Many people want to break into the tech industry from other fields. While it’s hard to track how many people make the switch each year, we know there are people who could benefit from hearing real stories about navigating the transition. So we sat down with three RTC members—Hesper, Jovita Sofia, and Kara—to hear about their journeys, where they started, and the advice they would give to fellow tech career switchers.
Where They Started
Before any of our members decided to switch into tech, they each worked in completely different fields:
- Hesper: Biomedical research and public health
- Jovita Sofia: Massage therapy and nonprofit communications
- Kara: Staffing and recruiting
So, how did they all decide that tech was the right move for them? Some had a spark of interest that pushed them to dive deep into the tech world, while for others, exposure to technology in their current jobs made all the difference.
For Kara, exposure to SharePoint marked a turning point. “I pretty much learned from the ground up how to use SharePoint. I was interviewing different departments within the company about what they were looking for, the problems they were facing with candidate tracking, and everything that comes with verifying candidates and their qualities. I really loved that process and doing the more techy work. That was a huge moment in my career. So, in that last year, I thought, I need to do something with this. It’s creative, but it’s also analytical.”
How They Made the Switch
Once they made their decision, what came next? Did they drop everything and go back to school, or was it a slower process?
In general, before making a final decision, many of our career-switching members turned to YouTube.
Once they understood a bit more about the potential career, they each moved on to a boot camp with some being more specialized than others.
Every member we spoke with said they had support throughout the journey. None of them did it alone.
While many of our members got their first jobs in tech due to the boot camp they attended, it is important to note that all of our members went on to earn a degree, whether a master’s or bachelor’s degree, to further their knowledge.
Advice to Career Switchers
We asked each of our career switchers for advice they have for others who are looking to switch into tech.
Kara: There are so many ways to dip your toes and find the career that you want. One way is by watching YouTube videos. I think it’s really important to make sure it’s something you want to get into. You should watch those day-in-the-life videos from YouTubers because there are so many different fields out there, but if you can prepare yourself in any way for what the day-to-day is like, that’s just really helpful.
Jovita Sofia: My biggest piece of advice and encouragement is to get ready to feel dumb a lot. I think there is this sort of conflict between wanting to seem strong and not wanting to seem like the weakest person in the room, especially as a woman, versus being ready to learn and being ready to ask those so-called stupid questions. So if you feel dumb learning a new concept, just kind of embrace it as a learning experience and don’t let it stop you from asking those questions.
Hesper: A few pieces of advice I have for others looking to make the transition into tech is to challenge yourself, but don’t be afraid to lean on your community for support! Nurturing your capability of wrestling with a problem is a critical skill for growing in this constantly expanding field. But if you’ve had a crack at an issue for a reasonable amount of time and still can’t figure it out, reaching out to others for help can bring a lot of clarity and reference for future steps.
You Can Do This
Whether you started in banking or staffing and recruiting, you believe in tech.
Whether you’ve enrolled in a four-year program or taken a boot camp, you believe in tech.
No matter who you are, you belong in tech.
If you’re thinking about switching into tech, know that you can do it. The soft skills you bring from your current role aren’t just transferable—they’re often the difference maker in your career. These include being a great communicator, research skills, and other people skills.
The members we spoke with didn’t all follow the same path, but what they shared was curiosity, persistence, and the courage to ask questions and seek support. You don’t have to have it all figured out right now. You just have to take the next step.
If you’re looking for advice, resources, or a community to walk alongside you as you make the leap, we’re here. We have a community, mentors, and staff all waiting to help you on your journey. And if you’re already a member of RTC, consider sharing your own story in Slack—you never know who it might inspire next.
Ready to take the next step? Join RTC Today.