Tina HuynhTable of Contents
Stop BSing Your Way Out
Learning to program involves a lot of Googling, logic, and trial-and-error—but almost nothing beyond fourth-grade arithmetic.
Olga Khazan
Ok, let's face the facts. Programming does require some math and the higher you get into the tech industry, it may require higher levels of math. Let's be real, if you are dealing with more complex concepts, you will need complex solutions and skills in your toolbox in order to handle them. But in a base case scenario, being "bath at math" is not the right reason to give up on becoming a developer if that's something you truly want to do.
When you're starting out, it's a lot of learning basic concepts - what code does, variables, functions, conditionals, how the internet works, etc. As you start to build onto that knowledge through trial-and-error (and a lot of Google searches), you venture onto the languages of your choice - Python, Java, C++, etc.
An interview posted on Codeacademy, featuring software engineers to data scientists, answered the question "What advice do you have for people who want to get into tech?". Here are some of their responses:
I think people get really bogged down sometimes with, Where do I start? What should I do first? I think the answer is, What is interesting to you? What sounds like it could be fun? Or even if it just sounds easy to get started, just to get you hooked. I feel like there’s not one correct way to start.
I think the main question would be, Are you good at coding? Rather than, What should I do with coding?
Start with what you’re actually interested in, and also what your current background is in.
To read and/or watch the entire conversation, check out the link here.
Another article on skillcrush interviews Monica Lent, a Lead Front End Engineer who manages a team of five web developers. She admitted that she is, "personally horrendous at math. [I] struggled with it [all] through [school]. Terrible at geometry, terrible at algebra, didn't complete calculus. I'm even slow at arithmetic."
Think of Your Options
Though it is true that knowing basic arithmetic will be helpful when writing a program, unless you are looking to dive into careers such as machine learning or data science, you won't need to have knowledge of advanced mathematics. In fields such as data science, you would be required to know various linear algebra, statistics and probability concepts. But if that's not the field for you, don't sweat it. There are plenty of other options.
Software Development
As a software developer, it is your job to create software application by writing source code and implementing various functionalities. In order to do this, you'll need to be a logical thinker/have logical thinking skills and be a good team player since you will always be working with others.
Quality Assurance Engineering
Quality assurance engineers are responsible for testing software that has been developed. These engineers have to be detail-oriented and have analytical skills while still have a good understanding of the software tools.
Web Development
Web developers create websites for individuals and organizations. Your duties would include creating project plans, delegating the work among the team, writing website code, testing website features, and improving the website based on user feedback. Depending on the size of the project, web developers might also design the visual elements of the site.
DevOps Engineering
DevOps stands for Development and Operations. This means you would work with the deployment of applications, management of the network operations, facilitating automation, and communicating with the software development team on the regular basis. In this role, you need to be familiar with various programming languages, computer architecture, Unix systems, and GitHub.
Note: Not all job titles that do not require advanced math are listed. There are plenty more, you just have to look into which area suites you and what interests you the most.
One Step at a Time
When you find an area you are interested in, you will also find countless of resources online regarding how to become x, y and z. There will be road maps spelling out what programming languages to learn first, articles on what skills successful people in that job title need, and much more.
For example, How to Become a Systems Analyst or 2021 Roadmap to Web Developpment by IEEE. If you are ever stuck on where to go next or what to learn next, there are plenty of resources out there that will help you along the way.
Make Study Plans
As you set out to conquer your dreams as a programmer, I wish you the best! There will be tough nights, many headaches, countless coffee cups but also magnificent pride, unlimited excitement, and endless possibilities in your future. There is also a wonderful community of developers from all over cheering you on. You will never be alone in this journey.
And as you set on your way, looking on one of those mentioned road maps is the best way to get started. There are countless of tutorials on youtube and other sites, but be careful not to get lost in the videos. Always remember to practice what you learn on your own as well, do your own research, and track your progress.
Conclusions
I can't wait for you to begin your journey. This new adventure awaits you. Believe in yourself because we believe in you. You got this!
Happy coding!
