Hey everyone!
I made the switch to tech in January 2025 from a non-tech background. I was on a small team where we developed Shopify apps, and my role combined product thinking with execution. I contributed to app ideas, conducted market research, and managed QA/testing to ensure a smooth UX. My coding journey started using Cursor and later Vscode with the Claude Code extension. I've embraced an AI-first approach to coding.
I've learned a lot during this time alongside a knowledgeable team and I'm eager to keep expanding my skills. Right now, I'm on the lookout for opportunities where I can work, learn effectively, and earn as well. I'm open to pivoting based on needs and where I can truly add value.
Honestly, I'm a bit unsure of what my next steps should be. I would really appreciate any advice or guidance you all have!
3 Answers
You're not lost—you're just at the beginning of your tech journey! Keep building things that interest you. Work on personal projects or small tools that address real problems and try to automate them. A solid portfolio showcasing your projects is more valuable than titles right now. As a marketer, I've just started experimenting with AI tools in my work and it's been eye-opening. The more tools you play around with, the more valuable you'll become. Just keep exploring and testing different tools!
Don't worry about feeling lost—being an AI-first builder is definitely the direction the industry is moving towards. If you can come up with ideas and deliver bug-free user experiences using AI, you're already ahead of the game. Try building a small portfolio with a couple of tiny apps that solve real issues. It’ll showcase your 'Product Thinking,' something that AI can't replicate yet. What small tool are you thinking about creating next?
I'm currently learning about Web Architecture. I vibe coded a Shopify app in December 2025, but it didn’t really solve a significant problem—just proving I could publish an app. My next project will focus on order management, but I want to grasp Web Architecture better before diving into that.
This really sounds like an exciting journey you're on!
No doubt it is! I was told from the start that I'd go through some tests.
Thanks a lot for taking time to respond. Means a lot.