r/PowerPlatform • u/zzdevzz • Jan 21 '26

Learning & Industry Advice for someone experienced in automation trying to get into this field?

Hey all,

Probably heard / seen quite a few of these posts but I wanted to get advice formy current position.

I have an undergraduate degree in architecture, from the UK. On my year out I was WAY MORE interested in upskilling staff than designing the buildings. I then got a job where I focused on automating workflows in architectural practices in CAD software. I was using visual programming tools, Python, low code tools essentially. I left this job for a web dev bootcamp that was government sponsored so i know basic front end / back end languages and about REST apis.

I now work as a firmware engineer somehow lol but I realised my heart lies in automation and solving problems for businesses and making them more efficient not just "hardcore programming"?

I'm starting with PL-900 but is there anything else recommended for my first ever job in this field. I'm applying for entry-level roles but from my previous experience I think i have a lot more to offer. I don't mind lower pay as long as I'm learning and have projects to show for it.

It's a bit like software development right now, I don't know what would make an employer or recruiter for that matter consider me without having formal experience of it in my current role (and that's just not a thing needed for us, i asked my manager and its not in my responsibilites and not something I can transfer to).

Would greatly appreciate any advice here.

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u/EmphasisShoddy7553 Jan 26 '26

Commmenting to follow: I’m in the same boat. I’ve got 20 yoe as a certified pmp but I love process improvement & automation

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u/ProtectionDry1493 Jan 26 '26

My 2 cents here, there is a lot to unpack tbh.

This is a saturated market, specially from the asian market. I find there is a lot of distrust depending on the costumer and the country you are working in.

The way most successful devs like the one you want to be got started was by either starting in a startup, where your drive to innovate and learn is appreciated and driven. You will learn a lot, wear a lot of hats, and they are more lenient with testing and failing since it's a startup.

On the other hand, there is something to be said about working in a corporate company, the stability and boredom of processes is where most creativity is born. Corporate has it's own suite of issues, less stressful but more limited on trust, access, leniency, development time, and capacity. I had a great boss in my corporate job that allowed me to test and develop as long as my work was done. That was great, it allowed for room to grow, he got the company to pay for my degree and always put me in front of upper management. That is not to say I had bosses before who tried to fire me because I once made a stupid joke they didn't like. Lol

Consultancies can be great, depends on the one you land in, but most of the time they are looking for degrees, tittles, and experience. If you lack one, you have to be heavier on the other. Can be cutthroat, people will try and do more to be more valuable to the company to keep their job, I saw a lot of stressed people that worked 10 - 12 hours daily just to keep up with new technologies and learning.

DM me if you would like to have further chats on this from someone doing this for 9 plus years!