Ask HN: No formal software education – is there hope for me?
In 2015 at the age of 21 I got a Mechanical Engineering bachelor's degree. Afterwards I worked for two years at a place I didn't like very much and I learned some Python. Then, there was an opening at the school I graduated from for an assistant instructor and I took it. I then went on to teach in courses such as 3d modelling, FEA and transducers and electrical prototyping. I have great fun with it and learn a tonne as well as I get to interact with lots of smart and ambitious students.
So why leave a job like that?
It's mainly the pay but I also sort of fell in love with software this year. I started learning JavaScript last year, learned about databases, servers, React and Linux stuff. Loads of really exciting fun stuff!
So now I don't know how to transition to a software role. Many places I apply to want people who have experience in software development or they want to hire a junior for some super low pay.
I can't put the words "software developer" on my resume but I have written a lot of programs for my classes and in hobby projects.
It feels like nobody looks at your GitHub profile though. I've got lots of projects I've done in the last year. But maybe that's just the grind? Just need to apply to enough places?
So why leave a job like that?
It's mainly the pay but I also sort of fell in love with software this year. I started learning JavaScript last year, learned about databases, servers, React and Linux stuff. Loads of really exciting fun stuff!
So now I don't know how to transition to a software role. Many places I apply to want people who have experience in software development or they want to hire a junior for some super low pay. I can't put the words "software developer" on my resume but I have written a lot of programs for my classes and in hobby projects.
It feels like nobody looks at your GitHub profile though. I've got lots of projects I've done in the last year. But maybe that's just the grind? Just need to apply to enough places?