You have probably heard for about a million times by now that coding is one of the most important job skills on the market today and knowing how to code increases your chances of having a successful career, regardless of the field of choice. This is typically accompanied by a Steve Jobs quote, who once famously said that “everybody should learn to program a computer because it teaches us how to think.” A Career-Rocketing Skill? 5 Most Beneficial Professions for Those Who Can Code - 1

Why coding is the most important job skill

It’s become a cliche because it's true. Today, in the era of digital transformation and automation, coding is one fundamental skill that can be crucial to the success of your career in the decades to come. Not to leave this point unsupported, here are a few facts.

  • Global IT spending is growing each year

According to the latest forecast by Gartner, worldwide IT spending is projected to reach a total of $4.1 trillion in 2021, an increase of 8.4% from 2020. The world is spending on IT more and more year after year, and the value of tech-related skills is growing as well.

  • The demand for coding jobs is growing

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that computer and information technology employment will grow 11% between 2019 and 2029.

  • Having coding skills enhances your career potential

There are studies proving that just having coding as a skill already enhances your career potential and provides you with better job opportunities.

  • IT-talent gap is real

According to a survey done by Gartner, global talent shortage is now the top emerging risk for organizations, with 75% of enterprises anticipating skills gaps in key IT roles post-outbreak. Even more, Korn Ferry Institute estimated a worldwide deficit of 4.3 million tech-skilled workers by 2030.

5 careers that can be empowered by coding skills

It is pretty clear how knowing programming allows software developers to monetize this skill. But what about other professions not directly related to IT, is coding really the asset there as well? Let’s take a look at some roles and specializations, relevant in 2021, where coding skills will definitely be a career-enhancing factor.

1. Marketing managers and analysts.

Big Data is the key nowadays. It is transforming the business world, and being experienced with Big Data technologies would be highly desirable across a number of fields and positions. Probably, marketing managers and analysts of all kinds (business analysts, financial analysts, and research analysts, etc.) will benefit from knowing Big Data tools the most. Specialized coding skills you would need for Big Data:
  • Programming languages (Java, Python)
  • Database & business intelligence (SQL, Oracle)
  • Data science (Hadoop, NoSQL Data, SAS, R)
  • Data management (Excel, Visual Basic)

2. Designers and graphic artists.

Today there is a great volume of work for designers who know how to use digital tools. There are a handful of design-focused specialisations in IT, such as graphic designers, web designers, UI/UX designers. And when a good designer also has at least a basic understanding of the underlying technical processes and knows how to code, it can be considered as a great value for the team. Specialized coding skills you would need for design-related work:
  • Backend programming languages (Java, Python)
  • Web development (Javascript, HTML5)
  • Design software (Photoshop, AutoCAD)

3. Engineers.

All kinds of engineering specialisations, such as mechanical engineers, civil engineers, engineering technicians, is another profession where knowing how to code would be extremely helpful. Engineers can use programming for various purposes, such as designing and testing new products in virtual environments or solving practical problems with software technologies. Specialized coding skills you would need for engineering work:
  • Programming languages (C++, Java)
  • Computer aided manufacturing knowledge (Programmable logic controllers, Computer numerical control machines)
  • Engineering design (computer aided design solutions)

4. Scientists.

Science is another occupation where computing technologies are playing an increasingly important role each year. The ability to program and understand basic principles of computer science can empower a career of a scientist working in pretty much any field. Specialized coding skills you would need for science work:
  • Programming languages (Python, Java)
  • Statistical software (SAS, R)
  • Mathematical computing

5. Business leaders and top managers.

For the so-called C-Suite roles (executive-level managers) programming-related knowledge and technical experience is almost always a serious asset. It can be leveraged in countless ways, from being able to effectively estimate real costs of IT projects, to single handedly creating apps for work processes automation or setting up a number of chatbots to serve as your assistants. Specialized coding skills you would need for executive work:
  • Programming languages (Java, C++)
  • Database and business intelligence tools (SQL, Oracle)
  • Data science (Hadoop, NoSQL, R)
  • Web development (Javascript)

Tech-related jobs that are easier to get if you can code

Finally, there is a long list of IT-related professions that don’t need you to be a programmer, but would certainly be easier to land if you can code. And knowing how to code would help you to be successful in these jobs too. Let’s conclude this piece with some of them:
  • Product manager,
  • User experience designer,
  • Content marketer,
  • Customer support specialist,
  • Growth hacker,
  • Quality assurance tester,
  • Tech recruiter,
  • IT coordinator,
  • Help desk technician.
A Career-Rocketing Skill? 5 Most Beneficial Professions for Those Who Can Code - 2