Numerous critical systems from business resource planning to banking and insurance operations run on Cobol today, but there is a desperate shortage of experts. Academic Work trains career changers into new Cobol experts in a 14-week free Academy intensive training. A guaranteed job awaits graduates!
Read more below to find out what this is about!
What is Cobol?
Cobol is a programming language used in mainframe technologies for decades, and it will be used far into the future. Although rumors about its replacement have been heard many times before, it has been stated just as many times that this is not happening. Numerous critical databases and software rely on this straightforward and reliable programming language.
Cobol is often in the background, for example, when you check your bank account balance or buy flight tickets with a mobile app. Insurance companies and wholesalers also rely on this veteran code or systems based on it. That is why it is still being developed and integrated into new systems – and those who know how to use it are highly sought after in the labor market.
"The need for Cobol experts is constantly growing. Especially now, when many people working with systems written in Cobol are retiring, and at the same time, all these critical systems must continue to operate reliably and efficiently," says Malin, a trainer of Cobol experts.
Marie, who works as a Cobol developer, agrees: "Many of my colleagues are already retired, but Cobol is not going anywhere. The labor market is secure, and even new experts have the opportunity for steep career and even salary progression in the field."
Versatile problem-solving work
"I got hooked on Cobol when I noticed what versatile career opportunities it offers," Marie continues.
A Cobol developer's workday may include coding, managing and modifying systems, responding to customer requests, documentation, and solving various problems. The work is not just about running technical things; understanding how the systems are used and the customer's wishes is part of the workday. Those working with it therefore benefit from logical reasoning and business thinking.
As a Cobol expert, you can also be employed as a production planner to act as the left hand of an application developer. In practice, you ensure that both existing and new features and systems work as they should, and for example, salaries appear in employees' accounts on time. You get to the intersection of problem-solving, critical systems, and code to ensure that the digital world keeps spinning!
3 reasons to train as a Cobol expert:
1. Demand for experts is high. When you master Cobol, your expertise is gold in the labor market. Cobol is a 60-year-old technology, and most of its skilled specialists are of the same age – so they will soon be retired. New experts are needed!
2. Cobol is a relatively easy programming language to learn. It is straightforward, logical, and easy to understand – very similar to English. Because of this, functions are clearly visible in the code, and learning it is more effortless than other common programming languages.
3. You get to work with very critical systems. Work often has a pull when it feels meaningful, and in this role, you don't have to guess. Whether it's about Finland's largest banks or the business resource planning of retail operators – you are at the heart 💚 and lungs 🫁 of the action.
Become a sought-after Cobol expert and start a new career in just 14 weeks
Thanks to accelerated learning, taking control of a new field in three months is possible – Academic Work Academy has already seen 1,000 career changers graduate in Finland. The content of the training is built together with skilled teachers and client companies. The things to be learned are therefore guaranteed to be ones used in working life.
During the weeks, students learn, among other things, the basics of mainframe technologies and coding, system maintenance and development, and database management. Inspiring teachers, peer support from classmates, high motivation, and regular reflection on progress are things that enable fast learning. After graduation, learning continues in working life with more experienced colleagues.
Marie emphasizes that it is easy for career changers interested in the IT field to familiarize themselves specifically with Cobol:
”Cobol code itself is built with English commands, which means it is easy even for beginners to understand. The systems are built around business logic to process large transaction volumes quickly and accurately.”
Are you the much-needed new Cobol expert?
A future job is guaranteed after Academy training – graduating Cobol experts start work as consultants through Academic Work immediately after the training.
Do you want to become a sought-after talent in the labor market? Check out the open Academy trainings and accelerate to a new career through free intensive training!