CHANGING CAREERS from law to tech WITH ANNIE FENG YANG
how CFG Ambassador Annie Feng Yang switched careers with the CFG MOOCs and Coding Kickstarter Classes
GET TO KNOW CFG AMBASSADOR ANNIE
⚖️ Code First Girls Ambassador Annie shares her journey from Legal Assistant and InfoSec Analyst to Senior Tech Risk Engineer at Just Eat Takeaway. During her interview, Annie recalls a prominent moment that allowed her to overcome her impostor syndrome, and her legal expertise allowed her to work more effectively in her role. Annie also shares how CFG’s MOOC and Coding Kickstarter courses facilitated her switch to tech.
THE HOT SIX QUICK FIRE QUESTIONS!
- What is your favourite coding language? (if you have one!)
- JavaScript (From my web-development days ;))
- What is your choice of beverage for coding? (share a photo)
- Matcha Latte
- Desk set up – RGB, Minimal or my aesthetic
- Minimal
- If You had to only use one for life: Laptop or PC?
- Laptop
- Are you most productive in the morning or evening/night?
- Morning
- What do you listen to whilst you code and where? Spotify, radio, vinyl or fave CD?
- Lofi Beats or Focus Flow on Spotify
Hi Annie, thank you for taking part in this article! Please give a brief intro about who you are, your tech experience, what you do professionally, and why you wanted to become a CFG Ambassador.
I joined the InfoSec industry with a legal background around 6 years ago. I currently work as a Senior Tech Risk Engineer in the Internet& E-commerce Industry. While I do not write code every day, I do work very closely with software engineering teams to ensure everything stays compliant with our internal and external policies & regulations. I wanted to become a CFG Ambassador because I wanted to give back to this fantastic community that had once provided me with a sense of belonging & support when I started in the tech industry and found myself the only woman on the team at the time. I heard good things about CFG and the training it provided for career switchers like myself, so I signed up for a few MOOCs and completed a Kickstarter course in Data &SQL. My partnership with CFG grew from that point, I was delighted to get involved from being a Confidence Coach to a CFG Ambassador, where I get to support more underrepresented individuals in tech.
Can you please share how you got into tech, what were your influences along the way, and what impact did they have on your career?
My tech journey began during my time at a legal company where the concept of contract automation was frequently discussed. Intrigued by the intersection of law and technology, I became increasingly fascinated by the idea of transitioning into a tech-focused career. Conversations with friends and colleagues who were learning to code further fueled my interest. Hearing about their enjoyment of the technical challenges and creative possibilities of programming solidified my decision to leap into the tech industry.
“Completing the SQL & Data course has significantly boosted my confidence in handling data-related tasks. The course equipped me with practical skills and knowledge in querying databases, manipulating data, and extracting valuable insights. I feel more capable and prepared to tackle data-related challenges in my role.”
Can you describe a specific challenge you faced during your transition, and how you overcame it?
Nervousness gripped me as I sat in the waiting area before my first tech interview. Imposter syndrome loomed large—I felt out of place with my legal background among seasoned tech professionals. But then, during the interview, a question related to law and InfoSec sparked a dynamic discussion. Suddenly, my legal expertise became an asset, showcasing the value I brought to the table. Leaving the interview, I felt a sense of empowerment. I realized that my unique background enriched conversations rather than hindering them. That moment shattered my imposter syndrome, boosting my confidence. I embraced my journey into tech, recognizing that my unconventional path was a strength. It fueled my determination to succeed in this new chapter of my career.
💫 Can you share what impact taking part in Code First Girls Courses had on your career change?
Completing the SQL & Data course has significantly boosted my confidence in handling data-related tasks. The course equipped me with practical skills and knowledge in querying databases, manipulating data, and extracting valuable insights. I feel more capable and prepared to tackle data-related challenges in my role. Participating in the MOOC Introduction to Agile Scrum has provided me with valuable insights into these methodologies. Understanding Agile principles and the Scrum framework has been instrumental in my role as an SME, where it’s imperative that I contribute more effectively to projects and initiatives within my organization.
🌱 Are there any key differences you have felt since starting your new career/since your career change?
It’s been six years since I embarked on my journey in the tech industry, and while I wouldn’t claim expertise, the evolution I’ve experienced is palpable. Back then, stepping into the tech world felt like entering a labyrinth of unknowns. Today, while there’s still much to learn, I navigate with a greater sense of direction and purpose.
One key difference I feel now compared to when I first started is a deeper appreciation for the ever-changing landscape of cybersecurity. Initially, it seemed like a daunting fortress of complex technologies and terminology. Now, I recognize it as a dynamic ecosystem where adaptability is paramount. Staying updated with the latest trends and threats has become second nature, and I embrace the challenge of continually honing my skills. Another notable shift is in my confidence levels. At the outset, imposter syndrome loomed large, casting shadows of doubt on my abilities.
Now, while occasional bouts of self-doubt still arise, they no longer paralyze me. Instead, they serve as reminders of the ongoing journey of growth and development. Moreover, my perspective on collaboration has evolved significantly. Initially, I approached teamwork with apprehension, fearing my lack of technical expertise would hinder my contributions. Today, I recognize the strength in diversity—leveraging my legal background to offer unique insights and foster interdisciplinary collaboration. Overall, the past six years have been a whirlwind of growth, challenges, and invaluable learning experiences. While I may not be an expert, I embrace the journey ahead with enthusiasm, knowing that each obstacle overcome brings me one step closer to mastery in the ever-evolving tech landscape.
“ Initially, I approached teamwork with apprehension, fearing my lack of technical expertise would hinder contributions. Today, I recognize the strength in diversity—leveraging my legal background to offer unique insights and foster interdisciplinary collaboration.”
👩🏻⚖️ Were there any skills or experiences from (your past field) that you found surprisingly applicable to your current role/tech?
Absolutely, my legal background has equipped me with a range of transferable skills that I apply in my current role. One of the key skills I bring to the table is my ability to communicate effectively, breaking down complex technical language into terms that can be easily understood by both technical and non-technical stakeholders. This ensures clarity and alignment across teams, which is essential for the success of any project. Additionally, my experience in interpreting regulations and industry-standard security frameworks has proven to be incredibly valuable. I’m able to take these often dense and intricate documents and translate them into actionable practices that make sense for my organization. This not only ensures compliance but also promotes a culture of security and risk awareness within the company.
💡 What advice would you give to someone from a non-technical background who is considering a career switch to tech?
My advice for someone considering a career switch to tech from a non-technical background is to recognize the value of their existing skills. Don’t overlook your non-technical experience; it often includes transferable skills that can deliver significant value in tech roles. Embrace opportunities for learning and growth, stay curious, and seek out mentors. With determination and adaptability, a successful transition is achievable.
Thank you to Annie for sharing her insights navigating her career switch from teaching to tech! Click here for more Code First Girls community stories and blogs! 🤩
Start your coding journey through our MOOC and/or Kickstarter Classes!
