Career Pathway in
Software Development
Persona
Sue the Developer
Age: 20
ABOUT SUE: I am a Certified Nursing Assistant. When I was growing up, I thought about becoming a vet because I love animals. My parents work at Fairview Hospital. My mother is a nurse, and my father works nights as a janitor. I am very practical. In High School, I knew if I got my CNA, I could get a job at the hospital. I was right! After a year, however, I realized I’m not cut out to be a nurse. I almost faint around blood. Anyway, I have always been good with computers, and I want a computer job. I need some guidance. I don’t know how to get started.
My friends would say about me:
•I am practical and think through options before making decisions
•I love animals
• I am good at do-it-yourself projects
• I am passionate about improving healthcare, but do not want to be a nurse
Can you relate to Sue?
Continue reading to see recommendations for how Sue can enter this career field:
How can Sue make a career change?
Step 1: Technical Training & Certification
Intensive Software Development Curriculum & Portfolio
Minnesota State IT Center of Excellence (ITCOE) / Minnesota State Colleges and Universities: The ITCOE partners with Minnesota State Colleges and Universities (like DCTC, Minneapolis College, Hennepin Tech) that offer dedicated Software Development AAS Degrees and Certificates. Use this structured path to gain the required skills (programming, databases, web development, software engineering) and a verifiable credential.
The ITCOE also partners with Google for career certifications, specifically the Google A.I. Essentials Certification.
Prime Digital Academy: Join an immersive software engineering bootcamp that features a curriculum developed with feedback from hiring partners. Using this training, build a portfolio of work and establish a network with real clients.
Step 2: Project Experience & Career Readiness
Applied Skills, Internships, and Mentorship
Minnesota Technology Network (MTN): The CREATE Discovery Program offers real-world training and Internships for college and university students, where they gain hands-on experience in areas like Computation, AI, and visualization using JavaScript (p5).
MNTech: The SciTech internship Program connects students in STEM majors with paid internships at Minnesota companies.
LeetCode is an online platform that prepares individuals in the software industry with challenges in multiple programming languages that focus on algorithms and data structures for coding interviews and competitions
Step 3: Industry Connection & Placement
Networking and Job Leads
Minnesota Technology Network (MTN): A technology trade association, MTN connects job seekers with employers through networking events and the sharing of job opportunities.
CareerForce: A state-run resource that provides employment-related services, including connecting job seekers with training programs and job postings from Minnesota employers.
According to ZipRecruiter, the average salary for a software developer in the Twin Cities in 2025 is approximately $109,542 to $117,885. A starting salary averages $85,841.
Other opportunities:
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