In today's rapidly changing work environment, individuals often pivot their careers to seek new challenges, adapt to the market's demands, or pursue one's dreams.
Each of our five colleagues - Kadi, Tanel, Dima, Lilian, and Taavi - has a unique story of their career twists and turns. Every one of them has brought skills, life wisdom, and a wealth of experiences from entirely different sectors to Trinidad Wiseman. Each story highlights tapping into previously undiscovered potential, seeking new challenges, and how to successfully apply past experiences in a new role.
As you read on, you'll learn what drives people to explore unfamiliar domains and the invaluable lessons our colleagues have gathered on the challenging journey of switching fields.
Kadi had a long-standing role in the Estonian science landscape, specifically in the field of genetic technology. During her studies, she worked in the Geenivaramu laboratory, carrying out both experiments and big data analyses. Her career then took her to a project manager role at the University of Tartu, where she organised medical further education and conferences.
Kadi was no stranger to IT. She had been dabbling in it since her school days and further during her university tenure in genetics. She familiarised herself with specifics like databases and programming languages. Throughout her studies and work, she realised the importance of IT skills in both genetics and medicine.
At one point, she decided to pivot towards IT. A significant change came when she completed the Vali IT retraining course, which focused on Java. Initially, she trained as a developer, but quickly realised that areas in IT management were more suited to her.
How did a geneticist end up in the IT sector, and how did previous skills become beneficial?
Through her network. A mandatory internship led her to HITSAs, a company that didn't have a massive development team. This turned out to be a blessing in disguise, as she found herself gravitating towards IT project management. Soon enough, Kadi was leading a product, even teaching clients how to use it within just two weeks of getting to grips with it.
Additionally, Kadi developed an interest in digital accessibility. Thanks to this interest, her career brought her to Trinidad Wiseman, a leading advocate for digital accessibility in Estonia. At Trinidad Wiseman, Kadi not only manages projects but also leads a development team, enhancing the accessibility of Estonian IT solutions alongside her colleagues.
Kadi believes that many of her skills from her previous roles were transferable. Organising courses, public speaking, data analysis, and excellent writing skills — honed from penning scientific papers — all played a part in her new role.
She believes that what makes one successful in IT isn't just technical acumen but also skills in communication, listening, creating a positive atmosphere, motivating teams, resolving complex situations, and seeing the bigger picture.
Memorable IT Projects and Achievements
For Kadi, the most memorable project at Trinidad Wiseman has been creating adigital solution for reporting traffic accidents. Previously, the only way to report an accident was by filling in paper forms, which then had to be sent to insurance companies with photographs. Now, thanks to the work of the specialists at Trinidad Wiseman, this process has been digitalised, allowing people to act quickly and conveniently in crisis situations.
Kadi's Advice for Entering the IT Sector:
- Turn to acquaintances with IT experience for a better overview of the field.
- Shadow an IT specialist for a few workdays.
- Investigate retraining opportunities and look for internships.
- Don't underestimate self-study and online courses.
- Consider how you could take on IT-related tasks in your current job before making a bigger move.
Tanel began his career in the realm of tech sales. Working in a small company, he had the chance to tackle a variety of tasks, from product management and purchasing to web content creation and administration. As is common with many professionals, there came a time in Tanel's life when the daily routine became a heavy burden. After five years, he felt his perspective on the world was narrowing and becoming repetitive.
Tanel encourages making tough decisions in life, be it a new career or investing in oneself, children, or family. Otherwise, you might realise that you're running on empty with no time left to refill. The best time for change is always now!
How Did Tanel Enter the Digital World?
Tanel's introduction to the digital sphere came when he was working on his first personal website. This provided him an opportunity to familiarise himself with various CMS platforms, content management systems, and delve into the intricacies of branding and user experience.
He transitioned to IT not through a formal job offer but an invitation from a friend who recognised Tanel's potential. The shift demanded adaptation, and by his own account, Tanel experienced "eustress" or positive stress. He learned to be more proactive and tried not to become overwhelmed to prevent this "eustress" from turning into harmful stress.
