How I became a software engineer *self-taught*

Hope this is helpful and encouraging to all self-learners out there :) first 1000 people to use the link will get 1 free month of Skillshare: skl.sh/csjackie07221 - try as many classes as you like!
I built an automated crypto trading journal: edgesheet.com
Instagram: / csjack9
TikTok: / csjackie
🤓 about
hey, i’m Jackie! I’m a self-taught software engineer based in London. I have a degree in mechanical engineering and started my career 3 years ago as an aerospace engineer. I got into coding by writing scripts to automate simulation workflows and taught myself web development at home. Thank u for watching! 🧡
📝 contact
[e-mail] (serious inquiries only)
🎵 music
i do not own any of the music played in this video, all rights go to the original creator(s)!
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🎈Song : Daystar - Worry Doll • ✨샛별 - 걱정인형 ✨(Royalty F...
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👀 disclaimer
Views and opinions are my own and do not represent or reflect the opinions of my current or past employer(s).
This video was sponsored by Skillshare.
📖 chapters
0:00 intro
0:29 stage 0: uni
4:01 stage 1: aero grad scheme
4:31 stage 2: learning to code
6:55 stage 3: aero vs software
10:54 bizzJackie: skillshare
12:12 stage 4: building edgesheet.com
13:59 stage 5: interviewing
15:04 stage 6: FAANG
15:45 outro
🏷 hashtags & video content
software engineer, mechanical engineer, aerospace engineer, faang software engineer, manga software engineer, London, day in the life of a software engineer, software engineer, women in stem, women in tech, tech, london, software engineer london
#softwareengineer #aerospace #skillshare

[@xVinoz]

With age 25 i was a lawyer for the past 2 years but even i was very good at it, it wasnt something cool to work as because you are always dealing with people lives, money or properties so its to much stress. So now im a software engineer after 1 year of stuyding like psycho every day. So yeah, life is good.

[@lewessays]

I had the same story.... I quite after a year though i knew it wasn't for me back in lawschool... I had to try it plus couldn't drop out unfortunately.

[@realg7849]

Are lawyers not making much more? I understand it's not all about the money

[@zeeeeeeeeeev6493]

Chief Keef 👍

[@christiangreisinger2339]

@@realg7849 I dont think so

[@otismilburn1052]

What did you studied for SE in you one year as you mentioned?

[@mengxihe4081]

I think the key is you are ambitious and curious, you keep learning and are having fun doing it. That’s inspiring!

[@DanDan-yl6df]

I really admire you that you are a highly self-motivated person and never stop learning and challenging yourself

[@TobiDerin]

I’m so happy I came across this video. Made a similar transition. I went from Aerospace Engineering to Mechanical engineering to Product Management in Tech. Had to come back to edit my comment because hearing CFD, aerodynamics, Matlab etc brought back so much memories! I got my undergrad, B.Eng in Aerospace (structures, systems & vehicle design).

[@jenniferborlenghidebrito2357]

Great history, it's very nice to know the details about your decision! I'm doing the same transition, and fluids mechanics was my favorite subject, too - It's a big coincidence! You are a big inspiration!

[@egemenefe2753]

really enjoying these videos after a long day, ty bestie

[@DominikZalewski85]

Inspiring story and I'm glad it has worked out for you to be a software engineer! I came across your channel yesterday and really like the content. BTW I'm Edgesheet user!

[@juankvr96]

Your an inspiration. Right now im a mechanical engineer, and have 2 years learning programing because im liking it more👌🏼

[@akhileshnevatia2179]

recently switched from aero to software too ! great hearing about your job experiences and decisions on the way :)

[@dimaldon1]

Jackie thanks for your videos, that inspired me to change my carrier, now i’m on a Boot Camp 🙏🏻👨🏻‍💻

[@samarthm4582]

You're always an inspiration, jackie!!

[@anyasyht]

Loved hearing your story Jackie!

