From Finance to Fintech: Inspiring Stories of Career Pivot Success
In an era where career transformations are more accessible than ever, the tech industry beckons with its myriad opportunities. According to Forbes, the trend of career pivoting is exploding, especially for women stepping into technology. Let’s delve into the journeys of five remarkable women who have successfully transitioned into tech, demonstrating that previous experience is indeed a superpower.
Joanna Hawro: A Leap from Global Finance
Joanna Hawro’s journey from the world of investment banking to becoming a SaaS Implementation Manager is testament to the power of leveraging one’s background. With over a decade in finance, Joanna recognized that her passion lay in the technology that increasingly supported her projects. Transitioning continents and careers, she now thrives in her new role, blending finance knowledge with tech acumen to lead and grow teams. Her story underscores that previous experiences provide a foundation, not a barrier, to new opportunities.
Katrina Young: Crafting Her Tech Path
Katrina Young’s path was carved out of necessity and curiosity. Starting in digital marketing and project management, she ventured into coding when existing software solutions were lacking. Now a CTO and innovation consultant, her career highlights the need for diverse thinkers in the tech space. Katrina’s journey demonstrates that building a tech career on one’s terms requires creativity, courage, and a willingness to defy stereotypes.
Alicia Osinibi: Math Class to Cybersecurity
For Alicia Osinibi, a former math teacher, the pivot to cybersecurity was fueled by logic and a desire to solve problems. Today, she protects digital identities as an Identity Services Control Officer. Alicia’s transition highlights how teaching experience translates seamlessly into stakeholder management and communication in tech roles. She reminds us that non-tech skills are extraordinarily relevant in the tech world.
Laura Wilson: Reinventing After a Break
Laura Wilson’s return to a tech career after a family break is a lesson in resilience and adaptation. Her structured support from a returners’ program and mentoring enabled her smooth transition into a Technology Project Manager role. Laura reveals that asking for help and seeking structure are strengths that catalyze growth, proving that with the right support, one can rekindle and transform their talents in technology.
Tasmia Niazi: From Supermarket Nights to Engineering Leadership
Tasmia Niazi’s rise from working night shifts to leading in tech engineering epitomizes the power of determination. Through relentless pursuit of education, initially doubting her capabilities, she found strength in her mentors and aligned opportunities. Her achievements bust the myth that a perfect background is needed for tech success and emphasize that with resilience, anyone can excel in tech.
These stories illuminate the pathways that creative, problem-solving, and visionary individuals can forge within the tech industry. The common thread among these women is the realization that diverse backgrounds enrich the tech landscape, and transferable skills are key assets. Their journeys encourage others to embrace opportunities, utilize existing skills, and advocate for supportive environments within the tech space. Technology, indeed, belongs to anyone ready to #TurnToTech.
