Finance to SWE
Is it unheard of to move from a traditional finance role to becoming an engineer/data scientist? i've been out of school for 2 years and I keep having thoughts that maybe I should have pursued a technical role. I took some computer science courses during undergrad, but received degrees in economics and mathematics. Anyone made the switch or know of people who have? I'd appreciate any advice about how I might go about this switch and if it's even recommended. #finance #tech
DM me. Previously IBD to SWE. Coding bootcamps did work for us back then, but the SWE hiring market has changed a lot. I am also in SF
When did you make the switch?
Math is basically as good as a CS degree as far as most companies are concerned.
"as good as a CS degree" is not true. "good enough" may be true.
Right not a right match.
Not unheard of at all.
I don’t doubt that you can do it. Just make sure it’s right for you. You can easily pivot depending on how young you are. Depending on what excites you, the easier move is to ditch SWE and go DS. Leverage Econ and Math knowledge you currently have on top of that? I mean. Fin tech or what? DS with your background can go far. Idk about SWE because that’s a bigger pivot which would set you back on job level but that’s my personal opinion.
Definitely not unheard of. I’ve seen people go from sales to SWE, poly sci majors who find their way to a SWE role, and a ton of other non-linear paths. If you’re interested in it, definitely go for it.
Is portfolio projects the best first step? If not, how would you advise to make the transition? Btw I’m SDET
I did it - the market was much better though at the time.
It’s possible. I personally moved from banking to swe. DM if you wanted to discuss further
Like others have said not unheard of. Due to how the market is now though coding boot camps likely won’t cut it anymore. Take a look at OMSCS at GTech the program is basically designed for people like you who want to learn more about cs and pivot into swe work. Plus, the MSCS and GTech brand are strong and you’d likely not have as many hurdles getting an swe role as you would if you did a bootcamp
can you elaborate on why coding bootcamps wouldn’t cut it anymore? do big tech companies not value them as much?
They never valued them to begin with.
It's not unheard of at all. Anyone who wants to code can be a software engineer if they have enough practice. Not unheard of at all dude, if anything we welcome you and hope you can join us in building cool things.
Love your response and acceptance for people. Not like many other engineers who’d turn their nose up at someone for not having a CS degree or for attending a boot camp.
Joking 8th es 4i 4th tq 8qq 3
I’m probably not a great example but I went to school for finance. Worked $12/hr for a few years in greenhouses growing weed. Became GM of a weed operation and three years later at 27 I’m starting as a data engineer at a new company in a few weeks. Definitely not unheard of if you are passionate about what you do and work hard!
That’s awesome! Do you ever wonder if having cannabis company work on your resume is off putting to future employers?
Maybe to a sector like finance or something with security clearance, but in tech I doubt it. Who knows though it’s definitely possible.