Getting into Tech a Decade Ago

A Playful Retrospective

Having spent a decade in the tech world, I sometimes find myself reflecting on the dizzying journey. From a high school graduate in a rural Midwestern town to a technical lead at a FAANG, the path has been unexpected, to say the least. Alongside big names, I've also dipped my toes in the vibrant waters of startups and other large enterprises.

But let’s hit pause on my story. Instead, I want to address a question I’m often posed: "How did you break into tech?" From dear friends to casual acquaintances and even digital connections, I've been approached for advice by people across the spectrum: some with Computer Science degrees, others college-bound, and some, like me, without any formal higher education.

Their anticipation often turns into a thousand yard stare as I delve deep into the details. Yet, I firmly believe these insights could be invaluable to many. So here's a distilled version of my advice, tailored for readers like you.

Tech's appetite for talent has been insatiable, and indications are this trend will persist. But brace yourself; the field can be fierce. Many roles get filled internally before ever seeing the light of a job board. Intra-company moves are a norm, so don’t get misled by public listings. My golden rule? Network relentlessly. LinkedIn is your friend, and so are job platforms like Dice and Indeed. Cast your net wide.

Skill 1: Mastering Interviews

Kickstart by sending out your nascent resume far and wide. You may soon find yourself inundated with outreach. Embrace every opportunity, regardless of its initial appeal. I quickly discerned a typical sequence: initial outreach, non-technical recruiter phone screen, technical staff phone discussion, followed by a mix of phone or in-person technical interviews. Becoming familiar with how to communicate during an interview is critical.

Skill 2: Efficient Note-Taking

Companies often grapple with similar challenges using identical technologies. While on my first interview spree, I jotted down every piece of information. Anything unfamiliar? I'd earmark it for post-interview study. The process evolved me. By the end, I had accumulated a hefty collection of notes, practically a cheat sheet for any interview topic.

Skill 3: Embracing Failure

Brace for rejection. Even seasoned tech veterans face it. There's a myriad of reasons behind a 'no', and many are beyond your grasp. After almost a hundred setbacks, I finally started cracking on-site interviews. Interestingly, as I grew accustomed to the looming shadow of failure, I began to relax during crucial interviews. And guess what? It worked. Offers started trickling in, and to think it all began with a rural kid that had a smattering of freelance web development gigs.

I sincerely hope this offers you a roadmap and gears you up for the exhilarating trek ahead. Best of luck on your journey!