Why 97% Fail to Learn Software Engineering
It's really exciting, isn't it? The dream of becoming a great coder and being able to make any cool product you dream up.
When you get good at programming, it doesn't feel so mysterious anymore. It's kind of like having a superpower today but the truth is, learning to program has a lot of challenges, especially because technology changes so fast.
Did you know that 97% of people who teach themselves programming don't end up getting a programming job? So why is it so hard for so many? And how can you avoid being one of those who doesn’t make it?
There are 4 big tips you can start using now that can really change your life and help you become a programmer faster than you thought.
1. Handling Imposter Syndrome
First, let's talk about feeling like a fake, or what's known as 'imposter syndrome.' Learning to program on your own isn't just about the coding stuff.
It's also about how you feel.
A lot of new coders feel like they're not good enough or that they're just pretending and this feeling is tough to beat, but you can do it.
You'll have good times and bad times on this journey. The good times include learning to code, getting your first job offer, and making apps you've dreamed about. The bad times might be when you compare yourself to others, think you're not smart because you don't get something right away, or can't fully grasp a concept.
Remember, programming isn't super easy, and everyone who learns it has their ups and downs. Even professional coders are always learning new things so be proud of what you've learned and set small, reachable goals. Talk with other coders, share your work, and get feedback. This will help you see that everyone faces their own challenges and the most important thing is to believe in yourself and keep trying.
Every expert coder started as a beginner, just like you.
2. Create a Structured Roadmap
Second, make a structured plan. When you want to teach yourself programming, having a plan is really important. Just wanting to be a programmer isn't enough; you need a clear path to get there.
Say it's April, and you want to be a coder by the end of the year. You have about eight months, which is plenty of time to start. Mark January 1st on a calendar. It could be a paper calendar or one on your phone. This helps you visualize your goal.
Once you've marked the calendar, plan what you need to learn each month, week, and day until your goal date. Break your big dream into smaller daily tasks, with weekly and monthly goals. This keeps you accountable and consistent and if your plan feels too ambitious, adjust it.
Remember, learning to code is a marathon, not a sprint. Keep checking and changing your plan as needed to stay on track and overcome problems.
3. Too Much Theory, Not enough Implementation
Third, balance theory and implementation. A lot of self-taught coders spend too much time just learning from books or online, and not enough time actually coding. Learning basics is important, but it's just the start.
To be a good programmer, you need to build real projects. Write code, fix problems, and keep your code running well. Remember consistency is key. It's hard at first, but you can learn complex concepts by working a little every day.
There's a saying, "Hard work beats talent when talent doesn't work hard."
This is so true.
Employers like seeing that you can do real programming work. Balance learning from books and courses with writing and testing your own code.
4. Set Deadlines
When learning on your own, it's easy to lose track of time. Deadlines help you stay focused and finish tasks. Create your own deadlines for your programming goals. Deadlines work with your structured learning path but are a bit different. They are the specific days you want to achieve your goals. For example, set deadlines for learning different programming languages or finishing projects. These are like checkpoints and they show your progress and keep you moving forward. They turn your learning into steps you can follow.
Why are deadlines important? They help you avoid trying to make everything perfect, which can slow you down. They encourage you to finish projects and build a portfolio to show to potential employers or clients. They also help you learn from your mistakes quickly, improving your skills and preventing future mistakes.
Deadlines are key to both business and learning.
Good luck on your coding journey!
Cheers friend,
Eric