Returning to IT After a 14-Year Career Break: Patricia Linehan’s Story
Back to the Code: One WomanS Journey to re-Enter the Tech World
After a 14-year career break, Patricia Linehan found her way back to the IT industry thru Fidelity Investments’ resume program. Her story offers inspiration and practical advice for anyone considering a similar return.
Patricia Linehan’s journey back to the tech world wasn’t a straight line. After 20 years in the IT industry, she took a break to raise her children. When she decided to return, she knew she needed to refresh her skills.
“It was reassuring to find that I hadn’t forgotten everything when I started studying again,” Linehan says. She completed a data science course, earned Java certifications, and took a full-stack web growth course.
But finding a job proved challenging. ”Despite completing a college course, I couldn’t pass myself off as a graduate, and I lacked work experience in data science,” she explains.”Additionally, I had no recent software development employment experience.”
Fortunately, Linehan discovered companies like Fidelity Investments were offering return-to-work programs designed to support individuals like her.
“I focused on those opportunities,” she says.
Fidelity’s Resume program caught her eye. having previously enjoyed working in the financial sector, Linehan applied and was offered an initial six-month contract.
“I was thrilled to get the opportunity,” she recalls. “Although I lacked experience with many of the required technologies, they made me an offer based on my past experience, potential, and ability to learn.”
Six years later, Linehan is now a principal systems and business analyst at Fidelity.
What sparked your initial interest in software engineering?
“I always enjoyed math in school and was interested in studying something in that area,” Linehan says. “I chose a college course in computer science, despite never having seen a computer before.”
Back then, computers weren’t as ubiquitous as they are today. “There wasn’t much details available about different college courses and careers at the time,” she remembers. “Fortunately, I enjoyed it and discovered that software development was a good fit for me.”
What was it like returning to work after 14 years?
“I was nervous about returning to work,” Linehan admits.”I wasn’t particularly under pressure to go back, but my sisters were retiring and couldn’t understand why I wanted to return. I missed the mental stimulation of software development.I felt I needed to give it a try to see if I could still do it, and if it didn’t work out, at least I would have tried.”
She knew she had valuable skills, even if some knowledge was outdated.
“When I was offered a job, I was very excited, as I had put a lot of effort into preparing to return and was beginning to wonder if it would actually happen,” she says.”However, as the start date approached, I began to doubt myself, wondering if I would be able to do it. I also worried that everyone else would be very young and that I wouldn’t fit in.”
What were the biggest surprises or challenges you encountered?
“During my first week back at work, my brain was completely overloaded with new tools and technologies,” Linehan recalls. “Almost everything I encountered was unfamiliar. I was also new to working in an agile environment.”
Fortunately, she had a supportive colleague who helped her navigate the new landscape.
“I shadowed him and took lots of notes,” she says.
as part of the Resume program,Linehan was able to dedicate time each week to studying relevant technologies online. She also had access to coaching to help her manage the transition.
what advice would you give to others considering a return to tech?
“It is not necessary to know every current technology, but to show that you have the potential to learn,” Linehan emphasizes. “Be open to new experiences and don’t be afraid to ask for help. There are many resources available to support people returning to work,so take advantage of them.”
Her story is a testament to the fact that with the right support and a willingness to learn, a accomplished return to the tech world is possible.
Finding Her Footing: One Woman’s Journey Back to Tech After a Career Break
Returning to the workforce after a significant break can be daunting, but for one woman, a supportive environment and a passion for problem-solving made the transition smoother than expected.
After stepping away from her career to raise a family,Sarah found herself eager to re-enter the tech industry. She was drawn to Fidelity Investments’ Resume program, designed to help individuals like her return to work.
“I was nervous about returning after such a long time,” Sarah admits. ”But the challenges of returning to work were eased by the incredible support I received from my team. There was no pressure to be an expert right away. everyone was so helpful and collaborative, not just with me, but with each other.”
Sarah, now a software analyst, thrives on the detail-oriented nature of her role. “I love pinning down the specifics of requirements for new application features and figuring out what’s needed,” she explains. “I enjoy interacting with my team to come up with solutions, and I appreciate the financial aspects of the applications we work on.”
Despite the ever-evolving landscape of technology, Sarah finds that the core skills she honed earlier in her career remain relevant. “The focus on developing quality products hasn’t changed,” she says. “Even though I’m older than some of my teammates, I feel like a valued member of the team.”
Fidelity’s commitment to fostering a strong company culture is evident in its various communities of practice and cultural groups. Sarah is an active member of the Fidelity choir, which performs at office events and even participated in online workplace choir competitions during the pandemic.
Looking back on her career journey, Sarah offers valuable advice to those considering a return to tech. “There are so many different types of roles available in the IT industry,” she emphasizes. “Don’t assume it’s only for a certain type of person. When I came back, I was amazed by all the roles I’d never heard of before, like scrum masters, product owners, and UX designers.”
She encourages potential returners to take the leap, highlighting the supportive environment and flexible working arrangements currently available. “Companies are investing in helping people re-enter the workforce,” Sarah says. “Focus on upskilling and demonstrating your potential to learn. Identify companies that offer roles in areas that interest you,and don’t be afraid to take that first step.”
Returning to Tech: An Interview with Patricia Linehan
NewsDirect3.com Exclusive:
Patricia LinehanS story is one of perseverance,adaptability,and the indomitable spirit of career reinvention. After a 14-year hiatus from the IT industry to raise her children, Patricia successfully re-entered the field thanks to Fidelity Investments’ Resume program. Her journey offers valuable insight and practical advice for anyone contemplating a similar return to tech.
NewsDirect3.com’s Liam O’Connor sat down with Patricia to discuss her experience:
Liam: Patricia,your story is incredibly inspiring. What initially drew you to software engineering?
Patricia: I always enjoyed math and was looking for a field that aligned with my strengths. Back then, computers were a novelty, so I jumped into computer science without really knowing what to expect. Luckily, I found my passion in software advancement.
Liam: Fourteen years is a significant gap.What prompted your decision to return to the tech world?
Patricia: It wasn’t necessarily pressure, but rather a strong desire to mentally engage with the field again. I missed the challenges and the constant learning that comes with software development. I felt compelled to see if I could still thrive in that surroundings.
Liam: Re-entering any field after a long break can be daunting. What steps did you take to prepare?
Patricia: I knew I needed to refresh my skills. I dove into a data science course, earned Java certifications, and even completed a full-stack web development program.
Liam: Finding employment after such a pause can be incredibly challenging. What hurdles did you face?
Patricia: Although I dedicated myself to retraining, the lack of recent work experience was a major obstacle. My previous experience felt outdated, and I didn’t possess the specific skills demanded by current data science roles.
Liam: How did fidelity Investments’ Resume program become your path back to tech?
Patricia: I was thrilled to discover companies like Fidelity were offering return-to-work programs tailored to individuals like me. These programs recognized the value of past experience and valued the potential we bring.
Liam: Six years later, you’re a principal systems and business analyst at fidelity. What advice woudl you offer to others considering a return to tech after a career break?
Patricia: Believe in yourself and your abilities. Don’t be afraid to refresh your skills,network with others in the industry,and explore companies that offer return-to-work programs. They are designed to help you succeed. Most importantly, don’t give up on your passion.It’s never too late to pursue a fulfilling career in tech.
Liam O’Connor, for NewsDirect3.com