Breaking into tech from non-tech background

This presentation is for a session on how to pivot to tech for professionals from non-tech background. I draw mostly from my own experience and other people's experiences in this presentation.

Transcript

1. Breaking into Software Engineering from a Non-Tech Background Chijioke Ugwuanyi
2. Hello, I'm Chijioke Ugwuanyi. Today, I'll share insights on transitioning into software engineering from a non-tech background. I have a a B.Sc. in Zoology and Environmental Biology. Currently, I’m a full-stack engineer at Adbasador Media Limited (https://adbasador.com). I graduated in November 2019 and started working in December 2019. Some of my colleagues studied Biochemistry and Literary studies. Some studied Geography, Physics and Microbiology and even Music.
3. Why Software Engineering? •Because debugging is like being the detective in a crime movie where you're also the murderer.
4. Common Misconceptions •It's not just about a computer science degree. Diverse backgrounds bring unique perspectives and problem-solving skills to the field.
5. Your Journey •Just like learning to code, life is all about trial and error. Embrace the bugs!
6. Transferable Skills •Identify and leverage skills from your non-tech background. Project management, problem-solving, and teamwork are valuable assets.
7. Learning Resources •Explore online resources like Codecademy, Coursera, and W3Schools. Learning to code is like learning a new language – practice is key!
8. Building a Portfolio •Your portfolio is your code's Instagram. Make it look impressive!
9. Networking •Join meetups, online communities, and connect on LinkedIn. In the tech world, it's not just about what you know but who you know.
10. Internships and Freelancing •Internships: Where you learn to code in the real world, not just on your laptop.
11. Certifications •Certifications are like achievement badges in a video game – they showcase your skills and accomplishments.
12. Overcoming Challenges •Remember, every bug you encounter is a step closer to becoming a debugging master!
13. Interview Preparation •Practice coding challenges on platforms like LeetCode. It's like training for a marathon, but with less running.
14. Success Stories •Just like a superhero origin story, every successful software engineer has a unique journey. Embrace yours!
15. Q&A •Open the floor for questions. Encourage audience interaction and discussion.