Hey everyone! I'm 23 and have about 1.5 years of experience in a non-IT job. I recently lost my position and I'm looking to pick up some new skills that can help me land a stable job. A relative who works in IT suggested I learn C and C++. My main concern is whether I should pursue this, considering I don't have a computer science background. I've been feeling anxious about AI potentially taking over jobs, especially with tech CEOs saying it will replace coding jobs soon. Should I focus on C/C++ or look into something else like SAP? Also, if I decide to go down this road, where should I start as a complete beginner, and how much can I achieve? Thanks for your advice!
6 Answers
I recommend learning code as a skill that will serve you well regardless of market changes. Don't let the AI hype deter you from getting started. Focus on building your programming skills at your own pace, and look for jobs in your previous field while you learn.
C and C++ are just programming languages; think of them as tools. Instead of just learning them to get a job, figure out the field you're interested in and learn the necessary skills for that. CEOs often don't know much about the specifics of what they are discussing, so don’t let their comments overly influence your path.
I feel that too. Just trying to find some direction!
This field can be tough on mental health, especially with severe anxiety. If coding makes you anxious, maybe explore other options that are less stressful. It’s important to take care of yourself first, and there are plenty of skills out there that don't involve coding.
I feel really anxious about jumping into something so new, especially with all the AI talk.
Honestly, it won't matter much in the long run where you start. AI isn't going to take away all programming jobs—it's just changing how tasks are done. Start with one language and expand from there. You'd learn various languages over time, so don't stress about picking the perfect one right away.
Focus on the fundamentals of software engineering instead of fixating on specific languages. If you're a beginner, you might consider starting with a higher-level language like Java or Python, since C and C++ can be a bit challenging at first but rewarding in terms of learning memory management.
How long would it take for a newbie to learn enough to score a job?
Definitely consider C and C++. They're harder to grasp but are foundational for many tech infrastructures, including AI frameworks. Understanding these can really boost your market value, especially since the tech industry does value knowledge of foundational languages. The job landscape is shifting, but if you grasp the fundamentals, you'll be in a good position.
That's good advice! But what if I don’t know which field to choose?