I gathered some of the indispensable resources that helped me the most when I was in the midst of changing careers.
These resources helped me when I was facing dark days questioning my capacity for leaving behind who I was and becoming someone else. These resources were a lifeline when the doubts were heavy on my shoulders. Those moments when I questioned if I had what it takes.
I hope these resources could lift you up and help you to navigate your career change in the same way that helped me.
I included some books and podcasts that will spark your motivation to move forward with your career change. From understanding impostor syndrome to networking for people who hate networking, this short list will equip you with the best resources. I’m sure there’s something for everyone.
And that’s not all. I also included the excellent FREE book Introduction to Machine Learning Interviews by the amazing Chip Huyen, a must-read for anyone interested in ML.
Whether you’re looking for inspiration, practical advice, or just a bit of motivation, these resources have got you covered.
Impostor syndrome
Book: The secret thoughts of successful women by Valerie Young.
I loved this book because it allowed me, for the first time, to understand why I felt like an impostor.
What I learned from that book?
That feeling like an impostor is actually related to being in an environment that makes you different from others. I learned that feeling like an impostor is not related to my intelligence or skills. Being different could be being in an environment that makes you an expat (check), someone from a different background (check), someone who speaks a non-native language (check), someone who looks different from others, etc.).
If you’ve ever felt like an impostor, this book is for you!!
Podcast Your insecurities aren’t what you think they are by Adam Grant
Your Insecurities aren’t what you think they are
In this 40-minute podcast, Adam teaches that the best thing I can do is compare myself with a younger version of myself and think about what my younger self (15-year-old Lina) would say if I told her what I have accomplished and have done until now.
Networking/sharing your work
Book: Show Your Work by Austin Kleon
This book will help you understand why showing your work is important and give you a process to start sharing your amazing work with the world. A must-read!
Podcast Networking for people who hate networking by Adam Grant.
Networking for people who hate networking
If you feel like a fish out of the water when it comes to networking, this podcast will help you to have a different perspective on networking and remove the obstacles in the way of adding new people to your circle.
Self-help
Book The Mountain Is You by Brianna Wiest
An amazing book for anyone struggling with self-sabotage.
Book Feel the Fear and Do It Anyway by Dr. Susan Jeffers
The title says it all. This book is full of strategies and explanations about fear and what to do when you feel afraid of going after something you really want.
Book The Big Leap by Gay Hendricks
This book will challenge you to rethink your self-imposed limits and prepare you to make every moment an expression of your best self.
Career
Career advice
Book So good they can’t ignore you by Cal Newport
This book is one of my most beloved discoveries. In short, this book changed my life and might also change yours. The main premise is that following your passion is terrible advice for anyone wanting a job they love. But, if following your passion is terrible advice, what should we look for instead? This book is so good that I’ve recommended it to all my clients and friends struggling with their careers.
Career Interviews
Book Introduction to Machine Learning Interviews by Chip Huyen
In Chip’s words:
This book is the result of the collective wisdom of many people who have sat on both sides of the table and who have spent a lot of time thinking about the hiring process.
The book consists of two parts. The first part provides an overview of the machine learning interview process, what types of machine learning roles are available, what skills each role requires, what kinds of questions are often asked, and how to prepare for them. This part also explains the interviewers’ mindset and what kind of signals they look for.
The second part consists of over 200 knowledge questions, each noted with its level of difficulty – interviews for more senior roles should expect harder questions – that cover important concepts and common misconceptions in machine learning.
Introduction to Machine Learning Interviews Book · MLIB
What are your favorite resources? There is any resource that should do make it to this list? Add it to the comments to share it with others 😀
Lina Marieth xx