Ask HN: What are effective ways to apply for coding jobs with a STEM degree?

https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=25940596

by Karsteski • 5 years ago

1 2 5 years ago

news.ycombinator.com

For example, I'm currently a Chemist and I've learnt a decent amount of C++, Python and SQL, certainly enough to apply my knowledge. I have a few projects under my belt in C++ and Python, and an application that improved my current workplace's efficiency.

There seems to be very few Junior Developer Jobs in Ontario, Canada... Currently I'm trying to email/PM people involved at the places I'm applying. Is this enough?

Has anyone else gone through this process, and are there ways to improve this kind of job search?

silicaroach• 5 years ago

No. Your skill set as described is not even 'junior' level. Doing a project and doing production code are vastly different eg. "I know my way around my highschool's chem lab." vs "I did a year product development with 3M"

Pro-tip: join a start-up for two years

Why: Higher odds you can get in the door with your current CV. You will learn to code in _production_ under pressure with rapidly changing goals and timelines. Furthermore out of necessity the start-up you will have you working at things that in a large company are reserved for more experienced devs. The pay-off is that your CV will be much more attractive and your skills will ramp up much faster. Downside: you might have to settle for a slightly below market salary. Poss. upside: if you're lucky your an early hire in an amazingly successful company.

How do I know: Been there, done that in ... Ontario.

Karsteski• 5 years ago

Thanks for the reality check, that's a good point about project vs production level coding... I will focus my attention more on startups :)