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Does a Computer Programmer Really Need a College Degree by Craig Middleton notes that most programmers have a degree in something, but that thanks to the pandemic, we have a lot of new professional programers who used resources like coding camps to gain the skills necessary to land good programming jobs without a programming degree.

Introduction

• You have undoubtedly noticed the expansion of the internet of things (IoT) into every aspect of your life. You can turn on your porch lights, turn up the thermostat, and preheat the oven while you are still in your office—assuming you are working from an office these days. The time is approaching when physicians in one part of the world can robotically perform surgery on another continent. An ever-increasing complexity and the integration of multiple systems seem to be the order of the coming digital age. One of the careers that is exploding in numerical growth as well as specialization is computer programming. This causes a question to arise: do computer programmers need to have heightened advanced training before they leap into developing apps and software? Specifically, should programmers be required to have a college degree in programming?

What Kind of Issues Must a Programmers Deal With?

• In order to answer that question, you first must have a grasp of what sort of technical challenges as well as real-world concerns programmers face when creating code for a workable, dependable program. While the complexity of programming grows because of the many added options coders must deal with, the basic underlying syntax tree, that is, the shortcut diagram of potential possibilities, still looks the same as it did in the old days before microcomputers and the internet became much larger. This implies that programming, while more complex, is unchanged in its essential nature.

What Education Do Most Programmers Have?

• What does this mean as far as the educational credentials required for the folks writing the programs? The bottom line, as of almost 80 years since computer programming became a thing, is that most professional programmers (those who get paid to do it) do have college bachelor’s degrees. That does not mean their degrees are necessarily in computer science. Neither does it mean that future programmers want a four-year degree in anything. The reality is that a boom in coding “boot camps” is ongoing. Potential programmers want to learn the various coding languages as quickly as possible. As it currently stands, most professional programmers have a degree in something, while newcomers want to know how to code but tend not to be interested in a degree.

What Does the Future Hold for Programming as a Career?

• Forbes reported in a recent article that enrollment in coding camps increased by almost 50% over a two-year period and that was before the pandemic demonstrated you can stay at home and have a productive, well-paid career. Thus, there is currently a flood of new potential programmers, who will not have college degrees, and concurrently there is a great need for programmers. According to the article, there will be a winnowing process that follows because programming requires some distinct abilities:
  Extreme attention to perfect detail
  Ability to think abstractly
  Ability to think logically
  The bottom line is that programmers are growing in number at least temporarily and newer ones are less concerned about having a college degree.

What is the Ideal Education for a Programmer?

• You should start with the recognition that a programmer or coder is not a software engineer. This simply means that you are not creating computer language as you go. Instead, you are using tools others have already developed. Also, begin with the notion that you have carefully considered your own personality and believe you would enjoy a career as a programmer. One school of thought is that you should definitely have some background in computer science, at least an associate’s degree and that you should learn a variety of different computer languages. Different languages are required depending upon whether you are writing smartphone apps, website structures, or software to run on the internet.

Dr Doug’s Advice

• In my view you are better off learning programming online at your own pace rather than in high school or college classes that are typically one-size-fits-all. People with a knack for programming can learn languages fast on their own. The same is true for learning software products like Photoshop and Final Cut Pro. A quick search for “free online programming courses” should get you started. Many start out free and then change for additional instruction. That seems fair to me. You should also investigate which language to learn first. From what I’ve seen, Python looks like a good way to go. After that, learn whichever languages seem to be the best for the kind of programming you or your new book wants you to do. Good luck.

Craig Middleton

• Craig is a New York City-based retired business consultant, who is an expert in education and cultural trends. He has a Masters of Business Administration and a Masters in Education from St. Johns and loves sharing his knowledge on the side through his writing. If you have any questions or comments you can direct them to Craig at craigmiddleton18@gmail.com.

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Four Side Hustles To Start in College by Craig Middleton offers some good ideas for college students who are trying to generate some income to offset student debt. While you need not limit yourself to these ideas, this should get you thinking. Also, check out this post on 7 Online Business Models That Are Similar, Better Than, or Alternative to Dropshipping by Wei Linchao at best Fulfill.

Introduction

• Are you a college student looking for ways to make money, but you aren’t sure how you can get started? Perhaps you are tired of working retail or food service, or you need something that is flexible instead of demanding when it comes to working. Today, more young people than ever are starting their own side hustles and becoming entrepreneurs in the process. Discover how you can find a side hustle that will fit your needs and help you earn the money you need while still succeeding in your college studies.

1. Start a Dog Walking or Pet Sitting Business

• If you love animals, starting a dog walking or pet sitting business might be the solution you are looking for. Dog walkers typically work during the day, and can sometimes handle more than one dog at a time. It’s crucial that you know your limits and don’t try to walk too many dogs at once. You’ll need to make sure they get along with one another and pick up after any messes they make.
• As a pet sitter, you can watch dogs in your home or someone else’s. After you’ve tended to the animal’s needs, you are generally free to study or relax. Many dogs and cats simply find having the presence of another human around to be comforting, so hanging out on the couch might be all they need to calm down. Some people choose to run both types of businesses. Start off small and see how much you can handle while juggling college at the same time. In many cities, you can also work for agencies who do the booking for you.

2. Create Your Own Etsy Store

• Etsy has grown and developed from a small website where people could have handmade items to a major marketplace where both handmade and vintage sales thrive. if this type of work appeals to you, think about what you would like to provide your customers. Make sure to take clear photos and understand how to optimize search engine optimization (SEO) so people who search for your products find them easily in the results so you can improve the sales process. One positive factor about running an Etsy store while in college is that you essentially run your own business, so there is no need to ask for time off. Just make sure that your crafts are unique so you don’t end up competing with inexpensive imported goods. Check out the competition first.

3. Deliver Food On Your Own Time

• Consider working as an independent contractor for a company like UberEats or DoorDash and deliver food to customers all around your area. If you live in a big city or a location that has a lot of tourists, this can be a good way to earn money. You can deliver on days that are busy for you and take off when you need to. It’s important to take care of your car if you decide to deliver food for a living. However, you can usually earn more working for yourself than you would by being traditionally employed through a company, and it is possible to set your own hours as well. The same applies if you want to work for companies like Uber or Lyft.

4. Get Handy With Alterations

• If you’re handy with sewing, consider working as a seamstress. Providing clothing alterations allows your customers to have a customized fit for their needs. This could be as simple as hemming pants or even making a skirt or dress fit better. You can change your customers a decent markup for altering their clothes and you don’t need to work long hours or even keep a specific schedule much of the time, as long as you get the items completed by when you promised. Sewing even comes with health benefits such as brain growth and can reduce stress, which is ideal for many college students.
• Working a side hustle in college doesn’t have to be difficult. Find something that catches your interests and allows you plenty of time to study. You can set your own prices or work the hours that you feel are best for your lifestyle, allowing you to make money while getting ahead on your life goals. Just don’t let your side hustle compromise your grades.

Doug’s Hustel

• I played in a rock band when I was in college in the late 1960s. It helped pay the bills and it sure was good for my public presentation skills. There is lots of work for part-time musicians and even classical musicians can get party gigs. People with artistic skills can also find work doing jobs for small businesses that can’t afford in-house artists. Your computer skills can also help you land work on the side. In any case, try to use skills that you are trying to improve to further your future career path if you can. Good luck.

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