I'm on the hunt for a new job as a web developer, but it seems like all the openings are drying up in my area. I've started seeing postings for related fields like DevOps, Site Reliability Engineering (SRE), database management, and machine learning/AI. I'm curious about how tough it is to pick up skills in these adjacent areas. For instance, I have a basic understanding of databases but lack enough experience to qualify for data engineering positions. What's the best way to acquire data engineering skills while still advancing my web developer abilities? I'd love to hear recommendations on which adjacent fields to pursue and if there are any other options I might be missing. Additionally, I'm wondering if there's a way to gain ML/AI experience while still working primarily as a web developer.
3 Answers
If you’re starting from scratch, aiming for a role in technical support or help desk is a solid move. Those jobs are more accessible and can help you build a foundation before diving into more specialized fields. The roles you mentioned usually require specific expertise and experience; database administration is a bit of an exception, but still quite different from typical development roles. As for AI and ML, it’s a whole different ball game. I'd recommend brushing up on your math skills because that’s crucial. I’ve been learning about linear algebra and neural networks and it really feels like venturing into a separate world from regular web dev!
Technical support sounds like a solid stepping stone; good point!
Learning ML/AI isn’t impossible, even without a dev background. A good starting point is to find recommended books or online resources, then practice the concepts you learn. Just remember, the challenge isn’t access to information; it’s about retention and practical application over time. If you don’t use it in your current role, it might slip away!
That's true! It's all about finding ways to keep the knowledge fresh until I need it.
Manual QA can also be a worthwhile path if you're looking for adjacent roles. It gives you insight into the development process while not being too far from web dev.
Thanks for the insight! I'll definitely consider starting with help desk roles as I navigate through these other fields.