Five reasons to learn to code in the New Year

Development · Jan 23, 2017

Since 2015, TELUS digital has been a proud partner of Ladies Learning Code. Their mission to be the leading resource for women and youth to access technical education aligns perfectly with our mission to drive the digital literacy of all Canadians. We’ve partnered with them on many of their signature initiatives including National Learn to Code, National Girls Learning Code Day and even an Hour of Code Instagram takeover! Now, we’ve teamed up on a new blog post - check it out below!

With the hustle and bustle of the holiday season behind us and the new year already in full swing, it’s likely that you’re busy settling back into your routine and mapping out your goals and plans - both personal and professional - for 2017.

While not trying to jump on the “New Year, New You” bandwagon, there is something to be said for taking the new year as an opportunity to examine where you are, where you want to go, and resolve to try something new that takes you outside of your comfort zone and closer to your goals.

With that in mind, if you’re looking to make a professional or personal change -- or even just want to pick up a fun, new hobby -- but don’t know where to start, allow us to present the case for why this should be the year you learn how to code:

1.   Knowing how to code gives you a competitive edge in the job market.  

Whether you’re looking to change careers, or simply move ahead in your current one, learning to code is a great way to bolster your resume and put you a step ahead of the competition. Similarly, in our increasingly digital world, we don’t know yet what the jobs of tomorrow will be . Knowing how to code ensures that you’re prepared. 


2.   Coding helps you discover new ways of thinking

Learning to code helps develop other crucial and transferable skills -- like  computational thinking --  allowing you to tackle problems, outside the realm of coding, in new and innovative ways.

3.  Coding helps you understand the world

We learn biology and math (and mandate its inclusion in curriculums) because we know that this information is fundamental to understanding the world around us.In an increasingly technological world, knowing the basics of how computers communicate and how to engage with them is fundamental to a well-rounded understanding of the world.


4.  Coding is empowering

Learning to code empowers you to use technology as a creative tool to build solutions for problems and challenges you and others face every day. In fact, it’s crucial to have as many people as possible engaging in technology in a meaningful way. This will ensure  diversity of ideas, concerns, and designs are included when we create the technology - cities, cars, infrastructure, medicines, communications, companies, and governments - of tomorrow.

5.  Coding is fun!

Learning to code inspires creativity and curiosity by giving you the opportunity to experience the satisfaction and thrill of building something of your very own.

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About Ladies Learning Code

Ladies Learning Code is a national not-for-profit with chapters operating in 29+ cities across Canada with the mission to be the leading resource for women and youth looking to learn how to code.  Programming ranges from one day workshops teaching adult women how to build a website to a 5 day summer camp for kids.  So far, Ladies Learning Code and has taught over 50,000 learners nationwide through their programs and initiatives and are only just getting started! To learn more about Ladies Learning Code and their programs, visit http://ladieslearningcode.com/

Authored by:
Ladies Learning Code
Ladies Learning Code
Ladies Learning Code