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Starting career

So I am almost finished with my second degree which is a Computer sciences and Software engineering and before I finished a BBA.
I have some work experiences as a backend developer but miss the personal contact with people and was thinking to go into project management/consulting. However I am not sure if this fits what I really want I know that I'm more into the big picture instead of very detailed, prefer to take actions instead of thinking to long about something and am a quick lerner furthermore I have many interests and one of them is still Finances. Because of the many interest it makes me a bit confused where to start and to find what I'm really interested in, I already know in which field I will work in the future, I will always give 200% of my time. It would be great if someone could give some tips. Besides I'm 27 years old. Thanks a lot! #tech #engineering #career #knowledge

engineering tech knowledge
Thank you comment icon A new update, I believe that I would like to combine the future job with traveling, finance and IT (maybe database) and I was thinking about a consultant but not sure if there are other possibilities. Mei
Thank you comment icon Why don't you consider joining an IT focused consulting firm: Accenture, CapGemini, Adesso, Wipro etc.; then you may even combine IT and Finance or at least get to know different projects so that you can explore what you like best. Daniel Schwartmann
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Lindsay’s Answer

As for how to frame yourself in a resume and job interview, all skills are transferrable just remember that! :) You have technical experience with hard coding skills yes, but make sure to also talk about the softer skills you've gained too as an engineer. You still had to interact and collaborate with your team and different stakeholders so use those experiences, too, in shaping your answers. Also, age is just a number! You have your whole life to figure out what you want to do with it so have fun exploring too, and doing what makes you happy. Best of luck!
Thank you comment icon Hi Lindsay, Thank you for your comment Mei
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Ashish’s Answer

Hi there!

Sounds like you have had a good blend of experience already in your career! There are some roles that may exist where you could leverage some of the prior Software engineering background where you would be able to get more interaction with others on your team. Personally, as a security engineer I work with many project managers who understand both software engineering related problems and also the overall business objective of how to accomplish them. I would recommend exploring some of these types of roles such as being a program manager, technical consultant, or even a product manager. Being able to mend together both the backend understanding of how systems work with the overall end goal is definitely sought after in the tech space! Hope that helps in getting you started as you think about some new roles that may be a better fit for what you're looking for.
Thank you comment icon Thank you Ashish for your response, currently I'm working in an consultant company focused on IAM, I'll look them up, but I guess when I will start in a company it is not directly possible to be on a management level, still I notice that I will have to learn a lot! Mei
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Rachel’s Answer

Hey! 
It sounds like you are looking for a role that mixes your technical development skills, people skills, and more. That's exactly how I used to feel in college because I did not want to sit in front of a computer all day but loved diving deep in technology. I didn't know there were roles that brought in my passions, love for helping people and grew my own technical expertise. If I told my 25 yo self about the job I was in now, I would be shocked and it's really been a dream.

Don't settle for a role that does not bring everything you love together! There are many different careers that bring this together at tech companies in their Go-To-Market organizations (technical account management, solutions engineering, technical consulting, customer success, technical marketing, etc). Test out what that is for you and figure out which you prioritize the most-- then look for the role that brings those skills together. 

Rachel recommends the following next steps:

Learn about other roles that bridge these cross-functional skills (technical account management, solutions engineering, technical consulting, customer success, technical marketing, etc)
Talk to people in these roles and shadow them if you can!
Test out the work through internships or even projects for those organizations if you already are in one of those roles so you can see what you enjoy most.
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Josh’s Answer

With experience as a backend developer, you have valuable experience problem solving. This skill can be applied to much more than just software. Consulting could be a fun application of that skillset, especially since those roles lend themselves to projects that may have a quicker turnaround, where the impact is more immediately recognized than working on a single project for a long time. That's why I enjoy working in consulting: I am able to use my problem solving skills and breadth of knowledge to help clients that need a new perspective on solving a problem. When the project finishes, I know that I made a difference for that client.


If you have many interests, consulting could also be a good way to explore different things. You may find that you like some projects more than others. Then, when you can pivot to a role where you focus specifically on those subjects, as an expert.


However, it's worth noting that while some people like that consulting offers variety with more immediate impact, others may be frustrated that they don't get to stay involved with a project once it has completed. This may be a challenge if you see the big picture for the problem you're trying to solve, but you only get to help with part of it. I think that's okay to start. It allows you built-in checkpoints to ask yourself if you like what you're working on and if you don't, it won't last forever! If you do like it, then you continue down that path. I hope that helps!
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Wael’s Answer

I love the interest you have in multiple fields of work. These times have definitely been challenging and it does leave me with a sense of missing human interaction as well. I honestly think you should lean to the work that seems like you would love to do more long term. With software there are definitely roles that you can lean into that are more human-facing such as solutions engineering, or being a technical program manager. I feel that bringing your personality to any role is the most important and will allow some cool roles catered to your style.


I know it may seem like you have to rush but even I transitioned into Software Engineering a couple of years ago. I get to do the technical tasks, but I also try to get involved in company community events and leading some cool team bulding efforts!I It is something I really enjoy doing but I also am social outside of work, interacting with many clubs and hobbies. So there's many ways to mix your skills with the job and if you ever feel like branching out it is always worth it to try! 


Also remember everyone is analyzing what they want and like each step of their career this is completely normal! Looking forward to your success and happy you are making the right moves.

