The most valuable lesson I’ve learned about hiring in the technology space is that you must prioritise potential and adaptability. As someone who left high school at 16, I’m proof that, with the right support and opportunity, you can make it in this industry, no matter who you are or where you come from.
I left high school because, quite frankly, I’ve never been overly studious. The only real enjoyment I got from school was the social element. Little did I know that the experiences I had and the attributes I developed would equip me with some of the core tools I need to do my job today.
As would my experience in other walks of life. I’ve worked as a mechanic, a gardener, a milkman, a brickie, a shop assistant, a retail assistant, and many other things (some of which, unsurprisingly, aren’t listed on my CV). Somehow, by the age of 30, I’ve been able to carve a career out of what many would call ‘chaos’. And Softwire has been instrumental in helping me do that. All of this has led me to become the Head of Talent Acquisition at the company.
Be genuine, be proactive
Below are some of the key lessons I’ve taken from my journey:
It takes bravery
This is where Softwire stepped in. They took a punt on me when I approached them for an internal recruitment role after working alongside them as an agency recruiter. The culture and the people blew me away. I interviewed one wet morning in September 2019. A week later, I had a contract. Two weeks later, I packed my bags and drove down to London to start a new chapter.
That was nearly six years ago. Since then, we’ve experienced a global pandemic, a war, a cost-of-living crisis, and several Prime Ministers. Softwire and I have grown up together, and despite the chaotic few years everyone has lived through, we’ve still managed to grow from 100 people when I joined to just over 400 today!
It takes training
Softwire’s emphasis on training is second to none. Before I joined, I didn’t realise how deeply embedded it was in the culture. We offer career-switcher pathways via our sister company TechSwitch, as well as work experience programmes, apprenticeships, and internships.
Training is about truly investing in people you see potential in, and giving them the confidence, opportunity, and skill sets they need to thrive.
It takes the willingness to change
This is something Softwire has become progressively better at year after year. When I joined, I was one of the first people to work here without a degree. But they took a chance on me, and now I’m one of many.
Today, Softwire continues to open its doors to those with or without IT experience. This inclusive mindset has become something of a superpower, allowing us to grow, adapt, and thrive, even through uncertain times.
There are so many options
Tech is more accessible than ever. Whether it’s through a bootcamp, an apprenticeship, work experience, an internship, or a free online course, there are endless ways to break into the industry. You don’t need a Computer Science degree anymore to get started. You need curiosity, drive, and the willingness to learn.
And remember: your non-tech experience is a superpower.
Your past career is not a hurdle; it’s an asset. Skills such as problem-solving, communication, empathy, project management, and creativity are critical in the tech field.
Figure out what interests you. If it’s coding, look into becoming a software engineer. Into design? Perhaps UX and UI are for you. If data and AI are more your bag, then your next step might be becoming a data analyst, data scientist, or machine learning engineer. You’ll be surprised by how many routes there are.
Then what..?
Then it’s on you to be proactive and start to learn. There are many free or very cheap coding and bootcamps options, along with YouTube tutorials and more. Once you’ve got a flavour of what you want to do, build out a portfolio and a digital presence, and try to get some real experience: Hackathons, open-source projects, freelancing, or maybe even volunteering.
But my number one takeaway is that if you’re reading this and struggling to find work, you have to stay proactive and network as much as you possibly can! It’s a tough job market at the moment, and it will always be competitive, but keep your head up. There is an opportunity out there, and you are more capable than you think.
What action can you take?
- Define your goal clearly.
“Tech” is a broad field. Narrow it down: Do you want to code? Design? Analyse data? Manage projects? - Leverage your transferable skills.
Take stock of your strengths and match them to tech roles. - Learn the right skills.
Use coding courses, design bootcamps, or AI/automation tools to upskill in the areas that interest you. - Build a portfolio.
Create small projects, document your learning journey, and demonstrate your skills. - Network and find a mentor.
Community is everything. Attend meetups, engage online, and don’t be afraid to reach out to people who inspire you.
Tech needs you
Talent acquisition always benefits from an open mind. The industry is at its strongest when it draws from a diverse pool of experiences and perspectives. Breaking into tech is not about being the smartest person in the room, it’s about being willing to learn, grow, and bring your authentic self to the table.
The door is wide open. Step through it.
