Looking to add coding to your skillset without going back to school? In today’s digital age, knowing how to code is becoming more and more essential, no matter what career path you’re on. But what if you could earn while you learn? Yes, there are jobs that teach you to code while you’re getting paid to do something you enjoy.
In this blog post, we’ll explore 11 such jobs that can help you gain valuable coding skills without stepping into a classroom. Ready to kickstart your journey into the tech world? Keep reading!
Key Takeaways
- There are diverse career paths that offer the opportunity to learn coding skills while on the job, eliminating the need for prior specialized education in some cases.
- Coding is a valuable skill that can enhance job performance and open up new opportunities, even in fields not traditionally associated with software development.
- Learning to code through a job provides practical, real-world experience that can be more impactful than learning through traditional educational methods alone.
What are Some Jobs that Teach You to Code?
1. Web Developer
A web developer is someone who builds and maintains websites. You’ll be working with different elements like HTML for structure, CSS for styling, and JavaScript for interactivity.
Some web developers focus on the front-end (what users see), while others specialize in the back-end (server, database).
This is one of those jobs that teach you to code while you’re actually doing it. As a web developer, you’re constantly coding, debugging, and deploying.
You’ll start with simpler tasks like updating web pages and gradually move on to more complex projects like building web applications.
The best part? You’ll often work alongside more experienced developers, providing a fantastic opportunity to learn and improve your skills.
2. Data Analyst
As a Data Analyst, your primary role is to make sense of large sets of data. You’ll collect, process, and analyze data to help companies make better business decisions.
This is one of the jobs that teach you to code through practical, hands-on experience.
You’ll likely start with tasks such as data cleaning and data entry, often using software that doesn’t require much coding. But as you grow in your role, you’ll find that manual methods of data collection and analysis are time-consuming and prone to error.
That’s where coding skills like SQL for database management and Python for data analysis become invaluable.
In a Data Analyst position, you’ll gradually move from basic data entry tasks to writing simple scripts that can automate data collection, cleaning, and analysis.
3. Software Tester
As a Software Tester or QA (Quality Assurance) Tester, your main task is to find bugs and issues in software before it reaches the end user. You’ll be running tests, analyzing results, and reporting your findings to the development team.
One of the great jobs that teach you to code, being a Software Tester allows you to understand the ins and outs of software applications.
While the job doesn’t require you to write full programs, you’ll often need to write test scripts.
These scripts are usually written in programming languages like Python, Java, or specialized testing languages.
Learning to write test scripts introduces you to the basics of coding, like syntax, logic, and debugging.
Over time, this exposure to code can give you the skills and confidence to transition into more code-intensive roles, like a software developer.
4. Technical Support
In a technical support role, you’ll be the go-to person for solving software and hardware issues. You might work for a tech company, a retailer, or within an IT department of a larger organization.
Your day-to-day tasks include troubleshooting issues, guiding users, and sometimes, managing networks.
Now, you may be wondering how this job fits into the category of jobs that teach you to code.
While you might not be writing full-fledged applications, you’ll often need to understand code to troubleshoot software problems effectively.
You may learn to write scripts to automate repetitive tasks or gain familiarity with databases. Over time, these interactions with code can serve as a practical foundation for more advanced coding skills.
With the importance of IT in today’s world, this role not only offers you the chance to get comfortable with technology but also gives you a sneak peek into the coding ecosystem.
5. Automation Engineer
An Automation Engineer is responsible for designing and implementing automated systems that improve efficiency in various tasks.
These tasks could range from software testing to data management or even manufacturing processes.
If you like solving problems and making things more efficient, this job is for you.
Being an Automation Engineer immerses you in coding from day one; it is one of the best jobs that teach you to code.
You’ll likely be working with languages like Python, Java, or specialized automation software to create scripts that perform specific functions.
As you tackle different automation challenges, you’ll learn to think algorithmically, troubleshoot issues, and understand the software development cycle.
Not only will you learn to code, but you’ll also see the immediate impact of your work—making processes faster and more efficient.
6. Game Developer
As a game developer, your main task is to, well… Create video games. You’ll work on designing game mechanics, creating levels, and implementing interactive elements that entertain players.
It’s a fun and creative field that’s perfect for those who love both tech and entertainment.
Game development is one of those jobs that teach you to code while you’re having fun.
You’ll need to learn languages like C++, C#, or Python to build game engines and implement features.
Even if you start off in a role that doesn’t require much coding, like a level designer, you’ll likely find yourself diving into code to fine-tune game mechanics or fix bugs.
By working on real-world projects, you’ll get hands-on coding experience that’s directly applicable to making a game come to life. This makes the learning process not just educational, but incredibly rewarding.
7. Digital Marketer
As a Digital Marketer, you’ll be responsible for promoting products or services online. You’ll work on campaigns, manage social media accounts, and analyze data to see what’s effective.
