I broke into Tech at 30 (how I'd do it again)

Summary

This video follows the inspiring journey of a 32-year-old who transitioned into a software engineering career despite having no technical background. With a mix of self-taught learning from YouTube, persistence, and sacrifices, they navigated through a diverse range of jobs before finding a passion for coding. The video offers advice on navigating a career change into tech, including understanding different tech fields, setting clear goals, and the importance of project-based learning. The speaker emphasizes building a personal brand, networking, and applying for jobs early to gain valuable feedback on progress.

Takeaways

• 😀 Transitioning into tech is possible, even without a technical background, and can be done at any age. The speaker started their software engineering career at 32 with no prior experience or degree in the field.
• 😀 Prioritizing your 'why' is essential for staying motivated. Having a clear goal or passion can keep you pushing through tough moments when you don’t feel like learning.
• 😀 Understand the various areas of tech before diving in. Whether it’s UX, AI, cloud, or development, knowing the landscape helps you choose the right path for your interests and skillset.
• 😀 Finding the right learning method is crucial. You can either do a boot camp, attend university, or self-teach. It’s important to pick the option that fits your budget, learning style, and career goals.
• 😀 Build a clear, realistic schedule for learning. If you have a full-time job, discipline and time management are essential for balancing work and study.
• 😀 Sacrificing your time temporarily can pay off in the long run. Immersing yourself in learning, even at the cost of a social life or free time, can lead to long-term career rewards.
• 😀 Project-based learning is key. Instead of relying solely on tutorials, challenge yourself to build real projects, which will help you develop problem-solving skills.
• 😀 Don’t wait for a 'perfect' moment to apply for jobs. If you feel ready, start applying and learn from feedback. The process of job applications can also accelerate your growth.
• 😀 Build a personal brand and network. Instead of just submitting your CV, find ways to connect with others and make yourself memorable in the tech community.
• 😀 Soft skills matter as much as technical skills. Networking, communication, and building relationships can open doors in tech and increase your chances of getting hired.

Q & A

What inspired the speaker to transition into software engineering?

The speaker felt a sense of being lost and behind in their career by the age of 30. They prioritized traveling, which was fulfilling but did not offer intellectual challenges. Upon discovering the potential of tech and coding, they saw it as a pathway to become a digital nomad and pursue intellectually stimulating work.

How did the speaker start learning to code without a technical background?

The speaker learned to code through free online resources, particularly YouTube, while holding down a full-time job in marketing. They dedicated their evenings and weekends to studying coding, despite having no prior experience in the field.

What are some of the jobs the speaker held before becoming a software engineer?

Before transitioning into software engineering, the speaker worked in a variety of roles, including a law degree holder (which they never used), sales recruitment, English teaching, working as a milkman, bar work, call centers, a health clinic, and marketing.

What advice does the speaker give for someone considering a career switch into tech?

The speaker advises to first get a high-level overview of the various areas in tech (such as UX, cloud, AI, and software development). This helps you choose a career path that suits your interests and strengths, as well as determine the necessary tech stack to learn.

Why does the speaker emphasize the importance of understanding your 'why' when switching careers into tech?

Understanding your 'why' is essential because it fuels your motivation during challenging times. The speaker shares how, despite exhaustion, knowing their goal kept them going during late nights of learning. Your 'why' serves as the driving force to push through obstacles.

What learning paths does the speaker suggest for those new to coding?

The speaker outlines three main learning options: boot camps, returning to college or university, or self-teaching. They personally chose self-teaching, using online courses from platforms like Udemy and YouTube. The choice depends on factors such as cost, motivation, and career goals.

What role did sacrifices play in the speaker's journey to becoming a software engineer?

The speaker highlights the importance of sacrifices, particularly in terms of time. They dedicated weekends to intense coding practice for a year and a half. Although it was difficult, the sacrifices led to long-term success, as they are now reaping the rewards of their hard work.

Why does the speaker recommend project-based learning over just watching tutorials?

The speaker argues that project-based learning forces you to solve real problems and think critically, unlike passive tutorial watching where you're simply copying someone else's work. They encourage learners to tackle projects that excite them, as this leads to deeper learning and engagement.

What advice does the speaker give about applying for jobs while still learning?

The speaker advises that there's no clear 'finish line' in learning coding. When you feel you can build decent projects, start applying for jobs. This allows you to gain feedback on your strengths and weaknesses. They also stress the importance of networking and building a personal brand to stand out during the job search.

What strategy does the speaker recommend for standing out in a job application process?

The speaker emphasizes the importance of networking and having a personal brand. Rather than just submitting a CV, it’s crucial to build relationships, seek referrals, and create connections with potential employers. This increases your chances of being noticed in a competitive job market.