Hi there! It sounds like you're already on a great path with your focus on Generative AI and Data Science. Here are three recommendations to help you prepare for your career:
1. Build personal projects that solve everyday problems. When applying for jobs, remember that the people interviewing you will often be HR folks, not developers or data scientists. These folks are generally not analytical, so it's helpful to tie your project to something practical that everyone can relate to. For example, you could create a tool that uses AI to match pet sitters with those needing pet sitting. A project like this, which solves a common problem, will resonate with non-technical interviewers and help you get through the first gatekeeper of the hiring process.
2. Develop the skill to explain technical concepts in simple terms. After spending half my career in HR and my entire career in data analytics, I've seen one major issue with new graduates—most struggle to explain technical products to people without technical backgrounds. Being able to articulate complex ideas in a way that anyone can understand is crucial. The winning combination is knowing the technical details and being able to convey the value and impact in plain language. Practice simplifying your explanations as much as possible—this skill will make you stand out.
3. Network strategically. Instead of spending time on platforms like this, invest that time in connecting with people who could be your boss’s boss. Engage on LinkedIn with those who are about two levels up from where you’d enter the company—such as senior managers. Comment on their posts, ask thoughtful questions, and build relationships. These connections can be incredibly valuable when you're job hunting.
If you’re interested in more personal guidance, career counseling or coaching can help you develop a plan for your goals. We're also looking for beta testers for JobMatch Pro, a career support platform. It includes tools to help you practice interviews and prepare effectively. Check it out here: hrbrain.ai/jobmatchpro.
It sounds like you’re at a real crossroads. First off, it's completely natural to feel unsure after going through an intense period like the crunch you mentioned. Burnout can make it challenging to distinguish between exhaustion and a genuine desire for change. Let’s take this step by step.
Consider seeking the counsel of others—friends, mentors, or even a career coach—but remember, this decision is highly personal and requires deep self-reflection. You need to be honest with yourself: what is driving these feelings? Is it burnout, or are you truly ready to leave programming behind? Self-reflection is critical here to help you understand the root causes.
If you decide it's time to move on, a resource that might help is the book What Color Is Your Parachute? It’s from the 1970s, but still offers valuable insights on figuring out "what's next." You can also look into the "7 Petal Exercise," which helps clarify what you want in your career and life—guides for this are easily found online.
It’s also worth considering that data shows only about 60% of people who switch jobs feel their new role completely meets their expectations. Before making a change, make sure you’re not simply moving from one problem into another—reflection is key to understanding if a new role will truly offer what you need.
If you find that a career change is right for you, you might consider getting a career coach, which can be incredibly valuable. However, coaches can also be expensive. An alternative is a tool I’ve created called JobMatch Pro, which provides personalized career guidance based on insights from over 500 coaching and career-related documents—for a fraction of the cost. The tradeoff between price and benefit is one only you can evaluate, but JobMatch Pro might be a good first step:https://hrbrain.ai/jobmatchpro/. You can also listen to more here: https://www.veed.io/view/ab51f033-9a44-4880-ae11-8c2cea38d0e...
1. Build personal projects that solve everyday problems. When applying for jobs, remember that the people interviewing you will often be HR folks, not developers or data scientists. These folks are generally not analytical, so it's helpful to tie your project to something practical that everyone can relate to. For example, you could create a tool that uses AI to match pet sitters with those needing pet sitting. A project like this, which solves a common problem, will resonate with non-technical interviewers and help you get through the first gatekeeper of the hiring process.
2. Develop the skill to explain technical concepts in simple terms. After spending half my career in HR and my entire career in data analytics, I've seen one major issue with new graduates—most struggle to explain technical products to people without technical backgrounds. Being able to articulate complex ideas in a way that anyone can understand is crucial. The winning combination is knowing the technical details and being able to convey the value and impact in plain language. Practice simplifying your explanations as much as possible—this skill will make you stand out.
3. Network strategically. Instead of spending time on platforms like this, invest that time in connecting with people who could be your boss’s boss. Engage on LinkedIn with those who are about two levels up from where you’d enter the company—such as senior managers. Comment on their posts, ask thoughtful questions, and build relationships. These connections can be incredibly valuable when you're job hunting.
If you’re interested in more personal guidance, career counseling or coaching can help you develop a plan for your goals. We're also looking for beta testers for JobMatch Pro, a career support platform. It includes tools to help you practice interviews and prepare effectively. Check it out here: hrbrain.ai/jobmatchpro.