From Physio to Engineer: Lighting the Path When You Can’t See It

"It’s very hard to be what you cannot see.” These powerful words from Sarah Friar, CFO of OpenAI, resonate deeply with anyone navigating a career transition, especially one that feels unconventional or unprecedented. As someone who transitioned from physiotherapy to software engineering, I understand this challenge firsthand. When you lack visible role models, forging a new path can feel daunting. But it's not impossible. This is about lighting the path when you can't see it, and becoming the role model you needed.

The Power of Seeing – and Not Seeing

Humans learn by observation. Seeing someone who has walked a similar path validates our aspirations and provides a tangible vision of success. As a physiotherapist, I was surrounded by mentors who embodied clinical excellence. But when I pivoted to software engineering, that support network vanished. The absence of visible role models amplified doubts: Could I succeed in a field where I was starting over? Would my past experience be valued? How could I create a roadmap without seeing others do the same? These questions are common for anyone embarking on a less-travelled career path.

Bridging the Visibility Gap: Five Actionable Strategies

Navigating uncharted territory requires proactive strategies. Here’s how to overcome the “visibility gap”:

1. Seek Micro Role Models: Don't search for a perfect mirror; look for individuals who embody aspects of your desired path. I found inspiration in engineers who became entrepreneurs and physiotherapists who used technology to scale their impact. These fragments of inspiration coalesced into a guiding light.
2. Harness Digital Communities: Online platforms like LinkedIn, specialised forums, and alumni groups offer access to a global network of professionals. Joining tech meetups and coding bootcamp alumni groups normalised my experience by connecting me with others sharing similar struggles and triumphs.
3. Become the Visible Example: Documenting your journey—through blogging, vlogging, or social media—not only keeps you accountable but also positions you as a pioneer. My newsletter, initially a leap of faith, became a platform for sharing my lessons and inspiring others.
4. Invest in Strategic Mentorship: A mentor doesn't need your exact background to be invaluable. Seek out individuals with expertise in the areas you want to develop. Software engineers mentored me on technical skills, while entrepreneurs guided me on building a business.
5. Leverage Your Crystallised Intelligence: As mid-career professionals, we possess a wealth of accumulated knowledge. My physiotherapy background instilled problem-solving, empathy, and resilience—skills that proved surprisingly transferable to software development and startup leadership. For example, my experience diagnosing patient ailments directly translated into debugging code and identifying product issues.

The Ripple Effect: Representation and Impact

When you become what others cannot yet see, you create a ripple effect. Your courage inspires others to follow suit, creating more visibility for the next generation. This is especially crucial for under-represented groups in fields like technology, where diversity is still lacking. By sharing your story, you contribute to a more inclusive and representative narrative. Consider the impact: a woman transitioning into cyber security inspires other women to explore the field. A veteran entering the tech industry shows others that their experience is valuable.

Conclusion: Lighting Your Own Way, and Others’ Too

If you’re facing a career transition and feel like you’re staring into the void of the unknown, remember this: you have the power to light your own way, and in doing so, you’ll illuminate the path for others. It’s not about finding a pre-existing route; it’s about forging one. With intentional action, a growth mindset, and the willingness to share your journey, you can become the role model you once needed.