I became a SOFTWARE ENGINEER at 30 • fresh start at microsoft | Summary and Q&A

TL;DR

This video shares the personal journey of a woman who transitioned from graphic design to software engineering and landed a full-time job at Microsoft.

Key Insights

• 💼 Transitioning from graphic design and fashion design to a career in tech can be challenging but rewarding. The journey may involve soul-searching and accepting the reality of the situation.
• 🌍 Moving countries and experiencing struggles along the way can lead to personal growth and self-discovery. Accepting challenges and embracing change can lead to unexpected opportunities.
• 💻 Taking coding courses and self-studying through online platforms like Udemy can fuel a passion for programming. Learning coding languages and participating in coding communities can provide a sense of belonging and inspiration.
• 🎓 Pursuing a degree in computer science and applying to internships can be a lengthy process. It is important to stay persistent and keep applying, even if faced with rejections.
• 🤝 Networking and connecting with professionals in the tech industry, especially women in tech, can provide motivation and a sense of community. Seeing others who have achieved success in the field can be empowering.
• 📝 Preparing for technical interviews is crucial, and it is normal to feel nervous and inexperienced. It is important to accept the learning process and be confident in the knowledge and skills acquired.
• 🌍 Remote internships offer opportunities for growth and the chance to work on impactful projects. They can provide valuable experience in real-world settings and allow for making meaningful contributions to a company.
• 🚀 Successfully completing internships can lead to return offers for full-time positions. The journey from intern to full-time employee can be exciting and fulfilling, showcasing personal and professional growth.

Transcript

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Questions & Answers

Q: How did the speaker's experiences in graphic design and fashion design influence her decision to switch to tech?

The speaker felt disenchanted with her previous careers in design and believed that there was more depth and purpose to be found in coding and software engineering. She was drawn to the problem-solving aspect of programming and the potential for greater impact in the tech industry.

Q: How did the speaker navigate the challenges of transitioning to a new field and pursuing a degree in computer science?

The speaker faced obstacles such as not being able to find work and having to navigate the complexities of immigration. She chose to accept her circumstances and focus on her education, studying coding alongside her regular classes. She also sought support from online communities of women in tech to find inspiration and guidance.

Q: How did the speaker approach the job application process and secure internships at top tech companies?

The speaker created a spreadsheet of companies she wanted to apply to and dedicated herself to consistently submitting applications. She learned that getting internships was a numbers game and remained persistent in her efforts. She also sought advice from peers who had gone through the interview process and practiced coding problems to prepare.

Q: What was the speaker's experience like as an intern at Microsoft and how did it shape her career trajectory?

The speaker had two internships at Microsoft, one as an Explorer intern and another as a software engineering intern. During her internships, she had the opportunity to work on impactful projects, such as developing an accessibility feature for Visual Studio. These experiences solidified her desire to pursue a career in software engineering and led to a full-time job offer at Microsoft. She was grateful for the support and mentorship she received from her team during her internships.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• The speaker initially worked in graphic design and fashion design but struggled to find work in the United States.

• She discovered coding and became fascinated with programming, eventually deciding to switch to computer science.

• She pursued her education, completed internships, and eventually secured a full-time software engineering role at Microsoft.