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How 11 People Explain Their Jobs To Less-Technical Family & Friends
You know the scene: You’re at a holiday gathering with relatives you haven’t seen in a while, or you’re accompanying your partner to their work happy hour, or you’re just sitting quietly at a dinner party, and someone asks you what you do for a living. If you work in tech, your answer might be long-winded.
Telling your in-laws or your 3-year-old nephew that you’re a Back-End Engineer probably doesn’t convey what it is you actually do all day — job titles rarely paint a full picture of someone’s career and work life. But instead of rolling your eyes or dismissing your well-meaning friends and family members for not “getting it,” why not take the opportunity to share what it’s like to work in tech and why you’re passionate about it?
Translating your highly technical career into a digestible sound bite is tricky, especially when you’re put on the spot in a social setting. To help you field these (very reasonable) types of questions, we asked our Codecademy team and folks in our community on Facebook how they explain coding and their tech jobs to non-technical people in their lives. Read their responses and consider trying them out this holiday season. Who knows? Your thoughtful answer might inspire someone to learn to code who never considered it before.
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How to explain coding…
“I like to compare it to masonry: There’s a correct tool for each part of the process of building something. With practice you learn what does what: The same way a hammer is used to hammer in a nail, a certain piece of code does a specific thing.” – Vladimir Simonović, Student, responding to a prompt on Codecademy’s Facebook
“Coding is like writing a recipe for a robot. You give the robot step-by-step instructions (the code) on how to do something, like making a sandwich or baking a cake. If you forget a step, like telling the robot to open the jar of peanut butter, it won’t know what to do next. The robot follows exactly what you write, even if it doesn’t make sense, so you have to be very specific and logical in your instructions.” – Floyd Bishop, responding to a prompt on Codecademy’s Facebook
“Code is writing instructions for a computer to follow in a language that it understands. Since I do web development, I write mostly JavaScript or TypeScript. When you go to a website that I’ve written code for, your browser asks a server for the site content. Some of the code I write is instructions for that server to get the right content and send it back to your browser, and some of the code is instructions that run in your browser to make the website display correctly and be interactive.” – John Rood, Senior Software Engineer
“Think of coding as tools in a tool box, different languages are used for different situations.” – Adam Herman, Curriculum Program Manager
How to explain computer programming…
“I tell computers what to do. Sometimes they even listen.” – Jaime Khublal, Software Engineer, responding to a prompt on Codecademy’s Facebook
“Programming is how we teach computers what to do, how to do it, and when to do it.” – Fede Garcia Lorca, Community Manager
“I happened to be showing my kids some Kodable videos where they explained variables and loops in a kid-friendly way. Then, I said, ‘That’s what I do at work!’ And they go, ‘You program?!’” – Julie, Software Engineer
How to explain data science…
“As a Data Scientist, I tell my parents, ‘They pay me to do math.’ To be honest, I don’t think it’s a helpful answer.” – Brit, Senior Data Scientist
“Data science is like cooking a special holiday recipe, asking your family how it tastes, and then adjusting the recipe for next year based on what they say. You’ve collected data, cleaned it (ignoring, for example, that one cousin who always gives joke answers and asked for more M&Ms in the soup), and figured out what actions the data indicates.” – Ada Morse, Curriculum Developer, Data Science
“We can use data on past experiences to have an idea of how likely something is. The more good data and context we have, the better we can predict things. Computers can do the same thing. The more computing power something has, the more info it can take in to make predictions. At the end of the day, there’s no magic… just statistics and really powerful computers.” – Eva Sibinga, Curriculum Developer, Data Science
How to explain project management…
“I basically talk about project management for, like, a construction company, so it’s a bit more tangible. Then I replace the physical items with the digital items and explain how it’s similar. The crux is: I’m responsible for making sure projects are planned, resourced, and completed on time and on budget, while also putting out fires along the way.” – Megan McCoy, Curriculum Project Manager
Hopefully these responses will help you demystify coding to your loved ones, so they can better understand what you do and why. Tech can be intimidating, and there’s no question too basic to ask. Even people who’ve worked in tech for years might not understand the scope of their teammates’ roles — which is all the more reason to ask.
You can read all about the unique and rewarding careers you can have in tech, the coding skills you need to break into the business, and more on the Codecademy blog. And if someone you chat with this holiday season is interested in learning how to code, or pursuing a career in tech, be sure to suggest signing up for a Codecademy account! We have lots of beginner-friendly Codecademy courses, career paths, and tutorials that will help answer their pressing questions.
This blog was originally published in December 2022 and has been updated to include additional explanations from our Facebook community.
Childhood Education: The Cornerstone of Lifelong Growth
Written by Liau Alex
The Foundations of Early Development
Early childhood, spanning from birth to age five, is a critical period for a child’s educational, cognitive, and social growth. This stage marks the beginning of identity formation and the rapid development of cognitive skills (Richter et al., 2019). The brain’s heightened plasticity during these years makes it an opportune time for learning and skill-building. Early childhood education (ECE) plays a pivotal role in shaping a child’s developmental path, fostering essential abilities that influence their intellectual, emotional, and physical milestones (Alfonso & DuPaul, 2020). Recognising the importance of these formative years, this article explores how ECE nurtures a child’s growth across these domains.
