From midwifery to tech, Heather O’Grady’s Story
How CFG Ambassador Heather switched careers FROM HEALTHCARE TO TECH with the CFGdegree
GET TO KNOW CFG AMBASSADOR HEATHER
How do you switch from healthcare to tech? Code First Girls Ambassador Heather O’Grady shares her journey from switching from being a Midwife at the NHS to an Apprentice Dynamics Developer at the Intellectual Property Office (IPO) after completing CFG’s MOOCs, Kickstarter courses, and the CFGdegree. For more of Heather’s journey and CFGDegree tips, feel free to follow her Instagram: @heatheramidigital !
THE HOT SIX QUICK FIRE QUESTIONS!
- Favourite coding language?
- SQL
- What is your choice of beverage for coding?
- Caramel Latté ☕
- Desk set up – RGB, Minimal or my aesthetic
- Minimal aesthetic
- If You had to only use one for life: Laptop or PC?
- Laptop- MacBook Pro 👩🏻💻
- Are you most productive in the morning or evening/night?
- Morning ☀️ I like to start my work day early & have my evenings free to relax!
- What do you listen to whilst you code and where? Spotify, radio, vinyl or fave CD?
- I listen to podcasts & music on Spotify. Podcasts- The Sam & Billie Show, NewlyWeds, and Life uncut. Music- Pop, hip hop, R&B- Beyoncé, Ariana Grande, Drake & Dua Lipa! 🎵
Hi Heather, thank you FOR JOINING US! LET'S START WITH a brief intro about who you are, your tech experience, what you do and why you want to become a CFG Ambassador.
Hi, I’m Heather O’Grady 👋 I’m from Ireland, where I completed my Bachelor of Midwifery Science at the National University of Ireland, Galway. After graduation, I moved to the UK and spent 10 years working as a midwife within the NHS. The COVID-19 pandemic prompted me to seek a new direction, leading me to the tech industry.
My tech journey began with Code First Girls, where I completed several courses, including a CFGdegree, sponsored by the IPO. I successfully completed a career switch in less than a year and this was due to the high quality of the CFG learning materials, interactive projects, and support from the wider CFG team. My motivation to become a CFG Ambassador stems from a passion for empowering women, showing them that a career in tech is both attainable and rewarding, regardless of their initial career path.
Can you please share how you got into tech, what were your influences along the way, and what impact did they make on your career?
My transition to tech began with Code First Girls in January 2023. Courses like the MOOC Sprints and the Kickstarter Classes equipped me with essential skills, while the support from the tech community and mentors provided guidance. Completing the CFGdegree in the Autumn of 2023 sponsored by the IPO, was a significant milestone, marking my official transition into the tech field. The support and sponsorship from the IPO were instrumental, offering both financial backing and a vote of confidence in my potential. This journey has profoundly impacted my career, demonstrating the value of adaptability and lifelong learning.
“The environment at CFG, where I could learn at my own pace in a supportive atmosphere, ask questions, and receive mentor feedback, was invaluable. It not only helped me overcome the intimidation of learning to code but also provided a clear and affordable path into the tech industry.”
Can you describe a specific challenge you faced during your career change from healthcare to tech, and how you overcame it?
Initially, the biggest hurdle in my career switch to tech wasn’t just the steep technical learning curve; it was figuring out where to start. Coming from a midwifery background, I was unfamiliar with tech jargon and concepts, and the prospect of investing heavily in tech bootcamps without certainty of success was daunting. Discovering Code First Girls was a game-changer. CFG demystified the tech world for me, offering accessible, beginner-friendly courses in the evenings, which were perfect for my schedule.
What made CFG stand out was its supportive community and the fact that its offerings were completely free, making tech education accessible without a hefty price tag. I tackled the challenge by engaging wholeheartedly with CFG’s community, attending their courses, and setting small, achievable goals to gradually build up my technical skills and confidence.
The environment at CFG, where I could learn at my own pace in a supportive atmosphere, ask questions, and receive mentor feedback, was invaluable. It not only helped me overcome the intimidation of learning to code, but also provided a clear and affordable path into the tech industry. This journey with CFG underscored the importance of finding the right resources and community when entering tech. It proved that with determination, a supportive network, and the right opportunities, transitioning into tech is possible, even for those from non-technical backgrounds like mine.
Can you share what impact taking part in the MOOC Sprint, Kickstarter Class, and CFGDegree had on your career change?
Engaging with MOOCs, Kickstarter courses, and the CFGdegree really influenced my transition into tech. Each one of these courses offered something new and helped with a specific gap in knowledge. MOOCs provided a broad overview of the tech landscape, allowing me to explore various programming languages and technologies at my own pace. They built a foundational understanding of key concepts in computer science and software development.
The flexibility of MOOCs enabled me to balance learning with my existing commitments, making the daunting task of acquiring new skills more manageable. Kickstarter courses were specifically designed to address the needs of beginners, providing a structured pathway through the basics of coding. The project-based learning approach allowed me to apply what I learned in practical scenarios, enhancing my problem-solving skills. The collaborative environment created by these courses also helped me build a network of peers and mentors, crucial for my growth and confidence.
The CFGdegree provided a comprehensive curriculum that covered advanced topics in greater depth. The degree program included hands-on projects that simulated real-world tech challenges, enabling me to develop a portfolio that showcased my skills to potential employers. The program also offered confidence coaching sessions, which were fantastic and prepared me for job interviews and networking opportunities. Participating in these educational pathways helped me build the technical skills required to make a successful career switch, but also instilled a sense of belonging in the tech community.
“Don’t be afraid to start small with projects that interest you; this practical experience is invaluable. Remember, your unique background brings a diverse perspective to tech, which is highly valued. ”
Are there any key differences you have felt since starting your new career/since your career change?
Since starting my new career, I’ve noticed significant differences, especially in the pace of learning and collaboration. The tech industry’s emphasis on continuous innovation and agile project management contrasts with the more stable routines of midwifery. I really love the flexible working patterns in tech, with hybrid and remote working options available.
Were there any skills or experiences from (your past field) that you found surprisingly applicable to your current role/tech?
Yes, several skills from my background in midwifery have been surprisingly applicable in tech. The critical-thinking and decision-making skills developed in healthcare are invaluable for problem-solving in software development. Additionally, my experience working in high-pressure environments has equipped me with the resilience and stress management skills necessary for navigating tight project deadlines in tech. These transferable skills have been crucial in my successful transition and ongoing contributions to my current role in the tech industry.
What advice would you give to someone from a non-technical background who is considering a career switch to tech?
My advice to anyone from a non-technical background considering a switch to tech is to be consistent. Little and often can make a huge impact so try to practice each day. Embrace the free resources available online, such as MOOCs, webinars, and coding boot camps like Code First Girls, to build knowledge. Don’t be afraid to start small with projects that interest you; this practical experience is invaluable. Remember, your unique background brings a diverse perspective to tech, which is highly valued. Finally, be patient- the journey may be challenging, but your skills and experiences from previous fields can become your greatest asset in tech.
