A Complete Guide to Professional Reconversion in IT

Why Professional Reconversion Towards IT in Romania?

Shortage of Specialists

The IT labor market is far from being oversaturated, as some alarmist voices claim. On the contrary, it currently has an annual deficit of approximately 10,000–20,000 IT specialists, which affects both local and international companies operating in Romania.

The personnel crisis is fueled by several factors. First, we have the phenomenon of the aging workforce and the continuous emigration of young specialists to more attractive markets in Western Europe. Second, as a factor favoring the withdrawal of more and more people from the field, we have the elimination of tax incentives for IT employees, which, starting in 2025, adds additional pressure on the market.

The acute shortage of IT personnel is part of a broader picture of the shortage of technical specialists. Romania needs hundreds of thousands of engineers and digital professionals to support economic development and the accelerated digitalization of society. Thus, professional retraining towards IT becomes not only an individual opportunity, but also a strategic necessity for the entire Romanian economy.

Job Security and Long-Term Prospects

IT jobs offer stability and solid long-term prospects, thanks to industry-specific advantages. Most companies offer well-defined career paths, with access to specialized training and periodic bonus programs, designed to support the continuous development of employees.

Large IT outsourcing companies also offer the option of sitting on the “bench”, that is, going through periods in which, if suitable projects are not found, employees can stay with the company for a few months, having time to prepare for new challenges.

In addition, IT jobs are usually long-term, and employers often have preferential partnerships with large banks, offering employees advantageous conditions for obtaining mortgages or personal loans, with lower than standard interest rates.

Salary Increase + Job Satisfaction

One of the strongest reasons for professional retraining in IT is the desire for a salary increase – rightly so, considering the statistics. The IT industry stands out for its competitive salaries, with average and maximum levels well above the Romanian market average, both for entry-level and senior positions. For example, a junior programmer can earn between 700 and 1,500 euros per month, and an experienced specialist can exceed 10,000 lei per month, while certain niche or high-responsibility roles can reach even higher salaries.

According to the National Institute of Statistics, in March 2025, the average salary in the economy reached 9,495 lei gross and 5,691 net, with information technology services among the areas with the highest salary increases compared to the previous month (with increases between 12.5% ​​and 22.5%).

In addition to the financial aspect, more and more candidates are choosing IT for the personal satisfaction and sense of purpose that this field offers. Working in IT comes with increased flexibility – including remote work options or flexible schedules – and opportunities for continuous development, which contributes to a better work-life balance. In addition, many IT employees say they feel motivated by intellectual challenges, the opportunity to work on projects with real impact, and the innovative environment in which they work. Thus, professional retraining in IT means not only a higher salary but also the chance to build a career that will bring you fulfillment and satisfaction in the long term.

What Does Professional Reconversion Towards IT Mean?

Types of Reconversion

The process by which a person changes their field of activity or adapts their skills to access a new sector of the labor market is called professional reconversion.

Reconversion can be:

• Total – involves a complete transition from one field to another
• Partial – involves adapting existing skills for new responsibilities or roles.

There are three ways in which reconversion can be supported:

• Individually, through personal initiative and self-education
• Through state agencies that offer training and support programs for labor market integration (County Employment Agencies)
• Internally, within the company where the person already works, they can benefit from training and internal mobility to change their career without leaving the organization.

Who Can Do Reconversion

Anyone can take this initiative, regardless of age, experience, or professional field of origin. Graduates entering the labor market from other specializations, unemployed people looking for a new opportunity at any age, mothers on maternity leave, but also former employees of liquidated companies or declining industries can initiate a career change. At the same time, many professionals with extensive experience in other fields – such as banking, sales, legal, or technical engineering – choose to reprofile themselves in IT, capitalizing on transferable skills and previously acquired knowledge.

The ideal candidate for reconversion is the one who demonstrates proactivity, a desire for continuous development, openness to new technologies, and the ability to learn autonomously. Motivation, flexibility, adaptability, and alignment with organizational objectives are essential factors that can transform any professional background into a competitive advantage in the IT market.

Regardless of age or experience, having a positive attitude towards change and curiosity for the technological field are the two elements that truly differentiate a top candidate for reconversion to IT.

Self-Assessment and Choosing the Right Direction in IT

Career Orientation Tests

It all starts with introspection. Take the time to explore not only the market, but also your possibilities and interests. After all, there are two parties involved in every job interview, right? It is important to identify the right directions of development, in accordance with your personality structure and pre-existing knowledge and skills base.

