Navigating the Tech World: My Journey without Coding Skills
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Chapter 1: My Unique Journey into Tech
In this chapter, I reflect on my unexpected adventure into the tech industry, emphasizing that my route was significantly facilitated by the privileges associated with my identity as a cis-gendered white male. This acknowledgment is central to my initiative, "How the Heck Do You Get Into Tech?" Throughout my over ten years in the tech field, I've worked as a freelance experience designer, co-founded a tech company, and embraced a full-time role as a tech consultant at a global firm—all while possessing minimal coding knowledge.
This contradiction fuels my belief that there isn't a singular path to entering the tech industry. To demystify this journey for others, I feel it's crucial for individuals to share their narratives.
Section 1.1: Early Influences
My childhood was marked by a passion for reading and creating comics—essentially graphic design with a storytelling twist.
Subsection 1.1.1: Educational Background
In 2007, after an undeclared freshman year, I chose to pursue a major in Visual Communications (essentially a convoluted term for graphic design) and a minor in business. That summer, I took on three internships simultaneously at local design agencies—a decision I wouldn't recommend in hindsight.
Section 1.2: Freelancing and Networking
Upon graduating in 2013, I returned home and launched my freelance career, focusing on branding and web design for small businesses in St. Louis. During this period, I relied heavily on resources from more experienced professionals and utilized creative placement agencies to expand my network. While these agencies can be beneficial early on, they tend to lose their value as you become more adept at reaching out to companies independently.
Chapter 2: Key Milestones in My Career
In 2013, I worked as a "brand support consultant" for an international PR firm, where I crafted presentations for executives of global brands. This experience marked my first significant engagement with large-scale companies.
Video Description: Discover how I landed a tech job without prior experience, sharing insights and tips that can help you navigate your own journey.
Following that role, I joined a coworking space where I connected with freelancers and tech entrepreneurs. I collaborated on a mobile app project and later participated in the European Innovation Academy (EIA), a transformative experience that involved forming startup teams and pitching to real investors.
In 2015, I co-founded a design agency with two web developers from the coworking space. Unfortunately, after a series of conflicts, we dissolved the business. Shortly thereafter, I joined a tech startup focused on making motion design more accessible but left when it became apparent that progress was stagnant.
Video Description: In this video, I share my journey into tech, detailing how I transitioned from freelancing to a full-time role, and the lessons learned along the way.
By 2016, I had the opportunity to help design a brand and applications for a friend’s startup in San Francisco. This period was enlightening, as I grasped the financial demands of Silicon Valley living and realized I could channel my client work into my own projects.
Final Thoughts
Throughout my career, I have learned that success in tech is not linear and often involves seizing random opportunities. As I reflect on my journey, I am committed to helping others carve their own paths into the tech world through "How the Heck Do You Get Into Tech?" By sharing our stories, we can make tech careers accessible to everyone.
