From browser video games to constructing enterprise infrastructure, Catherine Brennan’s profession change to tech exhibits how curiosity, persistence, and alternative can open doorways to a satisfying profession. At this time, she’s thriving as a Infrastructure Engineer Apprentice via the Salesforce Apprenticeship Program Future Pathways—however her path thus far has been something however bizarre.
How Gaming Sparked an Curiosity in Coding
Catherine’s fascination with know-how started in childhood, spending hours on the household laptop enjoying browser-based video games. Her love for gaming quickly was curiosity: how had been these digital worlds truly created?
Her first introduction to coding got here in a fourth-year science class—a uncommon alternative at her college—the place she realized primary Python. That small style of programming ignited one thing deeper. Throughout the pandemic, Catherine started instructing herself to code. An internet workshop launched her to HTML and CSS, and earlier than lengthy, she was constructing her first web sites.
“They had been easy—only a PNG and a few scattered textual content—however to me, they had been pure magic,” she remembers.
Profession Change to Tech: From Chef to Salesforce Apprentice
When it got here time to determine on a profession, Catherine initially thought-about software program growth. Nevertheless, practicality prevailed—she wished a steady job and monetary independence. That led her to turn out to be a chef, spending three years working in hospitality.
However over time, she felt one thing was lacking. “I beloved the individuals and the place, however there was this nagging sense that I wasn’t the place I used to be meant to be.”
After finishing a PLC in Software program Growth, Catherine found FIT (Fastrack into Info Know-how)—a key initiative driving tech apprenticeships in Eire to assist individuals transition into know-how careers.
“Truthfully, I believed it was a rip-off at first,” she laughs. However she determined to take a leap of religion. Balancing lessons in Dublin with weekend shifts in Kilkenny, she pushed herself to the restrict. Then got here the chance that modified all the pieces: an e mail concerning the Salesforce Future Pathways Apprenticeship Program.
Becoming a member of Salesforce Future Pathways
“After I obtained that e mail, I simply knew,” Catherine says. “I began researching Salesforce, going via Trailhead modules, and the extra I realized, the extra I wished in.”
Whereas she had interviewed with different corporations, Salesforce stood out for its values. “The 1-1-1 mannequin and the concentrate on giving again actually resonated with me,” she explains. “It’s embedded in all the pieces they do.” Two years into her Salesforce apprenticeship, Catherine displays with delight: “I’ve by no means as soon as doubted that making use of was the precise alternative.”
The Position of an Infrastructure Engineer Apprentice
When describing her function as an infrastructure engineer apprentice, Catherine makes use of an excellent analogy:
“Think about ordering an ice cream with sprinkles and sauce—however when it arrives, there’s no ice cream, simply the toppings! My job is to verify the ice cream’s there. The infrastructure—the servers, techniques, and networks—is what helps all the pieces else.”
She loves the technical challenges of her function, evaluating the satisfaction of fixing a difficult community drawback to “finishing a super-cool jigsaw puzzle.”
Overcoming Imposter Syndrome in Tech
Like many people pursuing a profession change to tech, Catherine struggled at first with imposter syndrome. “I bear in mind considering, why me? What made me particular sufficient to get this chance?”
Over time, with assist from her coaches, mentors, and friends, she’s realized to silence that interior critic. “Each time I hit a tricky problem now, I look again and take into consideration how far I’ve come.
Catherine’s Highlights of Her Salesforce Apprenticeship
- A Tradition of Collaboration: “I used to be nervous I’d be out of my depth, however the second I met my group, that worry disappeared. Everybody genuinely wished to assist me succeed.”
- Award-Successful Recognition: Catherine received the inner award for Newcomer Apprentice of the 12 months on the Future Pathways Apprentice Awards. “It was such a validation of all of the laborious work. It jogged my memory that I actually do belong right here.”
- Countless Alternatives: As she nears the top of her program, Catherine hopes to transition right into a everlasting function as a Junior Infrastructure Engineer.
Tech Apprenticeships: Earn Whereas You Study
Catherine encourages anybody inquisitive about know-how to discover different profession pathways:
She believes fashionable packages are redefining how individuals enter the tech trade. “There’s an enormous concentrate on college levels, however tech apprenticeships supply one thing simply as invaluable—real-world studying and the flexibility to earn whilst you study. It permits you to focus totally on rising your expertise.”
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