Switching careers

[DW44]

So as many of you know, I'm an electrical engineer but, after several years as an electrical engineer, I have completely lost interest in it, to the point where I no longer enjoy it. At the same time, I've been learning to code and enjoying it thoroughly. I started with Python a few months ago which has been really fun and I've had a great time so far. Is it advisable to go all in on it at this stage in my life? I'm almost 28 and will be around 29-30 before I have to start anew anyway since Pakistani and Qatari work experience is fairly worthless wherever I end up by then (one of two places - have my mind set on one but exploring another option as well, just in case).

Is it worth getting into a new field if you enjoy it and really don't like what you're doing now or should I stick to what I'm good at (but despise thoroughly)? Any particular reasons?

If, hypothetically, I do make the transition, where should I go once I've got somewhat of a grip on the fundamentals of programming i.e. a certain level of fluency in a language and some familiarity with stuff like data structures and algorithms? Keep in mind that web-development isn't really my thing (full stack developers seem to be all the rage) since I'm sure I'll be terrible at UI design or anything else that requires a certain level of artistic flair but give me numbers and I'm rain man. Data science and machine learning are two fields I find interesting but I have no idea how to go about developing a skillset relevant to those fields. Any recommendations?

 

[CricketCartoons]

If I was you, I would try to judge myself by solving problems on topcoder or hackerrank (for general python and algorithm), and kaggle for data science.

 

[sjahmed23]

I am going through the same dilema. Electrical Engineer, 25, 2 years out of college but I have lost interest in the field and just dont have the same motivation to continue. I am going back to school to get masters in computer engineering with focus on intelligent systems. I dont know how difficult it will be since I have been out of school for 2 years and obviously gotten a bit rusty.

In my spare time I try to work on my own projects but working independently is no doubt very difficult.

 

[Moiza]

I'll probably be posting this question in about 10 years. I always loved coding, I swear my A levels computing project was designed so efficiently that even 2-3 rd year CS students can't match it. My then teacher literally begged me to go for CS but being from a very "sadda" family I and my parents were very easily influenced by the Pakistani BS of Scope and I ultimately end up choosing an accounting/audit related field. Even today I spend all my free time learning about computers.

 

[SandyB]

Wow ! So many EE's here. Me too. .
[MENTION=26195]DW44[/MENTION] I realised EE isn't for me by the 3rd year itself. So I didn't even try. My parents still admonish me for it, as it's still the easiest way to get a high paying job in the Middle east.

I joined an IT firm , have been there for 1 year, but lemme tell you your choice of tech and stream has everything to do with whether you succeed or not. So find something that suits your aptitude.

 

[ElRaja]

its never too late to do what u love, but do u think you have the skills to compete with someone with 3 or 4 years of uni experience, or someone whose been active in the field for 10 odd years.

being unfulfilled in ur job is one thing, but trying to compete in a field where you would be vastly out skilled by your competitors could be even more difficult to deal with.

 

[prakash]

[MENTION=26195]DW44[/MENTION], two things work in your favor: you find Python interesting and you are only 28.

I am not sure about Qatar but if you are a Python programmer and if you are able to get a work visa to US, then you are set. You can have a very challenging and rewarding work environment and get a generous salary. There is so much demand for Python programmers in SF bay area, my company has been struggling to find good candidates. Recently I gave offers to 2 people (one fresh out of school and another with one year experience): $120K + stock options. Only one joined. The fresher joined Apple for more pay. Crazy or what.

I suggest you sharpen your Python skills. Find work in a related area even if pay is lower. Work experience is vastly different from learning on your own. Follow StackOverflow and start contributing to it. When I find someone posting nice answer to a challenging question on StackOverflow, I pursue that person through HR for a potential interview. You can also freelance from anywhere in the world, get paid and gain experience (Upwork, Elance etc.,).

Have a realistic expectations and continue to work towards your goal. If you are open to live and work in USA, pursue that avenue vigorously.

 

[sjahmed23]

[MENTION=26195]DW44[/MENTION], two things work in your favor: you find Python interesting and you are only 28.

I am not sure about Qatar but if you are a Python programmer and if you are able to get a work visa to US, then you are set. You can have a very challenging and rewarding work environment and get a generous salary. There is so much demand for Python programmers in SF bay area, my company has been struggling to find good candidates. Recently I gave offers to 2 people (one fresh out of school and another with one year experience): $120K + stock options. Only one joined. The fresher joined Apple for more pay. Crazy or what.

I suggest you sharpen your Python skills. Find work in a related area even if pay is lower. Work experience is vastly different from learning on your own. Follow StackOverflow and start contributing to it. When I find someone posting nice answer to a challenging question on StackOverflow, I pursue that person through HR for a potential interview. You can also freelance from anywhere in the world, get paid and gain experience (Upwork, Elance etc.,).

Have a realistic expectations and continue to work towards your goal. If you are open to live and work in USA, pursue that avenue vigorously.

Wow $120k starting salary right out of college that's unheard of! he must be some sort of a rockstar developer who caught your eye, may I ask which school he went to? I am in the US, I tried to find work as Software Engineer with EE background but I was unsuccessful as it feels like everyone wants 5+ years of experience/

 

[DW44]

[MENTION=26195]DW44[/MENTION], two things work in your favor: you find Python interesting and you are only 28.

I am not sure about Qatar but if you are a Python programmer and if you are able to get a work visa to US, then you are set. You can have a very challenging and rewarding work environment and get a generous salary. There is so much demand for Python programmers in SF bay area, my company has been struggling to find good candidates. Recently I gave offers to 2 people (one fresh out of school and another with one year experience): $120K + stock options. Only one joined. The fresher joined Apple for more pay. Crazy or what.

