Hey everyone! I'm a 30-year-old U.S. Marine Corps veteran with three kids and a wife, currently living in Dallas, TX. I built my first PC at 17 but haven't done much programming since then. I've got a history of working hard in school, maintaining a 3.0 GPA before enlisting, but I switched my degree recently from General Studies to a Bachelor's in Applied Technology for Software Development at Dallas College. My current GPA is around 3.2, and I'm taking some programming courses like Intro to Python.
With my ankle injury, finding a regular job has been tough, so I've been doing some cleaning work to make ends meet, but I'm looking to get into something more relevant to my studies and future career. I'm aware there are platforms like HackerRank and LeetCode I could use to improve my skills, but right now I'm feeling a bit lost in terms of gaining employment experience in tech.
Would working in customer service or IT help desk positions even be worthwhile for my resume when I'm aiming for programming jobs? I'm looking for any advice or tips from those who might have been in a similar situation. Anything would really help!
3 Answers
I went back to programming school around your age as well! While customer service roles might not seem directly related to programming, they actually give you tech experience to show potential employers. Focus on your courses, and don't hesitate to create small projects to showcase your skills. Networking is key, too—get involved in volunteer work or tech meetups to build your presence in the community. It's a tough journey, but you've got the drive to succeed!
Hey! I think working in customer service or IT support can definitely add some value to your resume. You'll be picking up essential skills like troubleshooting and communication, which are super important in tech roles. Also, leverage your military background; many companies value that and even offer tax breaks for hiring veterans. If your school has a student job for help desk roles, it could be a great fit! Keep at it with your studies and maybe work on some personal projects to build a portfolio too! You've got this!
Honestly, the job market can be challenging, but don’t get discouraged! There are still opportunities for vets like yourself in programming. Look into projects that enhance your resume, like web development with modern frameworks; React is a solid choice right now. You could also consider a two-year online CS degree which might open more doors for you. Just keep learning and building—things will shape up!
I second that! Don't underestimate the value of hands-on work; it all counts towards your experience. Plus, the programming community is super supportive, so don't hesitate to reach out if you have questions. You've already made a huge step by going back to school!