Are FAANG TCs realistic for non-eng people who pivot into software engineering

Oct 5, 2021 21 Comments

I’ve been thinking about pivoting into software development for a while now. I’m graduated 6 years ago (finance) and currently L7 at Accenture nearing L6 level. I went into it for the money, didn’t know much about software back in the day as I grew up in a rural community (mom worked nights at Walmart), my aspiration was an “office job” in a city. Feel lucky to be where I am and I’m not complaining about pay.

My biggest worry is the time to get back to my salary range and eventually higher. I’ve spoken to a few devs, I usually get the same old “do a bootcamp” or “do CS50 and then full stack open” and I’ll make $90k first couple of years, then the pay begins to skyrocket after year 3. Figured the blind community would be more honest.

I see some of the ranges on here… TCs of $200-500+ with a few years of experience, which seems insane to me. Are all of you comp sci and engineering grads from competitive schools? Just curious to know if I’m crazy to want a career change and if reaching those TCs if realistic for a non-eng background.

#engineering #software #swe

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TOP 21 Comments
  • Could you eventually make that TC: possibly yes

    Can you transition to SE from a non-engineer background: sure

    I wouldn’t go into if you need #1 to be the case to make it worth it for you. If you want to make 200-500k or else you won’t like it, then that’s a risky bet. Very very smart people work a decade and don’t reach that.

    I think you should go in if you enjoy it. Because that way in the likely scenario you aren’t the top 5% of talent, you still feel happy with your career.
    Oct 5, 2021 2
    • Great point. It’s more about the work itself than the money. I make $140 TC right now so honestly don’t need the super high ranges to be happy. Would like to make the same salary in a few years of work experience however.
      Oct 5, 2021
    • I think that’s decently realistic. I would recommend going to a good bootcamp. It’s harder to get a job without some sort of instruction (although not impossible, if that’s your only option)
      Oct 5, 2021
  • Netflix
    benzene

    Go to company page Netflix

    benzene
    Just Leetcode and you'll get there
    Oct 5, 2021 6
  • Google
    zBfA51

    Go to company page Google

    zBfA51
    No , super difficult if you didn't go to good school for cs
    Oct 5, 2021 0
  • Moody's
    HcyS15

    Go to company page Moody's

    HcyS15
    Why not try aiming for top pay inside finance then. Go work at the top firms in NYC.
    Otherwise, it's meaningless to compare upper pay for developers at Google to some finance worker at Accenture.
    Oct 5, 2021 2
    • It’s not about the money, more about the work. I’d just like to make comparable TC to what I have now after a few years. Finance is more of the same, it’s all about who you know, kissing ass, selling.
      Oct 5, 2021
    • Moody's
      HcyS15

      Go to company page Moody's

      HcyS15
      Same stuff happens in software. Pretty much all white collar jobs are like that.
      Either that or run your own company (and most likely fail).
      Oct 5, 2021
  • Google
    tm4c123g

    Go to company page Google

    tm4c123g
    Pretty sure finance makes more money.
    Oct 5, 2021 2
    • Yeah but finance is more of the same as consulting… less about technical ability and talent, and more about who you know, which ass to kiss, and how to sell. 🤡
      Oct 5, 2021
    • Moody's
      HcyS15

      Go to company page Moody's

      HcyS15
      That's pretty much the same in software if you want to get promoted?? You think talent gets promoted to management. Don't fall for marketing by large tech firms.

      It's all about connections and timing (luck) and leverage. If you are too vital, you get pigeonholed to that role.
      Oct 5, 2021