Tired of doing the same thing every day? Looking for a new challenge in an exciting role where you can really make an impact? Want to be part of something bigger? Then the ReSKILL Program for Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central can help you reimagine your future!
But we know how scary it can feel to switch to a completely new role, especially if you come from a background that’s currently underrepresented in the sector.
To help you get an idea of what the career change might be like, we’ve put together stories from three inspirational women, all from different industry backgrounds and experiences, who have joined ReSKILL and are now thriving in the Microsoft ecosystem!
From biochemistry to tech: This is Sofia’s story
After 20 years in biochemistry, Sofia was ready for a fresh challenge. She was eager for a role that would allow her to be much more hands-on, utilizing her project management skills, and connecting with people from all walks of life.
The tech sector seemed like the perfect choice.
While looking for ways to break into tech, she finally came across the ReSKILL program. Soon enough, Sofia was working for the Microsoft Partner, Ciellos, training as a Dynamics 365 Business Central Consultant and successfully passing her MB-800 exam.
“I was deployed to Ciellos as part of a group of 17 recruits, all switching their careers to Business Central,” Sofia says. “ReSKILL and Ciellos took great care to create a safe environment to learn for us all. I feel like our voices are always being heard. More companies should promote the fact that you can transition to a career in tech at any age and be successful. I’ve done it, and so can you!”
Sofia’s tip: See the future as a new adventure
“Obviously, it’s scary to make a career change,” Sofia says. “It’s daunting for many people, including myself. But my advice is: don’t be scared of new things!”
She also advises that you should be flexible and take opportunities as they come, rather than sticking to a rigid plan.
“Personally, I try not to think too much ahead. I have a rough plan of what I want to be in the future, but I try to allow for a lot of flexibility in that plan, to let myself breathe. Because if I’m too strict and rigid in what I want to do, then I won’t be able to see what’s around me and I might miss out on opportunities because of that. Throughout my career, that’s been the key to success—I found opportunities and I took the ones I enjoyed.”
Finally, Sofia says it can help to overcome fears if you see your new career as an exciting adventure. “The future is a new adventure—at least that’s how I try to look at it in order to overcome any fears or hesitation!”
Ready for a new challenge with the right company: Jana’s story
Jana started her journey to Business Central two months ago. Although she had a background in development, learning ERP was completely new to her.
However, the transparency of the ReSKILL recruiters made her feel at ease. What’s more, the inclusive culture at Socitas feels like the right fit for Jana to grow her skills while growing in confidence.
“Since I’ve started the program, I’ve been able to advance my Developer skills,” Jana says. “There’s also a big focus on soft skills training like stakeholder management which are just as crucial for Developers.”
She also believes the tech sector needs more women, as they’re still so underrepresented. “When I studied Computer Science at university, only 16% of students in my course were women. You need to believe in yourself because the industry needs you to develop solutions for everyone!”
Jana thinks the responsibility for getting more women into tech should also lie with companies that employ them. “I think organizations can do a lot to address the balance by being flexible, fostering trust and autonomy. For instance, Socitas has lots of tools in place to connect me with other Developers, discuss solutions, and problem-solve together as a team. I feel challenged but supported at the same time.”
Jana’s tip: Think of new challenges as opportunities for growth
“We have this saying in German: auch nur mit Wasser kochen. It means—we all just cook with water, no matter what background we’re from.” Jana says. “I like that quote, especially in relation to this program. Everyone has to start somewhere, and you’re no worse than anyone else out there, even if you’re new to it.”
Women generally tend to apply only for roles they feel 100% qualified for, which in fact leaves little room for growth and development in the role. Jana’s advice is to believe in yourself, no matter what stage of your career you’re at currently.
“Even if you don’t yet feel like the most qualified person in the room, know that your work still has value because everyone has a unique skill set and experience. And combining those unique skill sets is very important when developing products for different user groups to ensure they’re accessible and free from bias. So, even if this is the scariest thing you’ve ever done, be brave enough to carry on—your confidence will grow, along with your competence.”
Taking a leap of faith into tech: Carcyn’s story
Struggling with work-life balance while in the warehousing and manufacturing industry, Carcyn was ready for a major career change. But the prospect of leaping into tech was scary.
What’s more, Carcyn struggled to find suitable roles for someone who’s new to the tech sector—until she discovered ReSKILL.
Now seven months into the program, Carcyn is a certified Business Central Consultant, working on multiple projects for the ERP software expert, Clients First. She loves the supportive team environment where she has been able to develop her skills and grow her confidence through mentorship opportunities.
“Changing my career to tech was very scary. But right from the start, I loved the way ReSKILL catered to individuals like me who don’t come from a tech background. Plus, the community you’re embedded into, and the support available, are unmatched.”
Coming from a predominately male dominated industry, Carcyn was particularly inspired to learn that she’d be working closely with so many other women who are now her role models. “It’s really uplifting to see so many women thriving in the Business Central ecosystem. At Clients First, I’m very fortunate to be mentored by women who have successfully advanced their careers.”
Carcyn’s advice: Just do it!
“If you’re thinking about making the leap, just do it!” Carcyn says with tons of enthusiasm. “I know it can be very scary and I experienced the same level of fear and uncertainty… But the level of support and how this program really caters to people who are in that exact scenario is amazing!”
She reflects back on when she first started and the conversations she had with the ReSKILL recruiters when she was still thinking about applying, and the supportive community she was later embedded into.
“The program’s specialists provide you with reassurance as they understand where you’re coming from. It’s not going to be a scenario where you’re just placed into a new role and asked to figure things out on your own. The community and the support are really unmatched compared to other professional experiences I’ve had in my career. And the opportunities for vertical growth within this industry are so abundant.”
“So, if you have an interest in getting into this field and progressing throughout your career, then I think this is the perfect opportunity for you!”