Career Pathways in Technology

I'll forever be grateful to those who took a chance on me. Because they didn’t just hire me for what was on paper. Dan Mian reminded me of how everyone has had someone take a chance on them. When I pivoted from public accounting to tech, my resume wasn’t perfect. My background was different. I didn’t have years of experience in the industry. But someone saw potential and gave me the opportunity. I quickly became the team's trusted point of contact. Hiring managers, here’s why you should take a chance: ↳ The perfect resume doesn’t always equal the best fit. The right mindset, motivation, and transferable skills often outweigh experience. Job seekers, here’s how to stand out when your resume doesn’t check every box: 1/ Do Your Research & Make It Known ↳ Understand the product, the company, and how you can help. Share that in your interview. 2/ Connect Your Transferable Skills ↳ Don’t assume the interviewer will connect the dots for you. Show them how your skills can directly apply to their needs. 3/ Act as a Thought Leader ↳ Present hypotheses on how you could contribute. Offer fresh ideas, even if they’re not perfect. When you show you’re eager, adaptable, and ready to learn, hiring managers will notice. And if they don’t, the right opportunity will. — ♻️ Repost if someone’s taken a chance on you. 🔔 Follow Angela Lau for more. 📌 If you feel stuck in your job search, let’s chat: https://lnkd.in/gWkQmNct

“𝐘𝐨𝐮 𝐝𝐨𝐧’𝐭 𝐡𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐫𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐯𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐤 𝐞𝐱𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞..." That’s what they told me, too. When I transitioned from taxation to Investment Banking, mergers & acquisitions, I heard it all— ❌ “You don’t have the right background.” ❌ “It’s too late to switch now.” ❌ “Start from scratch or stay where you are.” But I refused to let a job title define my future. Instead, I focused on what I did have: Analytical skills, Financial acumen, and the ability to solve complex problems. I learned, I networked, and I proved my worth. Your “irrelevant” experience is actually your secret weapon. Most people think: ❌ “I need to hide my background in marketing now that I’m going into tech.” Smart people think: ✅ “My marketing background gives me a unique edge in tech because I understand user psychology in ways pure technical people never will.” Remember, career transitions aren’t about starting over. They’re about repositioning yourself. If you're looking to make a switch, here’s how to do it without wasting years: 1️⃣ Leverage Transferable Skills – Your past experience holds value. Learn to reframe it. 2️⃣ Start creating before you apply – Proof of work speaks louder than any resume. 3️⃣ Network with Intent – The right conversations open doors faster than cold applications. 4️⃣ Position your experience strategically – A compelling story beats a perfect background. 5️⃣ Upskill smartly – Learn what actually matters for your new role. I know how tough it can be because I’ve been there. But I also know that making a career pivot is possible—without starting from scratch. If you’re looking to transition careers and don’t know where to start, let’s talk. I’d love to help. Drop a comment or DM me. Your past doesn’t define your future. You do. LinkedIn LinkedIn News India LinkedIn Guide to Creating #mindset #career #transition #knowledge #skills #upskill

