Hey everyone! I'm currently a Citrix System Administrator, but I've come to realize that this role isn't what I want for the long-term. I'm really eager to transition into a Python developer position, whether that's in backend development, automation, or something that allows me to build and grow. With my 10-hour work shifts and being away from home, my time is pretty limited. I'm seeking practical and realistic advice from those who've made a similar switch. Specifically, I'm interested in how you structured your learning with a full-time job, which projects optimized your resume, what employers look for from non-dev backgrounds, recommended resources for backend and automation, and any interview prep tips to avoid common mistakes. I'm determined but feeling a bit lost, so any real-world examples or step-by-step guidance would be super helpful. Thanks!
2 Answers
One effective strategy I used was to read a Python book and dedicate a chapter to my lunch breaks every day. When I got home, I spent evenings and weekends practicing what I learned. It really helped solidify my understanding. Trying to break your learning into manageable chunks during your free time could be a game-changer!
I was also an admin before I transitioned into development. The first step for me was to hand over my admin duties and put myself in a sink-or-swim situation. It was tough but effective, as my colleagues helped me complete important projects. In my early days, I dedicated mornings for skill development when my mind was fresh. This way, I was able to prioritize learning while juggling my career. Networking also played a huge role in landing interviews where I connected with potential employers over shared interests and tech discussions.
That's truly inspiring! It must have taken a lot of courage. As a fellow admin looking to shift, how did you prioritize the skills or projects you needed to focus on first?
That's a solid approach! Mind sharing what book you found most helpful?