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Wandering Whys

From Words to Code

• 3 min • 487 words
Coding

Switching careers may seem like going on an unfamiliar journey, which is full of uncertainty and challenges. However, an exciting revelation awaits: the key to a successful career change may be hidden in your past experiences and education. Let me share my own journey with you. I started with degrees in humanities, ventured into editing and journalism, and eventually transitioned into the dynamic IT industry. The game-changer? Elective courses that ignited my interest in IT and equipped me with the necessary skills for this new adventure. Curious? Keep reading.

An Unconventional Start

As a graduate in the “Language” department with degrees in German and Lexicography, my career path initially appeared quite straightforward. I began as a book editor, dealing with the intricacies of language and communication. It was a rewarding phase, but I yearned for something more.

Fostering Curiosity

This desire for change led me to journalism, where I spent nearly seven years reporting on a wide range of topics. Journalism honed my research, communication, and adaptability skills, but my curiosity remained unsatisfied. I craved a career at the forefront of innovation and change.

Crossing Boundaries

The pivotal moment arrived when I took a leap of faith into the IT industry, a field that appeared vastly different from my linguistic background. Yet, I soon realized that the analytical and research skills I had developed during my editing and journalism days were invaluable assets in this new environment. However, I needed a bridge to connect my past experiences with my new aspirations.

The Secret Weapons

During my Lexicography studies, I picked three elective courses from the Department of Computer Science and Digital Humanities. Little did I know that these seemingly unrelated courses would become my secret weapons for success in the IT industry. The knowledge I gained from these courses began to lay the foundation for my career transition into the IT industry, specifically Natural Language Processing (NLP).

These courses enabled me to understand technical terminology and concepts. Furthermore, they boosted my confidence. The fusion of my linguistic background with these elective courses provided me with a unique perspective and a competitive edge in the tech field.

I can vividly recall a moment when, while working on an NLP project with my team, I taught the Engineering and Data Science team the basics of Linguistics. This experience exemplified the strength of cross-functional collaboration within a team. In this instance, my background in linguistics became a bridge that facilitated smoother communication and understanding between the linguistic and technical aspects of the project.

Key Takeaway

If you’re contemplating a career change, take a closer look at your past experiences and educational background. The courses you took during your academic journey might contain hidden opportunities. Employing a Venn Diagram to map your skills and the demands of potential career fields provides a clear, visual representation of your potential path. This visualization helps identify areas where your strengths align with industry requirements.