Almost every time I speak with juniors or college students, I get asked the same question: “I’m not sure what field I want to work in. How do I decide what to do?” It’s a completely normal feeling — and honestly, I’ve been there too. When I first entered college, I had no clue what specialization to take or what career path to pursue. But here’s the truth: You don’t need to have it all figured out right away. What you need is a plan to explore and narrow it down. Here’s what I tell anyone who asks: 📍 𝗗𝗼𝗻’𝘁 𝗢𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗸 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗕𝗶𝗴 𝗣𝗶𝗰𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲 — 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝗿𝘁 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘁𝘀 List a few things you genuinely enjoy or find intriguing — like writing, data analysis, designing, or public speaking. Don’t worry about how they translate into a career just yet Action Step: Write down your interests without worrying about how they translate into a career. The point is to recognize your natural inclinations. 📍 𝗘𝘅𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗦𝗵𝗼𝗿𝘁-𝗧𝗲𝗿𝗺 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝗶𝘁𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀 Try out your interests through short-term activities like joining a club, taking a beginner’s course, or volunteering for a project. Give it 2–4 weeks and see if you enjoy the process Action Step: Try something for 2–4 weeks and assess: Did you enjoy the process? Did it feel meaningful? 📍 𝗧𝗮𝗹𝗸 𝘁𝗼 𝗣𝗲𝗼𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗪𝗵𝗼 𝗔𝗿𝗲 𝗔𝗹𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗱𝘆 𝗗𝗼𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗜𝘁 Reach out to people working in fields you’re curious about. Ask about their day-to-day work, the skills they use, and what they enjoy or dislike about their roles Action Step: Message 3 professionals on LinkedIn and politely ask for a 15-minute chat. Most people are willing to help if you’re genuinely curious and respectful of their time. 📍 𝗙𝗼𝗰𝘂𝘀 𝗼𝗻 𝗦𝗸𝗶𝗹𝗹𝘀, 𝗡𝗼𝘁 𝗧𝗶𝘁𝗹𝗲𝘀 Identify the skills you want to develop rather than getting stuck on job titles. Whether it’s data analysis, storytelling, or management, skills are transferable and will shape your career regardless of the role Action Step: Pick one skill you’re curious about and spend an hour a week learning or practicing it. 📍 𝗔𝗹𝗹𝗼𝘄 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿𝘀𝗲𝗹𝗳 𝘁𝗼 𝗣𝗶𝘃𝗼𝘁 Your first choice doesn’t have to be your final choice. Reflect every few months to see if you’re still enjoying your current path. It’s okay to change directions as you learn more Action Step: Set a reminder to reflect every 3 months: Are you still enjoying your current path? If not, what’s next? The Bottom Line: You don’t have to know your exact career path at 20. Just focus on exploring, learning, and building foundational skills — the clarity will follow. To everyone feeling overwhelmed — take it one step at a time. And remember, not having it all figured out is okay — it’s part of the journey. What’s one career option you’re currently exploring? Share below — I’d love to hear your thoughts!👇 #CareerAdvice #CollegeTips #FindingYourPath #SkillBuilding #CareerExploration #EarlyCareerInsights

I created a Roadmap of 6 Steps to Build a Cybersecurity Career from Scratch. If you are looking to transition into a career that will change your life, this guide will help. One of the first jobs I've had in IT was helping people configure their modems to dial into the internet. Yes, I'm that old. "Back in my day" I used to install operating systems with about 20 floppy disks. Yes, times have changed. I've been lucky enough to stay in this field for over 25+ years. What have I learned? There is more opportunity in tech than most other industries and you can self study your way from start to finish if you have the work ethic. I have developed a Cybersecurity Roadmap for those who want to transition into this field. 1. Research & Identify your Career Path - There are many sectors within cybersecurity that you can learn. Red team, blue team, GRC, AI security, cloud security, and more. Research all of them and find one that really peaks your interest. Ask yourself "Is this something I want to do everyday?" 2. Build Foundational IT Skills through Self Study - Start with the basics. Learn operating systems such as Windows and Linux. Learn networking. For a bonus, learn the Python coding language. 3. Get Entry Level Certifications - There are many certs out there. CompTIA's A+, Network+, or Security+ is a good place to start. You can also look at Google's Cybersecurity Certificate, which is currently on Coursera. 4. Gain Hands on Experience - This one really matters. When I was learning, I built my own labs. I learned networking and how to use VMs just to get my labs setup. Then I'd install different offensive tools and defensive tools to get some hands on. You can also use HacktheBox or TryHackMe if you don't have the resources to build your own labs. Get involved in some CTF (Capture the Flag) events too. 5. Network, Seek Mentorship & Join Communities - As I always say, your network is your net-worth. It really is. Attend meetups, both physically and virtually. Find a mentor and learn. The more people you know, the more opportunity will come your way. 6. Build your Brand and Apply for Roles - This is extremely important. It's not about who you know, it's about who knows you. Share your knowledge with others. Build an outstanding profile that stand out from the rest. Teach others what you have learned. I guarantee you are a step ahead of someone else in their journey. By helping others, it shows your knowledge and builds your network extremely fast. None of these above are easy. However, if you have the work ethic and can buckle up for the journey, there will be opportunity on the other side. If you need help on direction or have questions on any of these, you can find me at https://lnkd.in/g2BR9myb. I'm Mike Miller | vCISO | Appalachia Technologies #cybersecurity #informationsecurity #infosec #careers

