From Classroom to Code: Jonny Boyd's Bold Career Leap

Meet Jonny Boyd, a former substitute teacher who dared to take a risk for the chance to grow — both personally and professionally. In this feature, discover how he transitioned from guiding a classroom to building transformative software. His journey is a testament to the power of embracing change, challenging yourself, and seizing new opportunities. Prepare to be inspired!

1. What inspired you to move from your original field to software engineering/tech?

As a substitute teacher, I loved the buzz of the classroom and engaging with different people in various schools around Belfast. However, the lack of opportunities in Northern Ireland, the increasing demands being placed on teachers here, and the limited room for career progression made me consider switching paths. The tech industry in Northern Ireland, and Belfast in particular, provided the opportunities for all of that and much more. I wanted a career where I could develop according to my own interests and passions, use my creativity to build solutions to problems, and to be part of a thriving community, which is what a career in tech has offered compared to teaching.

2. What was the final push that made you sign up for the conversion masters at Queens?

The tipping point was realizing I wanted a career that challenged me to be creative, think critically, and offered long-term growth opportunities in a growing industry. The MSc in Software Development at Queen's felt like the perfect fit to make the transition, especially as it provided the skills and structure needed to enter the tech industry. The industry in Belfast is growing rapidly so it was a no brainer for me to get involved.

3. What role did your personal interests or passion play in making the career switch to tech?

I have always been interested in technology even from an early age. This combined with my personal passion for problem-solving and creativity played a big role. While teaching, I enjoyed designing lessons and finding interesting ways to explain concepts. I saw tech as another avenue where I could channel that creativity by building different systems and software using a range of different languages.

4. Was there a specific event or project that made you realize tech was the right career path for you?

During my MSc at Queen's, I worked on a Monopoly game project with 3 other people. We used an agile methodology and collaborated to create a fully functioning game using Java. That experience, particularly the teamwork and seeing our hard work come to life, made me realize tech was the right career path for me.

5. How did you find the transition from your previous career to tech?

The transition was challenging but exciting. Teaching equipped me with skills like organisation, communication, adaptability, and patience which have translated well into tech. While learning to code and understanding software engineering concepts was a steep learning curve, the process was very rewarding and satisfying, particularly when you see your code work for the first time.

6. Why did you choose to start your tech career at Allstate/ what did you first hear about Allstate that made you want to work here?

Allstate stood out because of its strong reputation for valuing employees. I was drawn to the company's focus on growth and learning, as well as the support systems it offers to help you succeed at your own pace, in which ever area you want. It felt like a place where I could truly thrive and grow, especially as a new graduate in the tech industry.

7. How did your experience in your previous career give you a unique perspective in your new role as a software engineer at Allstate?

Teaching taught me how to break down complex ideas and communicate them effectively, which is incredibly useful when collaborating with others or explaining technical concepts. It also gave me the patience and resilience to work through challenges, traits I have found invaluable so far in the early stages of my software engineering career.

8. What do you enjoy most about software engineering compared to your previous career?

I enjoy the creativity of building software and solving problems in a structured and logical way. Unlike teaching, where success can be harder to quantify, software engineering provides clear outcomes, which is very satisfying. Plus, I love the collaborative nature of working with others and getting their opinions and perspectives on how things can be done, particularly the more experienced members of the company.

9. What do you like about Allstate/ your new role?

The supportive environment at Allstate is fantastic. Everyone has your best interests at heart and there is a massive emphasis on reaching out and asking questions. I feel I can reach out to senior managers and other colleagues about the smallest of things. The focus on employee development and learning also makes it a great place to grow, and the collaborative culture helps you feel like part of a bigger team, all working towards the same goal.

10. Are you enjoying your new role/ position in the tech industry?

Absolutely! The tech industry in Belfast is thriving and Allstate is at the forefront of this. The industry is dynamic and full of opportunities to learn, which keeps me motivated. My role at Allstate has been engaging and rewarding so far, and I'm excited about the path ahead.