What work did you previously do?

I taught physics to high school students between the ages of 11 and 16.

What are you doing now?

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

Why did you change?

The decision to change careers was a gradual process.

Although 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 where I could 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 which allowed me to have a better work-life balance.

Are you happy with the change?

Yes, I am very happy with the change.

Although the transition has been challenging at times, I find my work as a systems engineer incredibly satisfying and rewarding.

I enjoy the constant learning and problem solving, and I love being part of an industry that is constantly evolving and pushing the boundaries of what is possible.

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

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

However, I do not miss the administrative tasks that come with working in education. In my new role, I value the ability to focus solely on technical challenges and the freedom to explore innovative solutions.

How did you go about making the switch?

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

I then started applying for internships for those roles, and I chose Amazon’s DevOps internship because I like the idea of ​​being able to build and maintain systems.

After my internship, 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 have developed strong problem-solving, critical thinking and communication skills, which are essential in my new role.

During my internship I was also able to gain the technical skills I needed for my position. I still continue to learn and develop these skills.

What didn’t go well? What wrong turns have you taken?

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

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

How have you arranged your finances to make your service possible?

I was very fortunate to be able to start the internship immediately after the summer I left my teaching job.

But to make up the difference in finances, I took part-time jobs as a tutor.

What was the hardest part about changing?

The hardest part 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 times when I doubted my decision.

However, I continued to remind myself of my long-term goals and passion for technology, which kept me motivated and persevered through the challenges.

What help have you received?

Friends and family played an important role in providing emotional support and encouragement throughout the process.

Resources I found on the internet were also helpful 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 vacancies and insights (LinkedIn was very helpful).

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 has really helped me in my journey.

What did you learn during the process?

One of the most valuable lessons I have 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 to success.

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

What would you have liked to have done differently?

If I could have done things differently, I would have started exploring the possibility of a career change sooner.

I felt dissatisfied with my career path for a few years before I took action, and I wish I had been more proactive in exploring alternative options sooner.

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

Think deeply about your motivations and long-term goals to ensure the change aligns with your values ​​and ambitions.

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

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

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

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

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

For more information about Amazon’s internship opportunities, visit www.amazonapprenticeships.co.uk

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