[@stepa7692]

This video poped at me by accident and oh boy do I see similarities :) I finished masters focused on solid state engineering and semiconductors, then moved to a company where I focused on semiconductors and last few months I got a lot into cybersecurity. I have a career path like you, I am learning to code in Python after work, basics of networking and stuff like that. Its great how it turned out for you! :)

[@linhnguyen05111999]

wow I also started learning how to code in 2019. Seeing your progress inspires me. I'm a frontend developer but I want to work on the backend as well and your system design videos are really helpful! Amazing job with the channel.

[@seths1997]

thanks for sharing your background. couldn't help notice the book on your table "eat drink nap" - sounds a lot like my work from home routine 😁

[@pedrovoyer5914]

Made the same transition from mechanical engineering to tech, interesting how you were able to do this without a software/data degree. I went back and got masters while working as customer engineer at big tech. Great work!

[@CSJackie]

that's impressive, good job! :) having EdgeSheet on my CV and being able to code a bit in my grad scheme was what did it for me!

[@bigbob2364]

i wanna get masters but my gpa was shiet. Great to get that masters experience!

[@anuragchakraborty8766]

@@CSJackie Hi Jackie, can you clarify on what is EdgeSheet? Is that a software or computer programming language??

[@nsambataufeeq1748]

Haha, I did too its been quite the journey!

[@aefgagaefgag493]

Would it be possible to be a late twenties NEET, loser with absolutely no skill, experience, to try and learn programming to get a job?

[@oscarsosa6041]

Thanks Jackie , You have just inspired me, I am in the last year of mechanical engineering but I enjoy to code, I am really interested about coding and learn more about this industry, and you have just showed me that is posible how to follow the way, please continue making videos like this one.

[@gurudaki]

I did the same transition...Bachelor at mechanical engineering and then work as an IT sys admin. Meanwhile i got an MSc at computer engineering and informatics and now i learn front end development as PhD candidate in web engineering.

[@strez011]

I completed my Master’s in Mechanical Engineering last year in Australia, where im from. But I do feel as though I would like to transition to Software Engineering and do it the self-taught way so thanks so much for your story, Iv always loved Tech and I would love to work in Tech.

[@SuperIL12]

I'm in the midst of my carrer transition from nuclear/astrophysics engineering to web development :)) Your story really inspired me. Thank you for sharing!

[@brunomjanuario]

Incredible story! Thank you for sharing I really believe that you will inspire some people. I also change my life to Software Developer, I studied Sports Science in college and worked as performance analyst for two years but then I decided to move to the Tech Team. I have done a bootcamp, "Academia de Codigo", during 4 months, and now I am already working.

[@insanegamer5275]

Instagram squad here!!

[@CSJackie]

🥰

[@chrisraper6181]

Very cool to hear your story! We are a lot alike! I graduated with a BS in Aerospace Engineering and CFD was my favorite subject. I was hired straight out of school by Rolls-Royce in Indianapolis as a mechanical design engineer. During my career I would stumble across problems crying out for someone to write some code and so I would even though no one asked me to. I noticed these were the moments when I was happiest in my job. Rolls-Royce paid for me to get a graduate certificate in Data Analytics from a local university and this exposed me to a world I never knew about: data science. I took online data science classes on my own time and I was immediately hooked because it combines my love for math & programming. I now work as a Data Scientist for a large consulting company. In my current job I've also needed to write my own simulation code from scratch because sometimes we don't have the real world data we need, so we need to get started with a synthetic data set. So much fun! Anyway, I find it interesting that our career pathes share so much!

[@Jakoobz]

Hey im at iupui, is this where you went as well? Im currently an ME considering switching to CS, what do you suggest doing? Thank you so much!

[@Jakoobz]

And also, how was your time at rolls royce?

