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 that I:
•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
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.
Step 2: Project Experience & Career Readiness
Applied Skills, Internships, and Mentorship
Minnesota Technology Network (MTN) / create MPLS: MTN's 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).
The ITCOE also runs the SPARCS internship program.
Step 3: Industry Connection & Placement
Networking and Job Leads
Minnesota Technology Network (MTN) / create MPLS: MTN's 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).
The ITCOE also runs the SPARCS internship program.