Inexperience ≠ inability
Dear Tech Industry,
I’m frustrated with you. Don’t get me wrong — I like you. You do a lot of good things and have a lot of things going for you.
But there’s quirks and biases you have that I’m seeing now that I’m more involved with you, and it bums me out.
I don’t have any sort of deep and involved history with computers. I played games and wrote essays on them. But I never was involved in programming them or building them that much. But I liked them and thought if I took the time to learn — I could go far in the tech field.
A little over a year ago I started taking web development courses online. After a few months I realized that I needed something more to take me where I wanted to be. So I applied to and was accepted to a 12 week coding program, General Assembly. I loved it. Absolutely loved it. I learned full stack web development, completed group projects and graduated, despite the intense pace and sheer amount of knowledge I had to absorb in a limited amount of time.
So, just like that I consider myself a part of you, a techie, someone with the linguistic knowhow to create and publish content on the web.
I graduated in early February. It is now early August and I’m still job hunting. Granted I took time away from the search in February and March to get married but I don’t believe that had a huge impact on my search. Here is what I have noticed thus far:
You equate inexperience to inability.
And I think you’re wrong.
I live in Austin, Texas. The job market here for web developers is a little odd. Whether there really is a shortfall of qualified software programmers or not, the demand for web developers is on the rise.
But there’s a real resistance to bringing someone like me — fresh blood, junior level — into the field. The VAST majority of job listings in my area are for developers with at least 3 years of experience. Well, make that 3–5 years experience. And a doctorate in computer science. And a portfolio showing I have shipped at least 50 mind-blowingly beautiful web sites. Oh, and those 5 years worth of experience needs to be in a hip and trending framework that’s been out for 3 years. The most common job posting I’ve seen is “must have CS degree and at least 3 years experience in ___”.
I’m not saying I should be hired for a position that genuinely requires a senior-level of experience, but come on. There’s got to be a way to bring me in, provide some mentorship and guidance, and watch me go. In doing so would help create a sustainable environment in the industry — new people learning the ropes from the “elders”.
It has gotten so bad that my coach wrote about it. A couple of times.
Do you sense my frustration?
I’m not looking for a handout here. And I’m trying to avoid sounding like “just another gripe-ing millennial.” But there appears to be a real problem.
In the few interviews I’ve had, I’m already at a disadvantage with my lack of CS degree. Then from there, when recruiters and lead programmers see “bootcamp” on a resume, it seems to be a huge red flag. I get grilled on “why didn’t you have the foresight to have been involved with computers since age 9?” and “why are you changing careers now that you’ve found something that you like?” And my personal favorite: “Why should we hire you since you don’t have YEARS of commitment to the tech field?”
Welp, I’m sorry I don’t have the undergrad degree you seem to idolize. My family and I scrounged for the money to put me through General Assembly and keep me afloat while I was doing that full-time. I sure as heck don’t have the money and four years to devote to the hallowed CS degree, or additional time and money to get a post-grad.
I’m just me. A new husband and fledgling web developer.
I am making web development my career. I really like it, and it’s important to do something you like, right?
There seems to be a need for people with my skills. And I’m someone who can meet that need. Of course I need time to hone those skills and learn A LOT more. But I think I’ve proven that I am a quick learner and teachable enough to change careers at 31 years of age. It’s an injustice to write people off because they’re inexperienced. That’s the catch-22. How do I get the required experience if no one will hire me?
So, dearest Tech Industry, I think you’re really hurting yourself in the long-term in assuming that inexperience means inability. I am smart, teachable, driven and fun. I think you should give me a shot.
Sincerely, Stephen
