For years, I worked in financial services.
I liked my job, but I’ve always been a problem-solver—curious about how things work and why systems behave the way they do. Still, I never really thought about switching to tech.
The pandemic became my turning point. Like many, I questioned, ‘Is this what I want to do forever?’ I decided to take a one-year coding course to challenge myself and partly because tech skills seemed universally valuable. I quickly fell in love with it.
Looking back, it makes perfect sense. In my previous roles, when working with back-office systems, I always asked, ‘What do these numbers actually mean?’ while others would say, ‘It doesn’t matter; it just means it failed.’ That mindset made coding feel natural—breaking problems down, finding patterns, and making sense of things.
That one decision completely changed my career, and now I’m passionate about helping others see that tech isn’t as out of reach as they might think.
Finding my way through education barriers
After completing my initial coding sessions, I faced several common barriers. As a single parent, juggling childcare with education seemed nearly impossible. Traditional university courses with rigid schedules weren’t designed with parents like me in mind. Money was also a consideration, of course.
That’s when I discovered a one-year course in cyber security, networking and digital forensics. The flexible schedule and understanding of family commitments made continuing my education actually feasible.
These programmes are vital for diversifying tech. Not everyone can follow a traditional educational path or have the privilege of full-time study. Bootcamps also offer an accessible alternative that focuses on practical skills while accommodating the realities of people who need to balance multiple responsibilities.
Despite my doubts about whether I could land a tech job without a computer science degree, I completed the course, was named student of the year, and secured a position at 2i—thanks to my unique background, new skills, and a company willing to look beyond traditional hiring checkboxes.
Breaking into tech: the reality
When I joined 2i, I initially struggled with feeling like a “diversity hire.” However, my colleagues quickly reassured me that I was hired for my skills and potential.
Imposter syndrome hits women and underrepresented groups particularly hard in tech. We often feel we must work twice as hard to prove ourselves. What made a difference at 2i was their inclusive approach—practices like removing names from code reviews ensure work is judged purely on merit.
Their buddy system also played a crucial role, pairing me with experienced colleagues who guided me through those first few daunting weeks. Having someone for those “silly questions” made all the difference—something I now pay forward by mentoring others.
The barriers we still need to break down
Despite progress, significant barriers exist for career changers. Job descriptions often use terms like “graduate” or “intern,” subtly suggesting “young people only,” which is discouraging if you’re older.
Companies need to rethink entry-level roles. A “junior developer” position shouldn’t specify age or educational background—it should focus on skills and support.
Salary transparency is another crucial issue. Without clear ranges, career changers can’t make informed decisions about whether a move to tech is financially viable.
A path forward for aspiring tech professionals
If you’re considering a career change to tech:
- Start with online resources like Codeacademy or Udemy to see if you enjoy the work before committing.
- Connect with tech communities through LinkedIn groups, local meetups, and organisations like SheCanCode.
- Identify what specifically interests you in this enormous field.
- Find a mentor who’s been through the transition themselves.
My work beyond coding
My tech journey has shaped more than just my career—it has fuelled my commitment to helping others. As a single mother and a survivor of abuse, I understand the power of technology as both a tool for control and a means of independence. That’s why I volunteer with Women’s Aid, teaching digital safety and cybersecurity basics to women who have experienced abuse. By sharing my knowledge, I hope to empower others to use technology as a path to freedom and new opportunities.
Moving forward together
Breaking into tech wasn’t easy. Sometimes I questioned my decision, especially during late nights studying after putting my child to bed. But finding a company that values diversity made the transition possible.
For companies looking to truly diversify their talent pool, it’s about creating environments where different perspectives are valued and where everyone has the support they need to succeed.
My path might seem winding, but each experience has enriched my career. That’s the value career changers bring: diverse thinking that leads to more innovative solutions.
Tech doesn’t belong to any one type of person. It belongs to all of us who are curious, persistent, and willing to learn. And if my journey shows anything, it’s that it’s never too late to take that first step.
