Chinese Programmers: High demand for top talent in software development, coding

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The more computer literate you are, the better your chances of getting a job in China's changing economy. With a major focus on hi-tech industries, demand for talent in software development and coding is rising faster than ever. Our reporter Wang Mengzhen has been meeting some who are moving on up.

It's music to the ears of Fang Yutao, an experienced software developer programing for over 10 years.

Working at a Beijing tech start-up, Fang and his colleagues are developing QR codes for certain products that enable customers to scan and verify their authenticities. While many programmers face stigmas of being tedious and nerdy, Fang totally disagrees.

FANG YUTAO, SOFTWARE DEVELOPER BEIJING ZHIXINWUMA INFORMATION TECH CO. "These labels are given by outsiders. Being a programmer, I get fully immersed in my own world, just my computer and I. It also gives me a sense of achievement since I solve many problems in everyday life through coding."

Fang turns 35 later this year, an age widely seen as a watershed for Chinese programmers. And he's at a fork in the road: continue coding or enter management.

FANG YUTAO, SOFTWARE DEVELOPER BEIJING ZHIXINWUMA INFORMATION TECH CO. "For me, I won't give up pursuing cutting edge skills in programming. I still wanna dig deep in this profession. And I will also consider sharing my coding skills with others in future."

On the other hand, Li Jingfeng chose a different career from a programmer working in America to now working in management at a Chinese online recruitment platform.

WANG MENGZHEN BEIJING "What do you think are the major differences between Chinese programmers and their western counterparts?"

The latest report by Zhaopin.com shows the demand for Internet and E-commerce talent ranks number 1 among all industries. But, can Chinese programmers meet the demand?

LI JINGFENG, CHIEF TECHNOLOGY OFFICER ZHAOPIN.COM "Any companies say they lack these kinds of talents but for the entry-level programmers, we probably have enough. So the key is how to transfer these entry-level to the qualified ones."

Back at Fang's office, young brilliant programmers are catching up.

YANG XIAOYAN, SOFTWARE DEVELOPER BEIJING ZHIXINWUMA INFORMATION TECH CO. "Once you choose to be a programmer, you have to study all the time, the easiest way is to search the latest online resources."

These programmers have reached at least one consensus: so long as you keep learning, you won't be easily knocked out of the market. WMZ, CGTN, BEIJING.