Retrain to be a software developer to future-proof your career

Man sitting behind a computer at an office

CodinGame, a developer-recruitment platform, has named software development the most future-proof profession for people looking to retrain and find a new job amid the coronavirus pandemic.

According to the recruitment platform’s research, training to become a software developer is “the shortest route to the best salary.”

CodinGame’s research also found software developers are the least likely to feel the impact of a robotics revolution over the next 50 years and are in the best position to benefit from a work-from-home revolution.

Plus, CodinGame claims you can complete software developer training in just 15 weeks thanks to a variety of online resources.

Great opportunities in software development

The firm analyzed the salaries of more than 50 careers and ranked them on financial rewards and retraining time. Software developer roles placed third on this list behind bus and HGV drivers.

Though bus and HGV driver roles came in higher on the list, there are significant downsides to these career paths, including a higher risk of driverless technology replacing human drivers in the future. Meanwhile, software developers are in demand and aren’t at risk of automation phasing them out.

CodinGame co-founder Aude Barral said, “The world is your oyster when it comes to retraining but some professions get you back up the income scale quicker than others.”

“It’s telling that software developer ranks highest among those professions that are most future proof. Switching to a career in coding is incredibly popular already, because there are so few barriers to entry, it’s cheap and quick to learn, and it’s a job that offers unrivaled flexibility.”

Growing demand

The technology ecosystem is always growing, so the demand for software developers will likely remain. This sustained demand means you shouldn’t struggle to find a job in this area. What’s more, the average software developer salary is $107,510, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

CodinGame also pointed out the diversity of software development, explaining that “age and previous experience are not barriers to retraining to be a coder.”

Barral added, “Coronavirus has been the catalyst for a working-from-home revolution, and careers that allow people to choose where they work, such as coding, are going to benefit from this cultural shift we’re seeing.”

“The pandemic is going to force many people out of their jobs, and give others yearning to do something different, pause for thought. It’s never too late to retrain.”

Nicholas Fearn is a freelance technology journalist and copywriter from the Welsh valleys. His work has appeared in publications such as the FT, the Independent, the Daily Telegraph, the Next Web, T3, Android Central, Computer Weekly, and many others. He also happens to be a diehard Mariah Carey fan. You can follow Nicholas on Twitter.