From Teaching to Tech | Careershifters

What work were you doing previously?

I was teaching science to secondary school children, aged between 11-16.

What are you doing now?

I’m a Systems Engineer at Amazon Web Services (AWS), where I help to develop, deploy and maintain systems my team are responsible for.

Why did you change?

The decision to switch careers was a gradual process.

While I enjoyed teaching and working with students, I felt a strong pull towards the field of technology and software development. 

I wanted to pursue a career that would allow me to combine my analytical skills and passion for problem-solving with my interest in cutting-edge technology.

I also wanted a career where no day is the same and allowed me to have a better work/life balance.

Are you happy with the change?

Yes, I’m very happy with the change. 

While the transition was challenging at times, I find my work as a systems engineer incredibly fulfilling and rewarding. 

I enjoy the constant learning and problem-solving involved, and I’m excited to be part of an industry that is continually evolving and pushing the boundaries of what’s possible.

What do you miss and what don’t you miss?

I miss the daily interactions with students and the opportunity to inspire and guide young minds. 

However, I don’t miss the administrative tasks that come with working in the education system. In my new role, I appreciate the ability to focus solely on technical challenges and the freedom to explore innovative solutions.

How did you go about making the shift?

All I knew was that I wanted to be in tech, so I did some research into tech roles that sounded interesting to me. 

I then began to apply for apprenticeships for those roles, and I picked Amazon’s DevOps apprenticeship because I like the idea of being able to build and maintain systems. 

After my apprenticeship, systems engineering appealed to me because it combined my strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the opportunity to work on complex systems and applications.

How did you develop (or transfer) the skills you needed for your new role?

As a teacher, I developed strong problem-solving, critical thinking, and communication skills, which are essential in my new role. 

During my apprenticeship, I was also able to pick up the technical skills that I needed for my role. I still continue to learn and develop on those skills today.

What didn’t go well? What wrong turns did you take?

One of the challenges I faced was underestimating the amount of time and effort required to learn coding and develop a strong technical portfolio. 

I initially thought I could make the transition more quickly, but I soon realized that I needed to dedicate a significant amount of time and resources to properly prepare for a career change.

How did you handle your finances to make your shift possible?

I was very fortunate to start the apprenticeship immediately following the summer I left my teaching job. 

But to handle the difference in finances, I took on part-time tutoring jobs.

What was the most difficult thing about changing?

The most difficult thing about changing careers was stepping out of my comfort zone and embracing the uncertainty that comes with a major life transition. 

Leaving a stable job and familiar environment was daunting, and there were moments when I doubted my decision. 

However, I kept reminding myself of my long-term goals and passion for technology, which helped me stay motivated and persevere through the challenges.

What help did you get?

Friends and family were instrumental in providing emotional support and encouragement throughout the process.

Resources I found on the internet were also useful during this time. 

What resources would you recommend to others?

Online coding bootcamps or courses (e.g. CodeFirstGirls, Udemy, Coursera).

Job search platforms and online forums for industry-specific job postings and insights (LinkedIn was really useful).

Books and blogs written by professionals in the desired field, offering insights and advice on making a successful career transition (Substack and Medium blogs were very insightful!).

Social media (Reddit, X/Twitter). Getting first-hand accounts from people really helped me on the journey.

What have you learnt in the process?

One of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned is the importance of continuous learning and adaptability. 

Technology is a rapidly evolving field, and the ability to embrace new concepts and technologies is crucial for success. 

I’ve also learned the value of networking and building relationships within the industry, as these connections can open doors and provide invaluable insights.

What do you wish you’d done differently?

If I could do things differently, I’d have started exploring the possibility of a career change earlier. 

I spent a few years feeling dissatisfied with my career path before taking action, and I wish I’d been more proactive in investigating alternative options sooner.

What would you advise others to do in the same situation?

Reflect deeply on your motivations and long-term goals to ensure the change aligns with your values and aspirations.

Conduct thorough research on potential careers, including job responsibilities, industry trends, and growth prospects.

Seek out mentors and professionals in the desired field to gain insights and advice.

Develop a plan for acquiring the necessary skills and qualifications, whether through formal education, bootcamps, or self-study.

Build a strong network and leverage your connections for job opportunities and support.

Be prepared for challenges and setbacks, but remain resilient and focused on your goals.

To learn more about Amazon’s apprenticeship opportunities, visit www.amazonapprenticeships.co.uk

What lessons could you take from Satta’s story to use in your own career change? Let us know in the comments below.