Entry-Level Positions for Aspiring Software Engineers in FinTech
Aarya suggests aiming for any "foot in the door" entry-level position, like an IT technician role as Aarya's original role, and using that experience to explore different areas, build projects, and determine where one best "fit[s] in" within the broader tech field. Determining the "purpose of... choosing this field" is key to guiding one's career path.
Entry-Level Positions, IT Technician, Software Engineer, Career Path, Self-Reflection
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Aarya Mathreja
Software Engineer
Fortune 100 FinTech Company
Arizona State University
Computer Science
Finance (Banking, Fintech, Investing), Technology
Product / Service / Software Development and Management
International Student, Immigrant, Worked 20+ Hours in School
Video Highlights
1. Starting in IT as a technician can be a good entry point into the broader tech field, even if the ultimate goal is software engineering.
2. Gaining any experience to get your foot in the door is valuable, followed by building projects to explore interests and gain more in-depth experience.
3. Exploring different areas within technology (like IT, data science, etc.) is important to determine the best fit and direction for one's career path.
Transcript
Q10: Entry-level positions
Entry-level positions. As I mentioned originally, I started in the IT field. I'm a software developer, a software engineer today, but when I first started, I was an IT technician. I would say that's a good starting point.
Honestly, anything to get your foot in the door helps. After that, build experience, start writing projects, and ask yourself why you're doing this. What's the purpose of choosing this field or this specific thing?
When I started, I had a lot of opportunities available. I could go into IT, data science, or work with a lot of information. There was just so much I could do.
Try to figure out where you want to fit in. Answering that question will help you determine which position you want to start with. So, take the IT route, try to get your foot in the door, and from there, learn and see what you enjoy.