[@ralphdavid9609]

Amazing Jackie I'm motivated with this I'm going to back again school after 2 years

[@KTegoshi]

very nice story. i had a similar story. went from doing FEA in mechanical/biomedical to masters in CS

[@zachjones6944]

I admire your adaptibility. Adaptation=survival.

[@maltel1452]

Really nice video Jackie, thank you! Im currently doing my masters in mechanical engineering in Germany and got to code a bit in my studies. I kind of fell for it and I'm currently also doing the Full-Stack Course on Codecademy, while building a web portfolio for applications later on. Hopefully I'll get into tech aswell :)

[@nsambataufeeq1748]

I switched four years back and its been quite the journey. Discovered programming two years into my degree and took it on after the course. Innovation in software turned out to be easier.

[@nathangasca9658]

i'am currently in second year in engineering and i have to choose my career. Your video helps me a lot and i'm glad i can change my carrer like you did if i want to! thnaks.

[@sumanshekhar8110]

I am too a software developer and have switched from Chemical Engineering, So all these CFD stuffs; your journey I can relate to so much. More power to you girl.

[@Stinkmeaner420]

@Son Of Rabat BTW, you sound really arrogant and quite frankly sexist. Stop bragging on a yt comment section and get a life. Jeez

[@danielcernik8395]

As fluid mechanics student who is working in turbocharger company as a CFD intern, you are huge motivation for me! Seeing how much coding CFD engineers actually do made me start learning coding few months ago. I really enjoy it and I'm already thinking about switching to software later on in my career. Thank you so much for this amazing content! :^)

[@CSJackie]

Haha I can totally relate :) fluid mechanics is awesome, still love the field. Wish you all the best i’m sure you’re gonna kill it 🥹

[@AnonYmouS00816]

I'm a pilot and in the aerospace industry and I am considering getting into software engineering

[@xybersurfer]

that's great! the cool thing is how software engineering interacts will all other fields, so i can totally see how you could take that path (that's what i like about it). but, the possibility of improvising is both a blessing and a curse in software engineering. i think the curse is in new frameworks that keep popping up, with little added benefit. but i still like this field best

[@anasraza4006]

Enjoyed your journey

[@joshuawalker7375]

Impressive.. I feel like I should start studying more now lol. As if content creation and coding wasn't enough, it looks like you've been getting some gains in the gym lately too. Nice work

[@jakubdura8452]

such movies motivate me, thanks

[@many9778]

OMG I identify myself so much with you. I also graduated from Mechatronics and now I am doing my Master's in aerospace exactly doing LOTS of CFD simulations. I am really loving all the aerodynamics and CFD theory. And just like you I am looking for jobs where I can do lots of CFD simulations related to aircrafts 😍(and also CAD and FEA which I am also really good at 😄).

[@entropyz5242]

Excellent! We are limited only by our desire to learn.

[@nilufarkhaydarova9478]

Love you Jackie!!

[@CSJackie]

aw love u too

[@jamesmuchiri1305]

Great video. Learning to code after a BSc in Biomechanical engineering and working as an energy engineer and a Consultant. Feels strange but not out of reach

[@stiver6154]

So interesting to see how you went from mechanical engineering school to what you do now. being myself in mechanical engineering school, in France we can see that we can really "reorient" ourselves in a field which is quite different from pure mechanics as we understand it

[@CSJackie]

absolutely :) it takes a lot of dedication and work, but definitely possible!

[@stiver6154]

@@CSJackie and you see me in the end I much prefer the management aspect in the engineering profession rather than the technical side 😅😂

[@SQDLowkey]

I myself am at the #indecisiveJackie phase, working as a data scientist, I do not enjoy the analytical work that I have to do most of the times at my job but absolutely love the development work that I do in it. At the same time Im being inclined towards the core CS development field because as I said, I LOVE software development. I for one, also graduated in mechanical engineering :P.

