Dear JobGals,
I am in a situation where I was looking to get more involved in the computer side of technology. I have worked in the broadband industry as an RF and Fiber engineer for 8 years but want to focus more on what excites me. Yes, I love where broadband is headed (television and the special features that are going to take home entertainment to the next level, HSI, VoIP, etc.) but I want to be more involved in the development of the newest programs and technologies that will shape the way the entire globe will interact.
My biggest problem is that I do not know what the first step should be to get in the door. I have always been looked at as a creative person. I am always looking for new things to learn about. I have started studying HTML, XHTML, Java, XML, to familiarize myself with the languages involved.
Does this mean I want to be a programmer or designer? No. I am looking more at entering in at a management level. I want to utilize my business education (BS in Business Management and an MBA) along with my excitement and love for technology to help guide the direction and development of programs, etc.
Am I going about it in the right way by learning the basics of the languages or should I do something else first?
Mike
Hi Mike – It sounds like you are getting a little ahead of yourself. You have two problems here: 1) How do you effectively make the switch over to software engineering, and 2) how do you make an industry switch while staying in a management career path?
To your first problem of switching industries, it sounds like you are going about it the right way. I would encourage you to take a few programming classes at a local university to familiarize yourself with languages and get a better overview of what technologies are out there. I’d then settle on a few (which it sounds like you have) and begin to build experience in these areas. Employers like to see initiative and passion, so see if you can take on a few projects – either paid or as a hobby – in your free time. You need to build some experience and a portfolio to demonstrate practical usage of these languages.
Now, on to your second problem … How do you make this switch and start off at a management level instead of an individual contributor programmer? Here, I think your expectations may be a bit off. It’s not my experience that employers will hire someone without a prior “in the trenches” background to step in and lead a group of people. You need to demonstrate a track record of “doing” before you can “lead.”
If you are serious about making the switch into software, I would be prepared to take on an individual contributor role. That doesn’t mean you’d start as purely “entry-level.” You do have 8 years of real-world experience, and even though your professional experience wasn’t focused on this new technical area you are entering, it will still count in terms of responsibility and salary. Also, given your work and educational background, you may find the transition to management won’t take as long as it may take others. You can get there eventually.
For now, I would recommend considering your priorities, and if this switch is important to you, be prepared to take a small step back when entering this new industry. If you are willing to make the sacrifice, you will likely reach your end goal.
Good luck!
gretchen
Mike’s question can be viewed in the JobSytnax Forums in the Career Changes into Tech thread. Please offer up your advice, too!
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