I also have a background in (life) sciences (although I didn't make it that far in that career) and your story really resonated with me.
I felt insecure as an engineer for some time due to my lack of CS background, but I also was reassured by the transferable skills I could bring from my past career.
Like you did, I think being aware of the areas for improvement is crucial, but still double down in your strengths while you keep working on them.
Indeed. I think many people are the same, that they don't have a CS background (including myself). Soft skills like proactively working on improvement points or asking for feedback ensure we are moving forward.
Thanks for sharing your inspiring story! I’ve been working as a software engineer for quite a while now, and despite practicing LeetCode, I still struggle with it. While I acknowledge its importance in the recruitment process, I firmly believe that being good at LeetCode doesn’t define your effectiveness as a software engineer. The skills required to excel in real-world projects—problem-solving, collaboration, and adaptability—go far beyond algorithmic challenges.
Really loved this post! I also made a transition into tech, and mine was from hardware and deep learning acceleration into ML systems. Jenny’s story resonated deeply, especially the part about playing to your strengths and continuous learning. Thanks for sharing this!
Thank you, Anton! I really appreciate the support.
So glad to see your comment, it led me to discover the stories you share and restack, which are really fascinating! I even noticed a few familiar writers there.
My past experiences have been an asset for me. I entered the world of Analytics right as it was starting to gain ground as a career option. I learned from my background of working at a bank (emotion attached to money), interining at a grocery store (different departments, different audiences) and working in a spa (customer service).
I really admire your perseverance and I'm so happy to see your success! I can definitely relate as someone without a PhD or STEM degree who broke into data science 🙂
All experience is valuable and transferrable to other areas of life and work.
Your story is highly inspiring, Jenny.
Thank you, Rafa! So true, every experience is valuable and transferable. It took a full career change for me to truly understand and appreciate that.
Great post!
I also have a background in (life) sciences (although I didn't make it that far in that career) and your story really resonated with me.
I felt insecure as an engineer for some time due to my lack of CS background, but I also was reassured by the transferable skills I could bring from my past career.
Like you did, I think being aware of the areas for improvement is crucial, but still double down in your strengths while you keep working on them.
Indeed. I think many people are the same, that they don't have a CS background (including myself). Soft skills like proactively working on improvement points or asking for feedback ensure we are moving forward.
Thanks for sharing your inspiring story! I’ve been working as a software engineer for quite a while now, and despite practicing LeetCode, I still struggle with it. While I acknowledge its importance in the recruitment process, I firmly believe that being good at LeetCode doesn’t define your effectiveness as a software engineer. The skills required to excel in real-world projects—problem-solving, collaboration, and adaptability—go far beyond algorithmic challenges.
Very interesting, thank you both!
Really loved this post! I also made a transition into tech, and mine was from hardware and deep learning acceleration into ML systems. Jenny’s story resonated deeply, especially the part about playing to your strengths and continuous learning. Thanks for sharing this!
Thank you, Amey! Your experience of transitioning into ML systems sounds just as adventurous!
Really loved this one. Strong lessons, and a very unique path. Would love to read more such stories! :)
Thank you, Anton! I really appreciate the support.
So glad to see your comment, it led me to discover the stories you share and restack, which are really fascinating! I even noticed a few familiar writers there.
Thanks Jenny! Subscribed to your newsletter too after this article :)
My past experiences have been an asset for me. I entered the world of Analytics right as it was starting to gain ground as a career option. I learned from my background of working at a bank (emotion attached to money), interining at a grocery store (different departments, different audiences) and working in a spa (customer service).
Wow, that’s such a cool experience! You must have lots of great stories to come from them.
I really admire your perseverance and I'm so happy to see your success! I can definitely relate as someone without a PhD or STEM degree who broke into data science 🙂
Thank you Claudia! Yes I remember your experience from non STEM to team lead, super inspiring!