[@rahulshetty5366]

Great video and story, well put together, also the bicep vein 💪🏻😂

[@CSJackie]

🫢🤣

[@dwolrdcojp]

I went from Mechanical Engineering to Industrial Engineering (Manufacturing / Consulting), and now breaking into Software Engineering.

[@karolina7067]

I'm currently doing my Masters degree in mechanical engineering in Germany, but also thinking about switching to Software engineering :) thanks for Sharing!!

[@tomfeuer7467]

Amazing your strong will to learn software dev in your FreeTime👍👍

[@omaarpoiriez]

Very interesting point of view. Aero seems like a great job at first glance but they are indeed sticklers for rules and procedures (for good reason). As a software engineer doing his PPL(H) I suppose I'm involved in both worlds as well :D

[@musgravecaltech3670]

great stuff! Im wondering why you had to choose between software and numerical simulation. Seems that now that you're at amazon, this could be an opportunity for you to re-enter the simulation side (e.g. Amazon quantum solutions).

[@brandonprescott3863]

Great to hear your story! I was always really interested in FEA and mathematical modelling as part of my Mech Eng degree. I've been in industry for 3 years designing medical devices, but have recently starting coding outside of work as it feels like I'm missing something in my job. Going to try and shift my career towards SWE/data science/ML over the next year!

[@brandonprescott3863]

Also I lived in Derby for a year during my placement year and wasn't a fan 🤣

[@sallyart00]

This is what I want to do inME

[@sallyart00]

Can you share what u do exactly:) Iam a bio major and planning to get masters in ME design ☺️

[@brandonprescott3863]

@@sallyart00 Hi, I spent my first two years working at a company called Bespak designing gas powered auto-injectors. I now work for a design engineering consultancy called Cambridge Design Partnership, where I work on medical and consumer projects. I mostly do CAD, FEA, Tolerance Analysis and design for manufacture :)

[@namn.2466]

This is such a dream story honestly. Can i ask have u got any tips for your rolls royce cv like the length or what is essential to include? Thanks!

[@anthonypeters1797]

I’m exactly where you were at in masters. Thank you..

[@gabrielgbayatv6208]

New to your channel but its a dream of what am currently doing. You got a New subscriber already

[@umar_shahzad]

i am learning coding as well but i will use in the engineering field, i would never advice to switch mechanical engineering is extremely powerful and vast

[@aryanparekh9317]

I agree

[@natehiger410]

I am working on my ME degree right now, a lot of my friends switched from ME to CS because of the higher salary. I was considering the same thing, but I really hate to look at a monitor and coding all day long so I am going to stay in the ME. But the money for CS is so good.

[@TheMomentumhd]

I did the same transition as well! Currently working with Deep Learning, funny enough I studied in the same University HAHA, the same department. Much love to UA

[@CSJackie]

Omg que coincidência 🥹 grande UA!! Tudo de bom ☺️

[@dendi1076]

its pretty common for mech engineers to switch into data science/software eng. I see so many of my peers, including myself doing it. it's not a matter of how, it's a matter of just doing it, there are so many 6month-1year conversions out there.

[@Catsidy]

happened to me too

[@berkayyalcn4440]

I admire your passion and hard work.İ know that comments like these motivstes you.I hope i can change my career like you.keep going ur doin great.

[@sallyart00]

Hey, Do you recommend getting masters in ME and then learn how to code to get into software engineer or is it recommend to get masters in software engineer. Im really into design field of ME and that's why I want to first give it a shot and try

[@milo8379]

I have a question without wanting to offend but perhaps the labor field of a mechanical engineer is so miserable, boring, poorly paid and that they are not passionate about which many make the transition to software?

[@HarshvardhanKanthode]

@@milo8379 I can't speak for other countries but this is what happens in India most of the time. Engineers are waaay underpaid for what they contribute, managers and software engineers take the big fat checks. That's why many get disillusioned and switch

[@Belgarathe]

Thanks for these videos. If you were to do it all over again what would you recommend? Still coding academy full stacked?

