In an age dominated by technological advancements, the field of Information Technology (IT) stands as an attractive opportunity for career transition. The rapid evolution of digital systems, software, and innovations has created a comfortable environment for individuals seeking a change in their careers. Switching can be an exciting and rewarding journey that demands dedication, learning, and adaptability.
Understanding that shifting from a non-technical background to IT might seem daunting, but it’s crucial to recognize that the industry is diverse and accommodates various skill sets and backgrounds. Contrary to popular belief, a successful career in IT doesn’t necessarily require a formal computer science degree. Many successful professionals in the field have diverse educational backgrounds, ranging from liberal arts to business, bringing unique perspectives to problem-solving in technology.
To get more inspired, read our Vectorees’ stories.
Why did you decide to switch into IT?
Not easy to describe in a few words, this was not an overnight decision. I love my previous specialty of a doctor. I was just disappointed at a certain point in the way everything works at the municipality level, at the level of local administration, and in the attitude of people to specialists and the specialists themselves to their work. I tried to change things as much as I could, but it didn’t help much.
How did you choose your new path?
I found myself at a crossroads, debating whether to stick with my current field or venture into something new. Feeling a bit lost, my husband (he is a developer) helped me to widen perspective to the vast opportunities in his field and beyond. He assured me that it wasn’t just about coding, but a whole array of specialities, encouraging me to explore and find something that truly resonated with me. After delving into various speciality descriptions, and watching videos with descriptions of responsibilities, I took the plunge and decided to pursue what I liked the most. It was the period of COVID-19, and most of the time everyone was at home, an ideal time for personal growth and self-development.
What did you do to achieve your goal?
At first, I watched educational videos on YouTube, read books that were often recommended, and took notes on main things.
As my journey progressed, I was looking for a more structured learning experience, that’s why I chose and signed up for the courses. In the courses, I had the opportunity to gain practical skills, as well as basic knowledge and structure for further study.
What was the most difficult?
Initially, making the decision to switch profession was challenging, and the path ahead seemed unclear—figuring out where to begin, where to find the necessary information, and how to acquire the essential knowledge and skills posed difficulties. However, with each small step, the journey became a bit smoother, and clarity started to emerge. Definitely, everything falls into place when you dive into the actual work.
I was lucky that I looked for work when the situation was a little better with the number of vacancies and opportunities.
Give recommendations for people who want to do it.
- Take your time when choosing a new speciality; explore all the possibilities before deciding.
- Experiment with different roles to assess whether you can envision yourself doing that work every day. You have to be passionate about your work.
- Visit open lessons from various IT course providers for more details.
- If you have already chosen a speciality, you have started the journey, but you are afraid – don’t panic, clarity will come with time.
- Actively seek opportunities to gain practical skills; hands-on experience is invaluable.
- Don’t believe everything you hear in courses – be prepared for the fact that you’ll need to constantly learn and enhance your skills.
- Do not expect that getting a job will be easy, but you are the person who can manage it, consider all offers.
Why did you decide to switch into IT?
I decided to switch to IT because it is one of the most promising industries in Ukraine. It enables individuals to function with greater resilience and independence in modern conditions, reducing vulnerability to external circumstances.
How did you choose your new path?
Initially, this choice was made with the advice and support of my family members.
What did you do to achieve your goal?
I used the training program, which was formed by the company’s specialists in order to achieve results. The support of colleagues and mentors was also important.
What was the most difficult?
The most difficult thing was an understanding of the processes, terminology, and form of the texts in English.
Give recommendations for people who want to do it.
I recommend being communicative, not afraid to ask for help from colleagues, and learning to be a good team member.
Why did you decide to switch into IT?
This was a part of my curiosity, as this industry was the one that I haven’t worked before. Still, I had a lot of friends working and IT, a high pace environment, and agility was something that I liked based on their feedback. After FMCG, Banking as industries and companies from 1500 to 7000 employees, I was really interested in trying myself in a more agile sphere where you have a short distance from decision to action and result.
How did you choose your new path?
In fact, I already had a deep inner understanding that working with human capital and communications is my passion. So HR as a professional path was clear. However, I was not sure whether I would like to go to HR Operations, Employer Branding or Talent Management. By chance, I got a final offer to become HR Director, so this enabled me to combine all HR spheres that I like.
What did you do to achieve your goal?
In a few words, keep going and making efforts 🙂
By that time, I had a solid commercial background outside, but it was not understandable to IT recruiters to match it correctly. So I decided to use career consultation from an IT career adviser, who helped me to restructure my CV in a clear way for IT. Finally, after more than 50+ screenings, test tasks and interviews I received 4 offers in one week simultaneously. It took me 3 months non-stop to enter IT as an industry.
What was the most difficult?
Patience and self-confidence after numerous “sorry, but we decided to choose another candidate”. Sometimes I thought that switching was not probably the right decision at that moment. Or even that I am not mature enough for the roles that I apply for. In the very end, it really helped me to cope with rejection and just continue further what I planned.
Give recommendations for people who want to do it.
- Speak to people who are already working in IT. Especially on the positions that are targeted for you. They will give you more real examples and insights about their day-to-day responsibilities. And how they deal with their job.
- The best way to switch is to use your network. There could be vacancies that are still not published yet, and you may get to know about them firstly (through your friends, for example). Also, there are plenty of referral programs inside IT companies, so your network can recommend you as a candidate. Building and using your network is a superpower not only in switching to IT but also in overall career building.
- Plan enough time for changing the job and industry. Usually, it takes more time than expected. You need to have enough emotional and financial resources to search for the perfect matched job for at least 3 months so that you feel comfortable with your basic needs covered.
- Do not give up if something does not go the way you expected. Switching is the process when you will understand your strengths and areas for development. So just note them for further steps to your goals.
- Getting an offer is not the end of the journey. Onboarding process will also require effort from you as the environment will be totally different. I would recommend a book – “First 90 days”, especially for Leaders, that will help to cope with the entry period in the company.
By reading all these stories, we may come to the mind that transitioning to IT requires a thoughtful and strategic approach. By embracing continuous learning, staying updated on technological advancements, and cultivating a proactive mindset, individuals can navigate this shift successfully.
Remember, the journey to mastering IT may pose challenges, but with dedication and a willingness to adapt, the rewards of a fulfilling and dynamic career in the ever-evolving world of technology await. So, take the leap, explore the vast opportunities that IT offers, and embark on a journey of growth, innovation, and professional fulfilment.
