What did I do before my role at Quorum?

Before I became a Data Engineer at Quorum, I spent a decade honing my skills as a Barber. Cutting hair was a craft I had mastered, but after thousands of haircuts, I yearned for something new and exciting. Don’t get me wrong; barbering is an art in its own right, but without investing in my own shop, I began to feel that my career progression was somewhat limited. I wanted a fresh challenge that would satisfy my curiosity and offer better pay, flexible working hours, and more opportunities for career growth.

What promted my career change?

So, what pushed me to take the plunge into the tech world? Well, it’s a story of ambition and the desire for personal and professional growth. Like many others, I was drawn to the tech industry for its alluring perks—better pay, flexible schedules, abundant job opportunities, and, above all, the challenge it promised. After all, life’s more exciting when it throws you a curveball every now and then, right?

My transition into tech didn’t happen overnight. I decided to attend a coding boot camp, where I learned the fundamentals of data analysis and coding. This was my initial step towards making the switch. The boot camp not only equipped me with essential tech skills but also helped me build a robust network within the industry. Networking is key in the tech world, and I was fortunate to meet people who believed in my potential.

After completing the boot camp, I was offered a job there, and I spent two fulfilling years helping others learn the ropes of data analysis and coding. Teaching became my passion, and I progressed to an instructor level during this time. It was an excellent foundation that not only enriched my data skills but also allowed me to share my knowledge with others. However, after two years, I began to feel a plateau in my learning curve, and I yearned for a fresh challenge.

One of the perks of working at a boot camp is that I had the opportunity to meet new cohorts of aspiring tech enthusiasts every three months. One of these alumni landed a job at Quorum and couldn’t stop raving about the culture and training there. When a Data Engineer position opened up at Quorum, it felt like the perfect challenge I had been looking for. Although it required a slightly different skill set from what I had been teaching, I took the leap, and thankfully, I was successful in my application.

What advice would I give to anyone thinking about a career change?

Making a career change is undoubtedly a daunting endeavour. Here are a couple of friendly nuggets of advice for those considering the leap:

A. Define Your Goals:

Before diving headfirst into a career change:

• Sit down and have a deep conversation with yourself.
• Write down why you want to make this change.
• List all the things you wish to gain in this new path and, equally importantly, jot down all the things your current career lacks.

Having clear, written goals will serve two essential purposes: first, it keeps you on the right path, and second, it becomes your guiding light when self-doubt and imposter syndrome creeps in. This journey might not always be a smooth ride, and during those challenging moments, your written goals will remind you why you embarked on this adventure in the first place.

B. Network and Be Kind:

Never underestimate the power of networking and kindness. Be friendly to everyone you meet on your career change journey. You never know who you might cross paths with again or who might recommend you for your dream job. Building and nurturing your network is a vital part of making a successful transition. Remember, a simple act of kindness today could be the key to your future opportunities.

Embrace change, be kind, and keep those goals in sight, and who knows where your journey might take you!

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