Ask HN: I'm lost in my journey to become a developer

I’ve been having trouble on my path to become a professional software developer, and I would really love some help/advice. A little over a year ago I moved to NYC to attend a Full Stack Python Coding Bootcamp. I flew through the course, and upon finishing had bright eyes and a lot of enthusiasm to begin a career in tech. The teachers threw their support behind me, and let me know that I was a strong developer (and more importantly a fast learner) and should have no problem finding a job. Fast forward to now - I have been looking for a career full time since July 2016 with no luck. I’ve been interviewing a lot, but ultimately get passed over for people with more experience. I’m going into debt at this point, and don’t know where to turn or what to do to get my shot.

I know companies here are really pressing a CS degree - which I don’t have. I do have a BS in Petroleum Engineer, and have work experience as an engineer. I also managed a Oil & Gas service company in Africa for years before making this transition, so I have quality professional experience. I left my career to embark on this journey into technology, so I have proof of my passion and commitment to this change. I’m not sure where to turn or what to do at this point, but I know I want to be working in tech.

I have been a finalist for many jobs, but no offers to date. Some companies are great about going in another direction and giving feedback, and other companies give me none. Last month I interviewed at Foursquare - two phone interviews, a project, two more in person interviews - wait two weeks and receive a generic email (“While we felt your experience was great, it didn't quite align with what we're looking for at this time.”). I’ve sent emails asking for more feedback and received no replies.

If you have any thoughts as to what I can to do get my first job in technology, I would be grateful.

> I have been a finalist for many jobs, but no offers to date. Some companies are great about going in another direction and giving feedback, and other companies give me none...

Understand that companies DO NOT give feedback. That's not their job. Especially when dealing with HR Flunkies and Recruiter Bozos. They regularly churn through tons of candidates. Time simply does not permit thoughtful, individual dialogue.

There is a numbers game aspect to a job search. Can you increase the number of targeted applications? Beyond job board posts, start emailing likely hiring managers direct.

Also, understand the importance of personal referrals. Increase your network in the Python space. Start attending Python Meetups, Conferences, Events, etc... Fortunately, there several in the NYC area > https://www.eventbrite.com/d/ny--new-york/python/ Also,> https://www.meetup.com/NY-Quantitative-Python-User-Group/

Are you having "informational interviews"? Asking a engineer to coffee or for a 20 minute phone call, while scary, has the largest return on investment of any type of outreach I've seen. Basically your have to build out your network and then keep in touch with that network until one of those people have a role you would be good for.

Also you shouldn't expect companies to give you feedback. While its nice when companies do many avoid it for a number of reasons. The biggest issue I saw in the past was if specific feedback was given say, "You didn't implement x correctly in y problem" it opens the door to candidates responding with, "Yes I did" or arguing. I'm not saying that you would do that but it only has to happen once or twice for a manager to stop giving feedback.

Understood. Just sucks when you go so far with them - and I reached out to the hiring managers for feedback, which is why I was hoping for more. I've been trying to target more, but also blasting. I take an approach of blast in the morning, and then target in the afternoon. I've attended many Python meetups, and my bootcamp was one that popped up for a lot for a lot of those. I was hoping their network would help me, but it has been nonexistent. I do need a better network, but I feel like my wheels are spinning from going to meetups and events like Techday last week.

> I take an approach of blast in the morning...

Try to take the emotion out of the equation. You can not control how companies will respond. Blasts have a low-hit ratio, huge time suck. Suggest contacting individual people you can help-- managers, directors, CIO's in companies that use Python. Linkedin search is excellent for sourcing these targets.