Technology Consultant to SWE?

1

Recently graduated (July 2023) Have been applying to many Software Engineer/Developer roles but have had no luck landing a job. Recently accepted an offer as a tech consultant. I can’t be too picky so I accepted it to get some experience. Would it be harder if I left after a month (if I don’t like it) and try my luck again in finding a SWE role? I want to continue programming but worried about my future. I’ll make sure to do side projects after work but was curious

Reply 1

DataVenia

Volunteer Team, Clearing and Applications Advisor

21

Original post by Hahaha2411

Recently graduated (July 2023) Have been applying to many Software Engineer/Developer roles but have had no luck landing a job. Recently accepted an offer as a tech consultant. I can’t be too picky so I accepted it to get some experience. Would it be harder if I left after a month (if I don’t like it) and try my luck again in finding a SWE role? I want to continue programming but worried about my future. I’ll make sure to do side projects after work but was curious

What will you duties be as a "tech consultant"? Is that a glorified title for someone on the help / support desk?

Accepting this role is absolutely the right approach - to get some experience in the workplace, even if it's exactly what you wanted. I would recommend against leaving it until you've secured a more suitable role. In other words, take this role but keep looking, sending CVs, interviewing etc. at the same time.

Reply 2

University of Suffolk student

Official Rep

14

Original post by Hahaha2411

Recently graduated (July 2023) Have been applying to many Software Engineer/Developer roles but have had no luck landing a job. Recently accepted an offer as a tech consultant. I can’t be too picky so I accepted it to get some experience. Would it be harder if I left after a month (if I don’t like it) and try my luck again in finding a SWE role? I want to continue programming but worried about my future. I’ll make sure to do side projects after work but was curious

[start]Hi Adama here. [/start]
[start]first of all, congratulations on your recent graduation and landing a tech consultant role. Transitioning into a software engineering role is a journey that can take different paths, and gaining experience as a tech consultant can be valuable.[/start]
Here is some points that you would like to consider in my opinion:

1.

Accepting the tech consultant role provides you with an opportunity to gain hands-on experience and exposure to different aspects of the tech industry. This experience, even if not directly in software engineering, can enhance your skill set and marketability.

2.

Use this time to develop skills that are transferable to software engineering. Tech consulting roles often involve problem-solving, collaboration, and communication skills, which are highly valued in the software development field.

3.

While working as a tech consultant, network with professionals in the industry. Attend industry events, connect with colleagues, and express your interest in transitioning into a software engineering role. Networking can open doors to opportunities that might not be immediately apparent.

4.

Continue working on side projects outside of your regular job hours. This will allow you to build a portfolio of work that demonstrates your programming skills. Showcase these projects on platforms like GitHub to make them easily accessible to potential employers.

5.

If, after a month, you find that the tech consultant role is not aligning with your career goals or interests, it's okay to reevaluate your options. Leaving a job early in your career is not uncommon as long as it's done thoughtfully and professionally.

6.

If you decide to explore other opportunities, communicate openly and professionally with your current employer. Provide notice in accordance with your employment contract and express gratitude for the experience gained during your time with the company.

7.

When searching for software engineering roles, emphasize the skills and experience you gained during your time as a tech consultant. Highlight any relevant projects, challenges you've tackled, and skills acquired that are applicable to software development.

[start]Remember that career paths are rarely linear, and diverse experiences can contribute to your overall professional growth. By leveraging the skills and knowledge gained from your tech consulting role, coupled with your commitment to side projects and networking, you can position yourself well for future software engineering opportunities.[/start]

Reply 3

Hahaha2411

OP

1

Original post by DataVenia

What will you duties be as a "tech consultant"? Is that a glorified title for someone on the help / support desk?

Accepting this role is absolutely the right approach - to get some experience in the workplace, even if it's exactly what you wanted. I would recommend against leaving it until you've secured a more suitable role. In other words, take this role but keep looking, sending CVs, interviewing etc. at the same time.

