Robotic Process Automation (RPA) has significantly transformed various fields, including data analytics, testing, and quality assurance. As a result, more companies are embracing RPA technology to streamline their business processes. In fact, Statista predicts that the market size of RPA will grow to approximately USD 4.41 billion in 2023, up from USD 3.17 billion in 2022. This growth implies an increase in demand for RPA developers in 2023.
To increase your chances of being absorbed by companies looking for RPA experts, you must showcase relevant certifications and expertise in developing RPA projects. But how do you become an RPA developer in 2023? Here is a comprehensive guide to becoming an RPA developer. But before that, let’s start with some basics.
Who is an RPA Developer?
An RPA developer is an expert who works on enterprise functionality with business analysis and processes to optimize workflow processes. As an RPA developer, you’ll be working on designing, creating, and implementing RPA tools and machines across the organization. These developers also build automation tasks as well as solve automation issues. So, simply put, RPA developers work on streamlining workflow processes and use various tools to automate and resolve various automation problems.
What Desirable Skills Do You Need to Become an RPA Developer?
To this point, you already know who an RPA developer is and their roles in an organization. Now, let’s dive deeper into the essential skills required to be a successful RPA developer.
- Expertise in programming languages. Automation involves multiple programming languages. Therefore, you must have advanced knowledge of various programming languages, such as Java, Python, Ruby, C, and C++, just to mention a few
- Strategic planning skills. RPA developers must have strategic planning skills and experience as the role involves establishing design initiatives and goals for RPA projects and mapping out your workflow to streamline the implementation
- Problem-solving skills. Automation is not always a smooth process. Mistakes occur regularly, and bugs often pop up. Therefore, you must be able to identify and fix the bugs to be considered a great RPA developer.
- Strong analytical skills. RPA developers are responsible for analyzing business processes and providing improvement recommendations. Therefore, you must have the skills to critically analyze systems and processes and make critical decisions to improve workflow.
A Step-by-Step Guide to Becoming an RPA Developer
To kickstart your career as an RPA developer, you will need a degree in computer science. However, this requirement is fading as more companies are dropping it in favor of what exactly you can do. Also, you must have an algorithmic way of thinking and understanding capability. Here is an in-depth guide on how to become an expert RPA developer.
1. Learn the Fundamentals of RPA Development
Understanding the basics of RPA development is essential to becoming a good RPA developer. Robotic process automation is developed and designed to reflect human works and actions with the same details and language. Differentiate RPA from other closely related areas, such as artificial intelligence, including how they work together with RPA to generate better results. This way, you will better understand your roles and requirements as an RPA developer.
2. Hone Relevant Skills
As initially stated, RPA developers require technical (programming) and non-technical skills, such as problem-solving, analytical, and strategic planning. Therefore, after learning the basics of RPA development, it’s time to sharpen these relevant skills to help you become a better RPA developer.
3. Master Key RPA Development Programming Languages
RPA developers use various programming languages to streamline and automate workflow processes. Some common languages you must learn, plus their environment, include Python, Java, C++, and C.
4. Understand SQL, Machine Learning, and AI Concepts
RPA goes hand in hand with AI, machine learning, and SQL. For instance, AI is the building block for all automation processes, while SQL understanding helps RPA developers analyze past company data, enabling them to master the data dynamics. Also, RPA developers must be able to retrieve information using SQL queries.
5. Acquire Relevant Certifications
Certification enables you to showcase your competency and achievements as an RPA developer. Many RPA consulting agencies offer various certification programs to help you prove your competency and capabilities.
6. Master a Popular RPA Tool
Develop extensive knowledge of at least one popular automation tool often embedded with various software products to enhance your automation effectiveness. Mastering tools such as Blue Prism and UiPath would be a great place to get started.
7. Work on Different RPA Development Projects to Enhance Your Practical Skills
Once you’ve obtained a certificate and mastered popular RPA tools, it’s time to put your skills into practice. This will help you get hands-on experience and more knowledge to address fundamental issues using your RPA expertise. Also, it helps you better understand complex, intelligent apps and puts you on the fast track.
8. Build Your Portfolio
Create a portfolio showcasing your RPA development skills. Some top projects that you can work on to enhance your practical knowledge include:
- Data migration
- CRM upgrading
- Payroll processing
- Web scraping, and
- Call center operations
9. Improve Your Online Profile
The easiest way to get the attention of potential employers is by creating an irresistible online profile on various platforms such as LinkedIn. Keep your profile short and direct to the point. You can include elements such as:
- Professional Summary
- Introduction
- Skills
- Education, and
- Work experience
10. Apply for an RPA Developer Job
Look for relevant RPA jobs in your local area or online on various job boards like LinkedIn and Indeed. Also, you can join freelancing sites and apply for suitable jobs.
11. Prepare Yourself for Interviews
Brush up with various elements of RPA development, including basics and advanced components. Beware of different RPA tools and practice your soft and programming skills. This way, you’ll be ready for the interview.
Final Thought
Becoming an RPA developer opens you to a world of career opportunities. To get started, consider an introductory RPA course to master the basic RPA concepts, including data types and how to use various RPA tools. If you want to advance your RPA developer career, enroll in a certification course with a company. This way, you can prove your skills and experience to potential employers, putting you ahead of other uncertified RPA developers in the job market.
Worry not if you’re looking to become a professional RPA developer but don’t know where to get started. Automation Anywhere Consulting Company has got your back. Talk with experts today and get the help and guidance you need to become an in-demand RPA developer in 2023!