I suggest you sharpen your Python skills. Find work in a related area even if pay is lower. Work experience is vastly different from learning on your own. Follow StackOverflow and start contributing to it. When I find someone posting nice answer to a challenging question on StackOverflow, I pursue that person through HR for a potential interview. You can also freelance from anywhere in the world, get paid and gain experience (Upwork, Elance etc.,).

Have a realistic expectations and continue to work towards your goal. If you are open to live and work in USA, pursue that avenue vigorously.

Working diligently. Im still a noob atm so contributing to SO is a bit out of my league for now. Been using coursera and their range of courses is pretty decent, covering all skill levels. Realistically, what kind of time frame are we talking about in terms of getting decent enough to work on real lofe projects, be they freelance gigs or temp work, before moving on to higher skilled positions?

Going to the US is a bit of a stretch, especially for a Pakistani citizen but Canada is an option since I'm qualified enough for their skills based immigration program. I had my heart set on Aus but certain things about Canada appeal to me so that option is always open. What's the market like there? From what I hear, the hardest part is getting the first job, the proverbial foot in the door.

PS. Only 28? I'm already going through pre-mid life crisis because Im too old.

 

[DW44]

Wow $120k starting salary right out of college that's unheard of! he must be some sort of a rockstar developer who caught your eye, may I ask which school he went to? I am in the US, I tried to find work as Software Engineer with EE background but I was unsuccessful as it feels like everyone wants 5+ years of experience/

Keep in mind that families making $105k in that area qualify for government assistance.

 

[sjahmed23]

Keep in mind that families making $105k in that area qualify for government assistance.

Really? usually government assistance depends on your family size... I am in NYC and the cost of living here is not much different from the Bay Area.

 

[prakash]

Wow $120k starting salary right out of college that's unheard of! he must be some sort of a rockstar developer who caught your eye, may I ask which school he went to? I am in the US, I tried to find work as Software Engineer with EE background but I was unsuccessful as it feels like everyone wants 5+ years of experience/

$120K for less than 2 years experience is very common in SF bay area. Extremely difficult to find good candidates. Google/Facebook/Apple/LinkedIn offer way more than that plus perks like free food, free shuttle etc., Now we also offer unlimited vacation (as long as it doesn't affect releases) to woo the right person. You get $7000 per referral if you refer someone and if he/she gets hired. $10,000 bonus if you refer 3 or more in the same quarter and they get hired in the same quarter. Crazy. I don't know how long this will last. Indians are taking advantage of this situation and jump companies because I get resumes mostly from Indians. Don't even ask me about the demands from them and the way they negotiate. Obscene amount of money in tech now.

 

[DW44]

Really? usually government assistance depends on your family size... I am in NYC and the cost of living here is not much different from the Bay Area.

Not sure about NYC but I read somewhere recently that families (of four or more I think) in SF that make $105k or less qualify for assistance.

 

[sjahmed23]

$120K for less than 2 years experience is very common in SF bay area. Extremely difficult to find good candidates. Google/Facebook/Apple/LinkedIn offer way more than that plus perks like free food, free shuttle etc., Now we also offer unlimited vacation (as long as it doesn't affect releases) to woo the right person. You get $7000 per referral if you refer someone and if he/she gets hired. $10,000 bonus if you refer 3 or more in the same quarter and they get hired in the same quarter. Crazy. I don't know how long this will last. Indians are taking advantage of this situation and jump companies because I get resumes mostly from Indians. Don't even ask me about the demands from them and the way they negotiate. Obscene amount of money in tech now.

Yes the money is insane, no doubt if you look at the stock prices of google, amazon and ect.. its a pretty clear picture where the money is at. The barrier for entry however, is very very high, any advice on how to crack their interview?

 

[SarfiBabarHaris]

So as many of you know, I'm an electrical engineer but, after several years as an electrical engineer, I have completely lost interest in it, to the point where I no longer enjoy it. At the same time, I've been learning to code and enjoying it thoroughly. I started with Python a few months ago which has been really fun and I've had a great time so far. Is it advisable to go all in on it at this stage in my life? I'm almost 28 and will be around 29-30 before I have to start anew anyway since Pakistani and Qatari work experience is fairly worthless wherever I end up by then (one of two places - have my mind set on one but exploring another option as well, just in case).

Is it worth getting into a new field if you enjoy it and really don't like what you're doing now or should I stick to what I'm good at (but despise thoroughly)? Any particular reasons?

If, hypothetically, I do make the transition, where should I go once I've got somewhat of a grip on the fundamentals of programming i.e. a certain level of fluency in a language and some familiarity with stuff like data structures and algorithms? Keep in mind that web-development isn't really my thing (full stack developers seem to be all the rage) since I'm sure I'll be terrible at UI design or anything else that requires a certain level of artistic flair but give me numbers and I'm rain man. Data science and machine learning are two fields I find interesting but I have no idea how to go about developing a skillset relevant to those fields. Any recommendations?

If you have interest in machine learning + python skills then go for Data Science.

Few suggestions:

Take Andrew Ng's course Machine learning to get a good grasp of machine learning.
Make an account on kaggle and try to solve Data Science problems (I should do this too )
Take some statistics video lectures. Normal Distribution, correlation, p-value, hypothesis testing etc.
Try to take some introductory courses on Big Data.
In the meanwhile apply for data driven roles (Data Scientist, Data Analyst).


For most jobs related to Data Science the skills required are (which vary):

Statistics, Machine learning, Analysis tools like R and Python, Software development, Data Visualization tools like Tableau, Relational database like PostgreSQL, Big data basic knowledge, Experience with data driven projects (that you can do by yourself).

Good luck!!