Stage 7 · Lesson 8 of 9

Stepping-stone roles

A is a job inside tech that is not your final target but gets you through the door. Examples are IT or technical support, QA, at a software company, a data entry role with analysis duties, or a role at a small agency.

Being inside a tech team gives you experience and colleagues to learn from. It also opens , the chance to move between teams. Many engineers started this way.

Take one on purpose, with a plan. Ask for work that moves you towards your target, and keep building proof.

Common trapstaying in the stepping-stone role for years without ever asking for the tasks that move you on.

A question to check yourself, an AI practice session and 1 cheat sheet entry come when you add the roadmap to your account. Add it

Resources for this stage

Start with

GuideFree
The Complete Freelance Web Developer Guide
freeCodeCamp · Beginner
Free guide to finding and handling first freelance clients, useful for a freelance-first route

Practise

Google Developer Groups
Free local and online developer communities in many countries, to meet people regularly
Sefism 1:1 Mentorship
Talk your routes and story through with a mentor before you start approaching people

Keep handy

Job Scams (FTC Consumer Advice)
Clear list of job scam signs; the tactics are the same worldwide
iRelaunch
Employers that run returnships, if your switch follows a career break

Also worth your time

OutreachyGo deeper
Paid remote open source internships open to people from groups underrepresented in tech