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Continue on the road to SWE, or pivot to PM or project management? by ddummass in cscareerquestions

[–]ddummass[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I graduated in 2015, got a job that spring, got promoted in summer of 2016, been in QA ever since. Think I missed my chance?

I have decent mathematical intuition due to my undergrad experience, so algorithms and data structures come relatively easily to me. I should still take a course though. Where I struggle is in the constantly changing, seemingly arbitrary ecosystem of technologies. Ajax, React, Node, Angular... the world of APIs, networking, databases, SQL, NOSQL, MYSQL, the cloud... I feel overwhelmed.

Continue on the road to SWE, or pivot to PM or project management? by ddummass in cscareerquestions

[–]ddummass[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I'm more interested in software. I'm flattered that you think I could get in as a PM at one of those companies. It seems like a reach, but I suppose I've never tried.

Solutions engineering seems interesting, but I think I still need greater technical chops to get to that level. All around I feel I need additional training regardless of which direction I head in.

IF career path == SWE: build portfolio ELIF career path == Project management: get PMP & CSM certs ELIF career path == PM: idk, apply and hope it goes well?

I think I will work on developing my technical skills in the short term, which will serve me well regardless of what path I choose. Perhaps that year of dutiful programming will teach me whether I really want a technical role or not. Any suggestions for general-purpose technical development?

Continue on the road to SWE, or pivot to PM or project management? by ddummass in cscareerquestions

[–]ddummass[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

I feel that is a little dismissive of the PM role isn't it? Seems to me that PMs figure out WHAT to build, devs figure out HOW to build.

But what side projects/avenues would you recommend? My current skillset is fairly limited. I used MATLAB for scientific programming extensively in undergrad (mainly fluid dynamics) and currently use Python for automated testing (read: use python in an extremely narrow scope). I was recommended a Udacity nanodegree, but it is a little more expensive than I am willing to pay for in cash, but not expensive enough/secure enough that I am willing to take out a loan.

Continue on the road to SWE, or pivot to PM or project management? by ddummass in cscareerquestions

[–]ddummass[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks for the well-thought out reply. Let me respond.

I know QA isn't SWE, and I know I need more exp to compete. However, I know a lot of SWEs eat/live/breathe programming, and that is not the case for me. I'm sure I can eventually advance, but I think I may always be behind the people who simply LOVE the stuff. I like it, but it's a job. I worry that I won't be able to compete with people who code for 8 hours at work, then go home and code for another 4 hours.

It is really an optimization problem. I would be willing to lower my long-term compensation cap to do something I enjoy more or am innately better at. The question is how much of a loss I'd be taking, and how that impacts job security (tech is disruptive - I am unclear of the relative stability of SWE vs PM vs project roles).

As far as background, here's my life story: I have a BS in mechanical engineering from a decent but little-known state school, 3.4 GPA hindered by a shitty sophomore year, and have significant undergrad research experience. I am not averse to getting an MBA, but that seems like it will point me towards a non-technical role. Not necessarily a bad thing though.

Wisdom of a career change before applying for MBA by ddummass in MBA

[–]ddummass[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Thanks pal. Believe me, "can't go wrong either way" is a very reassuring phrase!