Cybersecurity Career Tips #1 If you want to enter the cybersecurity field, it’s not enough to just pick a list of courses, complete them, generate certificates, and think the job will come naturally. And it’s definitely not just about adding certifications to your resume that’s only one step in the process. It’s essential to learn what is applied in real work contexts. You don’t need to study C if you’ll never use it in your daily tasks. Your studies should be aligned with your actual needs. My first recommendation if you want to become a cybersecurity professional is to understand what the market is looking for. Analyze open positions in your region or remote roles, define the requirements for each position, and identify the practical skills you need. Platforms such as HackTheBox, TryHackMe, PortSwigger Academy, PentesterLab, and Root-Me are excellent for hands-on learning. I strongly recommend investing your time in acquiring real-world skills. Write write-ups, share your journey here on LinkedIn or other networks, build personal projects and publish them on GitHub, connect with other professionals, and expand your network both online and at industry events. Also, develop your soft skills. Communication is critical, even in a job interview. Being able to translate technical issues into business impact is just as important as technical knowledge. A common way to start a career is by working in consulting firms. There are many opportunities at different seniority levels. It may not be your dream job, but it opens doors. Prepare your resume for the positions you aim for and highlight the key points that match the role especially if specific knowledge is required. A resume will only be considered if it demonstrates the right skills, relevant training or certifications (to validate your expertise), and professional autonomy. And don’t limit your job search to LinkedIn. It’s great for networking, but when it comes to landing jobs, explore alternatives. Target companies that interest you and check their career pages many positions are never posted on LinkedIn. Above all, stay focused. Don’t try to learn everything at once. Concentrate on what will land you your first job, and then expand your knowledge base to increase your seniority or pivot to other areas. But the real secret lies in how you communicate and sell your work your knowledge, your problem-solving mindset, and your ability to handle situations consistently. #CyberSecurity #InfoSec #CareerAdvice #Hacking #TechJobs #SoftSkills

The Hard (and Surprisingly Popular) Way to Fail at Getting into Data Science: 1. Start by watching endless tutorials on every data-related topic, hoping the knowledge sticks through osmosis. 2. Panic after a couple of rejections and consider switching to a completely unrelated field—dog grooming, maybe? 3. Assume your resume will do the heavy lifting while completely ignoring the power of networking (spoiler: networking > resume). 4. Chase the next trendy tool like it’s a magic wand, without building a solid foundation in engineering or math. 5. Follow the crowd, focusing on what’s “hot” instead of what actually interests you, and end up with a cookie-cutter portfolio. 6. Apply to anything with “data” in the title, even if it’s an admin job or involves staring at spreadsheets all day. 7. Stuff your resume with buzzwords like “Spark” and “Big Data” even though the closest you’ve come to using them is reading a Medium article. 8. Set an unrealistic timeline: “If I’m not hired in six months, I’m throwing in the towel.” 9. Blame the universe for every rejection instead of adjusting your game plan. A Better, Smarter Approach to Breaking into Data Science: 1. Choose your adventure. Focus on areas that genuinely pique your interest—whether it’s NLP, computer vision, or something else that gets you excited. 2. Make networking your superpower. Building relationships with people in the industry can open doors you didn’t even know existed. 3. Learn from actual professionals. Forget just instructors—talk to people already doing the job to find out what skills they really use. 4. Work on projects that matter to you. When you’re passionate about a problem, your project will naturally stand out. 5. Find a mentor early. A good mentor can fast-track your learning and help you avoid costly mistakes. 6. Share your learning journey. Post regularly about what you’re working on, and you’ll build a community that supports you. 7. Consistency beats burnout. Slow and steady progress is better than trying to cram everything into a few intense weeks. 8. Get real-world experience early. Whether it’s freelancing, internships, or contributing to open-source projects, applying your skills is key. 9. Play the long game. Breaking into data science is a marathon, not a sprint. Persistence is what separates those who make it from those who quit too soon. Bottom Line: It’s about enjoying the process, learning along the way, and staying the course. There’s no magic formula—just perseverance and patience.

Don’t Start 2025 Without a Cybersecurity Career Plan Follow these actionable steps: 👇 1 - Find Your Strengths - Write down what you’re good at and what excites you. - Cybersecurity is huge—whether you’re into tech, strategy, or problem-solving, there’s a role for you. 2 - Explore Career Paths - Research roles like SOC Analyst, Cloud Security Engineer, or Penetration Tester. - Use LinkedIn and YouTube to learn what each job involves. 3 - Map Out Your Year - Find your dream job and do a gap analysis: What skills and certs do you need? - Set 6-month goals to build those skills. Focus on hands-on projects, labs, and mentorship. 4 - Certify with Purpose - Only get certifications that align with the above goals—don’t just collect badges. Start 2025 with intention, and watch your cybersecurity career take off! Good luck on your career in the months ahead !

