Currently stuck on whether I should change careers or just change industries (and stay in the same career).

Anonymous

September 27,2021 at 5:11PM UTC

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Currently stuck on whether I should change careers or just change industries (and stay in the same career).

Background:

- BS in Marketing; Associates in CS

- 0 Work experience in CS (I only have course and side projects to show)

- 2+ years of experience in Marketing

- Marketing Coordinator in the Construction Industry

- Working from Home

- Coding on the side (HTML, CSS, Reactjs)

I’ve been thinking about this for almost 2 months now and I have no idea what path to choose. I just know that it’s easier for me to land a marketing position with my experience compared to a software developer position because most entry level positions need 2-3yrs of experience. So I’m thinking maybe I stick with marketing but just get out of the construction industry and dive into the tech industry since it’s what I’m interested in. Plus I know that whatever I choose it’s not set and done forever and that I can change my decision but it would be nice to not have to do so.

Any thoughts or ideas on how I should approach this?

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AnonymousSeptember 27,2021 at 5:57PM UTC
Go for what interest you! It sounds like software dev is a passion of yours, so you should pursue that. I would only do the marketing gig if you want the general work experience and money, but since I don't know your situation fully, I believe you should go after what's on your heart. When you wake up in the morning, what's the first thing you think about (when it comes to your career)? You could also start with marketing and side hustle software dev work, too! Just depends on what your needs v. must-dos are right now. Hopefully this is helpful! This is good problem to have...whatever you decided -- I know it will be great! Good luck to you!
AnonymousSeptember 27,2021 at 8:04PM UTC
I’d go after what you really want. If coding is what interests you, apply. Use you cover letter to talk about why changing industries is what you want to do. Look into a certification you can earn.
AshleyConnellSeptember 27,2021 at 8:10PM UTC
Great question! The future is in software development so I think that is a good skill to hone. I'm CEO of Prowess Project, where we help women find jobs after returning to work or pivoting in their careers. What we hear a lot from employers is they want an engineer who understands the business side of the company as well as they will think through the business issue, not just how to solve the engineering challenge from a tech standpoint. If interested in a side gig, while you're getting training in coding, check us out - www.prowessproject.com
AshleyConnellSeptember 27,2021 at 8:32PM UTC
one more thing - we have a free webinar tomorrow about transferrable skills and how to speak to them. Check it out https://www.eventbrite.com/e/sogal-houston-x-prowess-lunch-learn-all-about-transferrable-skills-tickets-168615923767