Choosing the right path in tech isn’t just about breaking barriers or keeping up with the latest trends – it’s also about discovering the area of tech that genuinely excites and fulfills you.
Some people find themselves in roles simply because it seemed like the right move or because it was expected of them. Over time, it’s easy to realize you’ve ended up somewhere that doesn’t align with your true interests, wondering, “How did I get here? What happened to what I really liked?
Essential elements
Through my own experience, I realized the importance of focusing on the essential qualities that make work meaningful. Rather than being distracted by big brands, flashy titles, or trendy sectors, I tried to identify the aspects of my work that brought me the most fulfillment. This process requires regular reflection, asking yourself whether your role still brings you joy, whether you’ve discovered new talents or interests, or whether you’ve lost enthusiasm for something you once loved. If you find yourself wishing you could rewrite your job description, it might be time to consider a new direction that better matches your evolving passions.
My Journey in Tech
I can use my own journey as an example. I came to software engineering through a love of mathematics and problem-solving, despite having no prior computer experience or even my own laptop. The fundamental challenges of computer science appealed to me, making it a natural choice despite the gender gap I encountered along the way. After my education, I started as a software engineer but soon realized I wanted more. My curiosity about different cultures and life abroad led me to seek out international opportunities, which helped me develop not only my technical skills but also my leadership skills and communication abilities. My first experience in an international company, N26, broadened my perspective and made me more interested in the impact my work could have beyond just solving technical problems. I became motivated by the value I could deliver to customers and businesses, which later inspired me to pursue a Software Development Management role at AWS.
At AWS, I discovered a real passion for people management – hiring and mentoring top talent, building high-performing teams, and creating an environment where everyone could thrive. I was fortunate to work on several projects from scratch, which felt like building startups within a large company. This allowed me to combine the excitement of innovation with the scale and impact of a global organization. That experience, in turn, prepared me for my current role as Director of Engineering at ZenRows, where I now have the opportunity to shape both technology and team culture from the early stage.
The importance of change
The environment you work in can have a profound impact on your career satisfaction. It’s important to acknowledge that changing roles or moving into a new sector can be genuinely frightening. I’ve felt it myself, especially when I made the leap from a well-established, stable, and impactful environment into a small startup operating in a sector I previously knew nothing about. There’s a real fear of losing the sense of security and accomplishment you’ve worked hard to build. But what I’ve learned is that growth often lies on the other side of that fear. Taking the leap into something unfamiliar can be intimidating, but it can also open doors to new opportunities, skills, and passions you might never have discovered otherwise.
The challenges in different environments are different, but so are the rewards. For example, in larger companies, I saw broad initiatives and strategies designed to attract more women into engineering, often involving many people and formal programs. By contrast, at a small startup, I feel personally responsible for making diversity and inclusion in tech a reality – there are no dedicated teams or established processes, so the impact of my actions is immediate and direct. This shift has been both challenging and empowering, as I now have the opportunity to shape a more inclusive culture through my own decisions and commitment.
Open your mind
It’s easy to overlook certain tech sectors based on assumptions or hearsay, but keeping an open mind can lead to unexpected opportunities. I never imagined working in web scraping, but I’ve come to appreciate the challenge of scaling data extraction and making these tools accessible to a wide range of users. For example, data extraction is vital for training AI models, and ensuring the quality and diversity of that data can help reduce bias. That’s why it’s so important for me to be involved in this space and broaden the range of perspectives that lead to fairer, more representative technologies.
Interest and engagement
The sector, the product, the status, the brand – it all matters but the role has to be equally as interesting and engaging. The real question is whether your work challenges you and helps you grow. With constant changes shaping nearly every industry, it’s unrealistic to expect anyone to remain in the same sector or role for their entire career without periodically re-examining their path. The key is to keep asking yourself what makes you happy and excited to log on each day. Focus on that, and don’t be afraid to make changes when your interests evolve. There are many roles, but there’s only one you. Build a career that fits you – not the other way around.
