To get an entry level position in software development

[marky]

Hi all,

Stop me if you've heard this one before - looking for advice on how to get into the software development industry with no IT-related qualifications and relatively late in life (I'm 29, whether this is considered 'late in life' as far as careers are concerned is subjective). It has always been my dream to get involved in the industry but I made some bad decisions and went down the wrong career path (law). I've finally decided that it's never too late and am taking steps towards realizing my dream. Long - term, I want to get a BSc in Computer Science or Informatics and become a software developer. My idea is that I could start in software testing and hopefully move into development, correct me if I am wrong.

What I do have:

• A degree (LLB - completely unrelated, I know).
• An ISTQB software testing certificate (foundation level), but no experience. I did this last December in an attempt to hopefully make myself employable in the industry.
• A lifelong passion for tech and the willingness to learn and start from the bottom.

What I currently do:

• I currently teach legal English online and have been doing so for the past 2 years.
• Since late last year I have been consistently working on developing some programming skills, particularly using c#. I have a Github account with a project or two and will continue to make regular commits.
• I have been doing "kata" on Codewars to improve/develop problem solving skills and hopefully have something to show to potential employers, though I'm not sure how relevant/helpful it will be.
• Every day I am working on / learning something about c#, building RESTful APIs (asp.net), familiarizing myself with Postman for testing i.e. learning in general, trying to develop practical, marketable skills.

I plan to post my CV and all the above in the "jobs wanted" section of Carbonite shortly, but I realize it may be a while before I land my first job. I would appreciate any advice regarding where to focus my efforts in order to become of value to a potential employer. Should I be doing things differently? I hear that personal projects are a good way to gain practical experience and have something of value to show for employment purposes, but I'd love to hear from those who know first-hand.

Any and all advice appreciated!

 

[SpaceWalker]

The best method is to keep learning and practicing.

I'd like to mention that your LLB could actually be beneficial in a software development career.

Take Fintech as an example. Banks, financial institutions etc. There's a shitload of red-tape in these industries. Being a developer that understands how law works and how laws work is a great advantage.

I work in a similar role and I'm learning development myself, albeit at a cruising pace and not exerting myself. My day to day duties keep me quite occupied.

I've been in the ICT industry a long long time and everything I've learned took practice and some of it was tedious and definitely not fun. I howevet work towards the fun. Constantly learning and improving in a direction I'm interested in. This said. Finding work isn't 123 these days. Even if you had an actual Computer Science degree, you aren't guaranteed employment.

My main advice would be to not just do what you do and learn what you learn to 'fit' in the market. That is the wrong intention and will set you up for failure. You chose C#. Is it due to a perceived salary bracket? Or because you actually prefer the language and find it worthwhile to use? I'm not saying it's a wrong choice. I'm saying the intention should be correct. Otherwise it would be just like your LLB.

Either way. Continue exercising and practicing your coding skills. Personal projects are definitely the way to go, as well as contributions to available projects. I wish you the best.

 

[marky]

The best method is to keep learning and practicing.

I'd like to mention that your LLB could actually be beneficial in a software development career.

Take Fintech as an example. Banks, financial institutions etc. There's a shitload of red-tape in these industries. Being a developer that understands how law works and how laws work is a great advantage.

I work in a similar role and I'm learning development myself, albeit at a cruising pace and not exerting myself. My day to day duties keep me quite occupied.

I've been in the ICT industry a long long time and everything I've learned took practice and some of it was tedious and definitely not fun. I howevet work towards the fun. Constantly learning and improving in a direction I'm interested in. This said. Finding work isn't 123 these days. Even if you had an actual Computer Science degree, you aren't guaranteed employment.

My main advice would be to not just do what you do and learn what you learn to 'fit' in the market. That is the wrong intention and will set you up for failure. You chose C#. Is it due to a perceived salary bracket? Or because you actually prefer the language and find it worthwhile to use? I'm not saying it's a wrong choice. I'm saying the intention should be correct. Otherwise it would be just like your LLB.

Either way. Continue exercising and practicing your coding skills. Personal projects are definitely the way to go, as well as contributions to available projects. I wish you the best.

That's wonderful advice, thank you for taking the time!

 

[PHalanKS]

You could maybe try offerzen, they might not want to list you ok their platform due to lack of qualifications but if they do then you should at least land a few interviews. It sounds like you're doing the right kinda things.

 

[marky]

You could maybe try offerzen, they might not want to list you ok their platform due to lack of qualifications but if they do then you should at least land a few interviews. It sounds like you're doing the right kinda things.

I did try to sign up but they wouldn't allow me on the platform unfortunately. I'm keeping an eye on some job sites and applying where I might stand a chance.

 

[marky]

You could maybe try offerzen, they might not want to list you ok their platform due to lack of qualifications but if they do then you should at least land a few interviews. It sounds like you're doing the right kinda things.

Offerzen was like...

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">via GIPHY</a></p>[/GIPHY]

 

[sketchycat]

LinkedIn. Post about what you are currently working on. Someone will find you.

 

[mabochster]

As someone who was self taught and found a Job in the software industry, currently 9 years and going strong.
What you need to do is let people know what skills you have, create test projects, try to understand certain concepts, i.e

1. SOLID
2. DRY
3. Design principles ( as a Junior this might not be stressed as much , but knowing about the GOF will help in interviews)

As noted, posting on linkedIn and tagging your various skills will help a lot.

 

[Dom]

My 2c - https://carbonite.co.za/index.php?threads/the-non-exhaustive-lists-of-dos-donts.319976/

 

[GamerZee]

Any update on this? @marky post your success story