Hey everyone! I'm an electronics engineer with a degree and over five years of experience in hardware. Unfortunately, I recently got laid off, and there aren't many job opportunities in hardware around where I live. On the bright side, there are plenty of software jobs available, especially with options for remote work. I'm ready to make the switch!
In college, I took a few computer science and computer engineering classes, and I've been coding on the side for about a decade, but I definitely need to upskill to meet the demands of software engineering.
Here's my plan: 1) I'll start with 'Automate the Boring Stuff with Python' and then move on to 'Beyond the Basic Stuff with Python,' followed by diving deeper into data structures and algorithms through GeeksForGeeks.
2) I want to brush up on Fortran90 (seriously!). I have some experience here and want to create a simple linear algebra library to connect it with Python for data analysis.
3) I plan to set up a Linux server to learn the ins and outs of Linux while hosting a SQL database and writing some bash and Python scripts.
4) If I get that far, I might tackle some small hardware projects just to keep those skills sharp and link them to my software work.
So, do you think this is a solid plan to secure a junior software job, particularly in data science or backend development?
3 Answers
Consider reaching out to local companies or connections you might have. If you can get to know the lead developers or managers, just be upfront about your situation and ask what skills they value or recommend. Personal contacts can lead to great opportunities.
For sure! I'm definitely planning to reach out to some local folks.
Your plan is definitely realistic, but the job market can be unpredictable. While you’re learning, consider applying for jobs at the same time. You can always learn on the job, and showing any proactive effort is a plus in many companies.
Agreed! Don't let the fear of feeling unqualified stop you from applying. Every job is a learning opportunity.
That's what I was thinking! I’ll try to balance both learning and looking for jobs.
Your focus on Python, SQL, and databases is spot on for data engineering or data science roles. It’s good that you’re looking into frameworks like Hadoop and Spark too. Learning Linux and shell scripting will definitely boost your skills. Even though Fortran isn’t as common in the software scene, don’t underestimate what your unique projects can add to your portfolio. Just be sure to look at local job listings to see what companies expect from candidates, as that will guide your learning effectively.
I totally agree! It's all about aligning your skills with what employers are looking for. Those Python libraries are key for number crunching, so focusing on them makes sense.
Yeah, and don't forget that showing initiative is huge! Companies appreciate self-learners who can demonstrate what they can do.
That's a great idea! Networking can really open doors that you wouldn’t expect.