Shift happens: how Ephron changed his career by joining the Ten10 Academy

The Ten10 Academy is open to everyone who shows a drive and spark for all things tech – that includes people who are already working but are looking to change careers. That’s what Ephron Agyeman-Opoku did in 2023. After studying Biomedical Science, he quickly found the healthcare industry wasn’t a match for him. After joining our Academy in August, he’s now working in Cyber Security and his thirst for knowledge is just as big as ever! We sat down with him to ask about his career transition and hear what advice he has for other people considering a career change towards IT.

What position and industry did you work in before joining us?

After graduating from university with a degree in Biomedical Science, I initially set my sights on a healthcare career, aspiring to study Medicine post-degree. However, it didn’t take long for me to realise that the healthcare industry wasn’t the right fit for me. While I found the theoretical aspects of my course fascinating – delving into the intricacies of how the human body functions – I discovered that the practical side of the profession didn’t resonate with me. This realisation dawned on me post-graduation, during my first role as a clinical analyst within the private healthcare sector, especially amidst the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Although I was grateful to have a job during such a difficult period, I found myself yearning for more creativity, problem-solving opportunities, and overall mental stimulation. Each day felt like a monotonous repetition, with long 12-hour shifts leaving me drained and disheartened. It became apparent that much of the work I was doing could be easily automated and my degree seemed almost unnecessary for the tasks at hand. It was a daunting realisation after dedicating three years of my life to a profession that ultimately didn’t align with my aspirations.

What was missing for me was a sense of growth, genuine interest, and the opportunity for problem-solving – elements that I felt were lacking in the healthcare sector. This led me to explore alternative career paths that offered continuous learning and personal development opportunities. That’s when I stumbled upon software engineering and decided to take the plunge into a 16-week boot camp.

Navigating through the competitive job market in 2023 was no easy feat, but amidst the challenges, I discovered Ten10 Academy. The promise of comprehensive training in various technical roles, ranging from non-technical positions like Project Management and Business Analysis to more specialised roles such as Software Development and Cloud Engineering was like a beacon of light for me. The emphasis on continuous growth, coupled with a supportive and nurturing environment for both personal and professional development, resonated deeply with me. It felt like I had finally found the right path, and I knew that the Ten10 Academy was the next step in my journey toward a fulfilling career in the tech industry.

What made you pursue changing careers to tech?

Several factors drew me towards a career in tech and if I’m being honest, the first was the lifestyle it promised. Previously, I fixated on the career path I wanted to pursue rather than considering the kind of lifestyle I desired. However, what I observed on platforms like LinkedIn led me to believe that a tech career offered the best work-life balance. The prospect of working remotely from anywhere in the world resonated deeply with me. It meant that during my twenties, I could indulge in travel without the constraints of a traditional office setup. When the time came to settle down, I wouldn’t have to stress about being tied to a desk, enabling me to be fully present in my future family’s life.

Moreover, I had an insatiable thirst for knowledge. It’s easy to feel stagnant and I was determined not to live a life where I felt trapped in one place doing the same thing day in and day out. I craved continuous learning, growth, and improvement, both within my professional role and in all aspects of my life. I firmly believe that the development opportunities offered by the tech industry are unparalleled.

Lastly, I sought a valuable skill set. With an entrepreneurial streak, the idea of possessing a skill I could leverage on my terms while also refining it within a workplace setting was incredibly appealing. The skills I’ve acquired in my technical career have proven to be versatile, allowing me to create websites for clients and streamline various aspects of my life using automation software. Looking back, the impact of technology on my life has been truly remarkable.

As for the specific role I had in mind, I was torn between becoming a full Stack Engineer or venturing into the realm of Data Science and Machine Learning. However, I made sure to keep my options open, recognising that I wouldn’t truly know what I enjoyed unless I gave everything a shot. Knowing myself and my need for exploration, I realised that Ten10 was the perfect place to kickstart my career. The immersive environment offered by Ten10 allows individuals like me to absorb knowledge like a sponge and explore various career paths before settling on one. It’s the ideal environment for go-getters who are determined to carve out a specific career path and receive the full support and development needed to achieve it.

What was your perception of tech before joining Ten10?

I had some experience with technology before. I studied IT as a subject during my GCSEs and A-levels when I was in secondary school. I have always been fascinated by tech and science, especially the engineering side of things. Understanding how a website, software or piece of machinery was pieced together from its various building blocks has always intrigued me. Overall, I was excited to embark on this new chapter of my life and be pushed to a point where I would be forced to grow and improve as a person. I never thought it would be easy, as learning new things can be challenging, but I knew that to grasp all of these new concepts in such a short amount of time, I would need to adapt my mindset to a growth mindset with the understanding that nothing is hard, but just new.

As someone who comes from a Black British/African background, I was worried that I may be placed in rooms where others may not look like me. This could lead to feelings of imposter syndrome. However, I discovered that numerous tech companies were aiming to be more inclusive, which was reassuring. When I joined Ten10, I found that there was a range of people from different diverse and ethnic backgrounds, as well as different socio-economic backgrounds, which put my mind at ease.

Do you feel that having prior work experience has been an advantage during your training?

I was a lot more confident coming into Ten10 because I already had a STEM-based background and had completed a remote full-stack engineering boot camp. I believed that I had the right approach to learning and problem-solving, thanks to my degree and boot camp experience. I felt capable of facing any challenge and learning new concepts as long as I put in the time and effort.

The environment at Ten10 was supportive and healthy. I never felt afraid to ask any questions, which helped me to understand topics better. I also received weekly feedback on areas where I could improve and was given the opportunity to lead group exercises and presentations.

How do you feel about your career change so far? How are you enjoying working in tech?

I currently work as a Cyber Security Analyst but I aspire to become a DevSecOps Engineer, combining my engineering background with my cybersecurity expertise. Changing careers can be daunting, no matter what stage of life you’re in, but I believe it’s important to face those fears and pursue a path that aligns with your aspirations. Looking back on my journey so far, I can attest to the transformative nature of aligning your career with your true passions.

In my previous job in healthcare, I experienced burnout and a lack of fulfilment, but since transitioning to cybersecurity, I have found a sense of purpose and fulfilment that permeates every aspect of my life. This experience has given me a sense of optimism for the future and I am grateful every day for having had the courage to make this change. Pursuing a career that aligns with your true calling can bring joy and fulfilment to every aspect of your life, and I believe it’s worth the effort to make that happen.

What advice do you have for other people considering a career change to tech?

If you are feeling stuck or unsatisfied in your current role, I totally get it. But guess what? Change is not just on the horizon – it’s within your reach. And diving into the tech world? That’s like opening the door to a whole new universe of possibilities.

In tech, things move fast. But that’s what makes it so exciting! Every day brings new challenges, new skills to learn, and new connections to make. It’s a place where growth isn’t just encouraged – it’s practically baked into the culture.

I know switching gears can be scary. Trust me, I’ve been there. But whether you’re a coding whiz itching to dive into the nitty-gritty or a people person with a knack for project management, there’s a spot for you within the tech industry.

That’s where the Ten10 Academy comes in! It’s like a bootcamp for tech enthusiasts, offering support, guidance, and a whole lot of hands-on learning. So why wait? Take that first step. You’ve got nothing to lose and a whole world of opportunity waiting for you.