[@liviaalcantara9842]

Hey jackie! Could you talk more about your routine during the studying and working session and the preparation for the interviews? :)

[@CSJackie]

Will do 😊

[@joaquinlugozavala8649]

i'm doing the same, i'm mechatronic engineer and i became a software developer since 2018

[@Catsidy]

It's very funny because literally the same thing happened to me, thanks for making this video, I hope I can do it too, I felt very identified with you.

[@CSJackie]

You got this girl! ❤️

[@acidtacoz4434]

I wanted to be an aerospace engineer in middle school, now that I am in college I want to be a software engineer!

[@itsjustdannyb8091]

amazing and inspiring

[@juanmedina8707]

Hi Jackie, i liked your options, im watching to see the best on this carriers, let me think for the best way opportunities, waves from Colombia 🇨🇴. 😁

[@vargasramosalejandro7675]

Rn im studying Mechanical engineer as well, but i discovered recently that i like working with data so much, so i started to learn data science by myself and i've scrapped tons of data and made some complex models, but after all i'm frustrated because, now I don't have the motivation to continue studying properly the M.E, and I think it'll be really hard to get a job as DS just by self teaching :((

[@tejassingh2971]

thank you so much Mam to share yourstory. It is very inspiring. I got my answers about how to be a software enginner...

[@mohamedaminesassi9715]

Me too...from mechanichal engineering to computer science!!

[@goliat282]

@CS Jackie Hello Jackie, I´m starting to learn programming, I think that I love to code, as I could hear you learned about algorithms and stuff by yourself, I really admire that about you, what wedsites do you recommend to solve challenges? I´d like to try, Greetings froms Mexico, sorry for my ugly English I´m also learning

[@tokyoluGS]

Great video. I am actually an aerodynamics engineer at an automobile company so this video was very informative and inspiring, Thank you so much. . I am also considering switching my career so I have a question. Did the subscription you bought at codeacademy help you a lot? or was it only something that gives you some idea in programming? and did you finish that program in codeacademy?

[@Aurupa]

Much respect from Germany 🇩🇪 Jackie

[@CSJackie]

thank u so much :)

[@Christopher-dk7ol]

Very cool again! Rockstar!

[@zaeemaftabsiddiqui1364]

mine is also same ,,,first done associate diploma in mechanical then graduation in aero or space then work in software

[@anhmt90]

Always thought you're a native. Your English is so fluent. I'm impressed.

[@CSJackie]

Oh thank you! 😊

[@MajorTom97]

made a transition from humanistic sciences like sociology, philosophy, and law, to aeronautic engineering and aircraft maintenance, looking forward to masters in aircraft structures or cfd (haven't decided yet)

[@apostolisparga]

What you were doing in the beginning sounds like my dream job...

[@Pspet]

You are brilliant

[@carlosonic]

I am studying mechanical engineering, and when I get to know algorithms at university I've changed my mind the only thing that I think is to be a software engineer, I have been working in the mechanical field for the past 15 years, and I've been thinking when I get my mechanical engineering degree, I am going to change to the software engineering field.

[@luisluiscunha]

Your English accent is fantastic, for a Portuguese. I am Portuguese and I wish I could speak like you. Trying hard.

[@R3V0LTZGAME]

Very good video, although I don't understand much English XD Well, I'm in career transition, I took Environmental Management and a course called Occupational Safety Technician and none of that attracts me anymore... I want to be a police officer, here in Brazil the police are military and there is a great demand in my state that makes it difficult for me to enter, and I failed twice in a psychological test that they have an X profile and other whims... I was already interested in the area and started studying front end and next year, I want to start my degree in Systems Analysis and Development. Just a report, because being stuck with something that is not doing us good is horrible and following the comments, I see that many people go through this problem. Well, I hope all goes well for all of us! :D

[@raymondyo1570]

Very impressive! 4 months prep already got you into FAANG. I have been a software engineer for 3plus years now and still could not make it :(

[@riyanshbiswas]

It’s easier for women to get into tech. Companies are forced to hire them for “diversity” quota. Men on the other hand have to prove their merit.

