BONUS: Transitioning from Non-Tech to Tech Roles with Mariana Trigo, A Guide For Scrum Masters, and Agile Coaches

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In this episode, Mariana Trigo, a pioneer in assisting professionals transition from non-tech to tech roles, shares stories about transitioning from non-tech to tech jobs.

Starting the Transition

"It’s all about realizing that your career is not moving forward and finding out what will work for you in the tech industry."

Mariana began her journey in the tech world in 2021, identifying a significant demand for professionals seeking to pivot their careers into technology. She observed that despite having good jobs, many were dissatisfied and felt their careers stagnated. This led her to found Tekya, a company dedicated to aiding professionals in moving to tech without a coding background and leveraging their careers to build their dream life.

"Conquering the mindset that you can perform even if you are not tech-savvy is the first step towards building a career that truly gives you the life you want."

One of the first hurdles Mariana noticed was the limiting beliefs held by individuals. Many feel inadequate and struggle to convince hiring managers of their worth due to a lack of tech-specific skills.

Essential Skills for Scrum Masters and Agile Coaches

"Hire for character, train for skills. Focus on small improvements to continually develop both yourself and your teams."

Mariana stresses the importance of soft skills such as communication, conflict resolution, and servant leadership. These skills are pivotal for anyone aspiring to roles like Scrum Master or Agile Coach.

"Understanding and mastering the hard skills of your chosen tech role will not only improve your confidence but also build trust with your team."

Hard skills are equally crucial, with Mariana emphasizing the need to understand the Scrum framework, Agile methodologies, organization, metrics, and engineering best practices. She also mentions the importance of becoming familiar with the tech vocabulary specific to each company.

For learning these essential skills, Mariana suggests starting with understanding the day-to-day routine of a Scrum Master or Agile Coach. She recommends finding courses that cover both soft and hard skills necessary for these roles.

"Changing your mindset is crucial. Be prepared to invest time and some money into structured learning paths like those offered by Tekya."

Building a Professional Identity

"Showcase how your past experiences have prepared you to add value in the tech industry."

Mariana advises starting immediately to tailor your LinkedIn profile and other professional materials to reflect your new career path, emphasizing past experiences and how they relate to your future in tech.

"The support from a professional community can be the most comforting part of your transition journey."

Networking is vital in the tech industry. Mariana encourages speaking with those already in the role and participating in communities like Tekya to find mentors and expand your professional circle.

"Understand the mission of the company and align it with your values to increase your chances of getting hired."

When it comes time to apply for jobs, Mariana recommends focusing on companies whose mission and products you are passionate about. Ensuring your LinkedIn profile and cover letters are top-notch will help you stand out.

Further Learning and Resources

"Real stories from real people can provide the motivation and roadmap for your own career transition."

For those eager to learn more about this employment transition, Mariana suggests listening to success stories from individuals who have successfully made the transition.

About Mariana Trigo

Mariana Trigo's professional journey began in biology, transitioned through retail, and found its niche in technology. She excelled as a Scrum Master and grew into an Engineering Manager role, always focusing on helping teams deliver more effectively and enjoyably. In 2021, she launched Tekya to empower professionals to move into tech roles, enhancing their careers and achieving their life dreams without necessarily having a coding background.

You can link with Mariana Trigo on LinkedIn.

You can follow Mariana’s work as a coach and Tekya, her company’s work with budding Agile Coaches and Scrum Masters on Instagram and LinkedIn.