from management consultant to software engineer | Humans of MCIT

TL;DR

David Yastremsky shares his journey from consulting to software engineering.

Transcript

welcome and thank you so much for you know taking time out of your day and joining me today um you are going to be an amazing person to feature from mcit so you know i just know this is going to be a great conversation so why don't we just start off a little bit intro about yourself some of your background then we can and then we can dive in sure t... Read More

Key Insights

• David transitioned from a management consulting background to pursuing a master's in computer science, driven by a desire to be at the forefront of technological change.
• He highlights the importance of grit and perseverance in adapting to a new field, especially when facing the challenges of computer science.
• David emphasizes the value of leveraging non-traditional skills, such as communication and logical problem-solving, in technical roles.
• His experience at NVIDIA showcased how extending an internship can provide deeper learning and integration into a team.
• David's journey underscores the importance of self-directed learning, as he explored additional resources and courses to complement his formal education.
• He advises potential MCIT candidates to have a clear interest in technology and a willingness to build a strong foundation in computer science.
• David's success at NVIDIA was partly due to his ability to tie technical projects to business value, demonstrating the importance of cross-disciplinary skills.
• He discusses the potential for being pigeonholed into roles that align with one's background, advising caution and self-awareness in career choices.

Questions & Answers

Q: Why did David choose to transition from management consulting to computer science?

David was inspired by the potential of infotech and biotech to drive significant societal change. He wanted to be at the center of technological advancements and felt that a career in computer science would allow him to make a meaningful impact. His decision was also influenced by his interest in artificial intelligence and the opportunities provided by the MCIT program.

Q: What challenges did David face during his transition to a technical role?

David encountered significant challenges in adapting to the technical demands of computer science, especially given his non-technical background. He had to develop a high tolerance for frustration, self-learn new tools and methodologies, and overcome the steep learning curve of programming and technical concepts. Despite these challenges, his perseverance and willingness to learn helped him succeed.

Q: How did David's non-traditional background benefit him during his internship at NVIDIA?

David's background in management consulting provided him with strong communication and logical problem-solving skills, which proved valuable during his internship at NVIDIA. These skills helped him effectively present and communicate the business value of his technical projects, enabling him to contribute significantly to his team and stand out as an intern.

Q: What advice does David offer to potential MCIT candidates?

David advises potential MCIT candidates to have a genuine interest in technology and a willingness to build a strong foundation in computer science. He emphasizes the importance of grit and perseverance, as the program can be challenging, and encourages students to leverage their unique backgrounds to bring additional value to technical roles.

Q: What role did self-directed learning play in David's success?

Self-directed learning was crucial for David as he navigated the challenges of transitioning to a technical field. He actively sought out additional resources, courses, and documentation to supplement his formal education, allowing him to deepen his understanding of complex technical concepts and tools. This proactive approach helped him overcome knowledge gaps and succeed in his studies and internship.

Q: How did David's experience at NVIDIA influence his career goals?

David's experience at NVIDIA reinforced his interest in working on impactful technological projects, particularly in the healthcare AI space. His internship allowed him to apply his skills in a real-world setting, and the success of his projects highlighted the importance of tying technical work to business value. This experience has influenced his desire to continue working in roles that combine technical expertise with strategic impact.

Q: What challenges did David encounter in his first month at NVIDIA?

In his first month at NVIDIA, David faced the challenge of adapting to new software, programming languages, and methodologies, as well as working in a remote environment. The steep learning curve required him to quickly familiarize himself with tools like Docker and Kubernetes, and he had to invest significant time outside of work hours to catch up and become productive.

Q: Why is it important for non-traditional candidates to leverage their unique skills in technical roles?

Non-traditional candidates bring valuable skills that can complement their technical abilities, such as communication, problem-solving, and business acumen. Leveraging these skills can differentiate them in technical roles, allowing them to provide unique insights and contribute to the success of their teams. David's experience demonstrates how these skills can enhance one's effectiveness and create opportunities for impactful contributions.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• David Yastremsky transitioned from management consulting to software engineering, driven by a desire to be involved in impactful technological advancements. He pursued a master's in computer science at the University of Pennsylvania, focusing on building a strong foundation in technology.

• During his internship at NVIDIA, David extended his experience to fully integrate into the team, highlighting the importance of leveraging non-traditional skills such as communication and logical problem-solving in technical roles.

• David advises those considering the MCIT program to have a strong interest in technology and a willingness to build a solid foundation in computer science, emphasizing the importance of grit and perseverance in adapting to a new and challenging field.