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Hannah, Software Engineer at Technology Company: Advize Career Interview

Hannah's journey from pre-med volunteer programs and marketing internships to a successful software engineering career at a mid-size technology company is a testament to adaptability and a proactive approach to career exploration.

A pivot during the COVID-19 pandemic led to a software development bootcamp and a fulfilling role focused on developing new features, collaborating through pair programming, and supporting customers.

The work demands a lot of curiosity, a love of learning, and the ability to embrace constant change—all traits Hannah values.

The tech industry's flexibility and autonomy, coupled with the chance to work on world-changing projects, are highlighted as major draws.

Success in the field, Hannah emphasizes, depends less on formal education and more on soft skills, a willingness to learn and adapt, and collaborative spirit.

Many entry-level opportunities exist through internships and new graduate programs, offering a supportive introduction to the fast-paced world of software development.

Hannah's personal journey underscores the importance of self-discovery and risk-taking in finding the right career path.

Advizer Information

Name

Job Title

Company

Undergrad

Grad Programs

Majors

Industries

Job Functions

Traits

Hannah Ramadan

Software Engineer

Technology Company

University of California, Santa Barbara

Hackbright (Software Bootcamp)

International Relations & Affairs

Technology

Product / Service / Software Development and Management

Greek Life Member

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Career Path Of A Software Engineer At A Technology Company

Hannah's career path was initially uncertain, encompassing diverse experiences like "pre-med volunteer programs and marketing internships," before a marketing role at Procore. A pivot during the COVID-19 pandemic, spurred by introspection and free time, led to a software development bootcamp and a current position at a mid-size technology company after "six months," showcasing adaptability and a proactive approach to career exploration.

Main Responsibilities of a Software Engineer in a Technology Company

Hannah's main responsibilities as a Software Engineer include developing "new features for customers or enhancing current ones," collaborating extensively with team members through "pair programming," and assisting customer support. The collaborative nature of the work, which Hannah highlights as a key, often-overlooked aspect, is a significant part of their daily experience.

A Day In The Life Of A Software Engineer At A Technology Company

A typical day for this software engineer involves a team stand-up to discuss progress and roadblocks, followed by individual work on two-week sprint projects. The work includes a "nice balance of working with team members, solo work, and...planning."

Most Important Skills for a Software Engineer at Technology Company

Hannah, a software engineer, emphasizes that "a lot of curiosity" is the most crucial skill, driven by the ever-evolving nature of technology; the ability to "pivot, to change, to love learning" is essential for long-term success in this dynamic field.

Favorite Parts Of Being A Software Engineer At A Technology Company

Hannah, a software engineer, enjoys the constant stream of "new and very different challenges" her role presents. This continuous exposure to novel problems, while leveraging past experience, keeps the work "really interesting" and aligns perfectly with their preference for trying new things.

Biggest Challenges Faced By A Software Engineer At A Tech Company

Hannah's biggest challenge as a Software Engineer is the constantly evolving nature of the problems, described as "always new and changing," leading to occasional frustration when faced with the unknown. However, this continuous learning aspect is also a source of enjoyment in the role.

Favorite Parts Of Working In The Tech Industry As A Software Engineer

Hannah, a software engineer, appreciates the "flexibility and autonomy" the tech industry offers, specifically mentioning the post-Covid shift towards remote work options. The constant influx of "new technology" and involvement in shaping "things that really are changing our world" are also highlighted as key sources of enjoyment in their career.

What Type Of Person Thrives In The Tech Industry, According To A Software Engineer At A Tech Company

Hannah, a software engineer, believes diverse backgrounds can succeed in the tech industry, citing team members with self-taught, formal program, and computer science degree backgrounds. The shared traits among successful individuals are "a sense of curiosity, creativity, and...being really happy and willing to work together."

What a Software Engineer at Tech Company Wishes They Knew Before Entering the Software Engineering Industry

Hannah, a software engineer, wishes someone had emphasized the rapid pace of technological change in the industry—"the technology you might learn today might not even really exist tomorrow"—and the importance of "soft skills" like curiosity and a love of learning over technical prowess. These attributes, rather than a computer science degree or coding speed, are key to long-term success as a software developer.

Entry-Level Positions For Aspiring Software Engineers

Many tech companies offer undergraduate students "a ton of different opportunities," primarily through internships and new graduate programs. These cohort-based programs provide a supportive entry point into the field, offering a "special experience" by integrating new hires into larger groups.

Significant Career Lesson From A Software Engineer At A Technology Company

Hannah's significant career lesson is that "it's going to be okay," emphasizing the importance of risk-taking and exploration during early career stages to find the right fit, as evidenced by their journey through various fields, including five years in marketing, before finding success in software engineering. This approach of embracing uncertainty ultimately led to significant career progression.

College Experiences That Helped a Software Engineer at Tech Succeed

Hannah's college success stemmed from mastering their learning style—"learning how you learn"—rather than relying solely on memorization. This self-awareness, a skill developed through conscious reflection on learning processes, proved invaluable in navigating the demands of a software engineering career.

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