Inspiring Career Transition: From Engineering to Software Development
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Chapter 1: Journey to Programming
Two years ago, a friend of mine embarked on a transformative journey, shifting his career from engineering to software development. Previously, he had no IT background, with only a distant memory of learning Pascal during school. However, he possessed a strong command of English, which proved to be beneficial.
On my recommendation, he chose Java as his primary programming language due to its high demand in the job market at the time. He began his journey by diving into books and watching various YouTube tutorials. Eventually, he discovered a programming course project, dedicating about six months to it.
In conjunction with the course, he explored other technologies that piqued his interest, such as SQL and HTML/CSS, while also familiarizing himself with the basics of C++ and C#. I even invited him to assist with a project of mine, but he struggled to maintain the learning pace and had to step back.
Later, he enrolled in additional programming courses for five months, where he learned to build Java EE applications and became acquainted with essential EE frameworks, culminating in his first project. Concurrently, he honed his skills across various platforms and often revisited Javarush. After completing his courses, he began searching for a job, a process that took him six months—a story in itself.
Section 1.1: Pros of Online Courses
One of the primary benefits he found in online courses was the abundance of practical tasks, as novice programmers often grapple with the question, "What should I practice?" The assignments were not only diverse but also technically robust, reflecting my own experience with various platforms.
The lectures were engaging and informative, allowing him to apply theoretical knowledge immediately. Additionally, the curated selection of supplementary materials was invaluable, helping him discover many informative resources. Overall, he was pleased with the progress he made during this time.
Section 1.2: Cons of Online Learning
However, he faced some challenges. The task-checking system lacked feedback, which became increasingly frustrating at higher levels. He found that a significant amount of time was spent trying to identify which test cases failed his solutions, especially with more complex assignments.
As he approached level 30, he noticed that lectures continued to pile up, requiring him to solve nearly every problem without skipping any, which hindered his progress.
Chapter 2: The Importance of Real Projects
Participating in actual projects is crucial—it's beneficial to engage in them as early as possible. While mastering Java Core is essential, employers typically look for expertise in Enterprise technologies. If joining a project isn't feasible, consider creating something simple on your own, even if it seems daunting initially.
This video, "Career Switch to Software Engineer | @AnnaMcDougall | Beyond Coding Podcast #56," shares insights and advice for those contemplating a similar transition.
In the video "Should you be a Software Engineer in 2024," various factors influencing the decision to pursue a career in software engineering are discussed, offering valuable perspectives for aspiring programmers.