Computer programming careers offer a wide range of exciting paths. But with so many options – web developer, mobile developer, data scientist, AI specialist, or cybersecurity expert – it’s not always easy to know which route best suits you.
To help you figure this out, we’ve created this computer programming career guidance quiz. It will help you explore your interests, your way of thinking, and your technical strengths. By the end, you’ll discover the role that best matches your profile… and perhaps even uncover a new calling.
Quiz
Quiz :
Top Jobs in Computer Programming
Discover the main computer programming professions, the skills required for each, and the main tasks.
| Computer programming profession | Skills and main responsibilities |
|---|---|
| Web developer | 💻 Frontend or backend development 🌐 Website and web application creation 🎨 UX/UI and responsive design 🧱 Proficiency in HTML, CSS, JavaScript, PHP |
| Mobile Developer | 📱 iOS and Android app development 👆 Mobile ergonomics and navigation 🛠️ Languages: Swift, Kotlin, Java 📦 App store publishing |
| Software developer | 🖥️ Desktop and embedded software design 🧠 Complex problem solving 🏗️ Software architecture 🔤 Languages: C++, Java, Python |
| Data Scientist | 📊 Big Data Analysis 🧮 Statistical and Predictive Modeling 🐍 Use of Python, R, SQL 🧠 Machine Learning |
| Data Engineer | 🔄 Data pipeline construction 🏗️ Database architecture 💾 Real-time or batch processing 🛠️ Tools: Hadoop, Spark, Airflow |
| Artificial intelligence developer | 🤖 AI algorithm development 🔢 Deep learning and neural networks 📐 Applied mathematics 🧪 Performance evaluation |
| Cybersecurity Developer | 🔐 System and data security 🕵️♂️ Security vulnerability detection 💣 Penetration testing 🔑 Cryptography and access management |
Web Developer 💻
A web developer creates websites and applications accessible via a browser. They can specialise in frontend development (what the user sees and uses) or backend development (the server-side logic and data). This profession requires a strong understanding of UX/UI design, technical rigour, and a curiosity about web trends.
Mobile Developer 📱
Are you always glued to your smartphone? This job might be for you. A mobile developer designs applications for iOS and Android. They have to juggle technical constraints, mobile ergonomics, and performance.
Software Developer 🖥️
Here, we're talking about desktop software, embedded systems, business tools… Software developers often work on complex projects, sometimes in sectors like aerospace, finance, or healthcare. Logical thinking, good project management skills, and a knack for problem-solving are essential for this computer programming profession.
Data Scientist or Data Engineer 📊
If you're analytical, enjoy working with numbers, and want to understand the world through data, then data science might be for you. Data engineers design and maintain data pipelines, while data scientists analyse them to build predictive models. Python, SQL, and statistics are their key tools.
Artificial intelligence Developer 🤖
Intrigued by AI? This computer programming profession involves creating algorithms capable of learning and recognising images, sounds, texts … Skills in machine learning, deep learning and mathematics are essential.
Cybersecurity Developer 🔐
Do you want to protect systems, anticipate attacks, and ensure data remains confidential? Cybersecurity is a rapidly growing field. You'll learn to think like a hacker… to better defend yourself against them.
Programming is a sector experiencing high demand in the job market. Companies are actively recruiting, whether in startups, large corporations, tech, industry, or even NGOs.
How To Train For Computer Programming Jobs
Whether you are a student in career guidance, undergoing professional retraining, or simply curious to discover the world of development, there are several effective ways to train for programming careers.
Academic Training Programs 🎓
New Zealand universities, polytechnics, and private institutes offer a diverse range of computer science and IT qualifications — from undergraduate degrees to postgraduate specialisations. These pathways provide a solid theoretical foundation alongside practical learning, internships, industry projects, and strong connections to New Zealand’s growing tech sector.
Bachelor of Computer Science / Bachelor of Information Technology
Perfect for developing essential technical and theoretical skills. Programs typically cover software engineering, algorithms, cybersecurity, cloud computing, and data analytics.
Polytechnic Diplomas & Advanced Diplomas (e.g., Diploma of Information Technology)
Focused on hands-on, job-ready qualifications. These can lead directly to industry roles or serve as a stepping stone to a bachelor’s degree with credit transfer options.
Engineering Degrees (e.g., Bachelor of Software Engineering)
A structured, mathematics-intensive approach to systems and software design. These degrees are highly valued by employers for their thoroughness and industry recognition.
Postgraduate Specialisations (Master’s degrees)
Ideal for advancing or changing careers in areas such as machine learning, AI, data science, cybersecurity, cloud architecture, and more. Many New Zealand universities offer flexible online or blended learning options.
Online Self-Training 🌐
Do you prefer to learn at your own pace? Many platforms now offer comprehensive courses, accessible to all levels, accompanied by practical projects to reinforce your learning.
Among the most popular are OpenClassrooms , freeCodeCamp , Codecademy , Udemy , and Coursera . These platforms offer a variety of content: explanatory videos, interactive exercises, assessments, and sometimes even recognised certifications.
Self-study is ideal for exploring several specialities before making a final choice.
Whichever path you choose, regular practice is essential. It’s by writing code that you reinforce what you’ve learnt and develop your problem-solving skills. The more you experiment, the more confidence and independence you’ll gain.
How To Interpret Your Results
The results of this quiz about the IT field that best suits you will suggest a direction, but it's not a definitive answer. It's primarily a tool for reflection. It helps you get to know yourself better and explore paths you might not have considered.
Do you see yourself fitting into several profiles? That's normal. Many professions overlap, and you can gradually specialise throughout your career. For example, many web developers later move into software architecture or project management.
Whatever the result of your quiz, the most important thing is to stay curious, practice regularly and dare to take the plunge: the world of development is waiting for you!
Which programming career interests you the most?
Enjoyed this article? Leave a rating!
Loading...