Collaborating with Trinidad Wiseman proved to be a pivotal step in Tanel's digital journey. An internal mentor within the company supported him, helping him quickly grasp how to provide value to clients. Since then, Tanel's work principle has been simple and clear: "It's the client who pays the salary, not the company."
Tanel is aware that when transitioning to a new field, skills make up only half the equation. He's convinced that no amount of polished professional expertise can ever compensate for a lack of responsibility towards clients, self-respect, or the ability to communicate respectfully with colleagues.
Mysterious IT Projects and Achievements
Though Tanel cannot share details about his projects due to confidentiality agreements, he's proud to contribute to digital solutions at Trinidad Wiseman, which have significantly improved people's quality of life.
Tanel's Advice for Entering and Thriving in the IT Sector
Tanel believes that you can achieve success in any endeavour if you make it a priority. It's crucial to consciously maintain a balance between work and personal life. If you weigh your options carefully and set the right priorities, you'll maintain productivity and avoid the trap of overworking.
The best outcomes arise, in Tanel's words, from operating on a laissez-faire principle - "let it be, let it happen". However, it's vital to discern when to intervene and when to let things take their natural course.
Before entering the IT world, Dima worked in various roles. He was a chemistry teacher, a textbook author, a drug production operator, and a laboratory chemist. He was also an international fuel inspector in Estonia, Sweden, and Finland.
Throughout his previous occupations, Dima always had a deep interest in programming. He encountered various programming languages during his school days, and in university, he found his way to Java. However, due to work and family commitments, he never had enough time to fully devote himself to the IT world. Dima secretly hoped that maybe one day...
How did Dima's IT dream finally come true?
After losing his job, he felt it was time to change his career direction. He took out his old Java textbook and embarked on an eight-month journey into the programming world.
Although he didn’t finish an official program, Dima dedicated himself to self-study. Thanks to his strong interest, determination, and independent efforts, he eventually reached the Nortal Winter University programme. After a thorough understanding of Angular, the once sceptic became an "Angular Ninja".
Dima's unique background turned out to be an unexpected advantage in this new field. Throughout his teaching career, he had learned the art of self-study, working in a production environment helped him handle routine tasks, and lab work developed his logical thinking and communication skills. All these skills are highly valued in the IT field.
Finding his first job in IT wasn’t easy. Although writing the perfect cover letter seemed impossible due to lack of experience, Dima wasn’t deterred. He actively researched various IT companies and sent them his CV. Eventually, an opportunity arose at Trinidad Wiseman.
Dima emphasises that passion in IT development might be even more critical than technical accuracy. He feels that genuine passion for one’s work is the best weapon against mental fatigue.
Memorable IT Projects and Achievements
Among Trinidad Wiseman’s projects, Dima highlights the EHIS2 development project, which resulted in a digital desktop for educational institutions. Despite the complex challenges, this project gave him the chance to grow independently. For Dima, every new project represents a new learning opportunity, so he jokingly called himself a "full-stack front-end developer" in the early days at Trinidad Wiseman.
A Word of Wisdom for Aspiring IT Enthusiasts
The most important thing is to find your interest or passion for software development. If in doubt, delve deeper into the topic. If you find your passion, a thrilling journey of satisfaction awaits you. Every beginning might seem challenging, but once you overcome the initial hurdles, only an upward trajectory awaits.
Lilian began her professional journey as a translator but eventually found herself at the doorstep of the IT world.
Lilian has a strong academic background in political sciences and translation studies, with a 5-year career as a translator. Although she had deep professional knowledge, she felt the desire to learn something new and work in a job that offered more growth opportunities. Inspired by this, she was ready to step into the unknown and explore the IT world.
After acquiring some foundational knowledge working as an IT analyst, Lilian realised she needed structured instruction and joined Tallinn University of Technology's programme on information systems analysis and design. She supplemented her studies with online courses and professional training.
