how to become a developer

Question

Hi all,
Allow me to introduce myself : I'm a 38 year old process engineer in a Biotech company but what interests me most is Linux, coding, automation and devops. I've tried taking formal courses but had to stop before i got my degree because of other obligations. Anyone here who has successfully made a career switch, please share your experience? All tips are welcome and i'm very curious to hear your stories.
Kind regards / Groeten,
Bert

Answer 1

@Bert: Back when I was still in college, I met a guy who was expanding operations of a plumbing company from commercial to residential. What started as a need to build a spreadsheet, expanded to a full fledged database driven desktop application to track all service calls, manage inventory, and integrate with an accounting software. This was back in 1996 when web technologies were extremely limited to mostly static content and basic formatting.
After college, I looked for any entry level positions with one specific criteria: I wanted to work on a team with other programmers instead of being solo on a project. It was here that I rapidly accelerated, soaking in everything I could like a sponge.
In retrospect, I was very lucky things worked out for me over 21 years ago. (Ew... it's weird thinking I started that long ago. I certainly don't feel like it's been that long.) By I digress...
By comparison, it is much easier today to find small project opportunities to work on any number of website platforms. Perhaps you can look at Upworks or Fiverr to get an opportunity to take on a small project. Another option is networking with the seasoned freelancers in your area. These guys are so busy, they turn away more work than they can count. What would be considered less interesting "grunt" work for them would be an awesome opportunity for you. Also, they could farm the work to you and make a small cut on the earnings.
Ultimately, the first goal is to get a few small contract gigs under your belt. This will allow you to get some initial experience from which you can build from. I also recommend building your network of contacts on LinkedIn. I would also establish a presence on StackOverflow and add some portfolio projects in Github.
If you are truly ambitious, I would start a technology blog chronicling your experience and showcasing your other strengths for prospective employers or clients to review.
Another option would be to partner up with other freelancers to share the effort of a site like this.

Answer 2

I studied business adminisboring.
Did not like it. But there were some programming courses.
after getting my degree and with no ambition becoming a manager
I decided to spend one more year learning SAP and ABAP.
So finally I was software engineer and ... poor.
But I had found my passion, a good job and friends .

Answer 3

That is a question for a professional
- Try www.stackexchange.com

Answer 4

I haven't done any career switch but I can tell you that I used to be scared of showing my skills because of people who told me I wouldn't be good enough. I learned a lot by myself and became one of the best in the courses I visited. Of course there are times where you feel like: I can't even do this and that so why should I even continue... Keep going!

Answer 5

Hi Bert... you aren't alone. I didn't discover my passion for programming until my 2nd semester junior year in college. By that time, I was well into my double major with Economics and International Studies and wasn't about to delay my graduation to shift focus to computer science. However, I started contracting as a software developer and made good money until I graduated from college. At that time, I shifted to full time jobs to further my career.
This was back in the late 90s. Some of the best developers I've worked with were self taught and transitioned from other backgrounds. It's never too late to get started.
One advantage you will have over those new to the work force is your many years of experience working in the professional environment. There are so many communication, confidence, and other soft skills you've already acquired that will help catapult you forward in this transition.
I've also mentored several people over the years who have made this transition with great success.
Just get focused and learn as much as you can. Best of luck to you moving forward.

Answer 6

Connect with me on LinkedIn. We can discuss specifics later if you ever need more details. I can send you my private email as well.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/carrolldavid/

Answer 7

@fish thanks for liking THIS answer!

Answer 8

Thanks for all the feedback.

Answer 9

Tell me a little about your situation? What is your current job? How did you come to know this is a switch that makes sense for you?

Answer 10

I'm working as a Process engineer at a Biotech company but I've decided to leave the company. I've been interested and playing around with Linux for roughly 10 years now. I did take night classes to get an IT degree (network administrator) but I wasn't able to finish it due to other commitments (the birth of my son being one of them so no regrets). From 16 years of pharma to entry level developer might be a significant step back in terms of salary and that is also an important factor to consider.
The last Year or so I've been working a lot on process automation for a new plant and I just love the process of designing and testing the software. In my spare time I started programming python and also there I tend to just lose track of time when I'm coding. I've considered moving into automation engineering but most jobs require Siemens S7 experience. Experience I don't have because we only use Emerson DeltaV at our plant.
Not entirely sure a switch makes complete sense but I would like to make my hobby into a job. For now I'm still a long way from the skills I need to make a switch. But hey, I'm enjoying practicing.

Answer 11

@ David c, how did you get those first jobs with little experience to show? do you think it would still work these days?

Answer 12

@David: many thanks! some of the things you mention had crossed my mind already but most of it i had not thought of myself. I'll try those with my fingers crossed.