13 Career-Switch Tools; Project Architecture to Software Development

There are only too many applications you can send before you realize that the journey to a career transition involves so much more than getting a new job.  Here is my list of 13 things I should be doing to acquire more knowledge of the construction technology world. 

1. Mentorship programs. This one is self-explanatory. I have found a good number of tech programs that can be a great resource in improving your programming language and connecting with fellow learners. I am halfway through the AWS She Builds Mentorship Program and just about to start the Tech 4 Dev Program. My next article will be on the lessons from the AWS program. 
2. Peer reviews. Rewriting a PyRevit script has helped me learn how to interpret other people's work and challenges my understanding of a concept. I recently mastered the courage to share my articles on Pyladies and WomenWhoCode slack channels and the feedback I have received has always encouraged me to keep writing. 
3. Communities. As already mentioned, the Pyladies and Women Who Code are good resources for Python events and volunteering opportunities. Most notable, however, has been ArchiTechie, which is a hub for AEC professionals who are interested in tech-related careers. The conversations on the Slack channel are 100% relatable and I have realized that the learning curve is equally difficult for everyone. 
4. Competitions; design-based or tech hackathons. I have not done this yet but I have found a number of websites that offer this and it can be a great way to flex your programming and design muscle. Here is a list of Hackathons for beginners
5. Redoing old projects. Having a before and after catalog of your work would be an excellent way to measure your progress. With the new skills and efficiency that come with writing Dynamo scripts and learning PyRevit, I will be redoing my final year projects and publishing my then-verus now on my blog
6. Volunteering with relevant associations. Full disclosure, I have not yet given this a shot but this has always been a great way to get your foot through the door.
7. Writing articles for Construction Technology newsletters and publications. This is an avenue I am currently exploring. I'm reading the newsletters published in the Irish Building Magazine to understand their content and publish a relevant article in next year's publication. This one aligns well with my interest in writing and I'm keen to find relevant spaces that I can publish my work on. 
8. Listening/reading/watching relevant content. Could be watching YouTube videos or listening to Podcasts-BIM Voice on Youtube and BIM Thoughts on Spotify- or reading articles. I'm currently following Erik Frits on YouTube and pausing to write the scripts he displays.
9. Attending events. Even the highly priced workshops and summits will have student tickets or voucher codes and when lucky enough, will have a limited number of giveaway tickets. Last week was the BIM Coordinators Summit which has regional events throughout the year with affordable virtual tickets. 
10. Study buddy. This is easier said than done because it's not easy to find a study partner with a similar level of commitment as yours but this is a great tool to maintain consistency with your learning journey. A few websites have specialised in matching beginner programmers with study buddies who keep you accountable such as Codum. 
11. Tutor. I'm certain that whatever level of expertise you have in any field, you can impact your knowledge to someone else. This is perhaps the most effective way of testing your understanding of a concept. Bonus points if you could be rewarded for it! I have not found any handy sites but I will update this as soon as something commendable pops up. 
12. Documenting your learning journey. Needless to say, this works wonders in boosting your confidence in your work, receiving constructive criticism becomes easier and every applause fuels your motivation to keep going
13. Say Yes to opportunities that are not "job-related". The assumption here is that one is transitioning from one career to another and is looking to get their foot in the next door. You have to be open-minded and embrace various opportunities and use the skills you have gathered to sell yourself in your networking spaces and during your interview!