Stage 2 · Lesson 1 of 6

The main entry points into tech

People enter tech through many roles, not just "software engineer". Knowing the main helps you pick a realistic first step. Developers build websites, mobile apps or backend software (the part that runs on servers).

Data analysts turn data into decisions using SQL (a language for asking questions of databases), spreadsheets and dashboards. QA () and find problems before users do. Support and solve technical problems for customers.

IT support keeps systems running. UX designers shape how products work. explain them.

Product roles decide what gets built. Each role has different skills, competition and hiring styles, and some are easier first steps than others. Sefism has a roadmap for each of these areas.

Common trapchoosing the most famous role by default, when a nearer door would get you inside faster and let you move later.

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

Practise

LinkedIn Jobs
Count junior postings for your candidate roles and note which skills repeat
ADPList
Book free calls with people already in your candidate roles

Keep handy

roadmap.sh: Frontend Developer
See the full skill map of a common first developer role before you commit to it
roadmap.sh: Data Analyst
The skill map of data analytics, a frequent first target for engineers, scientists and accountants

Also worth your time

Google Technical Writing CoursesGo deeper
Free and short: a good taster if writing, teaching or documentation is your background