Navigating the Transition from Law to Technology Careers
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Chapter 1: My Academic Journey
After my second year of college, I made a decision regarding my education. However, instead of choosing a single path, I pursued three degrees, all aimed at preparing for law school. My rationale was simple: if I was going to invest this time in education, I might as well make the most of it. This choice stemmed not from a strong work ethic, but from a desire to optimize my five-year university experience. The degrees I obtained were:
- Political Science
- Women's Studies
- Psychology
Near the conclusion of my college journey, an unexpected opportunity arose with Apple. I distinctly recall questioning my father about the authenticity of the offer, as it diverged from my planned path and felt quite spontaneous. The interview process, too, seemed surprisingly straightforward.
Reflecting on this now, I realize how pivotal that moment was. I found enjoyment in the work and decided to continue in the tech sector post-graduation. I will forever be thankful to Apple for welcoming me into the technology field.
Random Note: Interestingly, I didn't fully embrace Apple products until three years after leaving the company. I was quite set on being an Android user!
Opting for a tech career over law school was a decision I stand by, and I have no regrets. The door to law school remains open should I choose to explore it in the future.
Transitioning from Apple to my first product role was a significant challenge, which I plan to delve into in subsequent articles. Through self-education, I managed to acquire the necessary skills to secure my first position in health tech.
Over the past ten years, I have deliberately worked across various sectors and roles, including:
Industries:
- Digital Transformation / Website
- SaaS Products
- Open Source
- Healthtech
- Security
- Fintech
- Edtech
Roles:
- Program Manager
- Product Manager
- Business Analyst
- Project Manager
- Scrum Master
- Teaching / Coaching
Six years into my tech career, I began teaching and assisting others in refining or kickstarting their tech careers. This has become my favorite aspect of my involvement in the industry.
It has been incredibly rewarding to help thousands of individuals worldwide enhance their careers and financial situations. I am excited to share the insights I’ve gained over the last decade in detail through this dedicated publication.
It's important to note that a background in technology, a tech degree, or even a degree at all is not a prerequisite for starting a career in tech. I often remind people that the belief that one needs a degree is a common misconception.
The focus of this publication will be about empowering individuals to elevate or launch their careers in tech — one of the most rewarding fields to work in. Welcome to Get A Job In Tech (GAJIT).
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Chapter 2: Insights from Industry Leaders
In the first video, Professor Jason Schultz discusses why NYU Law stands out as an excellent institution for studying technology law. His insights shed light on the intersection of law and technology, making it a valuable watch for aspiring students.
The second video features a unique perspective from a professional who pursued both law and computer science. This exploration highlights the diverse pathways one can take in their educational and career journey, providing motivation for those contemplating a similar transition.