Launching a successful IT career begins with mastering programming. For newcomers, four languages are often recommended: C, C++, C sharp, and Python. This guidance comes from industry professionals who highlight the practicality and demand of these languages in Russia and around the world. Python is frequently singled out as the easiest path for those with minimal technical background, offering broad utility across projects and domains.
Experts emphasize that Python stands out for beginners because it is versatile and approachable, enabling learners to tackle a wide range of tasks early on. In addition to its universality, its friendly syntax helps newcomers build confidence as they progress.
Knowledge of database management systems greatly benefits IT newcomers as well. Databases are foundational to many software solutions, and most modern websites rely on them to function correctly. Mastery of these tools opens doors to roles that involve organizing, querying, and maintaining data stores across applications.
Illustrating this, the SQL language commonly used with databases becomes an essential stepping stone. Beginners are encouraged to explore PLSQL and PostgreSQL as well. PLSQL is widely used in international systems and is rooted in Oracle technologies, while PostgreSQL is renowned for its flexibility and open source availability.
Not every opinion on the matter aligns with the same emphasis. Although some believe that language expertise alone can launch a career, others argue that practical proficiency matters more. The consensus is that while learning a single language is a strong starting point, real-world hiring often values practical problem solving and project understanding over rote knowledge alone.
Key skills for employment
Beyond syntax, developers must grasp how software components and systems interact. The concept of an application programming interface, or API, is central to this understanding. APIs define the methods and rules that enable programs to exchange data and work together across sites, programs, and services. For instance, a popular social login flow uses API interactions to verify a user without requiring a separate registration step.
Beginners are advised to begin with REST APIs, which fetch data from servers to power features like video playback on websites when the video file is stored remotely. While the advantage of REST is clear, some organizations still rely on SOAP for legacy web services, particularly in certain industries. This makes familiarity with both REST and SOAP valuable for those starting out.
Entry-level roles such as software tester can provide a gentle yet meaningful path into development. Functional testing and the creation of test cases are valuable duties, especially on large projects where these skills are in demand. The field of development is well suited for starters because it offers opportunities to solve concrete problems and grow with the company.
Industry leaders hold varied views on the role of API knowledge in a programmer’s toolkit. API fundamentals are important, but the level of emphasis depends on the project, company, and technology in use. A practical approach combines scripting, protocols, libraries, and frameworks to connect components while prioritizing the needs of the specific role and project.
How will this affect wages?
Industry recruiters indicate that building solid programming skills can boost starting salaries. A candidate who is proficient in widely used languages can command competitive entry-level compensation, particularly when accompanied by a portfolio of practical projects. This often leads to starting salaries around a substantial threshold for newcomers with limited experience.
Experts note that those who lack familiarity with these core languages may receive lower offers, though opportunities remain in the IT sector in many regions. In-house training programs continue to be a cost-effective way for employers to develop talent and fill roles efficiently. Prospects are strongest for individuals who seek larger organizations with sizable teams and structured career ladders.
For new entrants, maintaining a GitHub portfolio that demonstrates real world projects is crucial. Even without formal work experience, a well-presented collection of personal projects can lead to favorable salary prospects. After gaining a year of experience, it is common for professionals to see progression in compensation, with more responsibility and higher pay in new positions. Some roles, such as automated testing, can offer significantly higher starting salaries once machine-assisted quality assurance becomes part of the workflow.