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Switching Careers into Tech? Here’s How I Did It
Hi, I’m Jessica! In summer 2024, I took a huge step and joined the Code First Girls (CFG) Degree and master’s programme, and it changed everything. I moved from eCommerce and social media into my first tech role at Deloitte, supported by the incredible training from CFG.
I’m also a proud mum of three young children (aged 5, 3, and 1), and they’re a huge part of why I made this switch. I want them to grow up knowing that it’s never too late to start over, and that having a neurodivergent mind can be your strength. I’m now a Code First Girls Ambassador for 2025, and I hope my story helps other women see that a future in tech is absolutely within reach.
My Journey to a Career in Tech
I’d wanted to change careers for a long time but doubted I could. Dyslexia and Irlen Syndrome made me question whether I could learn something like coding, so I kept putting it off. Then I was made redundant. It was a difficult moment, but also a chance to rethink everything. I saw it as the opportunity I had been waiting for one final push to do something I had dreamed of for years. I began connecting with people on LinkedIn to explore my options. Someone told me about CFG, and that advice changed everything.
I signed up for a CFG Coding Kickstarter in SQL, with zero experience. I was nervous but determined. To my surprise, I not only completed the course but I was named Best in Class. That gave me a huge confidence boost and for the first time in a long time, I really believed in myself. From there, I mapped out a plan. I knew Deloitte was my goal, so I kept focused. I attended CFG Tech Tasters, completed multiple CFG Coding Kickstarters, and eventually earned a place on the CFGdegree in Software Engineering, followed by a master’s in Cyber Security and Vulnerability Research.
Interestingly, I started my first CFG course the day after I found out I was pregnant with my third child. And she turned one the day after I completed my master’s. I used maternity leave to fully commit to learning and shifting careers. It wasn’t easy, but it was the most rewarding decision I’ve made. And now, I can proudly say I landed my dream role at my dream company. That wouldn’t have been possible without the support, training, and community I found through CFG.
How I Landed My Role in Tech
Getting into tech with no background can feel intimidating. What worked for me was staying active online, connecting with others on LinkedIn and learning from their experiences. I shared my journey, reached out to recruiters, and wasn’t afraid to ask questions. I went through several interview processes, even for roles I didn’t land. But those experiences taught me what to expect in technical assessments and interviews. All the while, I kept my eyes on the prize…Deloitte. Every interview, every test, brought me one step closer to that goal. And when the opportunity finally came, I was ready.
Step 1: Network. Step 2: Be Visible. Step 3: Be Persistent.
The Reality of Being a Career Switcher
Making a major life change, like switching to tech comes with both challenges and unexpected rewards. Here’s what I experienced:
The Challenges
Let’s be honest, changing careers, especially in your 30s and as a parent, isn’t easy. Some people didn’t take me seriously. I heard outdated comments like “shouldn’t you just focus on being a mum?” or “why not get a part-time job instead?” It was frustrating and disheartening. On top of that, I had internal doubts. Would I ever really understand code? Would a tech company want to hire someone like me, with no traditional background? But here’s what I learned: you can be a great mum and build a new career. Your dream doesn’t need to be on hold.
The Opportunities
The best part? I’ve connected with so many inspirational people in tech who welcomed me, encouraged me, and helped me see that there’s space here for people like me. Coming into tech without previous experience turned out to be a strength. I didn’t have outdated coding habits, and I was eager to learn with a fresh perspective. It made me more adaptable and curious, which are valuable traits in tech. Switching careers at 37 wasn’t just possible, it’s been one of the most empowering decisions of my life.
How You Can Start Your Tech Journey
If you’re starting from scratch, begin with Tech Tasters. They’re free and a great way to dip your toes into different areas of tech. From there, try the Coding Kickstarters to build essential skills like SQL, web development, and Python. Once you’ve built your foundation, you can apply for the CFGdegree, where you’ll go deeper into the subject and get hands-on experience that prepares you for real-world tech roles.
And don’t forget to:
📌 Practice daily, even if it’s just 20 minutes
📌 Keep your GitHub updated as this shows employers what you’re learning
📌 Join communities where you can ask questions and learn from others
How the CFGdegree + Master’s Set You Up for Success
Here’s why the CFGdegree made such a difference for me:
📌 You’re taught by real industry professionals who understand the current tech landscape
📌 You join a supportive, all-women learning community that lifts you up
📌 You build real-world skills, from writing code to working in agile teams
📌 You’re encouraged to explore relevant tools and technologies like Git, GitHub, and cloud platforms
📌 You learn how to present your work, prepare for interviews, and apply to tech roles confidently
It’s not just about getting a certificate, it’s about becoming ready for a career in tech.
What to Expect from the CFGdegree
The programme is intense, but manageable and everything you learn is applicable to real jobs.
📌 Expect to work in groups and follow real project timelines
📌 You’ll learn to use tools like Git, GitHub, Visual Studio Code, and many more
📌 You’ll write code, review others’ work, and build team projects
📌 You’ll also practice time management, communication, and collaboration which are essential skills for any tech role
The learning path takes you from beginner to job-ready, step by step. There’s lots of support along the way from instructors, mentors, and your fellow students.
My Top Takeaways and Tips
Here’s what really helped me succeed in the CFGdegree:
📌 Stay connected with your cohort; some of them might become future colleagues or study partners for your Master’s
📌 Ask for help, don’t struggle in silence. The CFG community is full of people who want to help you
📌 Take thorough notes especially when learning new concepts or debugging techniques
📌 Get comfortable using GitHub, create your own repositories and treat them as your personal learning library
📌 Be kind to yourself, progress takes time, and it’s okay not to know everything at once
Conclusion
This journey hasn’t been easy, but it has been so worth it. I’ve met inspiring people, built a solid foundation in tech, and found a new career that I love. Most importantly, I’ve shown my children and myself that you can choose a new path, no matter your age, background, or challenges. Code First Girls gave me the knowledge, support, and confidence to reach my goal. They’ve been there every step of the way, and I’m beyond grateful. If you’re thinking of switching careers or starting something new, I hope this gives you the encouragement to go for it. You absolutely can do this.
