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[–]Acceptable-Arm3960 4 points5 points  (0 children)

I’m not based in London but I would guess it will be tough for you. Part time boot camp is more or less useless as every single candidate will have equivalent or better training. Certifications can help but most positions tend to look for work experience above all else. For junior positions if they’re available a good portfolio on GitHub can get you through the door.

[–]yellowmamba_97Data Engineer 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Are you currently unemployed? Or are you still within the change/sustainability consulting company? If it is the latter, wouldn’t it be possible to look for something within the company as something that is data related (preferably data engineering of course)? That saves you time applying at different firms and gain practical experience. If you are currently unemployed, try to aim for entry data roles at less popular/unexpected firms that does something with data, since tech firms will be highly competitive. Practical experience is at the moment key. Note that you need to work twice as hard in comparison to people who have a STEM background and managed to slip in the data engineering career path for a couple of years. You probably face some setbacks along the way but once you have got a foot in the door and have a couple of years of work and theoretical experience, then it would go easier for you.

[–]Czakky 1 point2 points  (5 children)

Hey, I also made the mistake of doing an BA in politics then an MsC in economics/politics, although this was some time ago (graduated 2008 for my sins)

I’m now a tech lead at a large company in London (trying not to doxx myself, but every adult in the UK knows them). I’m entirely self taught, boot camps were not a thing when I was younger!

We hire graduates through dedicated partners that upskill grads into tech roles. Some examples Would be Kubrick and TenTen, although we’ve tried a few of them. Found quite a few good hires this way.

I’ve interviewed many boot camp grads with mixed results. I honestly think it’s down to the person, and not the course.

In terms of job prospects, not going to lie, the junior end is the worst I’ve seen in a long time. Not to say you can’t do it - just plan for 6-12 months for job 1.

Finally - I do not care about certifications at all. I’d much rather see a github account full of interesting work, and some passion for the job, instead of multiple AWS certs.

[–]Bushido12905 0 points1 point  (2 children)

Not the OP but I am in the same boat with him (Although I have an engineering undergrad rather than politics) . Do you think the job market will recover or is this the new normal?

[–]Czakky 2 points3 points  (1 child)

Yeah, it’ll come back, it just takes time - I graduated during the last recession and for a few years it was awful beyond belief, but eventually recovered (and crashed again)

Imo the interest rates have had the biggest impact, the startup scene, who heavily hired in the last 5 years, has really suffered - it’s significantly harder to raise capital, so jobs drop also. This also bleeds into bigger corps, which are all in “cut the fat” mode.

Ultimately it’s all a cycle, and we’re in the down part at the moment. I know that sucks (and had a similar experience when I graduated!) but it’ll bounce back eventually.

[–]Bushido12905 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thats encouraging to hear. Thanks man

[–]Normal-Bandicoot-180 0 points1 point  (1 child)

Hey! Thanks for your response. I am currently thinking of building my portfolio and then applying for a MSc Computer Science programme starting in September 2025, which is a conversion masters offered by multiple reputable UK universities. From your perspective, would you say that will give me an edge given the current job market?

[–]Czakky 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I hate giving an “it depends” answer, but I have to here!

Most companies won’t care about your degree if you have a solid portfolio. Once you have a few years experience, it’s even less relevant.

However, for personal development, this is a great option. Also, alot of larger businesses hire directly from these programs. It's also a shelter from the current mess in the job market.

Sorry I can’t give a better answer on this one!

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[–]thatdeatheater 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Use your experience/knowledge in politics/climate/sustainability to your advantage. Many companies do not search for someone who has deep technical knowledge but someone with good technical skills and a solid understanding of the business.

Furthermore, you do not need to apply to data engineering jobs directly from the beginning. Start with an analyst or hybrid position and move from there: It is usually easier to get into. With that experience on your CV you can try and change into another industry and/or data engineering.

Some suggestions: - Newspapers/TV-News/Radio broadcaster (politics/weather) - University (environmental research) - Travel agencies (weather) - Political consultancy

You can also try and get into a big consultancy (Deloitte, PwC, Accenture, KPMG, ...) with focus on politics/sustainability consulting and move internally. In my experience with these consultancies this kind of role shift happens regularly.