After years in finance, I decided to switch to tech, a path that felt daunting yet exciting. I spent three months preparing for software engineering roles, with the goal of landing a job that not only utilized my analytical skills but also offered a fresh start. I was thrilled when I received an offer from JPMorgan as a junior Software Engineer. It felt surreal, but getting there was filled with challenges.

Preparation was key. I dove headfirst into coding, dedicating hours each day to algorithms and data structures. I relied heavily on platforms like LeetCode for coding practice, focusing on easy to medium level problems to build my confidence. I set a goal to solve at least five problems a day, but I often fell short, especially when I ran into particularly tricky challenges. Staying disciplined was tough, especially after a long day at my finance job.

The interview process itself was intense. I went through three rounds: an initial phone screening, a technical interview, and finally, a behavioral interview. During the technical interview, I completely blanked on a question involving binary trees and stumbled through my explanation. It was one of those moments where you wish you could take a time machine back and start over. I was convinced I had blown my chances.

But here’s where it gets interesting. The recruiter called me a week later. She mentioned that they had seen the potential in my thought process, even though I stumbled on a question. They recognized that I was dedicating myself to learning this new field, and that genuine passion seemed to resonate with them. I still couldn’t believe it when they made the offer.

Reflecting on this journey, I realized that perseverance, humility, and a willingness to learn are crucial. It wasn’t just about coding skills; it was about showing I could adapt and grow. I learned to embrace discomfort and setbacks as part of this process. Now, as I prepare for my new role, I’m just excited to keep building on this foundation and never stop learning.

Dedicate specific hours daily to practice coding, and stick to that schedule., Focus on solving problems on LeetCode, aiming for a mix of easy and medium difficulties., Document your learning process. Note down what you struggled with and revisit those topics., Practice explaining your thought process out loud, even if you're alone. It's crucial for interviews., Network with others in the tech field. Their insights can offer you different perspectives and valuable advice.