2. What was the final push that made you sign up for the conversion masters at Queens?
I think I took a no-nonsense approach with myself, and decided it was time to leave my comfort zone. I knew it would be a challenging year, but where there's a will there's a way.
3. What role did your personal interests or passion play in making the career switch to tech?
I found some of my marketing interests such as user experience aligned with opportunities in software, making the move seem slightly less daunting. I signed up for a course at a time I lacked confidence, so it was a pivotal time even in my personal development. The change allowed me to see I was capable of what I put my mind to, and I enjoy the challenge!
4. Was there a specific event or project that made you realize tech was the right career path for you?
I think what cemented my decision was the first semester of the conversion course, we had a databases project. I remember feeling deflated that I was finding it challenging, but I was determined to get it right. The more I worked, the more I understood and seeing it come together drove me on. I received a good grade at the end, which was a bonus, but I got a greater sense of achievement in that I fully understood what I had done and felt 'I can do this'.
5. How did you find the transition from your previous career to tech?
It was a step into the unknown, but the transition was a lot easier than I expected. I accepted I may feel apprehensive while I settled into the change, but the first week of the graduate programme really eased this.
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?
I'd noticed Allstate's active presence in QUB, so I did a bit of research. The graduate programme seemed like the right move for me in terms of entering the industry given the continued support and training offered. The main thing that sold me was following this, when I mentioned Allstate to people (both inside and outside of the software industry), I found that most knew someone who worked here and gave a word-of-mouth recommendation, especially around opportunities and culture.
7. How did your experience in your previous career give you a unique perspective in your new role as a software engineer at Allstate?
I think my background gives me a customer/people focus, so approaching problems with them in mind could help create more user-friendly solutions. While something may be technically sound, I would be inclined to question things for example, would it be easy to understand for various user groups on the front end? I'm interested to see as I continue my career, how my marketing knowledge may aid me.
8. What do you enjoy most about software engineering compared to your previous career?
I enjoy the problem-solving aspect and get great satisfaction from successful code and understanding the logic behind it. I think there's assumptions around software where people sit and code all day without talking to one another, but that isn't the case — so I still get the parts of my previous career I enjoyed too.
9. What do you like about Allstate/ your new role?
Allstate fosters an environment that makes their behaviours possible and evident. For example, I feel comfortable and confident to provide and receive feedback. Whether it's my technical skills with L&D or soft skills such as assisting with the software placement interviews, I'm getting the space and opportunities to develop.
10. Are you enjoying your new role/ position in the tech industry?
I am! I'm glad I made the decision last year, and I'm looking forward to what my future at Allstate holds.
