How to build a career in software engineering with a non-traditional background

Lauren Radney

How to build a career in software engineering with a non-traditional background

So you want to pivot to a career in software engineering, but your background got you feeling like an imposter. You don’t have the experience companies are looking for, you don’t have industry connections, and you’re not sure what steps to take next.

Guess what? You can do...

Guess what? You can do it!

Lauren Radney, principal systems engineer at Raytheon Technologies, has lived the pivot. Starting with a background in biomedical engineering, Lauren reinvented herself as a software engineer by flexing her transferable skills and selling herself loud and clear— even though she didn’t quite match the job description.

Lauren will share the secrets to rebranding yourself by honing what’s already in your toolbox and problem-solving your way to your next role. In addition she’ll cover how to separate yourself from the pack with your customized progression plan and how to network with the best of them.

You’ll learn:

How to identify and broadcast your transferable skills
What hiring managers look for in candidates with non-traditional experience
Ways to grow your career once you’ve landed your first role
Tips to make the most of on-the-job training
Why it might take a few more career shifts to get to where you really want to go

Meet The Speaker

Lauren Radney

Principal Systems Engineer, Raytheon Technologies

Lauren is a Principal Systems Engineer with Raytheon Technologies, leading the team of software engineers responsible for the framework of a ground system responsible for collecting and processing satellite data for the US Space Force.

In her three years with the company, she has utilized skills in communication, problem analysis, and collaboration to advance from individual contributor to being responsible for the execution of the entire software technical baseline. Lauren is able to leverage these skills during interactions with the customer and stakeholders to provide enterprise solutions and ensure the program achieves critical milestones.