After researching quite a bit on changing careers I have decided to self study to change from my non tech engineering background into SWE. My question would be what would you consider the ideal approach for this self study? I am interested in cloud architecture so my current plan is to finish up my intro to CS course (CS50x from Harvard) to get my fundamentals, then study purely python from Udemy (Complete Python Bootcamp From Zero to Hero in Python - Pierian Data). I am also planning on taking the AWS Solutions Architect certification by studying off Udemy as well (Ultimate AWS Certified Solutions Architect Associate - Stephane Maarek). After this I plan on creating a couple projects to upload to my portfolio and practice my coding skills on codewars and with LC. Would you recommend any additional courses or areas in which I would have knowledge gaps? Is there a better way into a jr SWE position? For what it’s worth, I’m in Toronto at the moment but I don’t mind relocating.
I came from an engineering research background. Just did leetxode for a couple of weeks and then applied. You'll learn what you need on the job. Hardest part might be getting into the interviews tbh
Which languages did you focus on for LC? What did your resume look like for you to get that first interview and did you have a portfolio
I just did python. I assume with engineering background you have atleast some basic coding experience. Leetcode took me a bit longer too bc I needed to study the fats structures as I was doing the problems but after a bit you just know them. My resume was just my engineering experience and school and I will admit it took a lot of applying to get interviews so maybe a portfolio might have sped things up but I didn't have one. Just need the right recruiter to see it and it look interesting. Also spin some project you've worked on to show you're good at problem solving or handling ambiguous problems
Learn to implement basic data structures, linked lists, hashtables, in C
Start by taking a data structures course, then go a lot of leetcode. Finally take courses on specific technologies like AWS, spring boot, etc Don’t waste your time taking a python class, idk what CS50x but if it’s not a data structure class probably also a waste of time