The Misconception of Becoming a Software Engineer
There is a worrying trend in the UK of people assuming that they can become highly paid software engineers, cloud/devops professionals, or cybersecurity professionals simply by taking a 3-week course. This belief is misguided, as it ignores the fact that becoming a professional in these fields requires more than just a cursory understanding of a few technologies.

One problem with this assumption is that it assumes that the path to becoming a software engineer, cloud/devops professional, or cybersecurity professional is linear. In other words, people believe that if they learn a certain set of technologies, they will be able to immediately apply those skills to a job in the field. This is not the case.

In reality, software engineering, cloud/devops, and cybersecurity roles require more than just a knowledge of specific technologies. They also require strong lateral and logical thinking skills, as well as a deep understanding of core computing concepts such as networking and data structures. Without these fundamental skills, it is difficult for individuals to effectively apply the technologies that a 3-week course might cover.

One consequence of the trend of people assuming that they can become software engineers or cloud/devops professionals after taking a short course is that the software they write can often be of poor quality. Without a strong foundation in fundamental computing concepts, it can be difficult for these individuals to write efficient and well-designed software. As a result, the software they produce may be prone to bugs and errors, and may not function as intended.

Furthermore, the software written by these individuals is often not optimized for performance. It may consume excessive resources or run slowly, which can be costly for the organization using it. Additionally, the lack of attention to detail and understanding of best practices can lead to security vulnerabilities in the software, introducing risks to the organization.

Another field that has seen a similar trend is cybersecurity. Many people are drawn to cybersecurity because of its perceived glamour and the potential for high salaries. However, without a strong foundation in computer science and cybersecurity concepts, these individuals may struggle to understand the reports and data that they are tasked with analyzing. They may not have the skills to properly identify and mitigate security risks, and their lack of understanding could lead to serious consequences for the organization.

In conclusion, it is important to recognize that becoming a software engineer, cloud/devops professional, or cybersecurity professional requires more than just a brief introduction to a few technologies. It requires a deep understanding of fundamental concepts and the ability to adapt to constantly changing technologies. People who assume that they can become highly paid professionals in these fields after taking a 3-week course are likely to be disappointed, as they lack the necessary skills and knowledge to succeed in these roles. The software they write may be of poor quality and introduce security risks, and they may not have the necessary skills to effectively analyze data and identify security threats. It is important for individuals interested in these fields to recognize that they require a strong foundation in fundamental concepts and ongoing learning and development in order to succeed.