By Chelsea Babin

The Learn to Code initiative is picking up steam. From coding schools that promise anyone can learn to code, to programs like Hour of Code and #yeswecode that encourage students in urban communities they too can learn to code, to Google’s Made With Code initiative that’s aimed at teaching coding to young women, learning to code has become a movement throughout the industry. With the IT industry expected to continue its expansive growth, many employers are complaining about a shortage of available technology talent. So, why are existing IT professionals being ignored?

The main goal of the Learn to Code movement is to make technology more accessible to those who would otherwise not be exposed. Whether it’s creative types who feel they have no technical capacity, underrepresented minorities or school-aged kids who aren’t exposed to it in school, these programs want to provide an on-ramp for everyone to give programming a chance. Adding to the talent pool also arguably adds to the potential IT products and businesses in the world. Because these groups are focused on those who are just starting out, existing IT professionals are not factored in.

Because of this, the movement pushes learning responsibility for existing developers to continue their education onto themselves or the companies they work for. While many companies have significantly reduced training initiatives, the IT market changes so rapidly that many organizations are feeling the burn of becoming obsolete. Organizations that recognize how important it is to incorporate cutting-edge technologies on a regular basis are the ones that survive in this market place, which means IT Professionals must do the same.

You’ve already put in a significant amount of time and potentially money learning the skills you use today. The Learn to Code movement is aimed at providing inexpensive or free opportunities for learning entry level skills, something you’ve already evolved beyond. Because you have existing technical knowledge, these opportunities are generally not open to you, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t great training opportunities available to you. Training yourself and keeping your skill-set up to date may not be an official “movement”, but it should be! Here are a few ways you can stay competitive and ensure that there’s room for existing IT professionals like you in the industry along with these up-and-comers.

Stay Competitive

1. If your company offers training initiatives, tuition reimbursement or cross-departmental work, take full advantage! If you’d love to learn and utilize cutting edge technologies but don’t have the opportunity to in your current position, prioritize these training perks in your next job search.
2. Start a side project with some of your tech-oriented friends or try to code more collaboratively in the workplace. Sometimes, the simple act of sharing knowledge between friends and coworkers can teach you an immense amount and help keep your skillset fresh.
3. MOOCs, coding books and even Youtube tutorials are always a great go-to source for inexpensive learning. Whether you’re looking to learn a brand new language or wondering how to make one function work better than before, you can read, watch and complete courses in your spare time.
4. Motivate yourself! For some people, the thought of staying competitive in the job market isn’t enough motivation in and of itself. If it’s really a struggle for you, the passion for technology that you need may not exist. However, some IT professionals struggle simply to find the time. One great way to make sure you set aside the time you need to keep your skillset up to date is offering yourself an incentive. Whether it’s that vacation you’ve been meaning to take, that new tech gadget you’ve been lusting after, or simply a nice dinner out with your significant other, reward yourself for the hard work you put into the learning process. These rewards will keep you coming back for more even in your busiest seasons!
5. Join a technology meetup group. This community of developers isn’t necessarily a movement, but the professionals who attend these meetings are often passionate about technology and a great resource for any questions you have about a new tech language you know nothing about. You’ll get the community feeling you’d get from a learn to code initiative and a great network of fellow IT professionals you can rely on in your next job search, news of developer conferences, and so much more!
6. Listen to industry podcasts and keep up to date on technology news. It’s hard to know what the next big technology is when you’re surrounded by the same kind of development day in and day out. IT is a massive, multifaceted industry, so it’s impossible to know everything that’s going on all of the time. Spend a few minutes each day reading up on your particular specialties or new technologies that interest you. You’ll develop a base of knowledge about emerging trends and technologies within just a few minutes, trust me, this is well worth your time!

The Learn to Code movement may target complete newbies and leave out existing IT professionals like you, but that doesn’t mean the industry will start to ignore you. You’re established, you’re skilled and you have professional experience that is extremely valuable. That doesn’t mean you should rest on your laurels! In this rapidly changing industry, learning cutting edge technologies through any of the aforementioned methods will help keep you competitive and up-to-date. These Learn to Code programs may churn out entry-level ready professionals, but if you continue to advance your skillset the increase in talent should not discourage an established professional like you. There’s room enough for everyone as the IT industry continues to grow and flourish.