My Journey from Electronics Engineer to SEO Expert Freelancer
I graduated in 2017 with a degree in Electronics Engineering and passed the licensure exam in 2019 after two years of preparation.
That same year, I got my first taste of optimization when I worked with a massage spa in Cebu, managing their Google Business Profile and social media. I instantly knew this was something I enjoyed—I found the process exciting and fulfilling.
While working in the corporate world, my passion for SEO and digital marketing never faded. I continued learning, refining my skills, and eventually built my own website to put my knowledge to the test.
Through strategic optimization, I successfully ranked my site, proving that my SEO strategies were effective. That achievement solidified my decision to fully transition into the SEO industry.
ENGINEERING BACKGROUND
I worked as a Field Service Engineer for a company in the Philippines, excited to finally apply the skills and knowledge I had spent years studying.
During my time as an FSE, I serviced a wide range of medical machines, ensuring they operated efficiently and met industry standards. I gained extensive technical expertise through specialized training, both locally and internationally, allowing me to troubleshoot and maintain complex equipment.
Beyond the technical work, I also managed and guided fellow engineers in my area, coordinating tasks and ensuring smooth operations. I honed my communication skills by interacting with various customers and end-users, learning to explain technical issues in a clear and effective way.
One of the most rewarding aspects of the job was the opportunity to travel across the Philippines. I visited different provinces, experienced diverse cultures, and built meaningful connections—not just professionally, but also through friendships formed along the way.
WHY I SHIFTED TO SEO SPECIALIST
After working for about five years in a company, I was happy, but deep down, I knew something was missing. Even after securing my job, I never stopped learning about SEO. Every time I had a spare moment, I watched YouTube tutorials, read blogs, and engaged with experts in online communities.
At first, the transition was tough—shifting from engineering to marketing felt like stepping into an entirely different world. But the excitement I felt when I landed my first SEO client was unmatched. It was a sense of fulfillment I never quite experienced in my previous job.
Now, I’m fully focused on expanding my knowledge—attending SEO bootcamps, networking with industry professionals, and staying updated with the latest trends. As technology evolves, I know I must continue adapting and growing.
ADVISE TO ASPIRING SEO SPECIALIST
1. Never Stop Learning
SEO never, ever stops changing, just as technology never does. Get in the lead by studying YouTube videos, blogs, SEO forums, and industry thought leaders. The more you know, the more good you’ll feel.
2. Get Hands-On Experience ASAP
Theory is worth something, but nothing can compare to actual experience. Begin with doing your own site optimization or providing free/low-cost SEO services to small business owners. Your first project will teach you more than any training program could ever teach you.
3. Be Patient – The Learning Curve is Real
Being an engineer, switching to SEO was difficult for you—and maybe it would be difficult for others as well. SEO is not purely technical; it needs marketing experience, analytics, and imagination. Hold on tight, and the dividends will be yours.
4. Network with SEO Experts
You learned asking in SEO communities, speaking to experts, and bootcamps. Do likewise! Be among individuals who recognize what they do, and fear not to get advice.
5. Test, Fail, Improve, Repeat
SEO is a test-and-fail process. You ranked your own website and confirmed your approach works—so go ahead, try new approaches. Experiment using different methods, measure results, and hone in on your methodology.
6. Passion Makes a Difference
You had discovered that SEO was satisfying in a manner engineering wasn’t. Discover what you are passionate about in SEO—whether local SEO, technical SEO, content optimization, or link building—and focus on that. Passion is what brings success.
CONCLUSION: FROM ENGINEER TO SEO SPECIALIST
My journey from an Electronics Engineer to an SEO Specialist wasn’t a straight path, but it was a fulfilling one. What started as a side interest—managing a local business’s Google Business Profile—soon became my passion. Despite working in the corporate world for years, I found myself drawn to the challenge and creativity of SEO.
Transitioning from engineering to marketing was not easy, but through continuous learning, hands-on experience, and networking with industry professionals, I was able to build my skills and prove my strategies worked. Ranking my own website was the turning point that solidified my decision to pursue SEO full-time.
For anyone aspiring to become an SEO specialist, my advice is simple: never stop learning, get hands-on experience, and be patient with the process. The digital world evolves quickly, and staying ahead requires adaptability and curiosity. SEO isn’t just about ranking websites—it’s about problem-solving, strategy, and making a real impact.
Looking back, I don’t regret making the shift. It wasn’t just about changing careers—it was about finding work that excites me every day.
Thinking about switching to SEO? Feel free to ask me questions in the comments!
