Chapter 1 of 7 · 4 checks · 2 min
Choose a direction
"Tech" is many jobs. Pick one target direction first so your learning, projects and networking all point the same way.
Read what a few different software roles actually do day to dayMust
Why it matters and how to check
Front-end, back-end, full-stack, mobile, data analysis, QA and testing, cloud and DevOps all involve code but feel very different to do. Read official role descriptions, such as the US Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook pages, and current job listings in your market for each.
Look at what people in each role spend their day on, not only the tools they list.
Check it: you can describe in two sentences what three different software roles do every day.
Do
- Read ten current listings for each role you are considering
Avoid
- Choosing a direction only because it is talked about the most online
Match a direction to what you enjoy and already do wellMust
Why it matters and how to check
If you like visual detail and users, front-end or mobile may fit. If you like numbers and spreadsheets, data analysis is a natural bridge. If you are methodical and enjoy finding problems, QA and testing can be a good first role. If you like systems and keeping things running, cloud and operations work may suit you.
Your old career gives you clues. Write down the parts of your current work you enjoy most.
Check it: you have written one target direction and two reasons it fits you.
Do
- List the tasks you enjoy most in your current job
Avoid
- Picking the role with the highest advertised salary and nothing else
Try a small piece of the work before you commit months to itShould
Why it matters and how to check
Before committing, spend a couple of weekends doing a tiny version of the job: build a simple web page, clean and chart a dataset, write automated checks for a small app. You learn more about fit from one finished small task than from many videos.
If you dislike it, that is useful too. Try the next direction on your list.
Check it: you have finished at least one small hands-on task in your chosen direction and still want to continue.
Do
- Finish something small rather than start something big
Avoid
- Buying an expensive course before trying the work for free
Check demand for entry-level roles where you plan to workShould
Why it matters and how to check
Entry-level openings differ a lot by city, country and remote availability. Search current listings for junior or trainee roles in your direction, in the places you could realistically work, and note how many there are and what they ask for.
The BLS notes that requirements range from a degree to showing ability through prior work or projects, depending on role and employer. Listings in your own market tell you which applies there.
Check it: you have looked at current entry-level listings in your target location and written down the skills that appear most often.
Do
- Save a handful of listings as a target to measure yourself against
Avoid
- Planning around demand in a country where you cannot work