When it comes to the world of tech, there’s a lot to talk about. For starters, we’ve got the evolving landscape, its resulting careers, and how industry hopefuls can navigate both.
That’s why prospective and current students of TripleTen’s beginner-friendly tech bootcamps gathered for two timely panels on Aug. 1 designed to help connect industry insiders with industry beginners—and we’re here to recap it all.
Let’s get into IT.
Career building, woes, and pivots
TripleTen’s first panel centered on five alums who recently made a big career pivot into tech. Graduates of TripleTen’s bootcamps—now software engineering and data analytics professionals—gathered to discuss their insights from first stepping into this new world and workflow.
As these bright-eyed alumni began their career pivots (moving away from a colorful variety of previous experiences like being a music therapist or a reality TV producer), they had to face hurdles, such as portfolio building and imposter syndrome. Tackling both felt a bit, erm, daunting, but the knowledge their training imparted created a pivotal stepping stone.
“It’s been about a year and change since I transitioned into tech, and my life has changed so drastically, it’s not even funny,” said Jennifer Doctor, a former elementary school music teacher turned software engineer. “The work–life balance, for one. I was able to buy a house with my improved income. I’m able to enjoy my day working remotely with flexible hours.”
When chatting about imposter syndrome arising when entering the job market, TripleTen graduate and former warehouse employee Jeremy Rivera had this to say: “I think the most important thing is to apply. A lot of people are scared to even apply—you can’t get the interview if you don’t do the application. You might get that first interview and be scared out of your mind, but after 10 interviews, you’re a pro. It’s repetition; keep repeating the process and the confidence will come."
Practice definitely makes perfect.
Big Tech talks
Next, it was time for big names to talk shop. Tech pro Montreal Felix, who has experience working at companies like Google and Amazon, took the stage to discuss what it’s really like working in the modern world of tech and what industry heads look for when hiring. He also shared his thoughts on startup work vs. larger industries.
“I would say the major difference between working in Big Tech and a startup is basically the scope of work. If you’re working for a startup, you’re probably going to have a lot of responsibility, doing two to three jobs,” Felix said. “That’s good exposure for your resume, but it is a lot to keep in line. I think working for Big Tech companies is definitely more structured; also, there’s a lot of talented people, so you have to stand out even after you get there.
“Getting in the door is one step, but if you want longevity and career progression, you have to find ways to constantly market yourself and your skills,” Felix concluded.
When it comes to the interview process, Felix shared that he likes to get candid to really understand his scope of work. “I would say the No. 1 question that I ask is, what will I be doing in the first 90 days? What should I expect to be doing? That will give you a little insight into if you will have support, if they will spend time training you, or if they are going to throw you to the wolves and have you figure it out.”
Garret Ma, who has experience from notable startups like Curology and Tally Health, also shared their wisdom on what startup life is really like. This included what questions they ask themselves when choosing a role, what pressing factors should come into consideration, and what helps them feel most equipped to take a path on.
“I think the kind of question you want to ask yourself is, how much are you willing to risk?” Ma explained. “Are you wanting to focus on compensation and equity? What do you really want? Do you want a stable job where you are working on one thing, or do you want something that might have more work and hours but might be more interesting?
“Maybe the most important question to ask is: Who do you want to work for? At the end of the day, if you have an awesome manager who is willing to help you and work with you, you’re going to learn a lot more.”
Take a byte out of the possibilities
It wasn’t all straight business. TripleTen’s event also offered free professional headshots, a happy hour with a networking mixer (resumes at the ready!), and raffle prizes that included…*drumroll*...a tuition giveaway to a TripleTen program of the winner’s choosing.
Looking to boost your expertise to shine in the world of tech? Check out TripleTen’s course offerings. As many a TripleTen alum have noted, you never know unless you try.