Ask HN: Tips for a 30 year old trying to switch to IT/software development?

I have a made a much smaller transition in my career. I majored in electrical engineering and got a job as an embedded software engineer but wanted to work on web-based tech almost immediately, better pay and easier to troubleshoot. My advice would be to not try to make to big of a leap right away because it can be hard to show potential employers that you know what you are doing.

I think the following would be good approach:

1) Get business job that does a lot of excel work, then while in the position, learn how to automate parts of your job with python (Get paid to learn software).

2) In your spare time, work on projects that move you closer to the role you ultimately want(i.e web development, mobile, etc).

3) After 6 months to a year, start looking for a job that is more programming focused but still on the business side of things. Something like working on dashboards or working with data for a finance department.

4) Then after a little more time, you should be able to transition into being a full blown software developer.

You will probably need to continuously work on small projects throughout this time. The projects don't need to be huge, they just need to be able to show an understanding of the underlying technology. For example, I got a job based on a simple mobile app project that used a serverless API. The project was unfinished but it demonstrated knowledge in serverless applications.

This approach probably isn't the fastest possible but it does have a high likelihood for success and will keep you employed throughout the process.

Good luck, I hope this advice helps and that all of this works out for you.

I have thought about this approach (or finding a part time job), but it really depends on finding the right job to allow it. So still pending for now. Thanks mate.

post on the 'who wants to be hired' thread.

then search the 'who is hiring' thread, and apply to a few companies that match. seems like a bunch of companies are hiring interns for everything.

also, if you are willing to SDR, it's a great way to get in, and pay your dues in a way that most people never will at any software or tech company. if an engineer ever tries to dis you? fuck you buddy, you got an engineering degree, but i was an sdr.

in all seriousness tho, i think it's a great place to start. even if it's highly likely you'll get fired. it's high risk, high reward. i've never done it at someone else's company - tried it myself - it's hard.

after that, Level 1 Technical Support. done. do your time there, study on the side, concentrate on titles, you'll be there in no time.

also, obv, go to a booming fucking vertical. crypto. defi. vr. securitah. whatever it is this week. or will be next week.

ideally, go to a booming fucking company, whether in a booming fucking vertical or not.

who is that? flexport? stripe? i don't know who. prob anything that is bad for humans and humanity.

many of the big companies are booming, but....what a fucking existence. but if all you really care about is getting enough coin to retire early and then get depressed and kill yourself because you no longer have a meaningful goal, then big company might be for you. they can pay really well. you might die a thousand deaths before you have a chance to take your own life, but at least you'll be able to brag on the FIRE boards.