#173 - Breaking into Tech After 40: The Self-Taught Developer Path with Dicky Kitchen
Sep 23, 2024
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Dicky Kitchen is a self-taught developer who made his mark in tech after a career as a physical therapy assistant. He shares his inspiring journey of breaking into coding in his 40s, tackling self-doubt, and the sacrifices made along the way. Dicky discusses the importance of utilizing online resources, effectively showcasing projects, and mastering soft skills in the tech world. He emphasizes building community connections and finding joy in problem-solving while navigating career transitions. Perfect for anyone over 30 looking to enter the tech field!
Transitioning into tech after 40 is possible by embracing passion, curiosity, and a structured approach to learning programming languages.
Building a portfolio and networking within the tech community are essential for showcasing skills and enhancing career opportunities as a developer.
Deep dives
Learning to Code After 40
Transitioning into tech as a self-taught coder after the age of 40 is entirely achievable. The speaker highlights that many people overestimate the importance of age in the tech field and illustrates how passion and curiosity are critical factors for success. By sharing his own journey, he emphasizes that it’s never too late to start learning programming languages like Python or HTML, echoing the sentiment that past academic performance does not dictate future capability. The conversation sheds light on the necessity of accountability in learning, using platforms such as Instagram to motivate oneself and track progress publicly.
The Importance of Structuring Learning
Successfully learning to code requires a structured approach, rather than merely jumping from one coding language to another. The speaker shares his initial missteps of focusing solely on learning programming languages without understanding their practical applications. This approach highlighted a gap in his knowledge about software development processes, leading him to undertake additional courses that specifically focused on the purpose and context of the languages he was learning. He stresses the value of building projects that solve real-world problems, which helps learners to grasp the application of coding skills beyond just theoretical knowledge.
Building a Portfolio and Networking
Creating a portfolio and networking are essential components in entering the job market as a developer. The speaker discusses the importance of showcasing projects on platforms like GitHub, which allows prospective employers to see tangible examples of one’s coding abilities. He recounts how his own sizable project, Indie Book Vault, not only enhanced his portfolio but also provided valuable experience in real-world application development. The conversation also highlights how connecting with other developers and engaging with the tech community can lead to opportunities and collaborations that further career growth.
Continuous Growth in a Development Career
Achieving a software development job is just the start; continuous learning and adapting within the role are crucial for success. The speaker reflects on his early days in the industry and the challenges of feeling underqualified compared to colleagues while also sharing the importance of communication and transparency in a team setting. By being open about his strengths and weaknesses, he gained respect from more senior team members and contributed effectively to projects. This approach underscores the need for developers to focus not only on technical skills but also on soft skills, such as problem-solving and clear communication, which significantly impact team dynamics and overall success.
Dicky Kitchen is a self-taught developer who made the leap into tech in his 40s—without a degree, bootcamp, or formal schooling.
Dicky is in his first 90 days as a professional developer after a career as a phyiscal therapy assistant.
We dive into Dicky’s journey from physical therapy to coding, how he found success learning online, and the sacrifices it took to build a new career from scratch.
If you’re over 30, switching careers, or just curious about how to break into tech, this episode is packed with actionable advice and inspiration.