Finding Your Own Way into Tech – Unconventional Career Paths

Whether you’re just starting out or looking to take the next step in your journey, these stories serve as a reminder that there’s no one path into tech—just the one that’s right for you.

A Career Without Borders – Rethinking the Path into Tech

What if the perfect tech career isn’t built on a linear path but instead on the twists and turns of personal passions and unexpected opportunities? Many people believe that breaking into tech requires a degree in computer science or years of technical training, but the reality is far more diverse.

Some of the most exciting careers in tech today belong to individuals who started somewhere completely different. Through the stories of Plinc employees, we’ll explore how adaptability, curiosity, and a willingness to learn can open doors in unexpected ways.

Breaking the Stereotype of a ‘Tech Background’

There’s a common misconception that tech careers require extensive coding experience. However, success in tech is just as much about problem-solving, creativity, and adaptability as it is about technical knowledge.

Stories of Diverse Career Paths

• Tianbai Chen (Campaign Manager): With a degree in the arts, Tianbai never imagined she would work in tech. During an internship at Historic Royal Palaces, she chose a placement in the commercial department and was exposed to CRM and data analytics. She quickly realised that finding patterns in data felt a lot like solving a puzzle, and that realisation changed her career path forever. Today, she combines creativity and analytical thinking in marketing technology.
• Catherine Fennell (Analyst): Graduating during the pandemic was a challenge for Catherine, as job opportunities were scarce. Despite her academic success, it took her eight months to find a role. Catherine joined Plinc into a role that didn’t involve coding (which she had no experience of) but leveraged the experience she had gained through studying mathematics at university. From there, through a desire to continually challenge herself and learn new skills, she evolved her role to take on an increasing amount of programming.

Advice for Those Considering Tech Careers

• Your background doesn’t define your potential: Tech careers aren’t reserved for those with computer science degrees or direct experience of programming —curiosity and problem-solving skills can take you far.
• Leverage what makes you unique: Your previous experiences—whether in art, science, or business—can help you stand out in tech.
• Be open to learning: The tech industry is always evolving, and adaptability is a key strength.

The Future of Tech is Yours to Shape

Tech isn’t a closed club for programmers—it’s a space where problem-solvers, innovators, and thinkers thrive. If you’re passionate about learning and growing, there’s a place for you in this industry. The next tech revolution could be led by someone just like you.

Coming up next: As we’ve seen, there’s no single way into tech—curiosity, adaptability, and passion can open unexpected doors. But what happens once you’re in? Finding champions and mentors can make all the difference. In our next blog, we explore the power of mentorship and how it shapes careers.