Are you considering a career change into programming? It can be a daunting task, but with the right preparation and mindset, you can make the transition smoothly. In this guide, we'll explore the steps that so many of us took, myself included, to build successful a career in programming, even if you have no prior experience.

Assess your skills and interests

By the time I considered changing my career from Clinical Psychology to Web Development, I had no idea if programming was the right path for me. I was feeling very insecure and thinking about leaving my career behind and embracing a completely different new field, made me goosebumps. I've dedicated 4 years of my life to a field that, although I was passionate about, has disappointed me in so many ways that I needed an urgent change.
Back then I already knew what was important for me to stay happy and motivated: having fun while working; having a job where creativity plays an essential role; and being well payed. So I started doing my research online, based on my main interests (art and problem-solving), analyzing market opportunities, and that's when I found front-end development, which I'm working on to this day.
Before making a career change, it's important to assess your skills and interests. Consider what you enjoy doing and what you're good at and be aware that programming requires a certain level of logic and problem-solving, so it's important to have an interest in these areas. It's also important to have good attention to detail and the ability to learn new things quickly. If you're passionate about constant learning and approaching problems in new innovative ways, then programming might the right choice.

Start gradually and learn the basics

Once you've decided what field of programming you'll like to learn, the next step is to learn the very basics of the languages used in that specific area. In my case, web development, I started with HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, and then worked my way up to Docker, Node, Python, and so on.
There are many online resources available, such as Freecodecamp, Codecademy, Udemy, Coursera, edX and others, that offer free or low-cost courses in programming. Check this article about if you are interested in following a structured study plan at your own pace.
You can also find many free resources online such as tutorials, blogs, and documentation, so you can complement the main courses. If you are like me, with absolutely no knowledge of programming, In my experience, it's better to start with a basic programming language like HTML, and CSS and evolve to a more logical and cross-disciplinary one like Python or JavaScript and work your way up. Practice as much as you can, if possible every day, and don't be afraid to make mistakes, remember that that's the only way to improve.

Build a portfolio

Once you've dominated the basics of programming, having a good-looking portfolio will definitely help you landing you a job. A portfolio is a collection of your work that showcases your skills and experience in a certain area. It can include projects you've worked on, code samples, and even any relevant certifications. Having a portfolio will make it easier to apply for jobs and demonstrate your skills to potential employers.
Here's an example: my own portfolio from when I started. Then I evolved to a more professional website, it's not entirely a portfolio but I hope it can get you inspired: www.andrerodrigo.com.

Network and gain experience

Now that you've mastered the basics and built a portfolio, it's time to gain some experience! Networking and gaining experience is critical to building a career in programming. To achieve it, you can attend meetups and conferences, and connect with other programmers on LinkedIn or other social media platforms. I started joining all conferences I could and asked dozens of connections on Linkedin. I was asking all kinds of questions and suggestions to improve and land my first job in programming. This will not only help you learn more about the industry and the latest trends, but it will also allow you to meet potential employers and collaborators. If it's suitable for you, you can even consider interning or volunteering for a company to gain practical experience and make valuable industry connections, although this is not required.

Keep learning and improving your skills

The field of programming is constantly evolving, what's trendy this year, can change in the next so it's important to keep learning and be updated. Keep up to date with the latest technologies, programming languages, and industry trends by following channels like Medium, HackerRank, DEV or FreeCodeCamp. Consider taking additional online courses or getting certified in specific programming languages or technologies and be confident that this will make you a more attractive candidate to potential employers.

Be persistent and don't give up

Making a career change into programming can be challenging and it may take time, but it's worth it in the end. Remember to be patient and persistent, if you're passionate about it don't give up, even if you face rejection or setbacks. Until I landed my first job, I got 10 rejections or no response at all. 1 year later I was working in one of the biggest television and streaming companies in the world, with no previous experience!
Remember to stay positive and always keep learning. With the right preparation and mindset, you can build a successful career in programming.

Conclusion

A career change into programming can be a big step, but with hard work, determination, and the right resources, it is definitely achievable. By assessing your skills and interests, learning the basics, building a portfolio, networking and gaining experience, keeping your skills updated, and being persistent, you will be able to make the transition smoothly and successfully. Take the first step today, and start exploring the new horizons of the programming world.

New Horizons: A Guide to Start a Career in Programming