Kickstart a Computer Science Career with Thunkable

“What do you want to be when you grow up?”

This question can elicit both excitement and worry in students unfamiliar with the wide range of career options. Many often overlook a career involving coding skills, but as the world advances further into the digital age, knowledge of core computer science concepts can lead students into their ‘dream job’. 

If you want to teach your students about the benefits of computer science (CS) education or if you’re interested in pursuing a career in this field, Thunkable is the best no code app builder to get started with.

We make it easy for anyone to learn how to code through no code app creation. No coding experience is required as Thunkable’s drag and drop app builder is ideal for creators of all ages. Our team provides a library of tutorials and resources to help anyone take their skills to the next level.

With Thunkable, individuals can learn foundational coding skills that will put them on a path to pursuing computer science degrees and careers. Continue reading to find out more about the computer science field, how Thunkable can kickstart a computer science career, and what exciting roles are available in this field.

👀 What is the Outlook for Computer Science?

Before diving into what doors open up for students after they learn Thunkable, let's dive into the landscape involving computer science in academia and professionally.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, it is projected computer and IT-related jobs will grow by 13% between 2020 and 2030, which is much faster than national job growth overall. There is currently a high demand for computer science professionals, but a shortage of qualified applicants makes CS skills some of the most sought-after in the U.S. job market. Some of the biggest employers of individuals with computer science skills are the federal government, Google, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Netflix, Twitter, and Slack, to name just a few.

As you can see, with the wide range of companies seeking employees with computer science knowledge, CS is an incredibly diverse field with opportunities available to those with various interests and backgrounds. To paraphrase Satya Nadella, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) at Microsoft, “Every company is now a software company,” and industries are searching for individuals to fill positions.

Despite the diversity in jobs for computer science graduates, according to Data USA, "The most common ages of employees with [a computer science or an IT] major are 37 and 35 years old, which represent 3.5% and 3.46% of the population, respectively". This presents an opportunity for new and emerging individuals to implement their CS skills in the workforce and increase the national pipeline. Concerning coding software for kids, a Gallup report stated 62% of students indicated a desire to learn computer science; however, only 49% have been given the opportunity to participate in coding programs for kids.

Read on to find out how Thunkable’s no code native app builder empowers students to get involved in computer science and develop the skills necessary to pursue a career in this field.

🚀 How Does Thunkable Teach Computer Science Skills?

Thunkable is based on the idea of blocks, which are visual representations of code. This means you can drag and drop blocks to create your app without knowing how to code. While building on Thunkable's no code mobile app development platform, creators tap into crucial coding concepts such as logic, loops, functions, variables, and algorithms. Additionally, building on Thunkable provides individuals with soft skills like problem-solving, critical thinking, and creativity. These three soft skills are crucial for an ever-changing field, allowing individuals to adapt and be innovative in finding solutions to current problems.

Creator Sofía Galán earned a degree in Mechatronics Engineering, a multidisciplinary field rooted in mechanical engineering, but after graduation, she did not find any roles that sparked her interest. Upon teaching coding classes for kids, she discovered Thunkable and learned to code with Thunkable. She speaks about how Thunkable sent her on an exciting new career path:

“I started coding because of Thunkable. Because of Thunkable, I decided to make a software change. [From there], I went onto Python, then I started for a year and got a software job. So, it's been, like, three years since I changed [career paths], and I really like it so far. I kind of owe Thunkable a little bit for my career change to software.”

- Sofía Galán, Software Engineer

Dave Wolber, a Professor at the University of San Francisco, teaches a course solely based on Thunkable. The course runs a whole semester focusing on core computer science principles and app development. After a semester, Dave’s students can apply their skills in a professional setting:

"I've had a number of students get jobs and say, 'It really helped that I kind of knew software or software building and all that. And I wasn't scared of stuff. And I showed my employer these apps I had built, and that was just the one semester they took coding. Students went and got real-world clients to try to build things."

- David Wolber, Computer Science Professor at the University of San Francisco

With no code app builders, like Thunkable, it is easier than ever for students to get involved in computer science and develop the skills necessary to pursue a career in the field. Additionally, because of the diverse range of roles which can be pursued with computer science skills, Thunkable helps set students up to pursue various careers in the computing industry. 

Let’s explore what career opportunities are available.

💻 What Careers Utilize Computer Science Skills?

As we discussed, the diversity of roles available to those with computer science skills is vast and ever-evolving. Foundational knowledge of computer science can give individuals a competitive edge and open many doors into exciting careers and even new fields. Such careers include software developers, web developers, UX designers, and IT project managers.

Let's dive into some awesome careers you may not know about. 

📱 Mobile App Developer

Mobile app developers are responsible for designing, developing, and maintaining mobile apps. They work with clients to understand their needs and create a plan for the type of app, such as coding apps for kids, social apps, or mobile game. They then design and code the app and test it to make sure it works properly. After the app is released, mobile app developers may be responsible for updating and maintaining the app.

(Psst...we're hiring for this role ourselves! Come be a Thunker by joining our team)

🔐 Cryptologist

Cryptologists work to analyze and secure confidential information through encryption. With code, cryptologists ensure only the sender and intended recipient have access to such information. Cryptography is used in a variety of industries like finance, the federal government, and healthcare to protect sensitive information.

🤖 Artificial Intelligence (AI) Engineer

These guys work to ensure Skynet never happens...jk! (if you don't know, give Terminator a Google. 😎) An AI Engineer uses artificial intelligence and machine learning techniques to develop applications and systems to help organizations increase efficiency, automate processes, and emulate human functions. AI Engineers use data to train algorithms and perform functions such as problem-solving or anticipating events.

🎮 Game Developer

Game Developers are responsible for the coding and development of games for mobile devices, consoles, computers, or virtual reality. Game Developers utilize their software development abilities to implement a game's visual design and functionality to create an immersive and enjoyable gameplay experience.

🤩 Get Started with Thunkable

Thunkable makes coding for kids accessible and fun for students to get involved in computer science. With Thunkable’s educational tools, students learn the benefits of STEM education and can develop the skills necessary to pursue various careers. Additionally, because of the diverse range of industries and positions requiring computer science skills, Thunkable helps open more doors for students to choose their careers.

We encourage those interested in pursuing a career in computer science to sign up for Thunkable, the best no code app builder, today to kickstart your career!