How to realize that IT is your calling

A programmer is someone who is constantly looking for ways to solve problems and circumvent difficulties. It is not always possible to get everything right the first time, and without interest, motivation is quickly lost.

If you see programming only as a means of making money, you'd better reconsider your approaches. In today's market there is a demand for vacancies in IT Moldovawhere you can find your vocation without programming skills.

You can't become a programmer if you don't have a clear programme of study

If a person tries to learn without a clear plan, most likely he/she will never become a programmer. The point is that the times have passed when you could quickly learn the basics of programming and immediately become a programmer. But there is much more knowledge in this sphere in 2024 than there are opportunities to master it during a human life.

There is a lot of knowledge that is interrelated or has different contexts depending on the learning objective. As a result, the lack of a structured learning plan leads to a situation when a person learns to write code, but in 1-3 years remains at the same level from which he started.

Structured study helps you internalise the necessary knowledge and build your own approach to programming.

You don't need to delve too deeply into theory

Sometimes newbies dive deep into the theoretical aspects, but practice is exactly what helps to apply knowledge on real projects.

There are many who wanted to become programmers but never achieved it. Why? Yes, because they were too deeply into the theory of compilers and spent years researching different languages, etc.

Understand a simple thing, programming is not about passing levelled levels like in a game, it is a real profession that requires the ability to do the job in practice. Offers are received not by those who know the theory, but by those who successfully apply their knowledge in practice. And technical interviewers at interviews distinguish those who have only read books from those who really know how to write code.

To be a good programmer - think like a good programmer

Developing logical and algorithmic thinking is a key aspect of programming. The ability to analyse, take complex problems apart and see the big picture is the basis of a successful career as a programmer. If a person is not willing or able to solve problems and think like a programmer, it will be difficult for him to master this profession.

It's important to realise that you don't have to be an expert in all areas of technology to succeed in programming. Often newcomers learn with the mindset: "Once I master everything that is important for a programmer, then I will look for a job".

But there is too much knowledge, and time is limited. Even if you are 15 years old, there is still not enough time to do everything. It's important to understand the basics and focus on the essentials, rather than trying to cover everything that might be useful.

A few working tips from an experienced proger

If you feel a true passion for programming, here are some tips to help you achieve your goal:

1. Hard work. In today's IT market, it is important for a programmer to have strong-willed qualities and a desire to improve despite the difficulties. The difficulty lies in the amount of information required. That is why programmers take a long time to learn. But all the knowledge is already simple enough. The most interesting thing is that hard work is more important than natural talent. Even if you have great natural talents, they will not give you anything on their own.
2. Problem-solving skills. What do future employers expect from a programmer? First of all, the ability to find a way out of difficulties. Money is paid to those who know how to solve business problems. For example, automating accounting, creating a mobile application for ordering food, or others. Companies are looking for people who know how to do this.
3. More practice. To learn how to solve problems, you need to have a real task. If a programmer himself comes up with a task (for his portfolio) that has no practical application, he will not finish it.
4. Set realistic goals. It is important to set goals for yourself that will help you develop and move forward. Right now, goal #1 is to become a programmer. But often newcomers to programming set themselves unrealistic goals, say, trying to become a specialist in a few months. When this plan fails, they lose motivation and give up. That's why realistic goals are so important.
5. Learn English. To start with, a basic level of English is enough to understand technical documentation. However, to get a job, in most cases a high level of proficiency is required. At least Intermediate (B1-B2). For example, an aspiring developer does not need to know English above Intermediate, as his communication with the client is limited. But for Project Manager, Business Analyst or Tester positions, you should know English at a conversational level. This also applies to developers at the Senior level and above.

A successful future in IT requires skills (soft skills) to successfully start and develop a career: 

• communication skills;
• The ability to understand the needs of others;
• the ability to think creatively;
• Adaptability to the rapidly changing IT world;
• critical thinking; 
• communicate effectively, listen to others and overcome conflicts;
• confidently set goals and work on personal growth;
• Develop self-organisation skills;
• the ability to learn and self-development;
• and of course, the favourite of many employers, stress tolerance.

Developing these soft skills complements technical knowledge and helps build a successful career in IT.