Changing Careers: How I Became a Software Engineer

Summary

The article details the author's journey from teaching abroad to becoming a software engineer in the tech industry, emphasizing that it's never too late to change careers.

Abstract

The author, after watching "Silicon Valley" during maternity leave in South Korea, became intrigued by the world of coding and tech startups. Upon returning to the U.S., she transitioned into the tech industry by working at a coding bootcamp, first as a campus manager and later in enrollments. This experience allowed her to understand the needs of career-changers and gave her access to a comprehensive software engineering curriculum. Despite the challenges of having a toddler and a full-time job, she dedicated herself to learning and building a portfolio, which included a school registration site, a React game, and a personal website. Her background in helping bootcamp students prepare for the job market proved invaluable in her own job search, leading to an entry-level position at a tech startup. The author encourages others considering a career change not to hesitate, as personal growth and transformation are possible at any stage in life.

Opinions

The author believes that exposure to the tech industry through media can spark interest in coding and software engineering.
She holds the view that career changes are possible and can be successful, even after significant time in a different field.
The author values the importance of a strong portfolio in showcasing one's abilities to potential employers in the tech industry.
She emphasizes the significance of soft skills such as interview preparation, networking, and resume formatting in securing a job in tech.
The author suggests that personal experience in career transitioning can be leveraged to assist others in similar situations.
She conveys a sense of optimism and encouragement for individuals considering a career change, highlighting that age or current circumstances should not be a barrier to pursuing new opportunities.

Taking the leap into the unknown and landing on your feet

I watched every episode of HBO’s Silicon Valley while on maternity leave in Jeju-do, South Korea. It was 2016 and I had been overseas for almost five years teaching, while the new concept of a “tech startup” developed back home in America. After watching this show and seeing how much fun these “coders” were having, I wondered, what’s coding?

I never imagined I’d be doing it.

If you’re worried about changing careers but you feel you need to try something new, it’s never too late.

I moved with my daughter back to the states later that year and began to find a new job. I thought I’d like to work in tech, so I tried to combine my education background with something in the tech scene. I eventually landed a job at a coding bootcamp as a campus manager, and moved to Philadelphia.

In my new role, I forged partnerships with local tech companies and helped students change careers. Watching the students land jobs as software engineers after intense study over just a few months, I learned how I could do the same. I knew what a career-changer needed in terms of interview skills, resumes, and networking.

A year later, I landed a job at another coding bootcamp doing enrollments. In this role, I had access to their entire online software engineering curriculum as an employee. A few months after I started working there, I made the decision to commit to the program. I had a toddler and a full-time job, so why not?

I studied on my own for months. I knew that the most important aspect I needed was a portfolio to showcase at least three projects. I used Ruby on Rails to create a school registration site and React to create a game about space. Most importantly, I created a personal website that was eye-catching.

Since I had helped coding bootcamp students land jobs for a couple of years at that point, I knew how to apply for jobs and format my resume. I already knew about preparing for tech interviews, too. That doesn’t mean it was easy. I just knew how to get to my goal.

I interviewed for many jobs, and eventually landed an entry-level position at a tech startup, and the rest is history.

If you’re worried about changing careers but you feel you need to try something new, it’s never too late. You’ll never know what you can become unless you try.

I usually write about consciousness and existence, and I enjoy connecting with others who are waking up. I have a master’s degree in philosophy, metaphysics having always been my passion, and have lived around the world. I also make websites like www.awakening-journeys.com.