You get trained by learning what you would do in uni; a programming language, how the web works, security, networks etc. After, you get a specialist training (software development, cybersecurity, business analysis.etc) but it’s not guaranteed you’ll get into one of those and you’ll be placed into them based on the results you give them in the training. After that, you get placed into one of their clients.

If I do keep applying, should I add the tech consultant role in my resume or leave it out until I’ve worked for at least 3-4+ months?

Reply 4

DataVenia

Volunteer Team, Clearing and Applications Advisor

21

Original post by Hahaha2411

You get trained by learning what you would do in uni; a programming language, how the web works, security, networks etc. After, you get a specialist training (software development, cybersecurity, business analysis.etc) but it’s not guaranteed you’ll get into one of those and you’ll be placed into them based on the results you give them in the training. After that, you get placed into one of their clients.

If I do keep applying, should I add the tech consultant role in my resume or leave it out until I’ve worked for at least 3-4+ months?

OK. Understood. That sounds like a good opportunity you've secured - as it gives you exposure to, and training in, several different areas - including software development.

I'd leave the Tech Consultant role off the CV for the moment, given that you've only just started it. Once you've been there 2 or 3 months you should probably start including it (and preparing for the obvious, "Why are you leaving your current role so soon?" question.)

Reply 5

Hahaha2411

OP

1

Original post by University of Suffolk student

[start]Hi Adama here. [/start]
[start]first of all, congratulations on your recent graduation and landing a tech consultant role. Transitioning into a software engineering role is a journey that can take different paths, and gaining experience as a tech consultant can be valuable.[/start]
Here is some points that you would like to consider in my opinion:

1.

Accepting the tech consultant role provides you with an opportunity to gain hands-on experience and exposure to different aspects of the tech industry. This experience, even if not directly in software engineering, can enhance your skill set and marketability.

2.

Use this time to develop skills that are transferable to software engineering. Tech consulting roles often involve problem-solving, collaboration, and communication skills, which are highly valued in the software development field.

3.

While working as a tech consultant, network with professionals in the industry. Attend industry events, connect with colleagues, and express your interest in transitioning into a software engineering role. Networking can open doors to opportunities that might not be immediately apparent.

4.

Continue working on side projects outside of your regular job hours. This will allow you to build a portfolio of work that demonstrates your programming skills. Showcase these projects on platforms like GitHub to make them easily accessible to potential employers.

5.

If, after a month, you find that the tech consultant role is not aligning with your career goals or interests, it's okay to reevaluate your options. Leaving a job early in your career is not uncommon as long as it's done thoughtfully and professionally.

6.

If you decide to explore other opportunities, communicate openly and professionally with your current employer. Provide notice in accordance with your employment contract and express gratitude for the experience gained during your time with the company.

7.

When searching for software engineering roles, emphasize the skills and experience you gained during your time as a tech consultant. Highlight any relevant projects, challenges you've tackled, and skills acquired that are applicable to software development.

[start]Remember that career paths are rarely linear, and diverse experiences can contribute to your overall professional growth. By leveraging the skills and knowledge gained from your tech consulting role, coupled with your commitment to side projects and networking, you can position yourself well for future software engineering opportunities.[/start]

Thank you very much for this detailed response.

Would you say it’ll be more difficult I do end up staying for around 1year+ and trying to transition to SWE?

Also, (I’m trying not to overthink but can’t help it), if I’m unable to continue with working with this company for any reason and decide to leave early, would potentially having a 9month-1year gap in my resume be a problem when trying to apply?

Reply 6

Hahaha2411

OP

1

Original post by DataVenia

OK. Understood. That sounds like a good opportunity you've secured - as it gives you exposure to, and training in, several different areas - including software development.

I'd leave the Tech Consultant role off the CV for the moment, given that you've only just started it. Once you've been there 2 or 3 months you should probably start including it (and preparing for the obvious, "Why are you leaving your current role so soon?" question.)

Thank you very much for the response and advice! Have a lovely day :smile:

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