Why now is the perfect time to become a developer

Not that long ago, becoming a professional software developer would have taken years of university studies. So even if you thought IT was an interesting field, it was not something that was easily accessible for everyone.

Fortunately, today it’s much easier to gain a foothold in the field of technology, whether as a software developer, engineer, or data scientist. All the knowledge that most people previously acquired from traditional institutions like universities are now available on the Internet. This means that anybody with Internet access also has access to a wide range of knowledge regardless of their location or background. In fact, online learning services provided by EdTech companies, such as open-source learning libraries like Coursera and intensive career-oriented bootcamps like Integrify Academy, are now the new black.

Online learning has been growing rapidly over the last few years, and this growth became even more significant due to the pandemic. Most companies have come to accept the certifications gained from this new effective method of learning and are now hiring people based on their skills and not necessarily their degrees. Indeed, online education can teach you anything, from graphic design to coding and programming, without or with minimal fees.

As a result, a career in software development is gaining popularity not only among the online learning community but also with anyone who is interested in technology. The main reasons for this trend are listed below.

1. Increasing demand for technical skills

Companies of all sizes, from startups to large corporations, are looking for talented developers to help them grow. Whether you'll be joining a team to build a product or to provide consulting services, companies with limited resources tend to seek the “all-rounders" who can excel in a variety of technologies among other skills. To capture this demand, Integrify Academy has been offering intensive training programs about full stack development, data science and machine learning. There are 5 campuses across Europe, in Finland, Sweden, Germany, Denmark, and the Netherlands to ensure that our graduates possess adequate knowledge and skills to jumpstart their careers in tech. In fact, the top-notch qualifications of the developers of Integrify Academy have been confirmed by our partner companies, such as Digia and TietoEVRY, with compliments for their adaptability and expertise.

2. Attractive salary range

Software developers and data scientists are currently the hottest professions in the field of technology. As such, the demand for these jobs has been growing tremendously along with their salary rank for many years to come. The average salary of non-entry-level software developers in Europe ranges from 44-48K€ in Sweden and Finland to 70K€ in Denmark per year, which equals an approximate 3660€ to 5830€ monthly salary. This is definitely one of the best perks of a software developer - being rewarded with good compensation while helping companies grow.

3. Endless learning opportunities

Developers are constantly required to learn and adapt to the newest technologies. Hence, even after entering the workforce, developers are lifetime learners who are bound to seize the latest tools and skill-sets to deliver exemplary outcomes. The best thing about being a learner is that you’ll never get bored of your job, since it requires regular updates and creativity to tackle arising issues. Oona, a Career Growth Specialist at Integrify consultant, acknowledges the importance of learning:‍

"Continuous learning is essential for developers to stay updated, pursue career opportunities, align with industry standards, collaborate effectively, and remain adaptable in a fast-evolving field. Even the World Economic Forum has identified "Active learning and learning strategies" as one of the top 10 skills required for the future of work."

4. Life-changing impact

Competent developers not only play a vital role in the company they work for but also have a huge opportunity to influence the world we live in. Technology has drastically changed how people communicate, commute, and perform daily tasks. In this case, developers make a difference by solving problems with technology and delivering those solutions to life, in a way that society as a whole benefits from. Senad, an Integrify Academy alumnus and currently a Business Solution Developer at Vaisala, felt happy to work in programming:

"It is like an art form, and there’s always something to improve upon."

If you’re still wondering why now is the perfect time to become a developer, we’d rather challenge you to answer the question, why not now? The truth is, in response to the ever-changing modern world, now is the right time, here is the right place.

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