Hey there! I'm currently working as an electrician and I'm considering a career change into programming. I've done some basic web development before, mainly just HTML and CSS. I'm now at a stage where I need to decide on a specific learning path so I can get job-ready. I've been following Angela Yu's course on full-stack web development, but I've also heard from others in the field that starting with Python might be a better move. With AI becoming more prevalent in tech, should I focus on web development or lean towards back-end programming with Python, especially since it can be useful for training AI models? I'm open to suggestions and want to make sure I use my time wisely. Thanks for your input!
5 Answers
Have you thought about embedded programming? Given your background as an electrician, it could be a fun transition into coding microcontrollers!
The most crucial part is to pick a path and stick to it. Web development still offers a lot of opportunities, even with AI around. Python is a good starter language, but remember most jobs involve back-end work, data handling, or scripting, not just AI. So, focus on what interests you the most and dive in!
You're overthinking this! There isn't a *right path.* Web development is still a great way to get hired. There are plenty of junior positions available and a clearer feedback loop for your work. Python is cool, but if you want to get into AI, that typically requires years of foundational knowledge. Stick to web development for about 6-9 months; master HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, then learn a backend language. Don't let the AI hype distract you—focus on building real things that employers recognize, and you’ll have a better chance of getting hired.
Honestly, your trade is solid and won't be easily replaced by AI. Jumping fully into programming might not be the best move. You might want to keep your electrician job while you learn programming on the side—it’s a safer bet until you're more established in coding.
Don't stress about AI too much. Start with Python and the fundamentals like functions, classes, and modules. Build small projects and get them on GitHub. Once you're comfortable, diving into web development with something like JavaScript could be worthwhile, since there are tons of jobs out there that require those skills.
Thanks for this! I appreciate the straightforward advice. I'm sticking with the web dev for now.