You Belong In Tech summary

You’ve already seen them: coding bootcamps that promise you’ll quickly go from novice to pro. But in reality, transitioning to a career in tech takes persistence beyond what glossy marketing materials suggest. And this is especially true of those pivoting from other careers. 

So let’s take a moment to put ourselves in the shoes of the people who might hire you, and look at the hiring process from the employer's perspective. What companies typically want most is to find a senior developer who can solve their problems. But companies struggle to afford them within their hiring budgets. Meanwhile, open positions for junior developers attract a veritable flood of applicants. Recruiters are overwhelmed and fall back on what’s familiar – fresh computer science graduates who tick all the boxes. Though unproven, these recent graduates come with some basic skills and the implicit endorsement of academic institutions. 

So for unconventional candidates – a mother and former teacher in her 30s, let’s say – it can feel like the deck is stacked against them. Why? Starkly put, employers often view unconventional candidates as a potential hiring risk. 

So how can you get noticed? The key is crafting a unique value proposition that shows you’re either worth taking a chance on or not a risk in the first place. Maybe it's your ability to bridge communication gaps between technical and non-technical teams. Or perhaps your eclectic background brings creative problem-solving skills to the table. Whatever your secret sauce, it’ll need to be front and center. 

Let’s make one thing clear, though. No amount of personal branding can make up for lackluster coding chops. Aspiring programmers must prioritize building a solid technical foundation. 

And that all begins with mindset. 

Some rookie coders start out confident, before giving way to overwhelm at how much they don’t know. Pushing through this uncomfortable phase is the only way to reach true proficiency. You’ve got to adopt a growth mindset, where you view the gaps in your knowledge as learning opportunities, and not failings. 

Another common stumbling block is imposter syndrome, where people feel like frauds regardless of their qualifications. The antidote is embracing the role of the eager learner. So what if you’re the least experienced coder on the team? Is that so bad? That just means there’s plenty of people out there with wisdom they can share with you. 

Those who thrive in programming careers often start by asking thoughtful questions, diligently implementing feedback, and demonstrating intellectual curiosity. That’s exactly what’s going to make senior developers want to invest in your growth. 

Ultimately, pivoting into a career in tech takes a strategic approach and a healthy dose of grit. By keeping the hiring manager's needs in mind, staying humble, and continuously sharpening your skills, you can beat the odds and build your dream career in tech.