Ask HN: Switching career to Dev, what's a realistic first job to target?

#1

Post by HollywoodZro » Wed, Feb 01, 2023, 3:39 PM UTC

I'm considering switching from Technical Product Management to Development. I have degrees in IT so I'm familiar with tech. I'm planning on doing classes/bootcamp, but wanted to see what a realistic first job to target.

Should one look at QA? Or look for a Junior Dev role?

Re: Ask HN: Switching career to Dev, what's a realistic first job to target?

#2

Post by tooltitude » Wed, Feb 01, 2023, 11:17 PM UTC

The problem with QA is that it might be harder to get to the dev role from there. Also, it feels to me that the job is on decline, i.e. there's no growth for QAs.

If I were you, I would try my best to get a Jr. role at the company which you working at. A big advantage is that people know you, and you have trust with them. It will also be easier to roll back to TPM if things not work out.

Re: Ask HN: Switching career to Dev, what's a realistic first job to target?

#3

Post by perfecthjrjth » Wed, Feb 01, 2023, 11:23 PM UTC

tooltitude wrote: post #2

The problem with QA is that it might be harder to get to the dev role from there. Also, it feels to me that the job is on decline, i.e. there's no growth for QAs. If I were you, I would try my best to get a Jr. role at the company which you working at. A big advantage is that people know you, and you have trust with them. It will also be easier to roll back to TPM if things not work out.

This. QA jobs are there in the very old school companies, govt. Stay away from QA.