I Broke Into IT Without a Degree at 30 — Here’s How I Did it
Navigating Career Change: My Path from Blue-Collar Jobs to IT
The Turning Point: Feeling Stuck and Seeking Change
For nearly a decade, I bounced between fast food jobs, grueling warehouse shifts, and eventually landed in dead-end office roles that weren’t any better. By the time I was 30, I was completely drained — both physically and mentally. I longed for a job that wouldn’t leave me so depleted, something that felt meaningful, unlike the endless grind I’d been stuck in since I was 18, just trying to make ends meet.
During those early years in fast food, I remember the bus rides home, eager to retreat to the small room I was renting — just enough space for a bed and a few belongings. It wasn’t much, but it was a place to rest after long days filled with hard work and the smell of raw meat that clung to my clothes. Even then, I knew I wanted more, something better.
Then there were the warehouse shifts — I’d get up before sunrise, come home exhausted, and crash, only to wake up when it was already dark outside. It felt like the whole day had slipped away without seeing any daylight. I was drained, and I knew something had to change. But back then, the idea of a better future almost felt out of reach.
A Nudge Toward Tech
The idea of breaking into IT seemed impossible to me — heck, I didn’t even consider it until I was at least 22 and was recommended for a position in the inventory control department at the warehouse where I worked. Yeah, I know, at first glance, this job had nothing to do with IT, but it was here that I got my first real exposure to working with computers and data. Up until then, my only real experience with computers was playing RuneScape in my teens and a high school computer class where I learned basic Excel and Word. But this inventory control role opened my eyes to the possibilities in tech and planted the seed that maybe, just maybe, I could aim for something better.
During my time in inventory control, I found myself frequently helping the IT department with various grunt work. I was more than willing to lend a hand, especially when it came to tech, because I always had some sort of draw to it. My supervisor even made a side comment one day, “You know, you should look into getting into IT. You’ve got the right mindset for it. You can do more than entering data on a spreadsheet.” That comment stuck with me and further fueled my interest in exploring a career in technology.
Laid Off Due to COVID: A Blessing in Disguise
Just as I was starting to get comfortable in the inventory control position, COVID hit, and like so many others, I was laid off. Looking back, it was the best thing that ever happened to me. I had grown comfortable in that role, even though I was dealing with anxiety in my personal life. Being laid off gave me some much-needed breathing room to focus on myself and put me back in the right mindset. It was a tough blow, but it also gave me the opportunity to reassess my path and refocus on what truly mattered.
Developing Key Skills as a Recruiter
After being laid off, I transitioned into a role as a staffing recruiter at a staffing agency. While the job was nice, I quickly realized that the field wasn’t right for me. However, the recruiter position played a significant role in my development, particularly in refining my communication skills. As a recruiter, I frequently engaged in conversations about sensitive topics with both clients and candidates. This experience honed my ability to communicate clearly, empathize with others, and navigate difficult conversations — skills that are often overlooked but essential in the IT field.
Finding My Path Through Education
During this time, I developed a small passion for data analytics. This passion was a little token that originated from my time back in Inventory Control and resurfaced by one of those YouTube videos titled “Day in the Life as a Data Scientist.” This renewed passion inspired me to start studying at my local community college. I was balancing both recruiting and studying because I knew I wanted something more. I initially enrolled in college to become a data scientist, but there wasn’t a data science program available. That’s when Professor Rios, who taught my Intro to Programming class, convinced me to explore cybersecurity instead. The college had just created a cybersecurity program, and honestly, the idea of working in cybersecurity sounded kickass, so I decided to go for it.
The programming class enabled me to learn Python, and my Excel skills improved vastly. I began to think more logically and started seeing the world through the mind of a programmer. When I earned an A in the course, I was hooked. Programming opened up a whole new world that I hadn’t even considered before, and Professor Rios’s encouragement to pursue cybersecurity further solidified my interest in the field.
Applying My Skills in the Real World
These new skills and growing passion for tech eventually helped me secure a position as a data reporting analyst for another warehouse — yes, still working in warehouses, but not breaking my back anymore. In this role, I consistently expressed my desire to transition into IT, not just verbally but through my actions. I volunteered for more complex technical tasks and embraced every challenge as a chance to grow.
The journey to where you want to be isn’t always straight, but every step, even sideways, brings you closer.
Little by little, I was carving out a new path.
The Transition to IT Systems Analyst
This proactive approach, combined with the communication skills I developed as a recruiter, helped me transition into the IT department. I wasn’t afraid to get my hands dirty, to learn on the fly, and to take every challenge as a learning opportunity. Eventually, I moved into an IT Systems Analyst role, where I continue to build on what I’ve learned.
A New Beginning
Although I haven’t earned a degree or certifications yet, I still practice the fundamentals by studying in my free time.
You don’t need a degree to prove your worth — what matters is your willingness to learn and grow.
My journey into IT hasn’t been a straight path, but today, I’m an IT Systems Analyst, and I feel like this is just the beginning of my story.
If you’re feeling stuck in your current role, know that you’re not alone — and it’s never too late to pursue the life you truly want. Change can be daunting, but with determination, a curious mind, and the courage to keep learning, you can transform your path. At 30, breaking into IT without a degree felt like an impossible dream to me. But step by step, I made it a reality. If I can navigate this journey, so can you. Believe in your potential, take that first step, and trust that you have what it takes to achieve your dreams.
If you’re feeling stuck or uncertain about your path, I encourage you to share your story below. You’ll see that you’re not alone — there are others out there just like you, just like I was, ready to take that first step toward a better future, whether it be in IT or a different industry entirely. I believe in you. You should believe in you too.
