HACKER Q&A
📣 bluecrocodile

Request for Career Advice


I'm looking for advice on the fastest path to become a software engineer based on my experience so far. I appreciate any thoughts you can share. Thanks in advance!

Here is some background about me:

* I'm based in the Bay Area, but willing to relocate.

* I have a Bachelors degree (non-CS).

* I have ten years experience as a teacher and working in a non-tech role for a big tech company.

* I'm currently enrolled in an online CS degree program and will graduate in summer 2021. I'm thankful for this experience, but I don't think what I have learned in my degree so far is applicable to the day-to-day work of a software engineer.

* Outside of my CS degree, I've also spent time earning certifications from MOOCs, completing pre-coursework from multiple bootcamps, doing LeetCode problems, and learning how to build basic iOS apps.

For my next career step, there seems to be several options:

* Finish my degree and apply for junior roles.

* Put my degree on hold and get an internship.

* Put my degree on hold and apply for a bootcamp.

To be honest, I'm overwhelmed by all the different options and that has led me in many different directions over the past few years.

I'm hoping the HN community can advise me on what is the fastest path to get a paid technical position.

What do you think my next step should be?


  👤 eigen-vector Accepted Answer ✓
Are you still employed at said big company? Usually the fastest path for somone in your situation would be to slowly transition into a programming role in your company. Some companies even have a well defined system in place for such transitions.

Also, please don't use code blocks for text.