"IT seemed to offer the innovative and dynamic environment I was looking for," Karolina recalls. "I decided to take a leap and enrolled in a course at Coding School. That's where I began to see where I could fit in this new world."

However, the transition had its challenges. "The fear of changing careers was real," Karolina admits. "But now, I couldn't be happier with my decision. I encourage anyone considering a career shift to take the plunge if they feel they can thrive in another field. It's a scary process, but with the right people close to you, it becomes an investment in your future, not just a whim."

Now an established Scrum Master, Karolina shares her top tips for anyone looking to pivot into the IT industry.

1. Discover Your Passion

When Karolina decided to change careers, she didn’t rush into it. She spent time reflecting on what truly brought her joy.

“I realized I wanted to use my empathy and desire to help people connect and work toward a common goal. That’s how I found the Scrum Master role,” she says. “Scrum, as a framework, felt flexible and engaging, unlike the rigid Waterfall approach I was used to. It was responsive to change, which drew me in.”

Karolina dove deeper by taking a course at Coding School. She found Udemy courses helpful in building a foundational understanding of different IT roles. “There’s so much free information online these days. If you’re curious about a role, explore the resources available to see if it sparks your interest.”

By the end of her two-week course, Karolina was convinced—that becoming a Scrum Master was the right path for her.

"If you want to transition to IT, look around to see who in your circle is already working in the field. Find people who can tell you what their job looks like from a practical perspective. This makes it easier to get a feel for the IT roles you're considering“.

2. Build Your Network on LinkedIn

Karolina emphasizes the importance of leveraging LinkedIn to get noticed in the competitive IT landscape.

"It starts with a clean, up-to-date profile and a solid CV. But that's just the beginning," she explains. "Every day, I contacted professionals, HR reps, and Scrum Masters, asking for advice. Coding School hosted regular seminars that allowed me to network with company representatives. I also developed a strategic plan for how I would communicate on LinkedIn."

For those with dream companies in mind, Karolina suggests a proactive approach to job hunting. Keeping a close eye on their career pages, subscribing to job alerts, filtering LinkedIn positions, and following up daily can make a significant difference. Early application is often the key to success.

3. Stay Resilient

The road to a new career is often paved with challenges, especially when it comes to job hunting. Karolina underscores the crucial role of resilience in overcoming these obstacles and staying focused on the ultimate goal.

"One of the biggest hurdles is overcoming self-doubt and dealing with rejection," she says. "The competition is tough, and it's easy to get discouraged. But it's important not to take it personally. Your opportunity will come—it just takes patience. My experience shows that sometimes you have to wait six months, but eventually, you'll find your place."

4. Leverage Mentorship and Attend Industry Events

Karolina highlights the value of mentoring platforms in providing support when you need it most.

“My mentor played a key role in keeping me motivated, especially when I felt like giving up,” she recalls. “We discussed potential roles, analysed setbacks, and brainstormed ways to improve. Attending tech fairs also helped me network and learn how to present myself. Initially, all I could offer were my soft skills and the promise to grow with the company. So, knowing what you bring to the table, even if it’s not experience, is vital.”

5. Find the Right Company Culture

“For me, team mindset and community were non-negotiables,” she explains. “I found my first IT role after a few attempts to connect with a company—they remembered me when an entry-level Scrum Master position opened up. By then, I had completed the Coding School course and had some theoretical knowledge. Everything else I learned through practice, shadowing my mentor, attending meetups, and analysing team dynamics.”

When it was time for a change, Karolina discovered Adroiti. “Their HR approach impressed me, and the team was warm and professional. I went through five interviews, which allowed both sides to ensure we were a good fit.“

Karolina advises doing thorough research before interviews—check LinkedIn to see the company’s employees and reach out to those already working there. “This will help you avoid disappointment and ensure you’re joining a team that aligns with your values.”

6. Keep an Eye on Industry Trends

Understanding the job market’s ebbs and flows helped Karolina in her search.
“February onwards is usually a good time for job hunting, with spring being particularly active. On the other hand, the end of the year is typically slower,” she notes. “The economic situation also plays a significant role—it can change quickly, so it’s essential to be realistic. Finding a job in two weeks after completing a course is rare, so patience is key.”

Karolina also suggests regularly checking LinkedIn and CV platforms to identify which roles are in demand.

7. Embrace Your Unique Experience

Changing careers doesn’t mean starting from scratch. Karolina found that her background in biotechnology offered valuable skills that transferred well to her new role.

“Working in large teams helped me understand diverse perspectives, manage relationships, and recognize toxic cultures—all crucial skills for a Scrum Master,” she explains. “In my previous field, I saw many disengaged people doing the bare minimum for a stable salary. This attitude is detrimental to teamwork. I found a refreshing difference in IT—people here are highly motivated, eager to learn, and constantly improving.”

In the end, Karolina believes that even if you try a new path and it doesn’t work out, it’s not a failure. “You can always return to your previous field with new insights and skills. Learning how to embrace and handle change is a critical ability in today’s world.”

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