6 Exciting Careers to Consider as a Programmer
6 Exciting Careers to Consider as a Programmer
Programming provides you with a very useful set of tools that you can use in a variety of situations. There are jobs that are more common or well-paying, but there are also other options available—careers that have their own set of advantages.
If you prefer to work in a more unconventional setting as a programmer, or if landing a mainstream position is simply too difficult, consider the following alternative career options for your skills. It's possible that you'll enjoy them even more.
What Are the Most In-Demand Programmer Positions?
Consider the types of jobs that companies advertise for that requires programming or coding experience. There are certain positions that you will encounter on a regular basis, such as:
- Quality assurance (QA) engineer
- Web developer
- Computer systems analyst
- Computer programmer
- Software developer
While the rewards are great, the competition is fierce, and as a result, standards can be low. It goes without saying that job and company demands differ from one another, but landing one of these positions is not easy, especially if you lack the necessary skills, experience, and confidence.
What Other Careers Can You Consider as a Programmer?
Experience and rewards can be gained from participating in programming challenges and competitions. In terms of careers, however, you should look into alternative paths to programming mastery, even if it is only as a stepping stone to bigger and better things.
Along with plenty of practice, you can expect at the very least to have a good time and be inspired by others.
1. Technical Writer
If you know how to code and write, you're a good fit for these final options. You can work as a writer, editor, or both of programming-related content, either independently or for a company, such as a website, agency, publisher, or other organization.
They are jobs that necessitate a lot of time, thought, and attention to detail, and they are not all that dissimilar from developing or fixing code or entire software systems. You will have to master things like spelling, grammar, content writing, and editing for the benefit of casual and formal readers, in addition to your programming knowledge. This will be your most difficult challenge.
In an ideal world, you'd start with advice on how to become a successful content writer and work on honing these skills alongside your coding expertise. In this position, you can put all of your creative and technological abilities to good use as a technical author.
For example, as audiobooks become more popular, you might consider how your text is experienced by listeners. This is a great opportunity to put your audio programming skills to use and broaden your writing career.
2. Audio Programmer
You can even specialize in something more specific, such as audio programming, if you so choose. Anything that makes use of sound-based software necessitates the use of a professional to design, adjust, or repair it. As a result, your professional prospects are excellent.
Let's put things in perspective, shall we? An audio programmer can work in a variety of fields, such as computer development, video games, television, podcasts, audiobooks, and other similar fields of endeavor. You have the freedom to be as creative or as corporate as you want.
Based solely on podcasting revenue, The Joe Rogan Experience was the highest-grossing show in 2020, according to Statista, earning $30 million in revenue, which makes people ask, how much does joe rogan make per episode?
Furthermore, given how suddenly and inexplicably sound technology can go wrong, it is advantageous to be a go-to specialist, whether in-house or as a freelancer, in any field.
3. Video Game Developer
If you're a gamer, you're probably already familiar with what makes a good title. Its programmers design and fine-tune the coding to ensure that everything works properly, including the interface, controls, action sequences, dialogue, audio, and other elements.
It is recommended that you practice by creating your own games or by creating mods for existing games as a way to prepare yourself for this programming profession. Even learning how to create a Roblox game can add to your overall experience with the platform.
The following are some of the responsibilities of a video game developer:
- C++, C#, Java, and HTML5 are examples of industry-standard languages to code with.
- User interface and user experience design
- Using 3D modeling software such as Unity and Construct 3.
- Turning a game's code into a usable piece of software.
- Identifying and correcting bugs during game development or with updates after a game has been released
You have the option of working as a freelancer or for a studio. Unless you're already extremely talented and have an impressive portfolio, it's extremely difficult to break into large corporations once again. Alternatively, you could try your luck with some of the smaller names in the gaming industry.
4. AudioVisual Programmer
Consider pursuing a career in audiovisual programming as a continuation of your previous work experience to maximize your potential. Ample work opportunities are available today, thanks to the abundance of traditional and digital opportunities available today.
Along with the audio-related skills and tools listed above, you'll need a few more to get your hands dirty with the visual aspects of radio and television broadcasting. First and foremost, any prior experience with image or video editing software such as Photoshop, CyberLink, or Adobe Premiere Pro is a great place to start.
Learn about popular control systems such as Crestron and AMX if you're interested in that field. The greater the breadth of your audio and visual programming expertise, the greater the number of projects that will come your way.
5. Mobile App Developer
Mobile technology is just as revolutionary, and it is a fantastic industry to get started in. It takes both technical and creative skills to design applications for handheld devices. Good programming skills are required, as is an ability to think outside the box.
Fill your skill set with coding languages and relevant experience in areas such as software development, the use of various devices and platforms, and even mobile gaming, to give you a competitive advantage. Knowing the best open-source libraries for React Native app components is a good start in terms of building a solid foundation.
A typical app must function, be educational, and be entertaining. The more you already know and enjoy about mobile technology, the better equipped you will be to deal with the specific requirements of each project.
6. Coding Instructor
As a programmer, you have the option of teaching others about coding rather than putting it into practice yourself. Even though it is a welcome change of pace from most tech careers, just because it is less stressful does not imply that you should not put forth any effort.
First and foremost, you must be well-versed in your subject matter in order to be able to demonstrate and explain it in a way that your intended audience will understand. As a result, effective communication skills are essential.
In addition, unless you work for a school with a predetermined curriculum, you must determine the most effective method of delivering your lessons. What are your special skills? What resources do you have at your disposal? Are you demonstrating snippets of source code or instructing students on how to conduct themselves as programmers?
If your answers are affirmative, you may wish to start a blog, YouTube channel, Udemy course, or a full-fledged business that incorporates a variety of content and mediums. Overall, the demand for instructors is expected to continue to rise in tandem with the demand for programmers.
Conclusion
At first glance, it may appear that programming is only useful for a few specific types of jobs, but such technical skills are useful in a much wider range of fields than you might imagine. Exploring your entire range of options and discovering a path that better suits your personality and coding experience is well worth your time.
Having said that, you do not need to know how to code in order to be successful in a technological career. Because there are so many tools available to assist in the design of products or the analysis of data, even employers do not always consider programming experience to be essential. Even better, additional training opportunities are frequently available as well as a reimbursement for expenses.
