31 and Starting My Journey in Software Engineering – Where Should I Focus My Learning?

Look at job postings in your desired area to see what's in demand. A cool project I began working on was a job scraper that helped me identify roles requiring certain programming languages. This experience was valuable for both learning and building my resume. Expect to spend 1-3 years self-teaching and working on personal projects before landing a job.

It might be beneficial to get a Computer Science degree if you want to be competitive. Many companies these days prefer candidates with that level of education, especially as the job market becomes more saturated with self-taught programmers.

It really depends on what area interests you. If web development is your thing, JavaScript and frameworks like React and Node.js are hot right now. Python is generally recommended for beginners, and for more advanced roles like AI, companies often look for a solid understanding of core computer science concepts. Keep exploring to find your niche!

Focusing on what you want to do is really important. If you have a background in specific areas, like healthcare, leverage that knowledge when applying for tech roles in those sectors. And before diving into languages, clarify which tech roles appeal to you—there’s a wide range from web and mobile development to data and AI.

If you're already in a career, consider looking for tech roles that align with your current job. For instance, if you're in education, check out online education companies and see what skills they’re hiring for. It might help you transition effectively into a software role while leveraging your existing expertise.