Wael recommends the following next steps:

Look up what engineering roles that blend with communication as well are out there on Google, Linkedin, etc. (I had a similar thought like you and started looking into Growth, I'd recommend starting there)
Keep a list of what type of responsibilities you'd want to have in a role you would love to be in; you can filter what kinds of occupations this way!
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Sonal’s Answer

Hello Mei,

I would say having good academic background & working as backend developer experience is good start. It's ok to have multiple interests & try hands at various things until you find something that appeals you to stay longer. I would suggest you you to take up some certification like PMP, Prince2 or go for internship where you are explore project management bit.
Plus points -
- Having software development background will definitely help you to understand & address challenges that team faces during delivery of project.
- Handling project Finance will also be critical part which you might enjoy as it is your interest area.

Best of luck!

Sonal recommends the following next steps:

Go for project management certifications like PMP, Prince2
Try exploring Service Management space - you can start with ITIL v4 foundation
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Anna’s Answer

There are actually opportunities to combine technical / engineering and commercial/ sales skills :) From a recruiter's perspective, this combination is highly valued and in high demand in the job market. I would recommend applying for pre-sales and post-sales type of roles, such as: Sales Engineers, Account Technology Specialists, Solution Architects, Technical Advisors, etc etc.
Good luck!
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Nicole’s Answer

Hi Mei W.

Wow, from your question and comments, sounds like you are ready to go!! :) That energy will be a great advantage to you as you start your career.

In addition to the great advice already offered, I suggest to you that whatever job you land, begin to deepen your skill set around understanding the problems that need fixing. Often times, building this type of skill set also includes learning how to build trust and partnerships with others, which then can open up opportunities to solve bigger and higher valued problems (business problems, environmental problems, social...a limitless list in my view). You likely will learn new tools and process that will also be of value in your everyday job or beyond.

Passion, which based on your comments, it seems like you have, will go along way. If you pair that up with strong execution, I suspect you will have a sustained and successful career, wherever that may take you.

Best of luck to you!
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Rickey’s Answer

Hello Mei,

I think its great that you already have a sense of what you like to do. Since you said you enjoy working with people and seeing the big picture, I would highly recommend that you get into internships, management trainee programs or leadership development programs and reach out to people on sites like LinkedIn to talk to them about how they got to where they are.

Since you are almost finished with a second degree in Computer Sciences or Softwrae Engineering, I'd also recommend looking into project management as potential option. You would be working with people, seeing things from both a big picture and detail point of view and your always learning as a project manager.

If you ever have more questions about project management please let me know as I am working as a project manager. However, please exercise your options as there is a ton of other disciplines within Computer Scinces/Software Engineering available these days.

I wish you well!
Thank you comment icon Hello Rickey that is a really great idea, I didn't came to that myself. Thanks for the insight. I just noticed myself that I'm more into business perspective than the software perspective. I was thinking of Project mangement already for a while. Would it be fine for you that I will add you to my linkedin Profile and ask you some personels questions there? Mei
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Cameron’s Answer

Hi Mei,

Based upon your education/work experience, you may find a successful career in Sales Engineering as well. It provides the social interaction you are looking for, but also requires someone technically minded. It is a career where you have a wide range of responsibilities from conducting demonstrations, proof of concepts, and helping customers define and refine their technical requirements. I hvae found it to be incredibly rewarding career for myself. It is a unique field working with a wide range of customers with a broad set of use cases and requirements. Every day is new and exciting.

Sales Engineering also offers plenty of options for advancement. Many sales engineers have gone into either a leadership/management role, or into deeper technical roles, including Product Management. Good luck in your career search!
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Kellie’s Answer

Hello Mei,

You have done a great deal of preparing for working in the technology industry and this is an industry that is fast paced and very much cutting edge. In this industry as a Project Manager there are a wide number of people and levels you will be involved with. You will learn a great deal more than you realize. I would say that this would be a great starting point.

Leadership and Development programs are also a great way to network and build on your leading skills or determine if this is the right fit for you. Some of us are better doer's and are happy with that and the industry needs doer's. A good leader is also essential, especially in a remote environment industry, as the way technology is going.

There are many opportunities in CS and Technology, wish you the best of luck!
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Lukas’s Answer

Hi, I was at the same point and when into consulting first, before realising that my tech affinity and focus on people really made me enjoy Tech Sales much more. Perhaps that is something you should explore. It can be a great career.
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Cora’s Answer

Wow, it's fabulous how many different things are you are excited about!  I'm like that too.  One thing I've learned is that there's no substitute for trying things out -- often, when you start something new, you can realize your interested in something you never would have thought of.  Would it be possible for your to shadow someone in one of the paths you are considering, or to explore an internship to try it out? 

There's a fun book that helps think about ways to try out different paths (they call it "prototyping") called "Designing Your Life: How to Build a Well-Lived, Joyful Life" by Bill Burnett and Dave Evans
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Mark’s Answer

If you miss the contact with people try to focus on roles where you deal more with people - Consulting or any customer-facing role might be a good start. Also remember that just because you go down one path now you have to stick to it. Your career can be as flexible as you make it, it's never too late to change paths.

Mark recommends the following next steps:

Take a look at all the customer-facing or people roles in a software company
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Diana’s Answer

Hello Mei,

It is great hearing about all of your interests. Taking time to work in some of these areas may help you bring focus to your strengths. You may want to apply for internships or management training programs to allow you to test your skills and also determine if you are truly excited about the work.

Best of luck!
Thank you comment icon Thank you for your suggestion! I might be also shy regarding my skills or not so confidence because I believe that there are always others which are better and where I can learn from and I really find it difficult to find out what really excites me to work. I really want to find my true purpose as well as my passion, which I believe can be combined personaly as well as professionaly. Mei
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