Career
Posted by LoneDvp@reddit | learnprogramming | View on Reddit | 6 comments
Hey guys! I have been self-learning python for a while currently I just started learning pandas(scikit-learn/matplotlib next) doing good so far but what's bothering me is CAN I GET A JOB after I finish learning and having built a portfolio of projects? I come from healthcare and thinking about transitioning into a tech role that's also healthcare related IF POSSIBLE, I heard Subject Matter Expertise (SME) is somewhat important but not sure if it's enough to get me job while not being originally a tech graduate. There's also M.sc degrees in digital health or health informatics which explicitly say they accept tech grads and health professionals ( certain degrees require a bridge course tho) but still I don't have knowledge or experience for me to be sure that these will be viable to go through the HR requirements in tech roles. So what do you guys think should I just stick to self-learning or go for a M.sc (or even both)?
PS: I like helping people through my job but being constantly entangled with patients problems and other healthcare professionals in my clinic is getting tyring for an introvert like me hence trying to do smth different while still utilising my expertise. Also I am based in Europe (Germany).
National-Motor3382@reddit
Honestly I don't know the German job market in deep detail either, so take this with that caveat. But from what I do know, Germany has been pushing hard on digitizing its healthcare system, the whole ePA (electronic patient record) rollout has been a mess administratively, which actually means there's real demand for people who understand both the clinical side and the data side. That gap is where someone like you fits naturally.
The credential culture in Germany is real though. It's not like the US or UK where a strong portfolio can sometimes override a missing degree. German HR processes tend to be more structured, so having some formal qualification, whether that's the MSc or even relevant certifications, might matter more there than it would elsewhere. That doesn't mean self-learning is pointless, it just means you might want to pair it with something that looks legible on paper to a German recruiter.
If I were in your position I'd keep learning, start building projects with real clinical data, and in parallel seriously look at one or two MSc programs that are designed exactly for healthcare professionals making this transition. You don't have to choose one or the other right now. Just keep moving and let the options clarify themselves as you go.
LoneDvp@reddit (OP)
I appreciate your answer, thnx. Also since the process in the US or UK is somewhat more forgiving,and you probably know more about the job market in there, is there demand for someone with my qualifications? (I might consider a remote job or even moving)
Outrageous_Duck3227@reddit
use your healthcare background as a niche, build 2–3 solid data projects around it, network with healthtech folks. degrees help, but even in europe finding that first gig is rough right now
Inevitable_Fact1798@reddit
Your healthcare background is actually a huge advantage for healthtech roles - companies desperately need people who understand both sides. I'd focus on building those projects first since you can start applying while studying, then maybe consider the M.sc if you hit walls with just self-teaching 📊 The market is tough but healthcare + python skills definitely opens doors, especially in Germany's growing healthtech scene 💀
LoneDvp@reddit (OP)
Thanks for your feedback :). I really hope it does open doors cuz the market is kinda scary now with the AI situation
LoneDvp@reddit (OP)
Thank you for replying I really appreciate it :) True, the job market is not great now (that's why I thought if it's this tough for IT graduate the heck would I be able to do lol) also I think focusing on data work would probably be the least affected by that AI situation especially in a niche idk tho what do you think?