Consulting Entrepreneur Says Everyone Can Benefit From Learning To Code

Randy Lubin wishes he had learned to write code as an undergrad. Self-taught during term break at Stanford Graduate School of Business, Lubin speaks with enormous respect, even artistic nuances, about coding. "I was surprised to find this new path using coding as a lifelong expression. In many ways, it's the best paintbrush ever and incredibly empowering."

As a Fellow at FactoryX, Lubin works fast -- building, testing and churning out a new startup every 10 weeks. Creating companies at breakneck speed, Lubin says, "Tech is imbedded in every functional role. Companies are developing better tools for effective collaboration, research and individual tasks. Workers with technology capabilities are not only more effective with these tools, but can modify and create new, more powerful tools. Tech skills can amplify all other productivity." 

Your thoughts on careers in tech and entrepreneurship over the next 5-10 years?

"The switch from traditional corporate roles to ad hoc ones will continue. Frequent job changes and independent contractor gigs will be the norm. As the cost of coordination decreases, freelancing opportunities will be plentiful for workers with proven skills and strong personal brands."    

How did your course of study prepare you for your career? 

"At Washington University in St. Louis, courses in finance and entrepreneurship did a phenomenal job of preparing me for Silicon Valley. Nonetheless, I like the Mark Twain quote, 'I've never let my school interfere with my education.' While on campus I consulted with local startups to complement my class learnings."

What advice do you have for someone considering tech as an undergrad?

"Do it. Learn code even if you're not a computer science major...anyone can code. It's really fun, creative and easier than ever to start. You can get into the zone known as 'flow state,' similar to the buzz of playing challenging video games. Even if you don't aim for a computer engineering career, you'll have myriad opportunities to apply coding in the real world. Use the amazing surplus time as an undergrad to teach yourself complementary skills and apply them through internships."

Laurie Jo Miller Farr loves walkable cities. A tourism industry professional and transplanted New Yorker by way of half-a-lifetime in London, she's writing about the best of the bay and beyond for Yahoo, USA Today, eHow, and on Examiner.com.