Breaking Barriers: My Journey from Healthcare to Tech

At Circyl, we believe that diverse experiences fuel innovation and bring fresh perspectives to the tech industry. While progress has been made, barriers still exist in male-dominated fields like tech, making it essential to foster inclusivity and support.

Leading up to Women’s Day, I want to share my unconventional journey into tech. Coming from a healthcare background, I began my career as an optometrist before transitioning into UX/UI design and development. The transition wasn’t easy. I faced uncertainty, self-doubt, and imposter syndrome, but I also discovered the power of perseverance, transferable skills, and the importance of having the right support system.

In this blog, I’ll explore how I made the leap into tech, the obstacles I overcame, and how Circyl has supported me every step of the way.

A Journey Across Borders and Careers

Moving from Italy to the UK ten years ago was a life-changing experience, but it came with its own set of challenges. Balancing family responsibilities, career aspirations, and personal growth wasn’t always easy. I had always been academically gifted, and I was encouraged to pursue a career in healthcare – what was seen as a stable and successful path.

However, while working as an optometrist, I started noticing the increasing role of technology in healthcare. From digital appointment booking systems to electronic patient records and automated referrals, everything was becoming digitised. But with this shift, I also saw frustration – many of my patients, especially the elderly, struggled to navigate these systems.

This sparked my curiosity about user experience (UX) design. I wanted to understand how technology could be more accessible to everyone, not just those who were tech-savvy. My research led me to enrol in an independent UX/UI design bootcamp, where I discovered my passion for coding and the ability to bring user experience improvements to life.

Beyond the Comfort Zone: Overcoming Imposter Syndrome and Finding My Place in Tech

Leaving behind a well-established career in healthcare to start fresh in tech wasn’t easy. I spent nearly a year training, without a job, and with no financial stability. The uncertainty was overwhelming, and imposter syndrome started to creep in. I often questioned whether I had made the right choice.

For many women, imposter syndrome is an ongoing struggle. When you don’t see many people like you in a field, it’s easy to feel like you don’t belong. But I reminded myself that every new skill I learnt was a step forward and that my previous experience was not wasted, but rather an asset that I could bring into this new field. I sought out supportive communities, practiced self-discipline, and focused on the bigger picture.

One of the biggest misconceptions about transitioning into tech is that you have to start from zero. The truth is, skills from other industries are incredibly valuable. My background in optometry provided me with skills that are just as relevant:

• Attention to detail – Essential for diagnosing eye conditions, now crucial when designing intuitive interfaces and writing clean, efficient code.
• Empathy & communication – Patient care required understanding concerns and explaining complex information in simple terms. These skills are now invaluable when working with clients, conducting user research, and ensuring designs are user-friendly.
• Problem-solving – Just like diagnosing eye issues required analytical thinking, coding and UX design involve breaking down problems and finding effective solutions.

At Circyl, my background wasn’t just acknowledged, it was celebrated. They saw the value of my skills in client interactions, UI/UX design, coding, and even in areas I never expected, like social media and branding.

Expanding My Niche: Social Media & Graphic Design

Beyond UX/UI and developing, I discovered a passion for social media and graphic design. I now work closely with Circyl’s marketing team, designing engaging campaigns and visuals that help communicate complex tech concepts in a clear and appealing way.

This is something I want more people to know: you don’t have to fit into one box. Tech isn’t just about coding—it’s also about design, strategy, communication, and problem-solving. You can carve out your own niche and bring value in ways you never expected.

This is something I deeply appreciate about Circyl – they don’t just look at what’s on a CV but recognise skills, passions, and potential, no matter where they come from. Despite my background in healthcare, my team encouraged me to explore different aspects of tech and marketing, allowing me to contribute in ways I never imagined.

Why Representation in Tech Matters

The tech industry has made progress in becoming more diverse, but there is still much work to be done. Women remain underrepresented, especially in technical roles, and those transitioning from other careers often face additional barriers.

Representation matters. Technology shapes the world we live in and when more women, particularly those from unconventional backgrounds, enter tech, we bring fresh perspectives, challenge biases, and create solutions that are truly inclusive. We show others that there is no single “right” way to enter this industry – there is space for all of us.

Visibility is key. The more women we see thriving in tech, the easier it becomes for others to envision themselves in these roles. We need more mentors, leaders, and allies who uplift and support women as they enter and grow in this field.

Conclusion: Celebrating Women in Tech & the Power of Inclusivity

Women’s Day is a reminder of how far we have come and how much further we can go. At Circyl, I have found a company that values skills over stereotypes, passion over traditional paths, and individuality over conformity. My journey from healthcare to tech has been full of challenges, but it has also been incredibly rewarding.

To any woman considering a career in tech, whether you’re switching fields or just starting, know that your background is not a limitation, it’s a strength. The industry needs more voices, and more perspectives. And if you’re looking for a place where inclusivity isn’t just a promise but a reality, Circyl is proof that the right company will see your worth.