Intellectual and Physical Growth
ECE provides children with a strong intellectual foundation, enhancing their ability to think critically and grasp fundamental concepts (Karlsson Lohmander, 2022). During this stage, linguistic and literacy skills are developed, enabling children to read, write, and master language use. Additionally, physical activities like role-playing, jump rope, and hopscotch are integral to developing fine and gross motor skills (Lifter et al., 2011). These activities not only strengthen muscles and improve coordination but also help children achieve physical milestones essential for their overall well-being.
Social and Emotional Development
Equally important is the emotional and social growth fostered through ECE. Social interactions allow children to understand and manage their emotions, building the empathy necessary for forming meaningful relationships (Karlsson Lohmander, 2022). Structured group activities teach children to communicate, collaborate, and navigate social dynamics. Without these experiences, children may struggle to regulate emotions and maintain connections in later life. The absence of adequate emotional development can have profound consequences, as seen in extreme cases like Jeffrey Dahmer (Palermo, 2022). By nurturing emotional intelligence and social skills, ECE lays the groundwork for a child’s ability to thrive in their personal and professional relationships.
Early childhood education is a transformative period that impacts a child’s intellectual, physical, social, and emotional growth. It equips children with the tools to navigate life’s challenges and opportunities, setting the stage for lifelong learning and development. Parents and caregivers must prioritise this critical phase to ensure children reach their full potential as individuals and as members of society.
Take the Next Step in Supporting Early Childhood Education
Deepen your understanding of early childhood development with this free Diploma in Development and Education in Early Childhood course. This comprehensive course equips you with the knowledge to support and nurture young learners during their most formative years.
References
Alfonso, V. C., & DuPaul, G. J. (2020). Introduction: The importance of early childhood development, education, and intervention. Healthy Development in Young Children: Evidence-Based Interventions for Early Education., 3–10. https://doi.org/10.1037/0000197-001
Karlsson Lohmander, M. (2022). Quality early childhood education for all children? European Early Childhood Education Research Journal, 30(5), 653–657. https://doi.org/10.1080/1350293x.2022.2109857
Lifter, K., Foster-Sanda, S., Arzamarski, C., Briesch, J., & McClure, E. (2011). Overview of play. Infants & Young Children, 24(3), 225–245. https://doi.org/10.1097/iyc.0b013e31821e995c
Palermo, G. B. (2022). Narcissism, sadism, and loneliness. Serial Murder and the Psychology of Violent Crimes, 85–100. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-60327-049-6_6
Richter, L., Black, M., Britto, P., Daelmans, B., Desmond, C., Devercelli, A., Dua, T., Fink, G., Heymann, J., Lombardi, J., Lu, C., Naicker, S., & Vargas-Barón, E. (2019). Early childhood development: An imperative for action and measurement at scale. BMJ Global Health, 4(Suppl 4). https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjgh-2018-001302
About The Author
Liau Alex obtained his degree in Psychology from the National University of Singapore and specialises in childhood disorders, specifically learning and behavioural difficulties. He has many years of experience working with children exhibiting a wide array of learning and behaviour challenges, many of whom have been diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
As an author, Alex has two titles published by Future Horizons Inc. (USA), the world leader in autism and sensory resources. Schools worldwide have used his books for inclusive education and parent training for children with special needs. Titles under his name include School Shadow Guidelines (2015) and A Parent’s Guide to Early Intervention (2021).
Alex received training on early intensive behavioural intervention (EIBI) in Australia and subsequently went to the USA, where he received relationship development intervention (RDI) training under Dr Steven Gutstein and Dr Rachel Sheely. He has presented in Australia, Houston, and Singapore and has also been invited to participate in media interviews. Furthermore, he has worked with clients from across the globe, including China, Taiwan, Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
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How I Went from Freelance Marketer to Front-End Engineer in 2 Years
Learning to code so that you can land a job in tech can feel daunting. That’s why we’re sharing inspiring stories from Codecademy’s community — to show how people like you (yes, you!) can embark on a learning journey and end up with a totally new career. We hope these stories serve as a reminder that there’s no single path to a more fulfilling work life.
Today’s story is from Michelle Clement, a 38-year-old Web Developer for a creative agency in East London, while living in the South of England. Read more stories from Codecademy learners here — and be sure to share your story here.
Why I chose to learn to code
“I started learning to code just after the pandemic began, towards the end of March 2020. I was freelancing in marketing, but when the initial lockdowns happened, many of the companies I freelance for decided to pause their marketing activities. This left me with a few months gap. That suddenly gave me the time to learn, which was a blessing in disguise, but it wasn’t ideal because I wasn’t earning.
