Getting into tech from marketing
CFG Ambassador Carey shares her career change from marketing to software engineering through the CFGdegree
Code First Girls Ambassador Carey Yuen, Associate Software Engineer @ Sky Betting & Gaming – Flutter UK&I, shares how she changed careers from marketing to tech through the CFGdegree and Coding Kickstarter Classes! Carey also shares the differences and similarities between marketing and tech. To get in touch with Carey after reading about her journey, feel free to connect with her on Linkedin!
THE HOT SIX QUICK FIRE QUESTIONS!
What is your favourite coding language?
JavaScript, TypeScript
What is your choice of beverage whilst coding?
Oat milk latte or matcha latte
What is your favourite way to destress after a long day of coding?
Going to do some exercise—reformer pilates, gym, or playing with my lovely cat, Gingernut
What is your comfort food?
Definitely noodles 🍜 and Chinese spicy hotpot 🌶️
Are you most productive in the morning or evening/night?
I am most productive work-wise in the morning when my energy is fresh. For personal projects, I find the quiet and peacefulness of nighttime ideal, often working on my laptop by the fire on my sofa with my cat. :)
What do you listen to whilst you code and where? Spotify, radio, vinyl or fave CD?
Spotify/ YouTube. I enjoy listening to R&B music.
Hi Carey! Please tell us a bit about yourself, how you got into tech, and why you wanted to be a CFG Ambassador!
Hello! My name is Carey, and I am from Hong Kong. I have boldly transitioned from marketing to software engineering, with professional experiences in customer service and HR. Five years ago, I ventured to the UK to pursue a Bachelor’s degree in Food Marketing Management, and a Master’s degree in Marketing amidst the COVID pandemic. Working with amazing people in both the UK and Hong Kong, I’ve blended experiences from marketing, HR, and customer service. Post-graduation, I joined a marketing team, analysing sales data and managing the website based on customer UI/UX behaviour.
My limited technical skills led me to frequently seek help from the IT department, which ignited my interest in technology. This curiosity brought me to CFG’s introductory Data and SQL course, where I discovered my enjoyment of coding and database management.
Motivated, I progressed to the CFGdegree and became an Associate Software Engineer at Flutter UK & Ireland, Sky Betting and Gaming. In this role, I employ technologies like CSS, JavaScript, TypeScript, React, GraphQL, APIs, etc focusing on Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC) patterns. My journey as a trilingual speaker and embracing challenges have shaped my career and fuelled my desire to empower others.
As a CFG Ambassador, I am driven to inspire individuals to step out of their comfort zones and into transformation. It’s not just about coding for me. I thrive in environments that celebrate diversity and continuous learning. Inspire individuals to step outside their comfort zones and embrace change, just as I have in my transformative career switch to tech.
It's not just about coding for me. I thrive in environments that celebrate diversity and continuous learning.
How did you get into tech, and what were your influences along the way?
My tech journey, started with my previous job in marketing, where I often needed help to make sense of customer data. This got me wondering about the tech behind all those numbers and trends. My journey into tech was shaped by the lively and ever-changing nature of the industry. I was drawn to the idea that tech is a constantly shifting environment providing new inspirations.
The turning point for myself was a Coding Kickstarter course in Data and SQL offered by Code First Girls. It was like learning a new language that let me express ideas in a whole new way. After finishing the SQL course, I applied for 16 week Full-Stack CFGdegree to continue my coding journey to shape my front-end and back-end skills for web development. This learning experience really shook up my career path.
The CFG community was incredibly welcoming, and I saw how tech skills could supercharge my work in any job. It wasn’t just about learning to code; it was about seeing problems in a new light and finding creative ways to tackle them. That is how I ended up switching gears and becoming an Associate Software Engineer at Flutter UK & Ireland, Sky Betting and Gaming.
It’s amazing how much you can grow when you dive into something new. And now I want to show others curious enough to give it a go and see where it takes them. So, I have recently finished an Instructor Academy offer from CFG, to drive real change and impact in tech for all women from different backgrounds.
Can you describe a challenge you faced during your career change to tech, and how you overcame it?
