Transitioning from Hardware to Software

Apple
kokoko

Go to company page Apple

kokoko
Jan 3, 2018 33 Comments

I have been contemplating moving from a hardware role to software, and would appericiate some advice.

A little about myself: I do hardware development for Apple in a pretty niche area and make decent money for my work experience (~240k TC with 4 yrs work experience). Lately I've been feeling burned out and dissatisfied by my job. I don't enjoy the nature of my work, and feel I could do something of better value.

I did a couple of CS related Coursera courses and felt I would enjoy this as work. I also did a fair bit of programming during undergrad/grad school (EE major), however haven't done anything significant since then?

How do I go about transitioning to Software full time? The job I'm currently doing (board level analog circuit design) is pretty much so removed from CS that I don't think I can transition in a gradual manner, within the framework of my existing job.

I also have enrolled for Georgia Tech's online MS in CS, not sure if this is the right way to go.

I don't mind taking a pay cut for an year or two as long as I can get to my existing salary quickly.

Would really appreciate any guidance the Blind community can provide!

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TOP 33 Comments
  • Google
    Gilfoyle

    Go to company page Google

    Gilfoyle
    What’s the reasoning behind wanting to move away from HW? HW is now a hot space...
    Jan 3, 2018 4
    • New
      pnem77

      New

      pnem77
      Well, I have been mulling about the same for a long time but in the other way. I worked as CPU Verif eng for a good time and later switched to Software programming (Data Engineering). Later realized that it is difficult to meet the expectation with the latest technologies being thrown into the market every year. Even if you do, the number of people competing to get hired into companies like Google, Facebook, Microsoft and the interview process is a not that easy compared to moving between Qualcomm, Intel, Nvidia, AMD, etc. But, the only catch here is, most of the HW jobs are moving towards ASIA and I do not wish to explore that option. So, I want to share my experience and be advised as I believe I am on the other end not able to take a step towards moving back to HW
      Jan 6, 2020
    • International Software Systems,
      pnem77

      International Software Systems,

      pnem77
      I am in the same situation. I used to work as CPU verif eng. and now currently working as Data Engineer with failed attempts to get into some standard companies. As was mentioned, I really find it difficult to get an entry to FANG compared to Qualcomm, Intel, Nvidia, AMD, etc. I am not sure how to cope up with this or should I go back to HW again with a question mark in face about the job security. Not able to decide what's best of the both worlds. HW with less job security but some standard environment or a slave in software waiting to see light through big firms hoping to cross the gc line
      Jun 21, 2020
  • Illumina
    ultrasound

    Go to company page Illumina

    ultrasound
    Coming to this thread a bit late. What did the OP end up doing finally. Did he Leetcode his way in to other FANG or still pursuing the OMSCS? I kinda have the same baggage tho been doing this for 10 years now.
    Oct 11, 2018 1
    • IEEE
      ExAn43

      IEEE

      ExAn43
      What did you end up doing?
      Apr 29, 2021
  • Apple / Eng
    hardybo

    Go to company page Apple Eng

    PRE
    Apple
    hardybo
    Is there any update on the this? Were you able to make the switch? I am also considering the same?
    May 18, 2019 0
  • Leetcode for CS interviews
    Jan 3, 2018 7
  • Imagine feeling like that, but getting paid shit and not at a good company. Hmm.
    Jan 3, 2018 3