Embarking on a career change can be a daunting prospect, especially when considering a field as dynamic as technology. For those in the UK contemplating a career change to coding, understanding the journey and potential pathways is crucial. Simon Barker, a Full Stack Web Developer based in Warwick, UK, and founder of Career Switch To Coding, shares his experience and advice for aspiring developers looking to break into the industry. His mission is to equip new and early-stage developers with the necessary skills to navigate the job market and secure rewarding positions. Having navigated a diverse career path himself and overcome challenges in his own developer job search, Simon is passionate about ensuring others avoid similar struggles.
Simon Barker, Full Stack Web Developer and Founder of Career Switch To Coding
The Motivation Behind Learning to Code
Simon’s journey to becoming a developer wasn’t straightforward. He recounts three unsuccessful attempts to learn coding during his younger years. At ages 12, 16, and even during his degree at 18, coding didn’t quite click. The initial hurdle was a lack of clear purpose. While the idea of creating games was appealing, the gap between basic programming exercises and that ambitious goal seemed too vast. The turning point arrived when Simon began his PhD in Electrical and Electronic Engineering. Suddenly, coding became essential. With access to advanced lab equipment and the freedom to pursue innovative projects over three years, the necessity to master coding became undeniably clear. His PhD’s success hinged on his ability to code, providing the concrete motivation he previously lacked. This realization spurred him to dedicate himself to learning and “grokking” coding, transforming it from a vague interest into a critical skill.
Overcoming Learning Hurdles in Coding
Many individuals considering a career change to coding in the UK might feel intimidated by the learning process. Simon’s initial struggles highlight a common challenge: the lack of a strong, immediate application for coding skills can hinder early learning. His experience underscores the importance of finding a meaningful project or goal to drive the learning process. For anyone contemplating a career change to coding, identifying a practical application, whether it’s web development, app creation, or data analysis, can provide the necessary focus and motivation to persevere through the initial learning curve and ultimately transition into a successful coding career in the UK.
