Strive Masiyiwa recently put out a piece on a range of activities that he is carrying out in Botswana. One of them was the set up of a school run through the Muzinda Hub Botswana where people learn how to code. The school aims to equip students with tech skills and business acumen to set them up for success in the digital economy.
Some interesting statistics mentioned about Muzinda Hub:
- Since its launch in 2014 alumni have earned US$120 million-plus as freelancers
- Alumni earn $1500 per month on average
Students enrolled in the Zimbabwe training program take five months to complete the course. Upon completion, participants are equipped with skills in various programming languages. These include; Python, PHP, HTML, CSS, JavaScript, WordPress and more.
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Tech jobs are currently in high demand worldwide. A number of reports show the need for software engineers outpaces the number of qualified developers.
The good thing about a number of tech jobs is that they are location independent. There is no requirement to be in a specific physical location. To add to that, you can work full-time for a company or work for yourself as a freelancer. This flexibility means that one could even take on tech jobs as a side hustle in addition to a 9 to 5. All that you need to work is the right skills, a computer, internet connection, software (a lot of which you can get for free), and the right mindset.
Armed with the right set of skills, the world is your oyster as far as job opportunities are concerned. If you play your cards right and manage to get clients outside of the country this is guaranteed payment in foreign currency. Considering our current economic conditions, setting yourself up to earn in forex is not a bad idea at all.
An example of a developer who has taken his knowledge of coding to the next level is Gwinyai Nyatsoka. His passion for code led to him creating an online course on Udemy, iOS 12 & Swift 5 – App Design, UI/UX plus Development. This bestselling course has over 2000 students enrolled. It costs $199.99 to enrol in the course but on occasion, you can get a discount of up to 90%+ off.
In Gwinyai’s instance, he has used his skills to set up a successful digital agency and create a course. With regards to the course, it would have taken a considerable amount of work to set up it. But, it is now at a stage where each enrolment is earning him passive income.
You may now be thinking that it’s a good idea to have coding skills under your belt. Now comes the question of what to learn and where to learn how to code?
What are the best programming languages to learn?
There are a host of programming languages out there to choose from. This can make it confusing to know what to start your learning journey. We looked through a handful of reports and publications from those in the know in the programming and gig economy world. From this, we compiled a list of the five most popular or most in-demand programming skills featured across the lists. In no particular order, the skills are:
Java – one of the most popular programming languages which is widely used for back-end development and Android app development.
Python – an easy to learn general-purpose programming language that can amongst other things be used for web and/or software development and mathematics.
JavaScript – the most widely used scripting language and the core language of the web used to create dynamic websites.
C++ – used for system and application development and more so those where speed and efficient memory management are critical.
PHP – a server-side scripting language used to build dynamic web applications.
Bonus: SQL – even though it is technically not a programming language, SQL makes the list due to it being in high demand. Structured Query Language (SQL) is used to communicate with databases and perform tasks such as storing or retrieving data.
Where to learn to code in Zimbabwe?
If you want to learn how to code, Muzinda Hub is a good place to start. As mentioned above, they run a 5-month course that equips you with skills in coding. There are a couple of other players (who you can find via a quick Google search) in the market where you can learn how to code.
For one reason or another, what is on offer locally may not be suitable. If you find yourself in that situation, this isn’t the be-all and end-all.
A good place to look for and enrol in coding courses is Udemy. Udemy hosts a number of coding courses taught by experts in their field. A good thing about the platform is that once you enrol in a course, you have lifetime access – there is no subscription or annual fee. Here are some courses (perfect for beginners) to consider enrolling in: (note: most of the courses are listed close to the $200 mark. On occasion, you can get a discount of up to 95% off. Simply head over to Udemy via the links below and if a discount is available, it will automatically reflect)
- Java Programming Masterclass for Software Developers – Learn core Java skills and be able to sit for and pass the Oracle Java Certification exam.
- Complete Python Bootcamp – Learn the basics and go all the way through to creating your own applications and games.
- The Complete JavaScript Course – Master JavaScript and programming fundamentals.
- Beginning C++ Programming – Learn to program with Modern C++ from an experienced university professor.
- PHP for Beginners – Learn everything you need to know to become a PHP developer.
- The Complete SQL Bootcamp – Learn to use SQL to query a database and perform data analysis.
Where to get a job with your coding skills
Armed with your new set of skills, the next step is to find work. Getting work with an established may be easier said than done as many of them may want someone with experience.
To get experience consider signing up as a freelancer on marketplaces such as Fiverr or Upwork. Both marketplaces list thousands of jobs across a range of categories thus increasing your chances of getting work.
You can bid for jobs and over time, build a portfolio that leads to bigger, better and higher-paying jobs.
Getting paid is simple and easy and the best way would be through Payoneer. The good thing about Payoneer is that you can get paid in multiple currencies. Funds can be withdrawn into local bank accounts but for us here in Zimbabwe, that may not be the best. The best option would be to get a Payoneer Prepaid Mastercard and use the funds as you see fit. (if you are considering signing up for a Payoneer account, make sure to do so today. It takes them a few days to review and approve applications)
Whether it be as an avenue towards a career in the tech industry or an area that is of interest for you, being able to code has its benefits. It wouldn’t hurt to invest a little time and money in yourself and work towards something that could lead to a better you.
There is no better time than the present to learn how to code!
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