At first glance, the roles of translator and IT analyst might seem entirely different, but Lilian noticed that her background as a translator provided her with significant advantages in the IT world. Her excellent communication skills, willingness to compromise, ability to find a shared vision, and rapid uptake of new subjects proved invaluable in the IT sector.
How Lilian started her career in the IT world?
A chance experience with Android development gave Lilian her first taste of IT, but life had other plans. She joined the Nortal Summer University programme and became a junior analyst.
Initially, the learning curve was steep, as Lilian had to familiarise herself with the IT world and its workings in addition to acquiring job-specific skills. With the support of mentors and colleagues, she managed to overcome the challenges and grow in her role.
In the IT sector, Lilian attributes her success to a growth mindset, clear articulation skills, curiosity, and a keen desire to learn. In her role as an analyst, she also values her excellent listening and negotiation skills.
Memorable IT Projects and Achievements
Due to her interest in the education sector, Lilian particularly values projects that impact people’s lives– such as her initial projects at Trinidad Wiseman, which were EHIS2 and the Education Portal. The Team Europe Partnerships Portal was also a noteworthy endeavour, allowing her to help improve the lives of people in third-world countries.
A Word of Wisdom for Aspiring IT Enthusiasts
Thoroughly explore the nature of different jobs in the IT sector and pick those that interest you the most. The IT sector offers many opportunities and mobility, so don't be afraid to try out different roles until you find your calling.
When stepping into the role of a system analyst, basic IT knowledge and technical skills are beneficial, according to Lilian. For a business analyst role, basic knowledge of organisation and process operations would be helpful. More in-depth knowledge and skills will come with experience.
The 2020 pandemic resulted in rapid and sometimes shocking changes across various sectors, including aviation. Taavi, who began his career in aviation and was accustomed to running through "what if" scenarios, experienced the changes of the pandemic very closely. As international flights were cancelled and the airspace increasingly emptied, he began to question the stability of his career.
While on standby in Sweden during the pandemic (with the plane required to be ready to fly in just an hour), Taavi became acutely aware of the decline in global aviation. This prompted him to consider other career opportunities. Taavi recalled his past experiences with front-end development and web courses, which he had greatly enjoyed. Jokingly, it felt to him like playing with LEGO. Thus began his contemplation of a career in development.
First Turbulences and Adapting to the IT World
As the situation in aviation deteriorated with flights being cancelled indefinitely, Taavi decided to enhance his existing IT skills. All his backup plans were activated, and he found himself at a crossroads, forced to choose the best path for the future. Now, Taavi is very satisfied and feels he made a wise decision.
In addition to aviation, Taavi chose the IT and service design sector, where the demand for new talents - even those without prior IT experience - was steadily rising. Before joining Trinidad Wiseman, he worked at a small IT firm where he faced challenges due to language barriers.
His team responsibilities ranged from front-end development using React and TypeScript to back-end and other frameworks like Angular, with which he wasn't familiar at the time. According to Taavi, the IT sector epitomizes lifelong learning. Whether you have an IT degree or are self-taught, there's always room for improvement daily.
Taavi's aviation background provides him with a unique advantage, especially in terms of processes and testing. He noted many similarities between IT and aviation, like rigorous testing before going live. Thanks to IT, Taavi now has a deeper understanding of system operations and relies less on autopilot in aviation.
Memorable IT Projects and Achievements
The most memorable and interesting project in Taavi's career journey so far has been eProspera, which was also his first assignment at Trinidad Wiseman. In brief, it was about building an e-state 2.0 for entrepreneurs. Taavi praises the professional team and partner, thanks to whom he established a solid foundation for creating future solutions.
A Word of Wisdom for Aspiring IT Enthusiasts
Taavi encourages future IT professionals to believe in themselves despite obstacles and negative influences and to never give up. Continuous learning and updating one's knowledge and skills are vital in the ever-evolving IT world.
One can start with web courses on platforms like Udemy. Taavi likes the saying, "If at first, you don't succeed, try, try again." By this, he means if you don't get it right immediately, perhaps you will the next time or the time after that. Sooner or later, your skills and experience will suffice.
