Construction to Computing

New
NYbuilder

New

NYbuilder
Nov 2, 2020 8 Comments

Hi all, recent grad of Construction Management engineering technology degree. I’m a Assistant
project manager in high rise construction company. I have a good start to my career.

However, looking at how Construction is slowing down and a lot of more experience men are being let go. Also, my next job being delayed and I’m sitting around doing bs paperwork to keep busy. It made me rethink my future.

I want to look into Comp sci, and would ask you all if there is any pointers you can give me to put me on the right direction?

I have a engineering background with all my core general engineering courses completed. So I don’t really wanna go back to school and get another whole 4 year degree. Any recommendations on any key certifications I can get and teach myself how to code ?

I would like to aim high and get a solid paying job as I am planning to start a family In the next 2-3 years.

Any pointers or advice would be very appreciated.

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TOP 8 Comments
  • I have a ME background and got into a software engineering.

    The way I got in was by learning Java and being lucky enough to find a team that’s willing to teach.

    Looking back I think it would have been easier if I would have just gone back for a BS or MS in computer science. There was way too many gate keepers that block you because you don’t have a CS degree.
    Nov 2, 2020 2
    • Boeing
      XSsJ14

      Go to company page Boeing

      XSsJ14
      Was that at LM? Same thing happened at Boeing even after I had worked in a software role that was crossover between software/aerospace
      Nov 2, 2020
    • Same, my role was a crossover. I’m at another company now... No it wasn’t at any particular company but I would run into recruiters that would skip over the fact that I had several years of software experience and focus on my education background and say sorry you don’t have a CS degree.
      Nov 3, 2020
  • Humana
    deph

    Go to company page Humana

    deph
    Friend of a friend graduated construction management in 2008, so essentially a worthless degree in that economy.

    They got a masters in MIS and did extra coding studies. They work at Amazon in NYC now.

    Totally doable career path you just have to work harder to break in
    Nov 2, 2020 0
  • Google
    puff puff

    Go to company page Google

    puff puff
    Well the metaphors are the same. We talk about it hammers a lot. We structure builds rather than build structures. Our infrastructure is vast and expensive, and completely invisible. We have switches that do more than dim the lights. Our labourers are unlicensed engineers. Come join us!
    Nov 2, 2020 0
  • Google
    vkcksp

    Go to company page Google

    vkcksp
    Take a look at program manager roles, I think there will be a reasonable skillset overlap between your current role and a standard PgM role.

    If you use that to break into a tech co (doesn't have to be one of the FAANGs), you can use that experience to get into management etc.

    Wouldn't recommend just learning to code straight up unless you really enjoy it.
    Nov 2, 2020 0
  • Boeing
    XSsJ14

    Go to company page Boeing

    XSsJ14
    In the market pre-COVID you could apply to companies without it disappearing down a black hole, nowadays I wouldn’t even apply in your position OP unless you apply for PM roles. I too have an eng undergrad and learned programming with some more credentials. I think if you apply to software roles rn it will leave you incredibly frustrated so I’d give it a year. If you’re talking to just get a job all you need to do is practice leetcode and know the foundations like Data Structures and Algorithms.

    Oh you could always do OMSCS for a masters for less than $10,000 which is what I’m doing
    Nov 2, 2020 0