How to become a developer in your 30s with Anjana Vakil [Podcast #162]

Introduction

This tutorial is designed to guide you on how to become a developer in your 30s, inspired by Anjana Vakil's journey from academia to tech. Whether you are considering a career change or looking to enhance your skills, this step-by-step guide will provide actionable advice, insights on overcoming challenges, and tips for leveraging your unique background.

Step 1: Embrace Your Background

• Recognize that skills from your previous career can give you an edge as a developer.
• Reflect on your past experiences (e.g., teaching, research) and how they enhance your problem-solving abilities and communication skills in tech.
• Consider how your unique perspective can contribute to diverse teams.

Step 2: Learn to Code

• Start with online resources and courses tailored for beginners.
• Recommended platforms include:
  • Codecademy
  • freeCodeCamp
  • Coursera
• Focus on languages that are in high demand, such as JavaScript, Python, or Ruby.
• Set realistic goals and create a consistent study schedule to avoid burnout.

Step 3: Build a Network

• Join coding communities, both online and offline, to connect with other learners and professionals.
• Participate in forums like Stack Overflow, GitHub, and Discord channels focused on programming.
• Attend local meetups, tech conferences, or workshops to meet peers and industry experts.

Step 4: Gain Practical Experience

• Start working on small projects to apply what you've learned.
• Consider contributing to open-source projects to build your portfolio and gain real-world experience.
• Engage in freelance work to understand client needs and project management.

Step 5: Navigate Freelancing Risks

• Understand the challenges of freelancing, such as income variability and client management.
• Develop a strong personal brand and online presence (e.g., LinkedIn, personal website).
• Create a financial plan to manage periods of low income.

Step 6: Focus on Community and Support

• Seek out mentors or peers who can provide guidance and support throughout your learning journey.
• Engage with supportive communities that encourage sharing knowledge and experiences.
• Utilize resources like the Recurse Center, which fosters learning and collaboration among developers.

Step 7: Overcome Imposter Syndrome

• Acknowledge that feelings of inadequacy are common in tech, especially for newcomers.
• Celebrate your achievements, no matter how small, and remind yourself of your progress.
• Share your experiences with others to build confidence and receive encouragement.

Step 8: Find Your Passion

• Explore different areas of development to identify what excites you most (e.g., web development, data science, AI).
• Work on projects that align with your interests to maintain motivation and engagement.
• Stay adaptable and open to learning new skills as technology evolves.

Conclusion

Transitioning into a tech career in your 30s is entirely feasible with the right approach. Embrace your unique background, learn consistently, build a supportive network, and gain practical experience. Remember, the journey is as important as the destination, so stay curious and passionate about programming. Your next steps include picking a programming language to start with and reaching out to communities to build connections.