🎙 About the episode

Meet Katrina Tucker 🇺🇸! Katrina recently changed careers and got her first software engineering job. But here's the interesting part – she didn't start as a junior! No, Katrina was immediately offered a senior title.

In this episode, you'll discover the importance of never labeling yourself as a junior, especially when transitioning careers. Katrina dives into the significance of language and emphasizes how your domain knowledge can make a significant impact. Get ready to uncover Katrina's networking strategies (spoiler alert: you're probably overthinking yours) and gain insights into how she learned to code while juggling a full-time job and family responsibilities. Plus, find out the number one thing you should know about technical interviews and what you can do to work on your interviewing skills.

Join us as Katrina shares her inspiring journey, challenges conventional notions, and reveals valuable tips and tricks for career success. Disclaimer: The opinions expressed by Katrina in this podcast are solely her own and do not represent the views or opinions of her employer.

🔗 Connect with Katrina

⏰ Timestamps

Katrina learned to code at school, thanks to her father, but ended up majoring in international finance (02:19)
Katrina's career in finance and law (04:14)
After the stock market crashed, Katrina went on to work at IRS (05:04)
Suddenly, Katrina realized she was coding! (05:46)
Katrina's current job combines all of her skills (06:39)
Don't call yourself junior! (07:18)
What made Katrina transition into software engineering (08:10)
Why we should retire the term "breaking into tech" (08:50)
How Katrina joined #100Devs (10:28)
How to learn to code when you have a family and full-time job (11:50)
Community break! Your LinkedIn posts and tweets, with Jan The Producer (14:22)
How Katrina wanted to address her knowledge gap (16:40)
When did Katrina start to feel ready to apply for coding jobs? (18:52)
The most important thing to know about coding interviews (19:47)
How Katrina practiced her interview skills with Brilliant Black Minds (20:56)
Katrina's networking strategy (22:22)
What's the difference between networking and just talking to people? (24:10)
How Katrina found her first software role (26:56)
Find your unique angle and double down (31:44)
How Katrina prepared for her final interview round (32:58)
Why you should ask your prospective employer business questions (33:54)
Why your domain knowledge is important (37:04)

🧰 Resources Mentioned

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#50 Is Warren Buffett lying?