Hey everyone! Welcome to another edition of our monthly interview series, where we explore the inspiring journeys of individuals who transitioned into tech from non-technical backgrounds. Today, I am excited to introduce Emma (Em) Bayley-Melendez, a fellow tech career changer and a recent graduate iOS developer at mkodo. Em is deeply passionate about React and front-end development. She has graciously agreed to share her experiences and valuable job-searching tips, making this conversation a must-read for anyone embarking on their own tech career journey. Stay tuned for an engaging and enlightening discussion!
Please, tell us a bit more about yourself Em!
Hey! I’m Em a tech career changer and graduate iOS developer. You can catch me exploring art galleries, buying expensive coffees and I recently got into Dungeons and Dragons – I’m also very competitive at board games! I love React and frontend development – I’m a highly visual person so for me it was incredibly cool to see how things changed in real time as I programmed but I am fascinated by backend development and more recently in the world of AI. Tech is ever-changing the learning never ends, as someone who is naturally curious this is the best part about the industry and the ability to be able to create a legacy with the code you write.
What was your job history before getting into tech?
My route to tech is quite random. I studied Politics at university which always seemed to surprise people, I was someone who always was interested in tech in the broadest sense of the word but struggled to see myself in the industry as I believed I had to study Computer Science or another STEM subject.
I struggled to see myself in the industry as I believed I had to study Computer Science or another STEM subject.
I worked in a school during the pandemic as a special educational needs (SEN) teaching assistant and was also a team lead for mass testing. This was a pivotal time for me to learn leadership skills and really get a taste of what real life was like outside of being a student.
Before starting my technology bootcamp I was a student at UCL doing my masters in Latin American studies (again quite random) but due to personal circumstances I interrupted and that was when I had the freedom to explore my career options in tech.
I did a Code First Girls course and then did a technology bootcamp which was amazing and I am so grateful for that experience and what I learnt from it.
Why tech?
As I mentioned earlier I had always been interested in tech as an industry but didn’t see myself fit within it and definitely didn’t have role models growing up. I think when I was exploring tech in 2022 there was a lot more being done to increase diversity in the industry. I also knew some people within the industry and I think I was inspired by the work that they were doing and it felt like the right time for me to explore my options.
What was your career-changer journey?
I did a technology bootcamp with Bright Network Technology Academy. I had known of the organisation through my undergraduate degree so it was awesome to take part in their bootcamp.
The bootcamp was quite intense, it was 12 weeks and ran from 9-5 pm. We had some breaks during the course but it was very structured which for me worked very well. There was a lot of learning but also the chance to put our knowledge to the test through paired programming activities and assignments which meant we didn’t forget the skills we were building.
We also had three group projects within that time frame where we produced a front-end, back-end and full-stack project.
Tell us a bit about your first tech role.
Finding the role was quite difficult. I was job hunting when the tech market was in a really bad spot so it was quite demotivating sometimes. I remember tracking my applications on an Excel spreadsheet and just seeing a sea of red for all the jobs I had been rejected from.
Finding the role was quite difficult. […] I remember tracking my applications on an Excel spreadsheet and just seeing a sea of red for all the jobs I had been rejected from.
Luckily, I got interviewed at my current company and secured a spot on their grad scheme where I am working as an iOS developer (a totally new area of tech for me). I try not to set too many expectations, especially as I knew, for example, that I wouldn’t program as much on a day-to-day basis as I did during my bootcamp.
I try not to set too many expectations, especially as I knew, for example, that I wouldn’t program as much on a day-to-day basis as I did during my bootcamp.
It has been a very steep learning curve (which is to be expected) but the company culture is great, it’s a very flat hierarchy and everyone is willing to lend a hand or pair with me on areas of difficulty. I think it can be hard to avoid the feeling of imposter syndrome especially when you’re in your first role but I try to reframe the narrative and remember that most developers struggle at points with the work they’re doing, Google is your best friend and sometimes it’s good just to be vulnerable and admit when you need help. Also, always remember that you’re just at the start of your journey there was a time when I didn’t have any idea about programming so I try and reflect on how far I have come rather than focusing on the positives.
Google is your best friend and sometimes it’s good just to be vulnerable and admit when you need help.
If you could go back in time what advice would you give yourself at the very beginning of your journey?
- Journal on a regular basis to reflect on what I’ve been learning so I can see the progress I am making.
- Give me grace and try not to be too hard on myself and compare my progress to others – it’s super important to stay in your own lane.
- Find women in tech communities faster! I definitely struggled at the start of my journey with having community and it was worth the wait but I wish I had found my people sooner because I would not be in the place I am without them.
What would you say to someone who is at the stage when they’re looking for their first job in tech?
Take your time.
My biggest piece of advice is to not rush it, and don’t feel disheartened if you’re getting rejections – the right role will inevitably come up even if it feels like you’re facing an uphill battle.
Don’t feel disheartened if you’re getting rejections – the right role will inevitably come up even if it feels like you’re facing an uphill battle.
Celebrate your unique background in tech and never feel like you’re not ‘good enough’ for the job. Practice katas and build up your theoretical knowledge for interviews – I wish I had done more of this. Codewars and Codurance are great for katas and there are some great YouTubers that focus on algorithms and data structures.
Practice katas and build up your theoretical knowledge for interviews – I wish I had done more of this.
I would also say to really think about what roles you’re interested in and think about the skills you want to develop and what you enjoy. I remember when I was initially looking for roles I was set on being a full-stack developer and now I’m in iOS development so it’s good to know what you want but also be open to new opportunities and possibilities.
I hope that helps and if you’re interested in chatting about your options I’m always happy to arrange calls and provide support!
Thank you for joining me in this interview. Em’s journey from a non-tech background to becoming a software developer is a testament to the transformative power of determination and seizing the right opportunities. If you’re from a non-tech background and have made a leap into the world of technology, I’d love to hear your story and feature it in our series. Your experiences could inspire others to take the plunge. Reach out to me and let’s connect. Your story might be the motivation someone needs to embrace a tech career!
~ Amina Ba
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