Programmers are some of the most sought-after and highest-paid professionals, especially in developed cities like New York. The world’s largest IT companies are here, and you can’t imagine any business without information technology. It’s no surprise that many people want to become IT pros here. So, what do you need to know about working in this field in New York, what skills do you need, and where should you start? Find out more on new-york-future.
The Programmer Profession: An Overview
What Is a Programmer?
The job of a programmer is very popular but also challenging. New York has many ambitious people who want to become programmers, but in reality, this career isn’t for everyone. To decide if it’s the right path for you, you need to know a few things:
A programmer is a specialist who works in programming, which means creating computer programs. They write or test code for software, which acts as a set of instructions for a computer’s actions.
What Are a Programmer’s Responsibilities?
Programmers perform many different tasks depending on their skill level and specialization. This demanding intellectual work requires specific knowledge, analytical thinking, creativity, and a sense of responsibility when dealing with system crashes or structuring code. Because of this, every programmer needs to constantly improve their skills. The basic requirements for a successful programming career in New York include:
- Creating new computer programs.
- Developing websites, apps, animations, and other devices.
- Testing new programs and computer systems.
- Using computer codes to create new IT developments.
- Fixing computer system malfunctions.
- Writing instructions for how to use programs.
- Preparing technical documentation.
- Monitoring compliance with information technology laws.
- Making adjustments to existing programs.
- Developing and implementing systems to automatically check programs for correctness.
Where to Learn Programming in New York?
Being a programmer in the largest city in the U.S. is prestigious and in high demand. Every company needs these specialists, so having programming knowledge and skills will always be a huge advantage. To learn them and get a job, you can take courses at these places:
New York Public Library
The world’s largest library isn’t just for book lovers; it’s also for anyone who wants to take the “Tech Connect” programming course. It consists of 80 IT classes you can take over a year. Anyone can sign up for the free “Project Code” seminars to learn Python, HTML, and other core programming languages.
Training Centers
In New York, you can learn the basics of programming and start improving your skills in just a few weeks. There are many free and paid courses for IT beginners at training centers like Noble Desktop, Codecademy, N-Languages Meetup, Women Who Code, and Hacker Hours. Some of them even offer free seminars on the basics of web development, mobile and responsive design, WordPress, and more.
New York Universities
You can also take a full programming course at local universities. For instance, St. George’s and New York University are considered among the best in the world. Their graduates not only get a globally recognized programmer’s diploma but also the chance to do an internship and get a job at one of the world’s largest IT companies, such as Amazon, IBM, or Google.
How to Get Hired at an IT Company?
New York always has a lot of job openings for programmers, but you should know that there’s a lot of competition for these positions. Not all employers are willing to hire a junior specialist. And based on what immigrants say, employers are rarely interested in foreign work experience. Despite this, every newcomer has a chance to ace the interview and get a job at an IT company. To do this, you need to go through a few steps:
- Preparation
The first thing to do is gain knowledge and master programming skills. The second is to start using them to improve your expertise. For example, you can create an IT project that is practical for everyday use and solves a specific user problem. You can then include this on your resume. It will be a major advantage for a candidate with no prior work experience.
You also need a programmer’s diploma or a certificate to prove you’ve completed professional training. A high level of English is equally important. You need to be able to understand what people are saying and express your own thoughts in conversation to succeed in an interview.
- Job Search
Finding a programming job in New York is quite easy. All you have to do is create a resume and send it out to dozens of job postings every day on sites like Monster, CareerBuilder, and Layboard. When you’re searching, pay attention to the employer’s requirements, salary level, and working conditions. The location of the IT company’s office is also important so you can get there easily every day.
You should also regularly check for responses from employers to your resume. They might send an invitation for an interview or ask for more information before scheduling one.
- Interview
To have a successful interview at a New York IT company, you need to present yourself as a professional and responsible specialist who can handle any task and is fluent in English. During the interview, you should talk as much as possible about your knowledge, skills, and IT projects—anything that gives you an edge over other candidates for the programming position.
You also need to be ready to take a test, solving tasks on algorithms and data structures. This is to prove your skills in a practical way. Employers need to be confident that the new specialist can handle their duties after signing the employment contract.
What You Should Know About Life as a Programmer in New York
Salary
A high income is one of the main reasons many people want to work as a programmer in New York. You can check current salaries at local IT companies here. In addition to their salary, employees also get bonuses for good work. Compensation can increase later on depending on your level of expertise.
Health Insurance
Many IT companies offer employees health insurance that covers most of the services they need. They usually pay up to 50% of the premium, and the rest is deducted from the employee’s salary each month.
Taxes
In New York, the personal income tax rate is 10-37%. You can use a financial calculator to figure out your taxes based on your income amount.
Renting an Apartment
Not all programmers from other countries move to New York for good. So they usually rent apartments or houses at affordable prices. A high income and low tax rates mean they can pay for housing without it being a financial burden. The price for a one-bedroom apartment starts at around $1,000.
Vacation
At IT companies in New York, programmers get 2-3 weeks of vacation each year. In some companies, you can also take extra time off whenever you need to if you’re not feeling well or your productivity is low. Another benefit of local IT companies is that the longer a specialist works there, the more vacation time they get.