Software Engineer mid career concerns

[krashzer]

Background
Hello, first off let me share my work experience:

mobile game developer (programming and some design) from 2010 to 2017. iOS software development since 2017. During my time as a game developer, I went through (worked for) 3 start-ups, each of which had their jackpot product and still eventually wound down. Now I am working for a SME in a non gaming industry as a mobile app developer.

Aim
I am hoping to move away from being a software engineer by either
1) move upwards into a management position (ie, project manager) or
2) move sidewards into either Data analytics or UX research/design. Or
3) even if I remain a sw eng, I hope to be able to join a more established organisation or even the public sector.

Problems
Working in small start ups meant there was barely any vertical space for me to move up career wise. In the current company, there was potential for career growth. I was promised a potential switch over to the product team, but now the company is going through restructuring (partly due to covid) and I foresee stagnation (best outcome) even if the company will not be liquidated (worse outcome).

I tried applying to gov sect and couple of banks for software engineering positions, but never got a response, probably because my highest qualification is only Diploma. I tried applying for Project manager (assistant) in other SME, but was told I lack the track record for management (and honestly I'm also not confident for this role unless its a junior/assistant role). Even back in the industry that I had most experience in, companies looking for a Game Producer would route my application to an engineering position instead.

Question(s)
I am turning 38 with long term financial commitments. I have a feeling I need that degree in order to progress my career, but could be wrong.

Should I spend the time and money on a part-time degree from a private U (ie, SIMGE, KAPLAN, PSB)? Will the degree do my career any good? Or should I go for some professional certifications / Specialist diploma to get certified for Data Analytics or UX? Will those certifications/diplomas allow me to switch paths?

 

[jackoats.sg]

As you are moving from the gaming industry to the commercial sectors, it might be useful to pick up business skills in the domains / industries that you intend to work in.

E.g. finance if you wanted to get onto banking / finance & supply-chain if you wanted to get onto the logistics industry.

I am from the IT industry, I cannot speak for all industries. It is hard to tell how useful is a degree for the hirers. In some cases, the starting pay of a degree holder has been pressed down to the diploma level. So there is not much difference.

I suggest you do a little research based on the jobads posted on mycareersfuture.sg to find out if those jobs you're interested in require a degree or diploma as entry. Maybe an E2i career coach can help you with the stats.

I feel that having relevant work experience & good work attitude are the most important factors in employing someone for the job.

BTW, I don't really fancy Data Analytics. It seems there are just too many data analysts produced by various schools, or too many people simply like this type of job and the competition is tremendous.

Background
Hello, first off let me share my work experience:

mobile game developer (programming and some design) from 2010 to 2017. iOS software development since 2017. During my time as a game developer, I went through (worked for) 3 start-ups, each of which had their jackpot product and still eventually wound down. Now I am working for a SME.

Aim
I am hoping to move away from being a software engineer by either
1) move upwards into a management position (ie, project manager) or
2) move sidewards into either Data analytics or UX research/design. Or
3) even if I remain a sw eng, I hope to be able to join a more established organisation or even the public sector.

Problems
Working in small start ups meant there was barely any vertical space for me to move up career wise. In the current company, there was potential for career growth. I was promised a potential switch over to the product team, but now the company is going through restructuring (partly due to covid) and I foresee stagnation (best outcome) even if the company will not be liquidated (worse outcome).

I tried applying to gov sect and couple of banks for software engineering positions, but never got a response, probably because my highest qualification is only Diploma. I tried applying for Project manager (assistant) in other SME, but was told I lack the track record for management (and honestly I'm also not confident for this role unless its a junior/assistant role). Even back in the industry that I had most experience in, companies looking for a Game Producer would route my application to an engineering position instead.

Question(s)
I am turning 38 with long term financial commitments. I have a feeling I need that degree in order to progress my career, but could be wrong.

Should I spend the time and money on a part-time degree from a private U (ie, SIMGE, KAPLAN, PSB)? Will the degree do my career any good? Or should I go for some professional certifications / Specialist diploma to get certified for Data Analytics or UX? Will those certifications/diplomas allow me to switch paths?