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For the future of the working world, encouraging students to pursue training in technology is more important than before—technology is part of nearly everything we do.
youth and technology
Students around the world rely heavily on technology to learn and engage with their coursework. New advancements are helping students grow and develop the skills necessary to take on the labor landscape of the future. Students and faculty alike are eager to discover and adopt new technologies as the working world continues to evolve.
Companies, too, rely on technology to operate and leverage opportunities to advance business; always searching for enhanced solutions, trained talent and additional ways to gain an advantage over competitors.
the importance of software development
Software programs are meant to make living and working easier. Software development is the process of creating and maintaining the programs that people download and employ.
Different technologies come and go. Over time we learn what works and what doesn't. Many software solutions remain committed to an original purpose, but developers adapt and enhance offerings as new requirements and trends are set.
Staying agile and up to date with the latest technology advancements can help companies stay competitive. Developers are necessary to support and maintain the software that any size business chooses to incorporate to do work. Jobs in technology require a little more than, "I play video games or host a YouTube channel," as there's much learning to be done. Just because youth today are growing up with technology doesn't necessarily mean they understand how it works or what they can do with it.
The increasing need for software developers
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the demand for software developers will continue to increase throughout the next decade. The bureau is projecting an employment growth of 22 percent between 2020 and 2030.
Since software developers work in nearly every industry, there is a need to have a developer readily available. The role of a software developer requires a wide range of skills. They engage in a mix of solitary coding work and team collaboration. Developers benefit from a challenging, constantly evolving yet rewarding career.
Since the digital realm and influence of technology on day-to-day work is here to stay, a profession in software development almost certainly guarantees a long-term career.
"My mother got her Bachelors in computer engineering and Masters in computer science," said Kathryn Cook, a Developer at Configura. "I am from a small town, so I did not have any computer classes or programming exposure until I went to college. I picked computer science as my major since my mother was my inspiration. She and I think similarly and like similar things, and I figured if she loved doing CS I would probably like the same. And here I am!"
Unlimited paths to a rewarding career
There are endless paths to a career in software development. In fact, many software developers simply find themselves in the work, rather than having set out to make it a lasting career.
“I studied physics in college and only found my passion for programming because the lab I worked in needed someone to do database programming and I volunteered,” said Nathan Halquist, Senior Developer at Configura.
Like many things, with an open mind, a willingness to try new things and a knack for technology, a career in software development is possible.
“While trying to figure out what I wanted to major in at the University of Michigan, I landed myself in the intro computer science class and ended up loving it,” said Anne-E Jones, Specification/Visual Tools Software Programmer at Haworth.
Someone with training in software development is highly employable. The work is needed and serves several different purposes for companies.
Youth of today for jobs of tomorrow
Introducing technology and basic coding at a young age can open a world of possibilities.
“In elementary school I started playing with the program Scratch [a block-based visual programming language and website to help kids learn about programming],” said Gabe VanSolkema, Senior Developer at Configura. “Later on, I went to college with the intent of majoring in business, but during my first semester I took a class on the history of computing and that was easily my favorite class.”
It is important to expose students to experiences in the technology field. STEM courses (Science Technology Engineering Math) and programs like Scratch are helping bridge the gap between the up-and-coming talent pool and those currently working in technology today.
Technology is constantly evolving. It should come as no surprise that working world will continue to rely on technology to get things done.
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