I'm looking for some career advice as I'm considering moving into tech. I have a background in photography and was somewhat successful in the TV and film industry. However, with the recent strikes, that field has shifted dramatically, and now I want to pivot into a new career while keeping photography as a side hobby. I've always been interested in UX/UI and front-end development but didn't pursue it earlier. Now that I'm back on the job market, I'm feeling apprehensive. I've noticed job titles like UI Engineer, which seems to blend my interests. I'm curious if I can effectively transition into this field being self-taught, especially focusing on front-end development alone or if I should also consider back-end skills. Additionally, would obtaining a Master's in Computer Science along with building real projects be a good strategy for landing a job? I've started learning some CS concepts and found an affordable local Master's program. My plan is to bartend and dedicate a year to learning without distractions. Thanks for any advice you can give!
4 Answers
Just a heads up, the front-end/UI space is pretty competitive right now. Your background in photography will help with visual appeal, which is a big plus. If you go the self-taught route, make sure you're building real, solid projects and have a polished portfolio ready. A Master's degree can provide some advantage, but it's not a guaranteed ticket to a job—expect a grind when applying!
Breaking into front-end/UI is definitely possible as a self-taught developer, especially since you have a visual background from photography. Make sure to focus on building strong projects and a solid portfolio. While a Master's degree can help, it's not a must unless you're looking for formal structure. The important part is to not get stuck in 'learning mode' for too long—start building and launching projects as soon as you can!
I completed my Master's in CS a year and a half ago while bartending for bills, and I'm still searching for a tech job. It hasn't been easy! If you want to pursue a degree, make sure it offers good internship opportunities because those can really help. Most importantly, focus on learning the tech stack that interests you, and build useful projects that show off your skills.
I tried going the self-taught route while juggling night shifts, and it was exhausting. Balancing bartending and studying might actually work better for you! You could even create a website to help with your bartending job; that could serve as a practical project that showcases your skills for future roles.
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