Guest blog by Kathryn Wharton from industry partner – Marra, with contributions from Sophie Griffiths and Jamie Shields.
Thinking about switching to a career in tech but worried you don’t have the “right” background? You’re not alone. Whether you have a background in teaching, healthcare or even retail, tech is full of people who took unconventional paths to get here.
A willingness to learn, experiment, and embrace the challenge are hugely valuable attributes (as much as previous coding experience.)
Below, you’ll hear from two individuals, who in their own words will share why and how they made the leap. One from the world of music, the other from medicine, proving that with curiosity and commitment, a career in tech is within reach for anyone, including you.
Hanging my stethoscope up to listen – Sophie Griffiths, Associate App Maker
A card I received from a patient pinpoints the reason why I hung my stethoscope up and embarked on a new career in technology. The card read… “Dr. Sophie, Thank you for taking the time to listen to me”
I remember the patient, I remember the conversation, but I know I didn’t listen. I was too focused on the tasks that I needed to complete that day, blood tests, x-rays to review, spiking temperatures…the list went on.
The card reminds me of why I needed to walk away from a profession I lived and breathed for and that felt like home, I wanted to be able to have the time to listen. To listen to my friends, family, mind and body. To listen to my passions.
So I took a leap of faith into technology and found Marra.
I can now listen to and grow my passion in technology and apply the skills I developed in medicine to my new career.
Communication, learning new things and solving problems to name a few. Marra means friend, and within a friendship you value each other and celebrate each other’s differences. I feel privileged to be part of such a wonderful team at Marra. A place where we support, and learn from each other in an area of technology, Microsoft Power Platform, that empowers individuals and teams to transform businesses.
I look back at my time in the NHS with pride and gratitude. I am humbled by the patients and colleagues that I have met. But I know that I made the right decision to listen to my heart and let it guide me to a whole new world of exciting possibilities and change the face of technology with Marra.
From Musician to Marra – Jamie Shields, Associate App Maker
For a long time, I didn’t know what I truly wanted to do, aside from learning to use a lightsaber! I had a passion for performance and music, which led me to get my first bass guitar at 14. Despite honing my musical skills, I wasn’t convinced music was my calling, even after earning a degree in music. But after several years working in customer service, I would take the advice of my dad, that ‘it was never too late to start anything’, and become a self-employed musician. Despite the challenges this job presented, I had a successful career, including playing at Glastonbury and even landing a song in a Hollywood film.
After 10 years, the mental and physical toll of touring made me seek change. I wanted a fulfilling role that allowed me to be creative, which led me to the tech industry. The pandemic provided an opening as the arts shut down, and I had to take up yet another customer service role, while I started applying for tech roles. Encouraged by my friend Hannah, I practised coding daily after work.
I later quit my job after saving enough money and dedicated myself to learning coding and software testing. Hannah supported me with resources and encouragement. 6 months later I discovered Marra and attended their assessment centre. Despite my nerves, I got the role and started learning Power Platform. My skills from music and customer service even proved valuable in my new role.
Marra’s approach to building fusion teams and the accessibility of low-code development helped me succeed in an industry I thought was out of reach. Today, I continue to learn and have expanded into new communities, like the Ministry of Testing Newcastle team.
My dad’s advice that it’s never too late to start anything has proven true, and I feel the most settled I ever have since joining Marra.
A new approach to technology teams
Marra create fusion teams of experienced technologists with low-code App Makers. They specialise in Microsoft Power Platform which is making it easier than ever for career changers to build apps, automate workflows, and solve real business problems—without needing to be a coding expert.
Whether you’re new to tech or bringing skills from another industry, low-code empowers you to create, innovate, and make an impact faster than you ever imagined. If you’re looking for a fresh start in a future-proof industry, this could be the perfect path for you.
If you’d like to know more about Marra, then visit their website or follow them on LinkedIn.
Interested in partnering with TechUPWomen to help empower women and non-binary people into tech careers? We’d love to hear from you!