What I Wish I Knew Before Switching from Science to IT: A Software Trainee's Perspective

The day I decided to shift from studying Botany to pursuing a career in IT was filled with uncertainty. But here I am today, working as a full-stack software trainee. Looking back, I wish I had known a few things about the journey ahead. While every career path is unique, the insights I gained can help anyone who's considering making a similar leap. Here’s what I wish I knew before diving into the world of coding, testing, and all things tech.

1. Science Isn’t That Different from IT — At Least in Terms of Thinking

When I decided to leave a career in science behind, the biggest concern was whether my background in Botany would be enough to make the switch to IT. In fact, the transition wasn’t as dramatic as I expected. Both fields require analytical thinking, problem-solving, and attention to detail.

In science, I learned to observe, hypothesize, test, and conclude. When I entered the IT world, I realized that software testing followed a similar process. It was all about identifying problems, hypothesizing potential causes, and conducting systematic testing to verify solutions.

Tip: If you have a science background, leverage your ability to break down complex problems. It will help you immensely in debugging code or identifying issues in software.

2. Don’t Underestimate the Power of Small Courses and Certifications

I thought a major degree in computer science was the key to entering IT. But what I learned through my journey is that small certifications like a Diploma in Computer Applications (DCA) and a Software Testing course were game-changers. These smaller, targeted programs not only gave me practical skills but also built my confidence in a field that seemed alien at first.

Even more, I discovered a community of learners in every corner of the web — from YouTube tutorials to online boot camps. The IT community is incredibly open, and there’s a wealth of knowledge out there that doesn’t always require a traditional degree.

Tip: If you’re in the process of switching to IT, don’t wait for the “perfect program.” Start with small, bite-sized learning resources to build your confidence.

3. The Learning Curve Is Steeper Than You Expect — But It’s Worth It

There’s no way around it: IT can be overwhelming at first. The amount of new concepts, tools, and technologies that come at you in rapid succession is intimidating. I went from learning about ecosystems in Botany to grasping JavaScript and CSS in a matter of months.

But here's the surprising part — this steep learning curve is not only manageable but fun. The more I learned, the more I realized how powerful IT is. You start seeing patterns, understanding how websites are built, how applications function, and even how automation works in testing. The satisfaction of getting your first piece of code or bug fix to work is unbeatable.

Tip: Embrace the steep learning curve. Expect frustration but also know that every little success adds up. Keep at it, and the rewards are worth the effort.

4. Networking is Key — But You Don’t Have to Be an Expert Yet

In my first few months in the IT world, I kept thinking I needed to know everything before I could network with other professionals. But what I realized is that you don’t need to be an expert to build relationships in tech. Whether you're connecting with fellow trainees, industry veterans, or online groups, networking is about sharing experiences, learning from others, and asking questions.

The most valuable connections I made were with people who were also in the process of learning. We swapped resources, advice, and even frustrations. These interactions made me feel less isolated and more connected to a community that supported my growth.

Tip: Don’t wait until you feel “ready” to network. Reach out, learn from others, and build relationships along the way.

5. Failure is Part of the Process — Don’t Let It Stop You

I won’t lie — I encountered plenty of failures, whether it was writing my first program, failing a test case, or spending hours troubleshooting only to find out I made a simple error. However, every failure taught me something invaluable. And here’s the thing: in IT, failure is not a setback; it’s just a stepping stone toward success.

In science, failure often led to revisions in hypotheses or experimental methods. The same mindset applies in software development. Every bug or error is an opportunity to refine your understanding and improve your skills.

Tip: Embrace failure as part of your journey. Each mistake is a lesson in disguise, pushing you closer to your goals.

6. The IT World is About Constant Learning — Stay Curious

One thing I quickly discovered in IT is that the learning never stops. In Botany, the field evolved, but at a slower pace. In contrast, the IT landscape changes constantly — new frameworks, languages, tools, and trends emerge almost daily. This can be both exciting and overwhelming.

But instead of stressing over keeping up with every trend, I learned to stay curious. As a full-stack trainee, I find myself constantly learning, experimenting, and improving. The key is to focus on a strong foundation and build from there, rather than trying to master everything at once.

Tip: Adopt a mindset of continuous learning. Stay curious, experiment with new technologies, and take each day as an opportunity to expand your knowledge.

Conclusion: The Journey Is Worth It

Looking back, I don’t regret a single step of my career switch. It’s been a rewarding and fulfilling journey, and while I wish I had known these things earlier, I’m grateful for the lessons learned along the way. If you’re considering making a switch into IT, know that it’s entirely possible, and you’ll be supported by a global community of learners and professionals.

Advice to anyone switching careers into IT: Don’t fear the unknown. Lean into the discomfort of learning something new, embrace the journey, and celebrate the small victories along the way. Your unique background, just like mine, will give you a fresh perspective that can add value to the ever-evolving world of technology.

Call to Action:

If you're on a similar career path or thinking about transitioning into IT, feel free to connect with me. Let’s share our experiences and help each other grow!