With National Coding Week kicking off this week 16 – 22 September, it’s the perfect time to explore the diverse career pathways coding can unlock. There is a whole world of opportunities, offering rewarding, exciting and sustainable careers.

ADS member, Modux, works in simulation, virtual reality and software engineering and we have invited them to showcase just how versatile coding skills can be – from creating immersive simulations to developing software that powers cutting-edge technologies.

Hear from Modux’s Leo, as he shares his experiences and career journey. There’s no single path into a coding career. Whether you’re self-taught, a university graduate, or even transitioning from an entirely different field, coding offers a wide range of entry points. If you love coding and are curious about what comes next, read on to discover how your passion can lead to a fulfilling career…

Leo, how did you get into the industry?

My first introduction to programming came during lockdown. With the extra free time, I decided to commit to learning something new and chose Python as my starting point. Over the course of several months, I immersed myself in the world of software development. My background was initially in maths, having completed a degree in the subject. During my studies, I took several programming-focused modules that completely hooked me. I found myself spending hours working through the tasks, fascinated by the logic and creativity involved in coding.

After completing my degree, I realised I still had a gap in my software engineering skills, so I spent the next year teaching myself further while applying for junior developer positions.

What is your role and what do you do?

As a software engineer at Modux, I work on a variety of projects. This includes everything from wireless networking protocols to full-stack development projects, as well as some internal infrastructure for the company. The diversity in my role keeps things exciting and allows me to apply my coding skills in different ways.

Career highlight so far?

One of my career highlights so far – though not directly related to software engineering – was during a pentesting project. I was shadowing the team and ended up discovering vulnerabilities in a web app we were testing. It was a thrilling moment and an incredible learning experience!

Leo’s journey is a great example of how diverse and rewarding a career in coding can be, with endless opportunities to grow, innovate, and make an impact. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to switch paths, the world of software engineering and simulation is full of exciting possibilities waiting to be explored.

About Modux

Modux was founded in 2008, initially delivering research, software development and consultancy services within the UK defence sector. Since then the company has expanded to include software development, cyber security and simulation and gaming, and now employs select elite technical experts, each having worked on some of the world’s largest technology and digital security programmes.

SMEs like Modux play a vital role in securing UK advantage. Their entrepreneurial spirit and agility help drive innovation and diversity of products with specialised knowledge catering to the unique demands of our sectors. Over 90% of our membership are SMEs.