I have a non-CS engineering masters, am a decent coder and curious to see if I can move into tech. Also have undergrad CS coursework (data structures and algos, software dev, etc.) on my transcript. What would be the easiest companies to start getting some interview experience? I live in the Bay Area so have access to practically all of tech companies out there, but unsure where to begin.
What are you doing now & how old are you?
I’m 28. Structural engineering (designing earthquake-resilient buildings). Work is cool but pay sucks!
I feel like there’s sufficient demand in tech that there’s room for people like us. Like Uber lays off 400 engineers and they’re all easily and quickly absorbed in other companies. Just need to understand where/how to begin the pivot process.
Not to post ads - but there’s a lot of programs out there to help people like you get offers. One of the good ones is called Pathrise. You can DM me for a referral. You have to apply to get in.
Just checked it out! Thanks! Will DM.
Wow didn't know they were that famous
Beggers can’t be choosers, so apply for all positions you see. Once you start getting interview calls and offers, then it’s time to be a chooser.
Beggers
Thank you!
I think all companies have similar interviews. The difference is difficulty of getting an interview. I would go to Bay Area meetups to network and try to get referrals.
Thanks! Noted.
I’m a CS degree but have seen a lot of hires come from these 3-6 month bootcamps. I was skeptical at first, but some folks, like you, which have a technical background have ended up great and excelling in their role. Even if you have good CS skill from side projects I think these camps can pay off with the network and exposure and intros to tech companies which are hungry for talent. Can teach tooling and red-black trees and whatnot but can’t teach smart. either got it or you don’t. in terms of companies I’d recommend looking at smaller bootstrapping startups that don’t care pedigree - smart, passionate about the work, and gets shit done
side note: my first gig in the bay as a dev I got from a craigslist listing. had other offers but this one was unique - awesome product, ceo who cared, no HR hoops or politics you’d see at FAANG and mid size
Thanks for your response! Any specific bootcamps you would recommend?
I’m in a similar boat as well. Have a non cs masters but transitioned to data science within current role. Hard to completely transition to tech because of my visa (H1B). Are you on H1B as well? If so, were you able to switch without a second masters?
Why not just go for all of them? Having an engineering degree is nearly equivalent. Math majors become software engineers so getting interviews shouldn’t be an issue.
Thanks for the encouragement!
I second this. OP, i studied engineering and physics undergrad, worked for big aero for 2 years, and have just received offers from msoft and amazon. you can definitely do it too. crank out a side project or two built around relevant technologies that interest you, practice up on LeetCode, and look for referrals. it seemed harder to get an interview without the CS resume. but once i was in the interviews, it felt completely normal. you can actually stand out as someone who excelled in a non-CS engineering role, that also has CS skills. shows talent. good luck!!