The path to a successful tech career doesn’t always begin with coding bootcamps or computer science degrees.
Beth Innes, Vendor Manager – Platform and Operations at Dunelm, proves this through her remarkable 15-year journey in the technology sector without technical qualifications.
Beth reveals how she transformed from taking a job merely to pay bills into forging a fulfilling career that leverages her natural strengths. Her story begins as a young mother seeking flexible employment, landing at a tech company managing Cisco support contracts despite never having heard of Cisco before. What followed was a gradual awakening to her own potential and the realization that career development required her initiative rather than waiting for someone else to recognize her talents.
As a vendor manager, Beth serves as the crucial bridge between technical teams and external partners. She monitors relationships with suppliers, ensures purchased products align with company strategy, and represents the organization’s interests in every third-party conversation. This role spans from handling small payment disputes to facilitating executive-level meetings with multi-billion-dollar organizations—all without requiring deep technical knowledge.
Perhaps most surprising is where Beth developed the soft skills that power her success. Working in a local pub during her early twenties taught her to communicate confidently with people from all backgrounds, while parenthood provided perspective that helps navigate workplace challenges. These experiences proved more valuable than formal qualifications.
Ready to explore how your unique soft skills might translate to a tech career? Beth’s journey shows that with the right mindset, your path into technology might be closer than you think.
