Over the past decade, the information technology (IT) industry has become a magnet for technology enthusiasts and those seeking new career opportunities. The trend of transitioning to the IT industry is becoming increasingly noticeable, attracting the attention of individuals from various professional and educational backgrounds. With the development of digital transformation, the increasing demand for IT specialists, and the flexibility and availability of career paths, more and more people are deciding to step into the technological world.
One of those people was me: I have a master’s in cosmetology, but I have worked as a software tester since 2019.
Initially, I worked as a cosmetologist. However, despite excelling in my studies, I found myself drawn to the world of IT after being introduced to PERL during my bachelor’s degree. Despite my proficiency, a career switch seemed unlikely until encouragement from loved ones. Also, exposure to programming from my now-fiancé, a programmer, sparked my interest. With his guidance, I delved into Java and Kotlin. I found joy in creating projects related to my hobbies, like implementing the logic of the board game Munchkin for fun. See the GitHub repository.
Although programming intrigued me, I lacked the confidence to commit fully. Instead, I found my niche in software testing, where my attention to detail and problem-solving skills were valued. Under the mentorship of a senior tester (Hi, Ewa!), I learned the complexity of testing and started postgraduate studies in Software Testing.
Mentors from the testing and programming fields supported and guided my journey into the IT industry. Their mentorship delivered a solid foundation in best practices and automation, throwing me into my first job as a tester specializing in automation.
In this fast-paced industry, continuous learning and development are essential. With technology evolving rapidly, programmers and testers must constantly expand their skill sets to stay relevant.
Ultimately, my transition into the IT industry has been a journey of growth and learning fueled by a passion for exploration and development.
Are you considering a career shift into the dynamic realm of IT? It’s crucial to see if the IT sector matches your skills, interests, and career goals among its changing demands.
The IT domain contains many opportunities beyond traditional programming and testing roles. You can choose from various roles, such as system administrator, data analyst, cybersecurity specialist, UX/UI designer, database administrator, or artificial intelligence and machine learning expert; the IT industry accommodates countless skill sets and interests.
Entering IT requires thoughtful self-reflection. Consider the following questions to evaluate your readiness for this shift:
Reflecting on these questions can give you valuable insights into whether a career in IT aligns with your aspirations and capabilities. Remember, while the IT sector presents plenty of opportunities, success depends on passion, determination, and continuous growth.
Switching careers to the IT industry is increasingly common, but it takes more work and time. Despite what some may think, it took me several years to make the transition, even with the support of mentors and plenty of time to focus. I’ve seen expensive tester courses promising rapid skill gain, often targeting newbies and painting the profession as simple. This oversimplification annoys me as a tester because working in IT post-career switch is anything but easy. Understanding the software development process and the basics of programming and information technology is crucial. Testing involves delving into the technology stack, utilizing API testing tools, interpreting app logs, and more. Moreover, the demand for manual testers is decreasing, with companies increasingly seeking testers who can code and automate the testing process. Completing a short course or even possessing a certification, like ISTQB, doesn’t automatically qualify someone as a tester.
As reported by No Fluff Jobs, the Polish IT industry saw a decline in job opportunities and salaries for some specializations in the first quarter of 2024. However, there’s a growing demand for skills in game development, data analysis, and artificial intelligence.
As the article shows, the current situation in the Polish IT market is difficult for juniors and mids. Due to economic problems, companies focus on employing experienced employees rather than investing in training for juniors or interns. It may be an additional problem for people considering changing their career path.
Switching careers to the IT industry is a significant undertaking that demands patience, determination, time, and hard work. While it can be a challenging journey, it also opens the door to many new opportunities and career satisfaction. My experience proves that success in IT is possible with the proper support, determination, and a systematic approach.
Assessing your interests, skills, and career goals before diving in is crucial. Knowing what the IT field requires and its challenges will help you make a smart choice and plan your career path effectively. Addressing fundamental questions and committing to continuous learning can benefit individuals in achieving a successful transition. While uncertainties may exist, the IT industry in Poland offers a promising landscape for those who are prepared to navigate it with the right skills and mindset.
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I wholeheartedly recommend Hicron to any organization seeking a strategic long-term partnership, reliable and skilled partner for their technological needs.
After carefully evaluating suppliers, we decided to try a new approach and start working with a near-shore software house. Cooperation with Hicron Software House was something different, and it turned out to be a great success that brought added value to our company.
With HICRON’s creative ideas and fresh perspective, we reached a new level of our core platform and achieved our business goals.
Many thanks for what you did so far; we are looking forward to more in future!
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