Today, it is easier than ever to change your career path. Digital technology makes learning new skills simple and convenient, while global exposure to more career paths means our eyes our open to more career options than before.

In fact, during the pandemic, many people who were placed on furlough or made redundant decided to entirely change their careers.

Teachers have become bakers and people with chronic stress have enjoyed the liberation of a new career.

But one career is becoming increasingly popular and very lucrative. The world needs more computer programmers and companies are willing to pay big money for them.

As we hurtle through the digital age and digital transformation becomes ever urgent, programmers will become more and more valued in the future.

Even as our internet and digital use harms the planet, more and more people embrace digital every day.

If you are on the verge of embarking on a career change, take a look at our tips on how to become a computer programmer.

Tips for becoming a programmer:

Study computer programming.

You can easily study computer programming online, either with a university or through a programming school.

Get accredited training and certification to improve your employability upon completion of a course.

Play around with computer kits.

There are few ways to start learning the basics of coding. Arduino is a great option for playing around and programming when you are starting out.

Practice your new skills regularly.

You will need to keep practicing and learning new skills regularly as a programmer. Make time to practice in your spare time whenever you can.

Get real life experience.

Apply for entry-level or apprenticeship position in programming roles to further develop your computing skills and real-world computing industry understanding.

Apply for a developer role.

When you feel ready, start to apply for more experienced roles in programming at companies that inspire and motivate you.

You might have found that you have a particular niche you enjoy and would like to pursue.

Continue learning and developing.

As in any career, continual growth and development is vital. Computing changes at a rapid pace, so you need to stay on top of updates and industry trends.

Computer programming is not likely to become a redundant job anytime soon. If you want to switch careers and safeguard your future, start learning to program now.