I got my first software job (a web-dev internship) after 2 years of a math degree and only an introductory course in C#. I got this position almost entirely because of a recommendation from a non-technical job.
My first full-time paid job was as a summer general laborer / CNC machinist at a small local workshop (based out of my employer's garage). There was no reason for me to get this job but I worked really hard at it and was able to take on a wide range of responsibilities by the end of the summer.
My employer that summer was extremely pleased with my work and, unprompted, wrote me an absolutely glowing recommendation letter.
Fast forward to the next summer when I was applying for all sorts of math/CS related internships. I happened across another small company (this time based out of a basement) who interviewed and hired me almost entirely due to that recommendation letter. Both of those employers were enterprising entrepreneurs so I am sure that the recommendation carried extra weight from one small business owner to another.
Based on the dev experience I gained at that first internship I was able to secure two more software internships while taking only Math coursework and doing CS projects on the side. I took several graduate level CS courses when I got my Masters degree in Math but it was mostly the on the job and self learning that landed me the software position I have today.
So I guess the moral of the story is to never write-off a work experience that you don't see yourself doing long term. Establishing yourself as hardworking, curious, and responsible in any field can help you secure a job that you love.
I guess I should also say that, as much as I would like to believe otherwise, I am aware of the role white male privilege has played in my success so far. Nonetheless I think the general lesson still stands, even if I was given a very rare set of opportunities.
// , “It is not so important to be serious as it is to be serious about the important things. The monkey wears an expression of seriousness... but the monkey is serious because he itches."(No/No)
I got my first software job (a web-dev internship) after 2 years of a math degree and only an introductory course in C#. I got this position almost entirely because of a recommendation from a non-technical job.
My first full-time paid job was as a summer general laborer / CNC machinist at a small local workshop (based out of my employer's garage). There was no reason for me to get this job but I worked really hard at it and was able to take on a wide range of responsibilities by the end of the summer.
My employer that summer was extremely pleased with my work and, unprompted, wrote me an absolutely glowing recommendation letter.
Fast forward to the next summer when I was applying for all sorts of math/CS related internships. I happened across another small company (this time based out of a basement) who interviewed and hired me almost entirely due to that recommendation letter. Both of those employers were enterprising entrepreneurs so I am sure that the recommendation carried extra weight from one small business owner to another.
Based on the dev experience I gained at that first internship I was able to secure two more software internships while taking only Math coursework and doing CS projects on the side. I took several graduate level CS courses when I got my Masters degree in Math but it was mostly the on the job and self learning that landed me the software position I have today.
So I guess the moral of the story is to never write-off a work experience that you don't see yourself doing long term. Establishing yourself as hardworking, curious, and responsible in any field can help you secure a job that you love.
I guess I should also say that, as much as I would like to believe otherwise, I am aware of the role white male privilege has played in my success so far. Nonetheless I think the general lesson still stands, even if I was given a very rare set of opportunities.
There are those who would weight this higher than what you've already mentioned.