How Can a Teacher Transition into a Career in Software Engineering?

Are you a teacher looking to make a career change into software engineering? It may seem like a big jump, but it’s possible with the right approach.

In this article, we’ll go through 5 steps to help you transition smoothly from teacher to tech.

Step 1: Assess your skills and interests.

As a teacher, you likely have strong problem-solving skills, the ability to communicate complex ideas, and experience working with technology. These skills can be transferable to a career in software engineering. Take a moment to think about how your current skills can be applied to software engineering and what areas of the field interest you the most.

Step 2: Learn the basics of programming.

Once you’ve assessed your skills, it’s time to start learning the basics of programming. Luckily, many free online resources, such as Codecademy and Coursera can get you started. You can also explore boot camps or part-time classes in your area that can help you gain the skills you need to be a software engineer.

Step 3: Build a portfolio.

As you learn and improve your skills, you must start building a portfolio of your work. This will be a great way to demonstrate your abilities to potential employers. You can start small by building simple programs and then work your way up to more complex projects.

Step 4: Network with other software engineers.

Networking is an essential part of any job search and crucial when making a career change. Reach out to software engineers in your area and ask if they’re willing to meet for coffee or chat over the phone. These conversations provide valuable insights into the field and help you make connections that may lead to job opportunities.

Step 5: Apply for jobs and consider internships.

Once you’ve learned the basics of programming, built a portfolio, and started networking, it’s time to apply for jobs. Many companies offer internships that can provide valuable experience and help you make connections in the industry. While you may not land your dream job immediately, internships are a great way to gain experience and build your career.

Why would you want to change your career to software engineering?

A major benefit of transitioning from teaching to software engineering is the potential for a higher salary. According to Glassdoor, the average salary for a software engineer in the United States is around $90,000 per year, which is significantly higher than the average salary for a teacher. This means that the transition to software engineering can provide you with a new and exciting career and financially benefit you and your family.

As a software engineer, you’ll have the opportunity to work on cutting-edge technology and be a part of a team that’s solving important problems. Additionally, software engineering is in high demand, so job security is relatively high. With the growing number of companies shifting to remote working culture, you’ll have the flexibility to work from home and balance your personal and professional life.

Making a career change can be a daunting task. Still, it can also be an exciting opportunity to solve problems you may face in your current job. Transforming to software engineering may be the perfect solution if you’re tired of feeling unfulfilled or underpaid in your current role.

If you’re serious about making the transition to software engineering, we invite you to join our upcoming webinar, “How to Change Your Career to Software Engineering.” 

This one-hour session will teach you how to make the transition, the skills you’ll need to succeed, and the resources available to help you along the way.

Sign up now to reserve your spot and take the first step toward a new and exciting career in software engineering.