Programming is a great skill for anyone to develop, as job candidates with coding backgrounds are becoming increasingly more attractive to companies. However, there are many reasons for people to become interested in learning how to code. Whether you are curious about exploring tools for how to learn programming for fun or skill exploration, or wanting to make a career change, or perhaps hoping to develop software or operating systems in a specific area, there are many resources available that can help you accomplish your coding goals.

Whether you are just starting out in your first career and decide that it isn’t what you thought, or you are seeking a career change later in life, some of the best second careers are within the tech industry. 

This year Momentum, in partnership with Clarkston Consulting, is proud to be the 2020 Report Sponsor for NC TECH's IT Job Trends Report. Each month NC TECH releases a monthly Tech Talent/IT Jobs snapshot which captures the environment for tech employment in North Carolina. We'll be sharing insights on tech talent and upskilling in North Carolina here on the blog so stay tuned!

This January, we are proud to support Momentum Instructor, Rebecca Conley, on a trip to Nigeria as she contributes to the Aspilos Foundation's meaningful work. Here on the blog, Rebecca shares stories from her trip and insight on teaching coding. Follow along for updates throughout the two-week trip!

You're invited

Momentum's Demo Day is finally here. We’re excited to host our sixth Demo Day at Frontier RTP on Monday, December 9th. This fall, we worked rigorously with serious, full-time students in our Immersive Web Development course, providing technical knowledge and soft-skill training over 12 weeks. Student's demos will show their full stack web development skillset and ability to solve problems for modern businesses. Join us on the 9th at 4pm for a first look at their demos, an opportunity to network with the community, and insight into coding bootcamps.

There are numerous reasons why making a career change at 30 can feel challenging. Once you’ve hit the age of 30, you may feel like you’re in a lifestyle groove, you could have major financial obligations like mortgage or a young family. A career change in your thirties may feel daunting; however, it’s important to remember you're still at a flexible stage in your career. There has never been a better time in history to treat your career like a jungle gym and make a leap towards a new opportunity. 

Tech-savvy, including knowing how to code, is becoming increasingly necessary across a variety of industries and can be extremely useful in an array of disciplines. Even working knowledge of software development, without extensive development experience, can translate into career advancement. If you are looking for a way to progress in your career development, one possibility could be to learn to code. 

There are many reasons why you might be considering a new career path. Maybe you and your family are moving to a new city and you want a fresh career start with the move. You may be feeling like you want to make a bigger impact in the world. Your current career may not give you the lifestyle and balance you want in a new phase of life. Alternatively, you may be returning to work after time away traveling or raising a family. Whatever it may be, if you are thinking about a new career path, you’re certainly not alone. Here are five proven tips that have helped people like you change their career.