??The Secret To Breaking Into Tech

Thomas Cox , is one of the hardest workers we know. It has been such an honor to witness his journey. In July of 2023, Thomas started a group called CD Tech Chattanooga , a group for professionals trying to break into the tech industry, as someone trying to break into tech himself. Now less than a year later, he has landed his own position as Software Developer at CGI . Check out his story and top tips below!

Q: Can you share your journey from starting out in the software development space to landing your current position?

"It's been about 2.5 to 3 years since I started self-teaching. Initially, I focused on accumulating credentials and building a robust portfolio to validate my skills. However, I quickly realized that while the technical know-how and a great LinkedIn presence are crucial, they’re only supplemental. The key is figuring out who your network is and developing essential soft skills to be a valuable employee. So, I delved into understanding communication, problem-solving, and building relationships. It's funny because while I spent a lot of time perfecting my LinkedIn profile and crafting a stellar resume, what ultimately landed me my current job was a simple Facebook post. I reached out to my network, and a childhood acquaintance, now a significant figure in my company, responded and offered to pass my resume along to her boss. So that’s my big joke is that, you know, I put all this work into being a professional and Facebook got me my first job."

Q: Besides Facebook, did you attend any networking events or have any favorites?

"Hack Night by Carbon Five was a game-changer for me. Led by Alex Cruickshank, it provided a welcoming environment where seasoned developers generously shared their knowledge. Additionally, events like the Scenic City Summit in 2022 allowed me to expand my network and put faces to names within the community."

?Q: Any recommended courses or programs for breaking into the field?

"Well, I don't have a specific allegiance to any particular courses, but I did find value in completing a Coursera front-end developer certification. However, I encountered challenges with the course content, which actually turned out to be a blessing in disguise. It forced me to develop problem-solving skills by figuring out solutions on my own. Ultimately, it's more about finishing what you start rather than the specific course you undertake."

Q: Anything surprising in your interview process?

"One surprising aspect was during a technical problem-solving session where I bombed a simple task that I'd done before. The interviewer stopped me and asked why I approached it the way I did. I admitted to being extremely nervous, which led to some laughs and genuine understanding from the interviewers. I thought, “I could sit here and try to make stuff up, but let’s just save us all a lot of time and effort and be honest.” That’s how you solve problems quickly. The quicker you can admit you don't know something, the quicker you can go look it up and actually figure it out. All that to say, they appreciated my honesty and saw beyond technical skills, focusing more on my potential as a communicator and consultant. It was a pleasant surprise that they valued adaptability and honesty over technical perfection."

Q: Any final advice for those entering the field?

"The only sure way to fail is to give up. It can be really discouraging and it can be really hard. The thing to remember is that it's hard for everybody. But it’s a really cool thing that we’re doing here. Stay passionate and curious about your work. Networking and soft skills are just as crucial as technical proficiency. Talk to people, get to know them personally, and continue to learn how to problem solve."

Thank you so much for sharing with us, Thomas! Want to learn more about Thomas? Check out his LinkedIn here.