Programming: The IT Career

When you want to search for information about a company on the internet, it’s easy to log onto Google and find it within minutes. But building a website takes a lot of time and effort, especially when you have to start from scratch.

This is one of the job descriptions of a programmer – someone who is so well-versed in the tech world that they are able to create attractive web pages which you are able to interact with.

Some famous programmers you know include Bill Gates and Mark Zuckerberg who have become billionaires using their computer skills. The YouthPaper explores the gist of being a programmer.

What It Entails

Have you ever been interested in codes and numbers? Codes consist of arranging data or instructions so that when you click a button, a programme would know how to operate. For example, if you had to hover over an icon in Microsoft Word, you could arrange codes so that a pop-up menu shows up. Codes involve what is known as binary codes which uses the numbers one and zero. It’s more complicated that one may think because there are a set of rules in place for these functions, but with much practice, it’s quite easy to understand.

Sitting behind a computer desk, however, is not the only the responsibility that a programmer has to handle. Joseph Koroma, an analyst programmer, explains that there’s more than meets the eye in this career. “We problem-solve and combat stress, but generally, the job entails quite a few activities that range from interacting with people to giving presentations and pulling out your hair.

A programmer has to interact with users to ascertain the requirements of the programme or website, do research on existing and similar systems and design the system logically. We also have to present ideas, work with stakeholders then actually code (designing the system physically) and last of all, debug (fixing the mistakes you made while coding).”

With this knowledge, there’s so much that one can do.

Compared to 50 years ago, the world has grown exponentially in a digital sense, meaning that countries around the world are becoming technologically advanced. This is why jobs in information technology are always in demand as companies require the assistance of those well-versed in this career.

“You can work in any country. There will always be a need for programmers, especially with the way smart phones have taken over our lives,” Joseph confirms. “Application developers are needed worldwide and you don’t even need to leave your house these days as lots of programmers work remotely.”

In terms of which organisations to work for, Joseph said: “You can work for yourself, but lots of companies need programmers. Banks, mobile companies, auction companies, retailers… Every company that wants an app or website is a potential employer. The ministries have lots of programmers these days and the need for us will only increase in the coming years.”

If you are young and technology is your thing, what are you waiting for? With the internet at your fingertips, it is possible for you to explore where exactly in IT you want to go and get started. Download a programme which teaches you how to be a better programmer. Buy a book about the digital world at your nearest bookstore and figure out what is what. The earlier, the better, Joseph emphasises.

“To be honest, I’ve never been a fan of formal education. It’s overpriced and almost obsolete in the world we live in today, especially when it comes to computers. My answer to that is at home in front of your PC with a cold drink next to you while you listen to your favourite tunes. A lot of pioneers were autodidacts (self-taught), example Elon Musk or Bill Gates,” Joseph explained.

“On a serious note, I’d recommend two places to study. One would be codeacademy.com. It’s got excellent online tutorials for all the mainstream programming languages. Secondly, I’d say read the ‘Head First Series’. It’s like Code Academy, but in a book format. There are lots of examples and problems to solve.”

But if you want extra knowledge, do not be discouraged to head over to a university of your choice and study IT or computer science.

Elago Akwaake is a prospective programmer studying at the Namibia University of Science and Technology and decided on the formal education route. “It’s challenging, but it can also be very cool, you just need to have a willingness to learn and be persistent about it because there are going to be a lot of moments in the beginning when you feel like you do not know what you are doing, but you just need to figure things out and hack it.”

Up for the job? Elago had much more to say about the world of programming. “Fortunately, we live in the internet age so there are a lot of online forums and websites that can supplement your library books and lecture notes. Programming is essentially about fixing real-world problems with software solutions so you can see there’s a lot of problem-solving involved which can be both fun and frustrating, depending on the level of your problem and how good your coding skills are.”

Imagine what it is like to create things by using code. Sounds cool? Joseph has more advice for you to adhere to. “Choose a path, but don’t be limited to it,” he said. “You have to be diversified and adapt to survive. Educate yourself. Lastly, make sure you always have coffee!”

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