7 reasons to consider app development as a career path

7 reasons to consider app development as a career path

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This week we've teamed up with DevMountain, a code school with campuses in Salt Lake City and Provo, to bring you seven reasons to consider app development as a career path.

No product in history has penetrated society as quickly or massively as the smartphone. The mid 2000s ushered in a new wave of web-connected devices for communication, gaming, entertainment and productivity.

Analysts at Gartner estimated 2.4 billion web and mobile device shipments in 2014 alone. That’s one smartphone or tablet for nearly one in every three people on earth. When you consider the onslaught of smartwatches from Apple, Motorola, LG and others set to hit the market, that mobile device number will continue rising.

With the increased demand for mobile devices comes strong demand for mobile software developers. Here are seven more reasons to get into developing apps for mobile.

1. Huge demand for software developers

The Bureau of Labor Statistics says that from 2010 to 2020, employment for software and application developers is projected to grow by 57.4 percent. We see that every day in Utah with a healthy recruiting market and strong demand for mobile developers.

Joshua Howland, an iOS developer for Tanner Labs, said that hiring talented iOS engineers continues to be a challenge in Utah and around the country.

“There is always more work than there is talent to do it. Talented iOS developers have their pick of jobs,” said Howland, who also does independent work, contract work and has spent the last year writing curriculum for an iOS course at DevMountain.

“I get e-mails from friends, businesses and recruiters every week asking if I know anyone looking to take a new position,” he said.

Photo credit: Shutterstock

2. High salaries

Because of the high demand for mobile developers, wages are much higher than average. In fact, senior software engineers in Utah make an average of $98,000 per year, double the median income for the average American family. Because specialized mobile engineers are in such high demand, they often make more than that.

Junior developers for iOS and Android start between $60,000–80,000 depending on experience and level of independence.

3. Freedom

Howland is currently living in California on a working-vacation with his wife and daughters.

“I get to do this because I can do my work from anywhere with an Internet connection. I use various tools to stay in touch with my team in Utah and I get the work done from here,” he said.

Remote work is not uncommon for software developers. Some work from home, some prefer coffee shops or coworking spaces, others do a mix of in-office and remote work throughout the week.

Due to high demand for developers, workers have a huge say in where and when they work, who they work with and how they approach the tasks at hand.

4. Creativity

Software development is widely considered a logical, mathematic, left-brained activity. This common misconception is usually held by people outside of the industry.

Howland works at Tanner Labs, an innovation incubator within Salt Lake City based OC Tanner, with some of the most talented creative professionals in the region. His entire team focuses on solving problems in new ways with mobile software.

“Building apps is where I do my most creative work. I solve problems every day. It’s like a giant puzzle. Great programming can be at art form, based on turning ideas into reality,” he said.

5. Entrepreneurship

Many people get into iOS development as a way to build their own ideas.

David Monson, who is currently learning iOS development, told us that was why he quit his marketing job and joined an iOS Development class earlier this winter.

“I wanted to give myself a product background to go along with my marketing skills of building online audiences. When I pair those marketing skills with now being able to build apps targeted to those people, I have a much higher chance for success,” he said.

When you have the skills to build your own ideas, you can turn them into a side project or full-time business without finding and hiring an expensive developer.

Photo credit: Shutterstock

6. Community

The history of computers is filled with hard workers, rebels, creatives, entrepreneurs and scientists with a profound passion for advancing the technology.

Part of what makes the mobile development field so great is the culture and community around it. T-shirts, ping pong tables, fun workspaces and people with wide-ranging interests are regular staples of software workplaces.

7. Making a worldwide difference

Smartphone penetration has reached over 80 percent of all potential users in many developed countries, with billions more set to buy in developing countries over the coming decade.

Building apps for billions of users is one way to make your mark on the world. Fast Company recently featured the 10 most innovative companies of 2015 in Africa, from Eneza’s daily quizzes sent over SMS to Konga’s mobile ecommerce platform, it is an eye opening review of the huge impact mobile developers can have in developing regions across the world.

How to get started

One of the best parts about a career in software development is the emphasis on continued learning. Technology changes fast and the best developers stay caught up through continued education.

Because of the fast paced nature of the industry, there is a greater focus on what you can build than on any specific certifications or college degrees. If you can build for the platform, you will find opportunities.

There are a number of avenues to take to learn mobile development. Here are just a few:

1. College Courses

Many Utah universities and colleges have outstanding computer science and information technology courses. Check your favorite school to see what they offer.

2. Online Courses

Lynda and PluralSight offer affordable online video courses that allow you to learn at home on your own. Stanford offers free online iOS Development and Android Development video courses. If you can learn independently, this is a great option.

3. Code Schools

Code schools like DevMountain provide a bootcamp-style approach to learning mobile or web development. Students dive in for 12 weeks with a mix of online, video, and in-person instruction and mentorship. DevMountain offers immersive and after hours part-time courses for students from all backgrounds.

Whether you’re looking to build your own app, test the waters or transition careers, app development can be a financially and creatively rewarding experience.

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