Ask HN: How would you go about domain change and getting a job in the domain? | Hacker News Reader

Ask HN: How would you go about domain change and getting a job in the domain?

5 pointsjoddystreet5 comments

I have a couple of years of experience with full-stack development (JS/TS, PY, Java), and I've always wanted dive deep into how databases work and how they are built.

With LLMs as a teacher, I have been making steady progress in how systems work and how databases work. I am also gaining experience with C++ and Rust. (I can't just code from memory yet, and have to refer to Google for the syntax and then LLMs to learn a better way).

Now, coming to switching domains, I am not sure how to go about applying to DB companies. Would it be weird to apply for an internship, given I am as good as a recent graduate when it comes to systems programming? Or, are there better ways to go about making this happen?

How would you go about - changing domain + getting a job in the domain? (for me, the domain is database development, but I am open to reading suggestions from anyone who has changed domains in recent times, given, with the LLMs, having experience is becoming more important).

Your particular case is very uphill - there aren't that many people or companies that do this, very limited number of openings, you have no relevant experience, not in the pipeline for internships. Learning about databases and doing a bit of C++ and Rust is worth just about nothing in terms of helping you for these jobs.

Keep it up as a hobby, find open source projects in which you can make meaningful contributions (that alone can be very hard), spend years in it, then maybe you'll have a better shot - whether all of that's worth it is for you to decide.

If I were you, I'd reconsider why you even want this in the first place.

I've changed domain few times(Physics tutor to Yoga therapist and then coming to data science, developing product/team lead). Currently I'm focussing on multiple freelancing. I was able to do it through networking, find opportunities.

It's doable but you need to go through unconventional ways of searching opportunities. With AI, market is changing and people who know multiple things are welcome but at the same time, a lot of companies focus on hiring expert in one domain. If you love it, you will surely find opportunities. Stay positive.

Maybe related:

A Year of Databases: How I Fell in Love with Programming Again - https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=49912429

Your best chance would be to apply for an SRE role. Even in there there won’t be much database development, but more of maintenance and scaling where your deep understanding on DB might be helpful. Once you have more exposure and experience, then you might be able to apply directly for a company that develop DBs

Get yourself a time machine and go back 10 or so years when the market was hot enough for this it be feasible.

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