I already had lots of experience working with a lot of Web Developers when I was working in marketing. I also used to create websites for small businesses using web builders, and I always wanted to know how to make certain changes that clients wanted. These web builders allowed custom code, but I just didn’t have the skills to do it, regularly having to outsource the work. Coders are quite expensive, understandably. I wished I knew how to do it myself.
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I always thought, No, I’m not a typical Web Developer. I’m not ‘into’ computers, mathematical, or a computer science graduate, you know, all those stereotypes. However, my dad was an engineer, and I have always been a problem solver, so this felt like this could be something I would enjoy as it combined those skills and interests in a new way. I also wanted to learn a skill that provided more job security, flexibility, plus it is a growing industry. That was really appealing.”
How I made time to learn
“I thought I would have lots of time to learn due of the pandemic, but then I found out I was pregnant about a month later. I coded as much of the day as I could, but pregnancy was tiring! You just go for it, start the learning programs, and all of a sudden hours have gone by!”
How I saved up money to switch careers
“I had to pay for it from savings and income, but Codecademy thankfully is inexpensive and affordable and you do not have to lay out for large fees at any point. Once I reached a certain point of knowing that I wanted to learn more, I knew it was worth investing more. I used savings for further specific training later when I knew it was for me.”
How long it took me to land a job
“I was planning to finish everything towards the end of 2020 to start looking for jobs. The pregnancy meant I had delayed applying for jobs for around a year, so that timeline unintentionally shifted. But my daughter was due in January 2021, so I really had to get everything finished before Christmas to give myself those last few weeks, because who knows when she could come! Thankfully, I did manage to finish by Christmas, which was great.
I started building my portfolio website in November of 2021 in the evenings after putting my daughter to bed. When she turned 1 in January 2022, I properly focused on sending out my portfolio and CV. It took 2 months from applying to being offered the job.”
You won’t remember everything, so don’t try to.
Michelle Clement
Front-End Engineer
How I got in the door
“I had forgotten what it was like to apply and interview for a job with no experience. Oh my gosh, it was mad! I hadn’t done that in nearly 20 years. I’d look at job descriptions and think, I don’t know how to do so many of these things! I found that quite jarring and often questioned if I should even apply at all. I often did, as lots of learning with coding is done on the job, and you also never know if you don’t try.
I was looking at a lot of different places for job listings, like SheCodes and other female tech companies, because they were supportive of career changes and encouraging more women to enter tech. I found that angle quite interesting and thought it might differentiate me slightly if I applied to these companies.
I applied for the job I got through LinkedIn. I knew I didn’t have all the skills they were looking for, but I wrote a killer cover letter focusing on my ambition to learn and grow, and my transferable skills and previous experience — it’s all relevant.
One of the main things I was advised to do was to come up with my own passion project. I tried to think of something different, not like what everyone else would do. I remember seeing during lockdown that someone started a site where you could log where you’d found open public restrooms, since all the toilets were shut. When I had my daughter, I realized that many cafes didn’t have changing facilities in the toilets. So, you were just putting your baby on the floor, which was pretty disgusting. I combined that idea with the public toilet one and started logging cafes that had baby changing facilities, hoping more cafes would install them.”
Writing a cover letter as a career switcher is key.
Read this blog for tips on how to write an effective cover letter when you’re changing industries or roles.
How I nailed the interview
“I focused on being myself and talked up my transferable skills like client management and experience, and organization from being Personal Assistant and Marketing Manager. I had worked across a range of industries, and I could talk about my history of working with clients. I had experience working with all levels of personnel, from interns to CEOs, and I think that was a really big benefit. It definitely played to my advantage.”
How I evaluated the offer
“I accepted an offer from one of the first jobs I applied for. I considered whether I felt like I would be supported in learning and progressing. I thought about how the team felt and considered the morals of the company. They felt like the perfect fit and I haven’t looked back.”
How day one and beyond went
“I forgot what it was like to start a job with no experience, because I was used to going in running with prior experience. I felt fully supported, and I wasn’t expected to dive into building sites right away. I created a master plan with my new manager, a path to improving the areas I felt less confident with.”
What I wish I knew before I started learning
“You won’t remember everything, so don’t try to. That drove me mad because I always thought, I can’t recall how to do something. That’s very normal.
My advice would be to reach out to people who have done it. Find a mentor or someone in the industry who has been in it for a while and can see how you could be useful to their team. Loads of developers are willing to do that. It’s a very nice community. Also, use what you have to your advantage. You might be coming from a completely different industry, but you’ve definitely got skills from your past that you can bring forward. Some of the stories I’ve read about what people did before and the skills they brought in are impressive.”
Not sure where to start? Check out our personality quiz! We’ll help you find the best programming language to learn based on your strengths and interests.
Want to share your Codecademy learner story? Drop us a line here. And don’t forget to join the discussions in our community.
Weekly Student News Quiz: Cease-Fire, Trump Transition, Presidential Pardon
Above is an image related to one of the news stories we followed over the past two weeks. Do you know what it shows? At the bottom of this quiz, you’ll find the answer.
Have you been paying attention to current events recently? See how many of these 10 questions you can get right.
