What is the best programming language to learn this year?

robert.half — Thu, 06 Apr 2023 16:00:00 +0000

What is the best programming language to learn this year? robert.half 6 April 2023

As business functions and services increasingly make the transition to digital platforms, demand for programmers and skilled developers is rising rapidly across Asia.

Businesses are continuing to embrace the exciting possibilities offered by programming languages, and this is likely to see demand continue to rise for IT talent with strong programming skills.

However with multiple programming languages in existence, it is critical for IT professionals to identify the single best programming language to learn – both to set yourself apart from competing talent and to further your career goals.

What is the best programming language?

To make the job easier, we look at five of the best programming languages worth learning to help you secure your next exciting IT job.

1. Java

If there is one programming language worth knowing, it’s Java. It is simple, readable, well-established, and Java underpins many of the online services we use on a daily basis.

Java also holds a trump card for the future. It is used to develop Android apps and is the programming language behind some of the world’s most successful websites including Amazon and LinkedIn. If there is a programming language to learn that will strengthen your career options, think Java.

2. JavaScript

JavaScript (unrelated to Java) is an ideal programming language to learn if you’re planning a career developing websites featuring the interactive functions, animations and pop-ups often found in today’s websites.

JavaScript also works well on sites accessed via different devices and browsers, so it ranks highly as one of the programming languages to learn if you are keen to combine IT skills and a sense of creativity to deliver an enhanced user experience.

3. Python

Python is widely used and is the programming language behind popular websites like Reddit, Google and NASA.

Often regarded as an entry-level language, Python doesn’t require too much prior knowledge to master, making it a useful programming language to learn if you are relatively new to IT or if you plan to assist smaller businesses develop a strong online presence with a highly readable website.

4. C#

C# (pronounced ‘C-sharp’) is a great multi-purpose programming language to learn if you are interested in developing web applications for Microsoft Windows rather than Apple systems. C# is cost-effective, which makes it popular with businesses looking for simple, general-purpose, object-oriented results.

5. SQL

The strength of SQL (Structured Query Language) lies in its ability to process and store large quantities of complex data. Virtually every technology has some requirement for SQL, making this a highly desirable programming language to learn and understand.

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These five programming languages are by no means an exhaustive list of the languages used by businesses today.

However they are definitely some of the best programming languages to learn as they will leave you well-equipped to offer valuable technical support and provide creative solutions in Asia’s tech-driven commercial environment.

As programming skills become more keenly sought-after across the Asian business community, it is important to clearly highlight your skills and programming experience in your resume. This allows hiring firms to see at a glance that you have what it takes to become their next IT team member.

How to become a Learning and Development Manager

robert.half — Mon, 05 Dec 2022 23:15:51 +0000

How to become a Learning and Development Manager robert.half 5 December 2022

Many companies in Singapore are grappling with acute labour shortages that make it hard to recruit and retain skilled talent.

This is seeing a growing number of businesses embrace learning and development strategies that address skills shortages by upskilling and reskilling current employees.

82% of IT professionals in Singapore are prioritising companies that offer opportunities skills development over salaries.
A recent study found that 67% of HR managers will see an increase to their learning and development budget in 2022.
A report by Deloitte found formal learning and development programs can have a significant impact on business performance , while also making a company more attractive to work for. In dollar terms, the study notes that every $1 spent on learning and development delivers a return of $47 in additional revenue per employee.

These findings confirm the value of upskilling employees. The challenge for companies lies in determining the best ways to use funds earmarked for staff training.

This is driving demand for hiring learning and development managers, who can coordinate learning and development activities across the business to optimise outcomes for each employee – and the company as a whole.

This doesn’t just empower employees to add value to the business, it also creates a learning culture that promotes ongoing professional development across the company.

For candidates in Singapore who are interested in pursuing a career in a rapidly growing HR field, this article explores how to become a L&D Manager and what qualifications and experience are required for the role.

What does a Learning and Development Manager do?

A Learning and Development Manager is typically part of a company’s HR team.

While the details of the role can vary between employers, a Learning and Development Manager is typically responsible for five main activities:

1. Identifying learning and development needs

In order to deliver appropriate training programs, a Learning and Development Manager needs to have a thorough understanding of staff training needs across every company department.

This calls for working with HR teams, and a variety of managers and business leaders across the organisation, to ensure learning and development programs are aligned with business needs.

Related: Making a lateral career move

2. Developing and implementing learning and development programs

A Learning and Development Manager will understand that each person learns in different ways – and at a different pace.

With this in mind, learning and development programs should ideally embrace a range of learning strategies including in-person, online, workplace-based and external training courses.

Additional options for employee development can include coaching, mentoring (internal and external to the company) and job shadowing.

The role of the Learning and Development Manager is to develop a program of training that is most effective for each employee.

3. Producing training materials

The Learning and Development Manager may be required to produce training materials for in-house workshops or courses delivered via e-learning.

Developing these materials often calls for collaboration with key subject matter experts both within the company as well as external experts.

Related: How to advance your career

4. Drawing up learning and development budgets

No company has unlimited resources, and a Learning and Development Manager will be required to draft, review and finetune budgets for training and development programs.

This can involve comparing the costs of different training programs to ensure they deliver value for money, as well as forging relationships with external training providers, and capitalising on any new technologies that could support opportunities to upskill staff.

5. Assessing the effectiveness of learning and development programs

A Learning and Development Manager will need to regularly assess the effectiveness of training programs to be confident the money spent is achieving the goal of building a more productive workforce.

At a broader level, the Learning and Development Manager will also be expected to recognise employees with leadership potential, and provide relevant, targeted training to nurture talent as part of the company’s overall succession plans.

How to become a Learning and Development Manager

To become a Learning and Development Manager in Singapore, most candidates need a blend of technical and soft skills combined with experience in human resources management and/or the delivery of training courses.

Qualifications

In many cases, a Learning and Development Manager will have a bachelor degree in a field such as human resources, business administration or education.

The role also calls for an understanding of the latest trends in professional training – particularly as they apply across different industries.

By continually staying up to date in this area, a Learning and Development Manager can recognise the skills each employee needs to excel in their position and add value to the company.

Soft skills

As part of the HR team, becoming a Learning and Development Manager means having excellent communication skills.

Strong presentation skills are also required as the Learning and Development Manager may also be required to conduct in-house training courses.

Good business acumen is also desirable as this allows a Learning and Development Manager to identify the skills required today – and in the future, that will help a company to achieve its objectives.

newsletter-ca-2023-04

What is the best programming language to learn this year?

What is the best programming language?

1. Java

2. JavaScript

3. Python

4. C#

5. SQL

Showcase your skills

How to become a Learning and Development Manager

What does a Learning and Development Manager do?

How to become a Learning and Development Manager