Getting into a Tier-1 company from a Tier-3 college isn’t just about grinding LeetCode. It’s about a complete mindset shift. I remember being back in Bhopal, looking at the tech giants and thinking they were a different world. But the gap isn't as wide as you think—it's just built on different pillars. If you’re currently at a Tier-3 college and aiming for the Microsofts or Googles of the world, here is the "non-obvious" roadmap: 1. Proof of Work > CGPA In a Tier-3 environment, a 9+ CGPA is great, but it won’t get you an interview at a FAANG+ company. Build things. Not just "To-Do" apps, but real-world solutions. If you can show a recruiter a live link to a tool people actually use, your college tier disappears. 2. The Referral Engine Cold applying is a black hole. Your network is your actual net worth. * Don’t ask for a referral in the first message. * Share your journey, ask for advice, and show your work. * When you finally ask for that referral, make it easy for them by providing a summary of why you're a fit. 3. Mastering the "System" Competitive programming gets you through the door, but System Design and CS Fundamentals keep you in the room. Understand how databases scale and how memory is managed. Tier-1 candidates are taught this early; you have to teach yourself. 4. Overcoming the "Silent Barrier" The biggest hurdle is often the lack of exposure. Find mentors who have already made the jump. Listen to their stories, understand their struggles, and realize that they aren't "superhuman"—they just had a plan and stuck to it. The journey from a small town to a global tech hub is long, but every line of code you write closes that distance. To everyone out there hustling from a Tier-3 campus: I see you. Keep building, keep failing, and keep showing up. Your background is your story, not your limit. 🚀 #TechCareers #Tier3ToTier1 #SoftwareEngineering #CareerGrowth #Microsoft #Mentorship

Career changers! Learn how to articulate the value of your transferrable skills into the new role you’re looking to apply for especially if you’re pivoting into a completely new industry. Hiring managers need to understand how your skills will be of relevance to the role. If in an interview you are asked why do you think you’d be a good fit for this role Using the example of a teacher looking to pivot into cybersecurity as a Cybersecurity Awareness Trainer you would say something along the lines of : 1. Creating Engaging Training Materials: Through my experience as a teacher, I developed engaging training materials for various audiences, including students, parents, and fellow educators. This skillset will be invaluable when creating training programs on topics like phishing awareness, password management, and secure browsing practices. 2. Communication Skills: As a teacher, I honed my ability to explain complex concepts in simple terms. This skillset will help me effectively communicate cybersecurity principles, such as the importance of two-factor authentication and recognizing social engineering tactics, to a diverse workforce, 3. Adaptability: The classroom environment is dynamic, requiring quick adjustments to lesson plans based on student needs. This adaptability will serve me well in the fast-paced world of cybersecurity, where threats like ransomware and data breaches evolve rapidly. The above is an example of how to articulate your transferrable skills in alignment with the roles needs #careerchanger #careerpivot #skillsforlife #careeradvice

Your first job search isn’t just about skills. It’s about positioning, clarity, and communication. I recently tweeted something that resonated with many: “You know DSA. You’ve built projects. You’ve done your part. Yet rejections still knock you down.” This happens more often than we talk about—especially to students from non-Tier 1 colleges or those pursuing degrees like BCA, MCA, or online programs. I’ve seen friends who were talented, hardworking, and technically sound, still struggle. Not because they lacked capability, but because they lacked direction in how to present it. Here are some practical tips that can help you break that wall: 1. Projects need storytelling, not just code Include case studies on your portfolio or GitHub READMEs. Explain: What problem you solved Why you chose a particular stack How you approached edge cases What tradeoffs you made 2. DSA matters, but it’s not everything If you're applying for product-based companies, practice platform-specific contests (like LeetCode Weekly, Codeforces). But also understand how to write clean, scalable code and explain your logic confidently. 3. Resume = First impression Use action-driven bullet points (led, built, optimized). Avoid generic lines like “Passionate about technology.” Keep it focused. Tailor your resume for each job role. 4. Practice thinking out loud Mock interviews aren’t just for feedback—they train you to speak your thought process. Platforms like Pramp, Interviewing.io, or even peers over Zoom can help a lot. 5. Build in public Share your learnings on LinkedIn or GitHub. It helps you get noticed, and it builds confidence. Document your journey—it’s proof of consistency. 6. Learn how to learn The tech stack will keep changing. What matters is how you approach debugging, searching for solutions, and building incrementally. Useful Resources: System Design Primer CS50 by Harvard (Free) Tech Interview Handbook Frontend Masters Bootcamps (Free courses) Final Thought: You may not have a BTech or a top-tier college tag, but that doesn’t define your ceiling. Learn how to communicate your work. Focus on clarity, not just hard work. And keep iterating on your process until opportunity finds you. Rooting for everyone navigating this phase. Follow Abhay Singh for more such reads.