Ten years ago I transitioned from day trading to software engineering, here are 3 mistakes that made learning the new skills for my career switch take longer
Three solutions to help learn the skills you need faster.
I started my career in finance as a day trader. Today I am a Staff Engineer in big tech.
Once I decided to leave finance, it took me close to 3 years and 70+ job applications to finally land my first job as a software engineer. (Don't worry, it's much easier the 2nd and 3rd time you go looking for a job in tech).
Learning the skills required to become a software engineer while already working full time is a challenge. It can feel like working two jobs at once but if you want to work in tech, it's worth the effort.
Here are 3 mistakes I made during my transition to tech with advice on how I would've done it differently, so your journey is quicker and smoother.
Mistake #1 - Trying to learn too many languages.
Solution: Focus on just one language or one software engineering stack.
At first, I bounced all over the computer science world trying on many different hats. In reality, when you're learning a programming language, getting to know one really well will make life so much easier when trying to learn another.
Read up on the jobs that interest you and pick one language to learn for now.
For example:
Frontend Developer: Javascript, CSS
Data Analyst: SQL
Backend or Data Engineer: Python
Mistake #2 - Not using my current work projects as stories during interviews.
Solution: Look to use programming to solve a problem you currently have at your job today. Use these projects on your resume and in interviews.
Once you know a programming language well enough, start trying to build something.
Keep it small.
These projects you take on, that solve a real problem you or your colleagues face at work, are your projects to talk about.
Four years in to my job as a day trader I began writing tools in Python to scan for trading signals and sift through huge volumes of market data. As I started to do this for myself, word spread through the office. Soon, my manager even had me write tooling for other traders in the office.
These projects were invaluable learning experiences and made for great interview stories.
Mistake #3 - Taking too many courses and not building enough.
Solution: Related to the above, spend more time building and less time taking courses.
Find your balance here but it's definitely easier to learn when you are trying to build something.
Once you have identified a problem, scope it down to something smaller. Then try to solve it with code.
With Google and now ChatGPT, you have plenty of resources to help you get unstuck and learn as you go. Plus, you're building more projects to discuss with prospective employers.