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Ask HN: How to switch software engineering domains

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Ask HN: How to switch software engineering domains

#1

Post by SomeDaysBe »

Hi!

I've been a Software Engineer at a medium sized Canadian company for almost 4 years now. It was my first job out of university. The work is backend application development for the company's platform. While the work can be interesting at times, I feel like I don't enjoy it anymore. I want to switch into a new software engineering domain that isn't as high-level. I'm fine with switching to any other field, I'm just don't know how to properly make that transition in a way that would allow me to get a job.

Currently, I've been doing some personal projects in computer graphics, and I've always enjoyed C programming (I was a TA for my systems programming course in undergrad). I also just completed my Masters in Computer Science.

Despite this, I'm having trouble applying for jobs. I usually don't meet any of the requirements, as I don't have actual work experience that the job description expects. And when I do apply, I get rejected before an interview.

For those who have switched domains, any advice on how to go about this transition?

Re: Ask HN: How to switch software engineering domains

#2

Post by ramesh31 »

>Despite this, I'm having trouble applying for jobs. I usually don't meet any of the requirements, as I don't have actual work experience that the job description expects. And when I do apply, I get rejected before an interview.

That's just how it is. Keep applying. I doubt anyone is getting a job these days without making dozens of applications, or having serious connections. It's brutal and discouraging, but you just have to stick with it.

For some more actionable advice, focus on your framing. Interviewers don't care at all about what interests you, or what things you're most excited about getting to work on. They care about what you can do for their company right now, especially for a mid-level role. Think less in terms of "I'd love to join your company because I'm excited for the opportunity to learn more about XYZ" and more "I'd love to join your company because I have a good working knowledge of XYZ, and believe it would be a huge contribution to your development efforts in that area."

Re: Ask HN: How to switch software engineering domains

#3

Post by willio58 »

ramesh31 wrote: post #2

>Despite this, I'm having trouble applying for jobs. I usually don't meet any of the requirements, as I don't have actual work experience that the job description expects. And when I do apply, I get rejected before an interview. That's just how it is. Keep applying. I doubt anyone is getting a job these days without making dozens of applications, or having serious connections. It's brutal and discouraging, but you ju…

Agreed, I think OP will get there eventually but it's just going to take a lot of work taking into account the change of work domains.

Re: Ask HN: How to switch software engineering domains

#5

Post by throw1234651234 »

If you wanted to get into full stack dev or something, the answer would be obvious - do a project, apply, get job because you know the fundamentals.

If you are trying to get into something specific like graphics, I imagine the formula is the same, but probably with much lower likelihood of success.

Re: Ask HN: How to switch software engineering domains

#6

Post by mindcrash »

I assume you are trying to break into the game industry?

I applied as a intern and a tool developer once at two pretty famous AAA studios (due to friends, both actually didnt work out) and trust me when I say the bar is MUCH higher than a average backend job.

I do not want to discourage you, but if you have zero credits on MobyGames expect that they DO want to see proof that you can develop something like a fully working game engine from scratch (which means you understand the base concepts of game system development). Also, any proof of handson experience optimizing code for modern consoles which nowadays amount to Playstation 4, Playstation 5, Xbox One and Xbox Series S/X will probably be a huge plus.

If you can't show any of those things I am afraid most, if not all, studios will not be interested.

Re: Ask HN: How to switch software engineering domains

#7

Post by cameronfraser »

With things like computer graphics you're competing with a very different pool of applicants than you likely were before. People with PhD's and Masters in related fields. I have found success with positioning myself as someone who works on the edges of multiple domains. So if you were a web developer before it would be at an intersection of web development and computer graphics which could be web gl or operationalizing graphics applications for web or cloud integration. This won't work very well at larger companies that have a lot of clear boundaries between positions, but it will work at startups where boundaries are less clearly defined and people wear multiple hats. In summary, try startups and position yourself at the intersection of multiple domains to get your foot in the door.

Re: Ask HN: How to switch software engineering domains

#8

Post by koblas »

Keep in mind that the layoffs earlier this year have still had a huge impact on the job market for software engineers. Many companies moved their hiring bar higher and have gotten more selective over their canidates. 2 years ago, if you pretty much had a pulse you could have jumped fields (yes, some jobs did require specialized knowledge).

Many Canadian companies are not doing "interesting" things so I can understand the perspective of being at the long end of the funnel on sprint tasks for a product that might not be getting huge marketing wins. You've already taken the first step at figuring out what's interesting to you. As others have said, start learning about some topic areas find the meetups over those topics and start networking and getting to know people in the field.

Lastly, interviewing is a skill.

Re: Ask HN: How to switch software engineering domains

#9

Post by ellisv »

mindcrash wrote: post #6

I assume you are trying to break into the game industry? I applied as a intern and a tool developer once at two pretty famous AAA studios (due to friends, both actually didnt work out) and trust me when I say the bar is MUCH higher than a average backend job. I do not want to discourage you, but if you have zero credits on MobyGames expect that they DO want to see proof that you can develop something like a fully wor…

> I assume you are trying to break into the game industry?

Curious what lead you to this assumption.

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