This document outlines the steps and advice for switching careers to IT. It discusses 5 rounds: 1) learning programming skills through bootcamps and building projects, 2) getting noticed through internships, resume building, and networking, 3) interviewing with confidence and learning from rejections, 4) getting hired and continuing to learn on the job, and 5) advancing in your career through envisioning growth opportunities and updating skills. The overall message is that switching to an IT career is possible with commitment to learning, perseverance through challenges, and continual self-improvement.

1. Is Switching Careers To
IT Really Possible?
Vinny VanSlyke
Application Developer
Hondros Education Group

2. Initial Thanks
 DogFoodCon
 Blue Ocean Coding
 MPW Industrial Services
 Hondros Education Group

3. About Me – 15 Months Ago
 BMME – University of Kentucky 2011
 Band Director – Huntington Local Schools, Chillicothe, Ohio
 Middle School
 High School
 Marching Band
 Pep Band
 Recently Married, Recent Homeowner, cat
 What happened?

4. I Decided Things Needed To Change
 I wanted more
 For my family
 Career opportunities
 Personal growth.
 Moolah
 What is your why?
 Commit to it and strive!
 Patience

5. Round 1 - Learn
 Decide on a language.
 Decide on a bootcamp, site, course(s)
 Work to find something that fits you, your finances, your learning style
 Put in the time
 Projects – in course/external

6. Round 1 - Advice
 No excuses allowed
 “Read the books”
 “How do I learn?”
 Have no backup plan (within reason)
 Persevere
 Strive to be full stack from the start
 Find a mentor
 Know your OOP Fundamentals
 Don’t be afraid to ask questions

7. Round 2 – Get Noticed
 Have Realistic Expectations
 Any job is a good job
 Internships  Full Time
 Part Time = Resume Building  Jobs
 Utilize Career Services
 Resume Development
 Soft skills Development
 Get Your Name Out!
 Utilize recruiters

8. Round 2 - Advice
 Connect professionally
 “This is Real”
 Passion
 Know your craft
 Look the part
 Take every interview

9. Round 3 - Interviewing
 Pre/During
 Confidence
 Demonstrate your fit professionally & personally
 Relax
 Post
 Self Reflect
 Handling rejection

10. Round 3 – Advice
 “Do your homework”
 Create your own “experience”
 Don’t try to be somebody you’re not
 Follow up email

11. Round 4 – Get Hired
 Keep Learning
 Per job requirements
 Per internal motivation
 Prove It
 Set Life Goals
 “I made it. I need to stay”
 Find your new “why”
 Set Work Goals
 Work given vs. Self given

12. Round 4 - Advice
 Matching then meeting expectations
 Ask for help
 “You are good enough”
 Grind
 Flexibility
 “Spell it out”
 Pace yourself

13. Round 5 – Confidence & Advancement
 Envision the future in your current job
 Ideal work environment
 Team structure
 Room for growth within company
 Financially
 Envision the future in your career path
 Can you reach your mid/end goals here?
 Can you achieve more somewhere else?

14. Round 5 - Advice
 Don’t neglect updating your resume
 “You’re worth what somebody pays you”
 Maintain professionalism and amiability if leaving
 “Do you”

16. Contact/Connect
 Vinny VanSlyke
 vincent.vanslyke@gmail.com
 https://www.linkedin.com/in/vincent-vanslyke/