Switch into tech

Stage 7 of 8 · 8 lessons · ~5 weeks

Getting in the door

Go beyond cold applications: internal moves, apprenticeships, internships and returnships, freelance work, referrals earned without awkwardness and stepping-stone roles, while avoiding the scams aimed at switchers.

Start: Apprenticeships and trainee roles

Lessons· one lesson for each topic, in this order

  1. 1Apprenticeships and trainee roles
  2. 2Internships and graduate programmes for switchers
  3. 3Returnships after a career breakOptional
  4. 4Freelance or volunteer work first
  5. 5Referrals and networking without awkwardness
  6. 6Meetups and communities
  7. 7Stepping-stone roles
  8. 8Scams aimed at career changers

Do this

  • List every internship, apprenticeship, trainee or returnship programme you are eligible for, with deadlines.
  • Offer one small freelance or volunteer project with a written scope.
  • Attend one community or meetup at least twice a month.
  • Identify three people who know your work and could refer you when a role fits.
  • List stepping-stone roles that could lead to your target.
  • Verify every offer on the official company site and never pay to be hired.
  • Follow the Job search roadmap for applications, and track everything in one place.

Start with

Practise

Keep handy

Also worth your time

  • OutreachyGo deeper

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

Before moving on: A doors list with at least ten concrete routes in: internal options or programmes you are eligible for, one freelance or volunteer project, three people who know your work, one or two communities you attend, and a scam check you apply to every offer.

Tauseef's advice
As a graduate, look hard at graduate programmes and internships that accept any degree: many exist, and they are built to train you. Combine them with warm referrals from classmates who went into tech. Your degree already clears the filters many self-taught people cannot.

Mark this stage as not done?