CS and SWE is great in that it can be applicable to a great range of fields, to create immensely helpful tools for other things.
What are some areas where SWE intersects with things that help people, country, and the world? Now also add in making a decent living and generally competitive with other SWE “industry”.
Things that come to my mind are government-related, military, some fintech. Sciences have great need of computing, and can have big impact, but income is less clear.
I think you could do it, I switched from driving trucks to software 😉
Eh, I can see similarities. Both have to deal with immature clients
Yea, I know a few. Software (and IT in general) is based in doing research, using logic and putting together different pieces to make something that solves a problem… does that sound familiar?
Yes sounds very familiar
I would do a boot camp and look to move internally. You can reach out internally and see what technical skills the hiring managers look for and try to pursue those.
Unfortunately it would have to be externally. I currently work as a Mechanical Design Engineer for new and existing construction.
Like IC1 said, ME is one of the lowest paying industries around. Tech is one of the highest paying.
Bridge the knowledge gap with bootcamps. Bridge the skills gap with volunteer work.
I switched to a more analyst/system engineer role, no money in mechanical engineer
Took me getting my PE License to realize that.
Any advice for getting into it. My only experience is Matlab (which some would argue if it's even coding), C++, and Python
Sounds like you already have a nice foundation. I’d suggest brushing up on some CS fundamentals and learning how to build an API with Python. Those skills alone could land you a job
Consider doing a Masters' degree in Machine Learning (12 courses I think). I know a mechanical engineer who went through the program and learned a ton! And then he successfully transitioned to big data and analytical methods.
I am doing that.
Hell yea I was a mep engineer for 5 years super basic work easy money but really low paying even if i had gotten my certs it wouldnt have changed after 20 yrs you might break 200. Worked on some cool projects but that satisfaction doesnt pay the bills.
It does not matter if it is common or not, all that matters is if it is doable and if it is something you want to do. I studied mechatronics (mix of mechanical, electronics and electrical engineering), a bit of everything but not expert in anything lol.
I switched to software and have a Software Engineer title now. If I did it, you can do it.