Now, you might be thinking, “What does this have to do with coding?” Well, that’s where it gets interesting.
Digital marketing is becoming increasingly technical. You may find yourself needing to tweak a website, analyze large sets of data, or even create a simple app.
You’ll often need to manage websites, landing pages, or email templates. Knowing HTML and CSS becomes crucial for understanding how to tweak layouts and structures.
Beyond that, JavaScript is commonly used in tracking analytics and understanding user behavior on your website.
SQL is another language you might encounter; it’s essential for data analysis, helping you to query databases to gain the insights you need for effective marketing strategies.
Finally, many advanced digital marketing tools allow for custom coding, enabling you to write small scripts that automate repetitive tasks.
8. UI/UX Designer
In the world of jobs that teach you to code, a UI/UX Designer role is more relevant than you might initially think.
Your main focus is on designing the user interface and user experience for websites, apps, or software. You’ll work on how the product looks, feels, and operates, aiming to provide a smooth and engaging experience for users.
You might wonder how a design role fits into the category of jobs that teach you to code.
The answer is simple: today’s UI/UX designers often need to understand front-end coding to effectively communicate with developers and bring their designs to life.
You’ll likely work closely with HTML and CSS to create or modify designs. Even if you’re not writing the code yourself, understanding it will make you better at your job.
Moreover, to design interactive elements, a basic understanding of JavaScript can be incredibly helpful. You don’t have to be an expert, but knowing the basics can make a big difference.
Many modern prototyping tools allow you to create designs that actually function like the final product will. This involves using conditions and logic that mimic real-world coding scenarios, giving you an indirect coding experience.
By embracing the coding aspects of UI/UX design, you not only become a more versatile designer but also open doors to roles that are more coding-intensive in the future.
9. DevOps Engineer
A DevOps Engineer is like the bridge between the software development and IT teams. They work to automate and integrate different parts of the software development process, making it faster and more efficient.
DevOps Engineers often handle tasks like setting up servers, ensuring security, and maintaining infrastructure.
One of the best jobs that teach you to code is being a DevOps Engineer. In this role, you’ll work closely with code almost every day. You might not be building applications from scratch, but you’ll need to write scripts to automate processes.
These scripts can be in languages like Python, Ruby, or Shell scripting. Plus, you’ll collaborate with software developers, which exposes you to different coding practices and styles. This makes it a fantastic learning experience if you want to understand both the development and operational sides of technology.
The hands-on experience you’ll get as a DevOps Engineer is invaluable for learning coding best practices, version control, and much more.
10. System Administrator
As a System Administrator, your main role is to manage, configure, and maintain computer systems and networks within an organization. You’re the go-to person when a server goes down or a system needs an upgrade.
You might be wondering “How do system administrator jobs teach you to code?”
Well, system administrators often write scripts to automate routine tasks. These could be simple scripts to back up data, update software, or manage user accounts.
You’re likely to encounter languages like Bash, Python, and PowerShell, which are essential for system management tasks.
While the role isn’t purely coding, you’ll get valuable hands-on experience that makes coding a part of your everyday toolkit.
11. Product Manager
As a Product Manager, you’re the bridge between the technical and business aspects of a product. You’ll be responsible for guiding the development process, setting goals, and ensuring the end-product meets consumer needs.
While you won’t necessarily be writing code every day, you’ll work closely with those who do.
A Product Manager role fits into the category of jobs that teach you to code, as understanding code is essential for effective communication with your development team.
You’ll often find yourself delving into technical details, reading over code, and even sometimes writing or editing small scripts to understand the feasibility of a feature.
In this role, you’ll likely gain a working knowledge of the programming languages and technologies that your team uses.
While you won’t become an expert coder, you’ll learn enough to understand what’s going on “under the hood” of your product.
This real-world exposure to code can be an excellent first step if you’re considering diving deeper into the tech world later on.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need prior coding experience for these jobs?
Not necessarily. Some of these jobs are entry-level positions that offer on-the-job training. However, basic knowledge of coding could be advantageous.
What programming languages will I likely learn?
The programming language you learn depends on the job. For example, web developers often learn HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, while data analysts might learn SQL or Python.
Are these jobs available remotely?
Many of these jobs offer remote work options, especially in tech-forward industries. However, availability may vary by company and location.
Will I be able to transition into a full-time coding role?
Yes, many people use these roles as stepping stones to transition into more coding-intensive positions. The practical experience gained is highly valuable for such career moves.
Elmar Mammadov is a software developer, tech startup founder, and computer science career specialist. He is the founder of CS Careerline and a true career changer who has previously pursued careers in medicine and neuroscience.
Due to his interest in programming and years of past personal experience in coding, he decided to break into the tech industry by attending a Master’s in Computer Science for career changers at University of Pennsylvania. Elmar passionately writes and coaches about breaking into the tech industry and computer science in general.