My educational background is an MS in IT, a conversion degree focused on project management, web development, DB management and similar subjects, with a BS in Finance and a year of law school. In February I got my first tech job, as a QA for a 100 person company- I chose a QA position for several reasons: 1. it was what was available and student loan payments were due and 2. It is a good way to see a tech company from many sides (I interact with devs, product and marketing on a daily basis). I’m doing well- learning quickly, receiving excellent reviews and taking on more and more responsibilities.

My strategy is focused on learning more about the industry while networking and launching my own non-tech business to get some entrepreneurial experience and hands on practice. I’ve been building a base of contacts by attending various Meetup events as well as co-organizing and hosting ad publisher’s meetup (meetup.com/sfadpub). I’m working with some friends to launch a t-shirt company; we’re about 2 months from going “live.” The hope is to build enough knowledge and contacts to be able to take advantage of an opportunity when one comes up.

Is there more that I should be doing? Should I bite the bullet and focus on improving my coding abilities (at the expense of my networking activities and the time I spend learning about marketing, business development and other areas that are my strengths)? Do ideas/companies in the very early stages even need someone like me?

Any advice would be greatly appreciated!