software engineering boasts a strong job outlook. Experts predict more software developers will be needed to respond to an increased demand for software. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of software engineers will grow 21 percent by 2028.
Website Development
With thousands of websites joining the Internet every day, there is little doubt why a career in website development is a smart move. Web developers design and build websites. Broadly speaking, they can be divided into three categories: Front end developers focus on the “client side,” having purview over elements like buttons and search bars. Back end developers deal with the “server side,” creating the logic behind applications and processes. Finally, the full stack developer role brings together the previous two, building and maintaining all the layers of an application.
Website developers command large salaries and are in high demand. If you want to know how to become a web developer, check out the Career Karma website for some excellent advice.
Information Security Analyst
Data plays an increasingly important role in the corporate world. It is an invaluable asset, and companies invest millions to protect it, including hiring Information Security Analysts. These professionals protect a firm’s computer networks and systems, combating breaches and safeguarding that valuable data.
The information security analysis field has a strong job outlook. Experts predict the demand for people who can safeguard digital infrastructure will grow. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the employment of information security analysts will grow 32 percent by 2028. The Bureau describes this as “much faster than the average for all occupations.”
The world is changing fast and unpredictably, and people must constantly upgrade themselves to remain employable – now and in the future. The tech sector is, without a doubt, the best option for those looking to improve their skillset or to change careers. For more advice on switching to a career in tech, visit the Career Karma website.
Artur Meyster is the CTO of Career Karma (YC W19), an online marketplace that matches career switchers with coding bootcamps. He is also the host of the Breaking Into Startups podcast, which features people with non-traditional backgrounds who broke into tech.