Join us as we chat with Kat about her unexpected journey into the tech world. With a background in psychology and a career in hospitality, Kat found her path in technology by navigating various twists and turns along the way. In this blog post, she shares the lessons she’s learned, the importance of community, and why resilience is key to success. Read on…
Can you share a bit about your background?
I started higher education with a psychology degree and initially leaned towards becoming an academic researcher. I loved the idea of finding meaning in the madness, discovering new insights, and contributing fresh ideas to the field. Although I found the subject fascinating, the career prospects didn’t seem enough to justify the extensive further education required. While I gained valuable analytical, critical, and communication skills at university, the system felt too rigid and restrictive.
On the other hand, I loved my job in hospitality, where I felt I could make a real difference to both customers and the company. I committed myself to this path, quickly progressing into management roles where I learned how to manage teams, run a business, and thrive in high-intensity environments. But anyone who has worked in hospitality knows how physically exhausting it can be. I began researching other career paths, looking for something that would stimulate my mind, challenge me technically, and offer plenty of room for growth.
In tech, you can never know it all. Technology evolves so quickly, and to keep up, you need to embrace continual learning. There’s room to move upwards in a role, and also sideways into new areas and technical disciplines. No two jobs are the same. All of this is why I chose to make the switch. It was challenging, but it’s been an incredibly rewarding process, and I’ve grown so much – both in my abilities and as a person.
Did you come up through a “traditional” techie route or has your career taken twists and turns along the way?
Definitely not. Until I started considering a career switch, I hadn’t seriously thought about a career in tech. I took ICT at A-Level, and it was one of the worst courses I’ve ever done! I thought anything computer-related just wasn’t for me. How wrong I was! Now, I recommend this path to anyone who will listen. The lesson here is not to let one bad experience put you off something that interests you. Build resilience and try again.
What piece of advice would you give your younger self as you embarked on your professional journey?
Picking just one is tough because I’ve learned so much on my journey. But a few key lessons I didn’t fully embrace until later are: use your skills (or you’ll lose them), and build things – create projects! Before I was confident in Python, I took countless courses, some of them multiple times. But the skill didn’t truly stick until I started using the language to actually build things.
Overall, I’m proud of how I made the jump. I really threw myself into studying and put in a lot of hours to get to where I am now. I don’t think people give themselves enough credit for the hard work they’ve done. So, here’s a third piece of advice: looking forward can easily become overwhelming, so remember to look back and appreciate all the challenges you’ve already overcome.
Looking ahead, what’s your big prediction for the tech landscape in 2024?
AI seems to be all the talk right now, and I think it’s important for people to at least learn how to work with it. Even better if you’re the one building or managing AI software – a machine is unlikely to replace that!
Considering your involvement in Silicon Brighton and community-building, what does the concept of ‘community’ mean to you personally? How important is it in the tech industry?
Community – Never underestimate the power of a group of people working together. A strong community can inspire you, introduce new ways of thinking (or coding), and expose you to fresh ideas and technologies.
How do you balance staying updated with the latest industry trends while ensuring continuous personal and professional growth? Any specific resources or practices you find particularly valuable?
Having a good routine is crucial. First and foremost, make sure you’re taking care of yourself so you have the capacity to focus effectively. Then, set aside dedicated time each day, even if it’s just half an hour to an hour for extra study or working on personal projects. This will positively impact your skills in a measurable way. Additionally, reading Medium articles is a great way to stay updated on trends and new releases, and it can also help you deepen your understanding of topics you’re already familiar with, such as code optimisations.
As someone who has contributed significantly to the community, how do you see mentorship playing a role in the development of the next generation of tech professionals?
I believe it’s worth investing in, especially early in your career. Having someone to guide you and help you stay on track with your goals can be incredibly valuable. As social beings, we’re often influenced by the people we spend the most time with. Surrounding yourself with individuals who are pursuing similar goals can significantly elevate your journey. I look forward to the opportunity to become a mentor for others in the future.
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