In this week’s episode of Promoted, Haley discusses how, despite having skills across several industries, they successfully transitioned into an entry-level .NET Associate Developer position without any prior tech experience, by leveraging their relevant skills.
Key Takeaways:
The world changes fast, and getting onto the first rung of the economic ladder can be challenging, especially as technology continues to advance. On average, an American adult holds about 12 different jobs by age 55, and career changes without direct experience or a degree can be even harder. However, you have a secret weapon: your life experience and transferable skills.
While some roles (like software engineering) require specific technical or “hard” skills, many entry-level tech positions prioritize soft skills—such as communication, problem-solving, and project management—that apply across industries. Demonstrating these skills as a career changer can be the key to landing a job. Yet, too often, job seekers count themselves out because they don’t meet every listed requirement, forgetting to highlight the valuable skills they’ve gained, whether or not they’re industry-specific.
In this episode of Promoted, Merit America alum Haley Jones joins their career coach and host, Masha Finn, to discuss how their diverse experiences as a nanny, waitress, project manager, and personal assistant helped them expand their skill set to land their first job in tech, as well as how Merit America supported them in focusing on the skills they had developed rather than fixating on what they lacked.
Tune in to learn:
- Why Haley decided to change careers
- The value of transferable skills and how to recognize them
- How Haley overcame obstacles and gained confidence
- How to identify and market your own transferable skills
Listen to the full episode!
Tune in to Haley and Masha’s full chat for expert insights and practical advice on leverage your transferable skills and confidently moving forward in your career!
Podcast Transcript:
Haley: Hi, I’m Haley. I transitioned from working in childcare, customer service, and project management to becoming a .NET associate developer, earning about $30,000 more. Today, we’ll talk about how I did that with my former coach, Masha, highlighting my experience and transferable skills.
Masha: You just heard from Haley, a Merit America alum. Welcome to Promoted, a podcast about moving from low-wage work to promising careers. I’m Masha Finn, a Merit America coach. In this episode, Haley shares how she applied her nontechnical background and transferable skills to build a tech career. Welcome, Haley.
Haley: Thank you so much.
Masha: Let’s start with your background. Where were you professionally before joining Merit America?
Haley: I’ve always loved learning, but I got married young, and when my husband got sick, I took on various jobs. I worked as a nanny, and then moved into office roles. I was in project management, but the lack of a degree was a barrier. I’d always had an interest in coding, so when I heard about Merit America, I gave it a shot.
Masha: Did you always have an interest in technology?
Haley: I grew up interested in technology and started coding with MySpace HTML, but I didn’t consider STEM as a career. It wasn’t until later that I realized it was something I could pursue.
Masha: What led you to explore Java with Merit America?
Haley: Not having a degree kept me from advancing in my previous roles. I started thinking about going back to school or doing a certificate program. When I saw a video about Merit America, I applied quickly.
Masha: Let’s talk about transferable skills. These are skills you can use in different jobs, like communication, organization, and multitasking. Haley, your previous experience wasn’t in tech. How did you recognize your skills as applicable to a tech career?
Haley: At first, I didn’t think I could do it, but I learned to trust myself. The best skill you can have is the desire to learn. In my previous roles, I had developed strong communication and networking skills. I joined a group called Business Network International, which taught me how to be comfortable in professional settings.
Masha: I remember how valuable networking was in helping you land your current role. How did that help you break into tech?
Haley: Networking made all the difference. I went to a local event for women in tech, where I met someone from the company I now work for. They initially interviewed me for a different role but eventually created a position for me based on my strengths.
Masha: How did you use your communication skills in your interviews?
Haley: I knew I didn’t have the technical experience they wanted, but I made up for it by highlighting my communication skills and my willingness to learn.
Masha: Any advice for those struggling to recognize or communicate their transferable skills?
Haley: Push yourself to practice talking about your strengths. It’s uncomfortable at first, but it gets easier. Women, in particular, tend to apply only if they meet every requirement. Don’t be afraid to sell yourself.
Masha: What helped you hone in on your transferable skills?
Haley: My experience in networking groups showed me the importance of communication. I learned to recognize my strengths, even when I felt nervous or unsure.
Masha: Tell us about your role now and how life has changed since you started.
Haley: I’m earning a living wage now, which has lifted a huge weight off my shoulders. I can pay bills and afford healthcare, which wasn’t always possible before.
Masha: That’s wonderful. Looking ahead, what’s next for your career?
Haley: I want to become a stronger back-end engineer and work my way out of entry level. Right now, I’m focused on building my technical skills.
Masha: You embody Merit America’s value of lifelong learning. Any final thoughts to share?
Haley: This journey takes time, but keep honing your skills. Don’t stop learning after finishing a program. Push yourself to grow, and you’ll see the results.
Masha: Thank you for sharing your story and insights, Haley. To our listeners, if you found value in Haley’s experience, visit www.meritamerica.com. That’s all for this episode of Promoted. Until next time!