How To Become a Solutions Engineer With no Experience

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Timestamp:

00:00 Young CPS Worker Reflects on Trauma

10:05 Apple Genius Bar Experience

15:30 Rejected, But Hopeful for Future

20:33 Improving Government Customer Experience

25:40 Diverse and Dynamic Work Routine

26:46 Adapting to Diverse Customer Needs

36:50 Navigating Remote Work Challenges

42:13 Community Networking for Customer Solutions

43:14 Conflict Resolution and Support Systems

49:00 Prioritize Administrative Time

59:27 Balancing Personal Style at Work

01:03:15 Dressing Professionally for Work

01:07:07 Urgent Need for Financial Literacy

01:11:28 Mentorship Insights: A Coffee Chat

About this Video:

Welcome back to another episode of Tech Woke. Today, our host Christopher Okpala, and Diondria Brown are joined by the insightful DeAndrea Brown—a Senior Solutions Engineer, AI and digital transformation strategist, public speaker, and ecosystem leader. In this episode, you'll hear about DeAndrea's unconventional journey into the tech world. From her beginnings in social work and education, to working the Genius Bar at Apple, Diondria story is a testament to resilience and the power of continuous learning.

She shares how her early career challenges built the empathy and people skills that now set her apart in the fast-paced, often technical world of enterprise solutions consulting. Whether you're curious about breaking into tech, navigating career pivots, mastering office culture, or the day-to-day realities of solution engineering, this conversation is full of practical advice and inspiration. Tune in as Diondria and your hosts unpack the lessons, the opportunities, and the pivots that shaped her career—and get ready for some honest insights on thriving in corporate America.