Trying to move to an SWE role with non-tech background. Suggestions?

Hey so I'm a Philosophy major at Stanford, but I want to move into a SWE. I've posted on Blind too but thought I might get some advice from y'all.

Now don't throw Monkey shit for Philosophy to SWE transition. I have taken about 4 courses in computer science and learned basics of Python, Java, C, C# and an intro to robotics.

I choose my major cause I loved the subject and the plan was to do the amazing CS + Philosophy joint major. YES it exists. But due to the course load and poor planning in the first year, I couldn't complete it.

So now the problem is that since I don't have "CS" on my degree, I'm not getting any decent job offers though I mention my coding experience. I just want to get past the first round of weeding and then I'm confident I can take things forward if I land an interview.

Any suggestions or help would be great!

 
Most Helpful

Not to call you out, but your post was trending on my Blind feed.

Philosophy_ major_ at_Stanford:
I just want to get past the first round of weeding and then I'm confident I can take things forward if I land an interview.

Firstly I don't know where you are applying but if you are still in the Bay area, there should be hundreds of companies hiring SWE all the time. My company has so many positions across several states.

That said I sense that either the skills you have are not enough or you are not representing it properly. If you don't have a good grasp on things

I have taken about 4 courses:
basics of Python, Java, C, C# and an intro to robotics
. This is not enough & wouldn't land you in many interviews. I'd say consider taking up a bootcamp coding course or an online class to sharpen your skills
 

ootcamps are great! Might not be relevant to you, but my financial modeling bootcamp helpe me get a raise and become a manager.

They add a lot of credibility to your profile. That said 'Basics' in anything wont get you a job. People don't want to hire Basic people. You need to build that in order to stand out. Honestly, its going to be hard for you cause there's always others with a degree in CS and a speciality in the job function you are applying for.

You need to look into coding interview practice quizzes and assignments. Once you have command in the topics of interest, there are several paid and free resources. I'd reach out to your contacts on LinkedIn who are in the job or did a bootcamp to get advice.

Good Luck!

 

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