Guides
Career Paths
Realistic routes into software, security, data and systems work, with the pay and outlook for each.
Career PathsDoes the open source way of working travel beyond software?Open source methods spread to encyclopedias, maps, chips and science. Where they worked, where they stalled, and what it means for tech careers now.7 min read
Career PathsHow to become a data scientist: what the job really takesWhat data scientists actually do, the math, statistics and coding you need, common entry routes, portfolio advice, and BLS pay and 35% growth outlook.7 min read
Career PathsHow to become a software developer: routes that workThe realistic routes into software development, what employers screen for, which portfolio projects help, and what BLS data says about developer pay.8 min read
Career PathsHow to get into cybersecurity: the routes that workMost security analysts start in IT support, sysadmin or networking. The skills, roles and certifications that come first, plus BLS pay and job outlook.7 min read
Career PathsLinux on the desktop: the joke, the reality, the careerLinux never took the desktop but runs servers, phones, Chromebooks, supercomputers and the Steam Deck. What that means for building a Linux career today.6 min read
Career PathsLinux system administrator career: where the work wentWhat Linux sysadmin work looks like now, what the BLS projected decline means, the skills worth learning, and how admins move into DevOps, SRE and cloud.7 min read
Career PathsSwitching careers into tech: realistic paths by backgroundWhich tech roles career changers can realistically reach from support, QA, analysis, writing, project or domain work, with BLS pay data, timelines and risks.7 min read