One significant challenge I faced during my career change was overcoming the intimidation of learning to code. It felt like deciphering an alien language, and I struggled with imposter syndrome, questioning if I truly belonged in the tech world. I tackled this head-on by immersing myself in learning. I took some online courses, from basics to complex coding language challenges.
I spent nights unravelling coding challenges, and days applying what I learned in practice projects. Gradually, the lines of code started to make sense. But what really turned the tide was the support from the coding community. I joined some online workshops like CFG MOOCs, attended few local meetups, seeking mentorships and reached out to experienced developers who were once in my shoes. Their guidance, reassurance, and shared experiences were invaluable. They helped me see that every expert was once a beginner. This collective wisdom, along with perseverance, transformed my trepidation into confidence.
The CFG community was incredibly welcoming, and I saw how tech skills could supercharge my work in any job. It wasn't just about learning to code; it was about seeing problems in a new light and finding creative ways to tackle them.
Can you share what impact did CFG courses have on your career change to tech?
Participating in various tech-related activities had a profound impact on my career transition. The coding modules from the CFGdegree laid the groundwork for my technical knowledge, each lesson building on the last until I had a solid understanding of different programming languages and tools.
Working on hands-on projects, especially, was transformative. It taught me not just about coding, but about problem-solving, persistence, and the satisfaction of seeing my code come to life. I recall one project where I had to create a React website with my team members from scratch, which cemented my coding skills and showed me I could create something tangible and functional.
Confidence coaching before I had an interview with my sponsor company was another game-changer. It’s one thing to know the technical stuff but believing that I could be a software engineer was a different battle. The coaching sessions provided me with strategies to combat imposter syndrome, interview tips, and reminded me of the soft skills I already have and provided a platform to celebrate my progress. It helped me internalise my new identity as a tech professional. Overall, these experiences didn’t just give me skills; they built up my confidence and helped me pivot into a tech career with a sense of purpose and belonging.
It's one thing to know the technical stuff but believing that I could be a software engineer was a different battle.
Are there any key differences you have felt since your career switch into tech?
Since embarking on my new career in tech, I’ve noticed a few key differences that have reshaped my professional outlook. Firstly, the problem-solving aspect is starkly different. In tech, it requires a logical and systematic approach. This has taught me to tackle challenges piece by piece, applying a more organised thought process to everything I do.
Collaboration is another area where I have felt a significant shift. Unlike the more independent roles I have held before, tech is all about teamwork. I’m constantly interacting with others, pooling our knowledge to find the best solutions. There is a real sense of community and shared success that is both uplifting and motivational.
One of the differences I have noticed since starting my new career in tech is the focus on continuous learning. The tech industry is always on the move, with new programming languages, frameworks, and best practices emerging regularly. This environment demands that you stay on your toes, eagerly learning and adapting. It keeps my days dynamic and ensures that my knowledge base is constantly expanding. More importantly, this continuous learning curve provides a clear pathway for career advancement. As I grow my skill set, I can set my sights on the next level, knowing that my development is both recognised and rewarded in the tech world.
Were there any skills or experiences from marketing that you found surprisingly applicable to your software engineering role?
Surprisingly, my experience in marketing has helped me in my current job role, where I have been coding for projects within the promotions department. Understanding how customers interact with websites and promotional material has been directly applicable to coding projects. Good code, focused on the right areas, helps lead to a better user experience.
I'm constantly interacting with others, pooling our knowledge to find the best solutions. There is a real sense of community and shared success that is both uplifting and motivational.
What advice would you give to someone from a non-technical background who is considering a career switch to tech?
Embark on your tech journey with curiosity and patience. Here are three main tips:
- Firstly, start with foundational courses and focus on learning one programming language well to build a strong base. Avoid the rush to learn multiple languages at once.
- Secondly, immerse yourself in tech communities and seek mentors. Shared knowledge and support are priceless. Always ask questions, no matter how simple they may seem—every question brings you one step closer to understanding.
- Thirdly, engage in projects, even small ones, to practice your new skills and boost your confidence. Remember, persistence is crucial. And don’t forget to leverage the skills you already possess, such as problem-solving and communication.
Thank you CAREY!
Thank you to Carey for sharing her career change from marketing to tech, as well as her CFGdegree experience! Click here for more Code First Girls community stories and blogs! 🤩
Visit the CFGdegree page to learn more!
