Dice’s Post

Well, that got a lot more attention than I expected. Last week, I actually made my first post on LinkedIn: https://lnkd.in/ew-VtXaa. I guess it struck a nerve with folks, or at least caught a lot of attention, so I figured maybe it deserved a follow up. First off, thanks to all the folks who provided kind words and support, it is appreciated. And for some of the well meaning folks who suggested that I should just go ahead and finish my degree, while I appreciate the sentiment, that is definitely not happening. After nearly 30 years in my career, with none of the positions I've held actually caring, I am not interested in going back to school at this point. That being said, I am not fundamentally opposed to education. For folks early in their careers, and recent graduates, it shows that you are capable of learning, and focusing long enough to get things done. But, it's not the only way to break into tech. The main reason I never finished my BS was this: By the time I had finished my Associate's degree, I already had a developer job, and just didn't see the point of continuing on with 4-5 years of night classes, with a full time job, and a commute that kept me in a car for 2-3 hours a day. The thought of it was exhausting then, and even more so now. From personal experience, this hasn't really held me back in my career. I'm not even overly concerned at the moment, honestly. I was mostly just annoyed with this one particular interaction that I thought was weird. To be fair, it was a *much* larger company than I would usually consider, but the tech skills were a near-perfect match, and it was for a smaller team doing newer work, so I figured I would give it a shot. I'm not really disappointed in the outcome so much as the reasoning.

3 Books Every New Grad Looking to Work in Tech Needs to Read Discover three essential reads for new graduates entering the tech industry! Read this post and more on my Typeshare Social Blog: https://lnkd.in/gDBmR8Fj

For the next couple of weeks, I am going to change things up a little and share some advice for early-career folks getting started in tech in the form of a QnA mini-series. I find that the rapid innovation and evolution of tech often leads to anxiety, insecurity, and confusion surrounding how best to build a career foundation; and I am hoping that this series helps as a starting point. Q1: I want to establish myself in my engineering career, what is the one thing I should focus on? A: Deliberate curiosity. If you want to ask yourself one question at the end of every work week to track meaningful progress on your career journey, it should be: “Was I curious enough this week?” This can be hard to measure, so here’s 3 quick tips on how to track this: - What percentage of your discussions, meetings, calls, 1-on-1’s did you spend passively listening/taking notes vs. probing, testing your understanding, doing follow-up research etc? This number should be high, >60% minimum. - How many working hours of the week did you spend learning something new and hard, where you can now converse with someone on that topic at an undergrad level? This should be at least 4 hours a week, ideally 8 hours. - What percentage of the week did you spend solving real problems? This is not solving leetcode, but actual bugs and features in products or open source projects, designing scaling frameworks, writing user docs, doing workshops on a specific challenge etc. This should be high, at least 50% of your week.

Thanks to rapidly advancing technologies impacting the workforce, every company is a tech company, making the competition for tech professionals as tight as ever. This article explores four tactics for getting early-career tech talent in the door. The most impactful in my opinion is a focus on skills—with more than 80% of students majoring in non-tech fields having some level of technical skills, companies will miss out if screening by major or degree only.  https://lnkd.in/giSSpc4V

The Strategic First Year: Navigating Your Early Tech Career For many embarking on their tech careers, especially those transitioning from a bootcamp, the initial job choice can feel pivotal—almost as if it's a make-or-break decision. However, one piece of advice I consistently offer my students is the importance of committing to their first job for at least a year. This timeframe isn't arbitrary; it serves a strategic purpose in shedding the 'junior' label, allowing for significant growth and learning, and demonstrating to future employers a level of stability and dedication. This commitment, however, doesn't mean you should view your first job as the be-all and end-all of your career. The tech industry is vast and varied, and the first role you land is more about gaining experience, learning the ropes, and understanding what you enjoy and excel at in a professional setting. It's about building a foundation upon which the rest of your career will be built. After a year, you'll likely have a clearer idea of your career path, your likes and dislikes, and where you see yourself fitting in the broader tech landscape. Moreover, I encourage my students to adopt a flexible mindset towards their career trajectories. Loyalty to a single job or company from the outset can limit your exposure to diverse technologies, projects, and company cultures. It's normal, and even beneficial, to work for several companies early in your career as you search for the right fit. Each role offers unique learning opportunities and challenges, helping you to refine your skills, preferences, and professional network. Ultimately, the goal is to find a place where you can thrive long-term, contributing to meaningful projects and continuing your growth as a tech professional.

Statistics and data have proven that in 6 months' time, with the right mentor and curriculum, you can secure your first tech job as an entry-level candidate." - Innocent Udo 📈💻 I had an insightful discussion with INNOCENT UDO on "Cracking the Code: Landing Your First Tech Job," where we addressed frequently asked questions newbies ask when transitioning into tech. Here are the key questions we covered: ✔️ How long does it typically take for someone new to tech to secure a high-paying role in the industry? ✔️ What are the essential skills and qualifications needed to land a tech job? ✔️ How do entry-level candidates stand out among more experienced applicants in the tech job market? ✔️ What role do online platforms and communities play in finding and applying for tech jobs? ✔️ What advice do you have for newcomers on building a successful career path in tech? These five questions were answered extensively and by the end of the video, you should be able to land your tech job in six months or less. 📈🛠️ Share your answers to these questions in the comments section below. 🗣️ The video will be out tomorrow on my YouTube channel. The link is available below. Make sure you subscribe and turn on the notification button to stay tuned: https://lnkd.in/ejxV3BYk 🎥✨

Great article with a lot of concise points made. Also mentioning GSoC is interesting.

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In his recent article, the author delves into the realm of tech careers, offering invaluable insights tailored for individuals embarking on their professional journey in this dynamic field. The piece serves as a guiding light for aspiring technologists, providing practical advice on navigating the complexities of launching a tech career. From selecting pertinent programming languages to discerning industry trends and honing essential skills, the article equips readers with the knowledge necessary to embark on their journey with confidence. Whether you are a curious novice or contemplating a career transition, this article serves as essential reading, offering clear guidance amidst the abundant opportunities available in today's tech industry.

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