Shift happens: how Hannah and Jaskaram career changed through the Ten10 Academy

People join the Ten10 Academy from a range of backgrounds – the only requirement we look for is a passion for tech. Those who join us as career changers have a unique career transformation as they bring skills and experiences from other industries into the exciting worlds of software development, testing, automation, project management, DevOps, and more! Hannah Parker and Jaskaram Deshi are two brilliant examples of people who have showcased their transferrable skills and are now excelling in their new tech roles, so we sat down with them both to learn more about their perceptions of the tech industry before they joined us and what pushed them to make their career changes.

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

HP: Before diving into the tech world at Ten10, my career path was a bit of a rollercoaster ride! I initially pursued a career in molecular biology, completing a PhD in the field. Just as I was graduating, I decided to take a leap of faith, quite literally, spending seven years as a professional skydiver working in many different countries around the world. This alternative career certainly taught me invaluable lessons in risk management! Throughout my skydiving career, I also worked remotely as an account director for a marketing company.

JD: Before transitioning into the tech industry, I worked as a physiotherapist on student placement in a healthcare setting in Cardiff for two years. My role primarily involved assessing and treating patients across several different specialities including stroke rehabilitation and musculoskeletal issues, helping them to regain movement and manage pain through manual therapy and other techniques.

What made you pursue changing careers to tech?

HP: The decision to transition into tech stemmed from various factors. Firstly, I sought a more stable career path that offered opportunities for growth and innovation. The tech industry has always intrigued me with its rapid evolution and its potential to shape the future. Rather than being confined to one specific role, I was drawn to the versatility and interdisciplinary nature of tech, allowing me to explore diverse career paths. Ultimately, I saw tech as a field where I could continuously learn, adapt, and contribute to meaningful advancements.

JD: My transition into the tech industry was driven by a fascination with technology’s potential and a desire for professional growth. Whilst working in healthcare, I witnessed first-hand the transformative power of digital solutions in improving patient outcomes and streamlining processes. This sparked my curiosity and led me to explore opportunities where I could contribute to innovation on a broader scale. I also saw an opportunity to use my analytical skills, problem-solving abilities, and passion for learning in a new field. This led me to complete a coding bootcamp which sparked my curiosity into a career change even more.

What was your perception of tech before joining Ten10?

HP: Transitioning from a completely different career background, I must admit that entering the tech industry felt initially intimidating. The prospect of diving into a domain with its own unique language, tools, and methodologies triggered moments of imposter syndrome, especially coming from such a unique background. However, there was also an underlying excitement about the challenges and possibilities that lay ahead. While I anticipated difficulties in adapting to the world of tech, I was still excited for the upcoming journey.

JD: Before joining Ten10, my perception of the tech industry was a mix of excitement and apprehension. I was attracted to tech’s reputation for innovation, fast-paced environment, and great career opportunities. However, I also recognised the challenges of breaking into a highly competitive and constantly evolving industry, especially coming from a non-technical background. Despite this, my passion for learning and problem-solving outweighed any reservations I had, pushing me to embrace the challenge with an open mind and a willingness to learn.

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

HP: Absolutely! My prior work experiences have undeniably been advantageous during my training at Ten10. The skills acquired from my diverse background – such as critical thinking, problem-solving, and effective communication – have proven to be highly transferable. Having navigated different environments and roles, I felt more confident in my ability to grasp new concepts. Moreover, my experience in client-facing roles equipped me with valuable insights into understanding end-user needs and translating technical solutions into tangible benefits.

JD: The experience and skills that I developed whilst working as a physiotherapist on placement provided me with a solid foundation of transferable skills that have become invaluable to me during my training with Ten10. Communicating effectively and building rapport with patients from various walks of life has allowed me to collaborate effectively with my peers and trainers alike. Additionally, the time I spent working in multidisciplinary teams has allowed me to work effectively with my peers on group projects and presentations. Taking a more holistic approach to problems and adapting to new challenges, both critical skills for physiotherapists, have helped me a great deal in picking up new technical concepts.

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

HP: Making the switch to tech has been both exciting and challenging. Sure, there were moments of doubt and uncertainty, but there were also those ‘aha’ moments that made it all worthwhile. Working in tech feels like being part of a big puzzle—you’re constantly piecing things together and discovering new connections. And the best part? You’re surrounded by a community of passionate, like-minded individuals who are always eager to lend a hand.

JD: As a Ten10 Academy Consultant in additional training, I couldn’t be more excited about changing careers. The transition from a completely non-related field into tech was initially intimidating and a step into the unknown, but the support given to me by Ten10 has made things so much easier. Every day presents a new opportunity to learn and grow and make a valuable impact on everyday life through one of the many areas we have covered in training from testing to project management and data analytics. The support and guidance I have received from everyone at Ten10 from the trainers to the Wellbeing team has been fantastic and has helped me a great deal in overcoming challenges to propel me into a new career in tech.

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

HP: For anyone thinking about making the leap into tech, my advice would be to go for it! Sure, it might seem intimidating at first, but remember that everyone starts somewhere. Embrace the journey, don’t be afraid to ask questions, and above all, believe in yourself. Your past experiences – no matter how seemingly unrelated – can be your secret weapon in the tech world.

JD: My advice to anyone who is considering a career change into tech is to embrace the change and believe in your potential to flourish in this ever-changing industry. While the transition might seem overwhelming at first, remember that your unique experiences and skills from your previous career are assets that can help to launch your new career in tech. Be proactive in searching for new learning opportunities, whether that be coding bootcamps or online courses. A piece of advice that I wish I had received before switching careers is to not be afraid of asking questions because Ten10 and the wider tech community as a whole are very welcoming and supportive.