[@monajena2396]

Do you go into the office much in london? Can you share more of your experience about what you typically work on at amazon?

[@pranavingale821]

Can i transition into aerospace engineering from CS ?? I couldn't score the marks necessary to get an aerospace filed in the top college(apparently they are only ones who offer aerospace in my country) , but i can make into CS , so after that can I get into aerospace field ?? Pls answer , i really wanna know

[@mudassirraza5192]

I'm also Mechanical Engineer by Education but software engineer by profession.... Really inspired by you ❤

[@CSJackie]

❤️❤️

[@sm_hasib]

whats your age bro

[@davidespano8674]

There is a big difference between saying "I have learned about doing this and that..." and actually doing it in a production context. I am a Robotic engineer and worked as Software Engineer for over 15 years in all sorts of fields, including finance. It is just not an easy ride, although some claim it's easy to pick up this and the other skill, just keep in mind that it takes lots of time, effort, and practice to get to the point where one actually owns it. Pay attention not to try to oversell yourself at any job interview claiming that you have done things that you actually only know theoretically or on the surface, but have never done. it will be not too long before they figure out that you actually know the things you claim but lack the experience that only comes with time and banging your head on the actual problems. No amount of "being clever" can compensate for practice and experience. You have been warned.

[@pedrobatalha2368]

grande percurso, keep it going! congrats

[@muhammadsaadbinzahid9496]

Great journey. Very inspiring !! Just one query, if I want to pursue masters in CS or data science fron germany (TUM, or any good institution etc) so can I get an admission there with non CS background, i.e. with my bachelors in mechanical engineering major ?? Thanks again so much for the video. You're awesome!

[@k-9411]

I am currently doing Mechanical and Mechatronics Eng but I'm definitely gonna switch to Tech👨‍💻

[@maymkn]

Seems like I'm not badly off. Just starting with self-learning here too. It's just exhilarating given its puzzling nature. Keeps me on.

[@tonylevchuk2675]

Bravo Thank you

[@AhmedAli-fr5yt]

What resources and programming language you used when learning data structures & algorithms?

[@MrYurecz]

My colleague followed the same road. RR including. With finance being last.

[@aliso5987]

I have done mechanical engineering and I am a fresher. I am already working in 3d modeling, animation and rendering. But I want to learn some software related skills as well. Coding looks familiar to me. Atleast I enjoy the basics. I often doubt myself that I am doing something wrong. Because I already have explored many fields . Even in software engineering there are many options but I want to choose one of it. Web developer,data scientist or cyber security. But can't decide what could be the best.

[@Gourdinho]

In which programming language were the coding interviews you took before getting into Amazon ?

[@littledavidboy]

Lindo testemunho! Parabéns

[@WaveFlightSimulations]

Whos your favourite F1 driver, also are you team Boeing or Airbus

[@valentineezerins6888]

Can you tell about the most frequently used technologies that you use in conjunction with Java in one of the videos?

[@alesrlima]

Hey Jackie, que legal que você e portuguesa, eu sou brasileiro, e estou preste a me mudar para a Portugal! Adoro seu canal Parabens pela decisão de mudar de area!! Kisses Ale Lima

[@abhinandanthour]

Uuu, the video I was looking for, last year Meng, looking to move to software, money is much more important than a career

[@danilkovalev_usa]

So, now i learn at the university and my profession it is robots and mechatronics. I think that i want to software engineer or web designer because i study html and css in the free time at home. )

[@rajmukherjee236]

that's great video.

[@orjwan2582]

I’m a mechanical engineering student now 🤡 ALSO IM LEARNING HOW TO CODE WHILE STUDYING hopefully I will have many offers in the future