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Embarking on a career change can be daunting, especially when transitioning into the dynamic technology field. Four professionals from Infare share their personal journeys, shedding light on the challenges they faced, the motivations that drove them, and the advice they offer to others contemplating a similar leap.

What inspired or motivated you to change careers and move into the tech field, specifically data extraction?

Vaida (Data Extraction Team Lead, 10 years at Infare): While I enjoyed my previous role, I craved the challenge of managing people. The transition to Team Lead wasn’t about the technical aspects, but about developing my leadership skills.

Raimonda (Data Extraction Specialist, 3 years at Infare): Although I had a marketing degree, it never felt like the right fit for me. As I explored different career options, I realized that many people around me were involved in IT, which sparked my interest in the field. I gradually started exploring what IT could offer and decided to learn how to code.

My initial knowledge was very basic since I was self-taught through online courses and with the help of some friends who explained various concepts to me. When I began searching for a job, I came across an opportunity at ‘Infare’ that allowed me to start from the beginning and learn on the job. This position in Data Extraction turned out to be a perfect match for my growing interest in technology. I have never once regretted choosing this path, as it has become a fulfilling and exciting journey.

Rolandas (Team Lead of Data Extraction, 3 years at Infare): In my previous career, I didn’t have many opportunities to learn new things, and after studying at university, I always felt that I was missing something. After 10 years in the same job, I decided that I really needed to change that otherwise I would feel stuck. The IT sector was the first thing I tried, and I liked it a lot because there are plenty of new things to learn every day, and there always will be more.

Simonas (Senior Data Extraction Specialist, 7 years at Infare): Like many young people, I made some quick and unthought-through decisions when I was finishing school. I was into computers, engineering, and tech but I was easily influenced, and I ended up taking a route suggested by someone else. After 4 years of study and 5 years on that route, I felt like that wasn’t it and I quit. Before coming to Infare I did not know about data extraction, but now I can tell that this is a great position for a person who wants to change career paths.

What was the most challenging part of your career transition, and how did you overcome it?

Vaida: Transitioning from writing crawlers every day (DET) to managing people (TL) was indeed a challenge. Thankfully, I work in a great company with fantastic people. The support from my colleagues, valuable guidance from my manager, and the people management courses I took helped me grow. Over time, I began to receive really nice feedback from my team members, which has significantly boosted my confidence and made the transition much smoother.

Raimonda: The most challenging part of my career transition has been, and sometimes still is, the lack of certain knowledge. Being self-taught, I occasionally find myself facing knowledge gaps in specific situations. One of the most important lessons I’ve learned is not to be afraid to ask my colleagues for help, even if my questions might seem silly.

It’s also crucial not to fear making mistakes, as they are valuable learning opportunities. Even now, I still encounter these challenges, and while I haven’t completely overcome them, I’m continually learning how to handle them better. The key takeaway is not to be afraid.

Rolandas: The most challenging part was the first few months in the new job because everything was new, and I realized how much I still had to learn. Spending extra time and not being afraid to ask a lot of questions from colleagues helped to overcome this.

Simonas: The most challenging part was quitting the old job without having anywhere else to go at that moment. One day I was sitting at my desk, thinking about it for the nth time, and decided that this day was it and if I don’t do it now, I will probably keep thinking about it forever.

If you could give one piece of advice to someone considering a career change into tech, what would it be?

Vaida: Don’t procrastinate. After a while, you will regret not doing it earlier.

Raimonda: My one piece of advice for anyone considering a career change into tech would be: don’t be afraid to start from scratch and always be open to learning. Remember, everyone starts somewhere, and your dedication and passion will drive you forward.

Rolandas: Never give up. If you feel stuck, just keep going because sometimes the next opportunity is very close.

Simonas: Don’t overestimate your skills and power of will. It’s one thing when you are doing something you like for fun and another when you need to study the subject. I was taking the independent study path, and it was hard. If I had to do this again, I would probably take some courses or study to get things moving.

Is there anything you wish you had known before starting your career transition?

Vaida: That the IT sector is incredibly diverse, offering a wide array of fascinating positions. It’s a dynamic and rewarding field that brings excitement. There’s nothing quite like the satisfaction of overcoming a challenging issue or code and seeing it work.

Raimonda: I wish I had known earlier that it’s okay to not know everything and to make mistakes. These are natural parts of the learning process. I also wish I had understood the importance of balancing practical skills with theoretical knowledge. Knowing these things would have made my transition smoother and less stressful.

Rolandas: I wish I had known that the learning never stops. In IT, there’s always something new to learn, and that’s part of what makes it so engaging and fulfilling.

Simonas: I wish I had known how important it is to find a good support network, whether through formal education, online courses, or colleagues. Having that support makes the transition much easier and more manageable.