A useful and widely used tool in career counseling and guidance is the Holland test. It assesses professional interests and personality type, indicating compatibility with certain work environments and careers. The test classifies preferences into six main categories – realistic, investigative, artistic, social, entrepreneurial, and conventional – and gives you a clear picture of the areas in which a candidate could have the greatest professional satisfaction and performance. Usually, the first three resulting categories are taken into account.

In addition to interests, it is also necessary to assess IT-specific skills. Logical and algorithmic thinking is the most important of them. The tests help identify the level of programming readiness and establish a personalized learning plan, thus ensuring a smoother and more efficient transition to the new career. At NewTech Academy, the selection of candidates for any IT course in the technical field begins with an algorithmic thinking and English language test, which will indicate your level of match with the career that awaits you.

Main IT Branches You Can Work In

Programming

It is one of the most important branches in the IT field, the foundation of developing applications, websites, databases, and AI systems. Programming languages, scripting, and markup are the basic tools through which developers create and manage these solutions.

According to the annual Stack Overflow and Tiobe Index rankings, the most popular languages ​​for professional developers (as opposed to the top choices of beginners, who are currently learning coding) are:

• JavaScript – among the most popular programming languages ​​used by professionals, essential for web development on both the frontend and backend, due to its versatility and extensive community
• SQL – the standard language for managing and querying databases, indispensable in any project that involves storing and analyzing data
• HTML and CSS – the fundamental languages ​​for structuring and styling web pages, without which the modern internet could not exist.
• Python – appreciated for its simple syntax and wide applicability – is currently a “trendy” language, preferred by both beginners and experts, especially in fields such as AI, data science, or automation.
• TypeScript, as an extension of JavaScript, is gaining more and more ground due to the advantages of static typing and excellent integration into complex projects.

Choosing the right language to study depends on your professional goals, the specifics of the desired projects and market trends, but knowledge of these basic languages ​​​​is a major advantage for any candidate who wants to convert to IT.

QA Testing

QA (Quality Assurance) testing is an essential branch of IT, with the role of ensuring the quality and functionality of software products before launch.

It involves identifying and fixing errors, validating compliance with requirements, and improving the user experience, thus contributing to the stability and competitiveness of applications.

There are two main types of testing:

– Manual testing – a tester checks the functionality and usability aspects of the application without automated tools. Ideal for small projects or for evaluating human interaction with the interface

– Automated testing – uses specialized scripts and tools to quickly and repeatedly execute test cases, streamlining the process for complex or large projects

Both QA testing methods are complementary and essential for delivering safe, performing software adapted to user needs.

Network Administration

Network administration is an essential field in IT. The sys admin is responsible for designing, configuring, maintaining, and securing an organization’s communications infrastructure. He is responsible for the optimal functioning of computer networks, servers, and related equipment, monitoring their performance and intervening quickly in the event of technical problems.

Among the tasks of a network administrator are managing users and permissions, implementing security policies to protect data, ensuring backups, and providing technical support for users. The role requires solid knowledge of hardware, software, and network protocols, as well as communication skills and adaptation to new technologies.

Cybersecurity

Cybersecurity is the set of measures, technologies, and policies designed to protect data, systems, and digital networks against cyberattacks, information theft, or sabotage.

In an increasingly digital world, cybersecurity specialists are essential for identifying vulnerabilities, continuously monitoring IT infrastructure, and implementing protection solutions.

The field encompasses diverse roles, from engineers who design and implement security systems to analysts who investigate incidents and monitor network traffic to detect threats. Key responsibilities in this IT niche include risk assessment, configuring firewalls, managing data access, educating users, and ensuring compliance with international security standards.

Data Analysis

Data analysis is a dynamic IT field focused on collecting, cleaning, and interpreting large data sets to extract relevant information and support strategic decisions of companies. A Data Analyst transforms raw data into clear reports and intuitive visualizations, identifying trends, growth opportunities, and operational issues that can impact the direction of a business.1 The role requires strong analytical skills, knowledge of statistics and programming (e.g., Python or R), and the ability to effectively communicate results to non-technical teams.

Aimed at those who love statistics, data analysis is essential in almost every industry, from technology and finance to healthcare and marketing, and the demand for specialists in this field is constantly growing as organizations increasingly rely on data-driven decisions.

UI/UX & Graphic Design

The field of digital design covers a wide range of directions:

• Advertising graphics
• Product identity
• Interface design
• Interaction design

Interface design (UI) focuses on creating intuitive and attractive digital platforms, optimizing the way users interact with applications or websites. In addition, interaction design (UX) focuses on how users navigate and act within digital products, emphasizing the fluid experience, visual feedback, and system reactions to user actions.

Thus, a digital designer contributes to the success of any product by creating a coherent visual identity, captivating advertising materials, friendly interfaces and quality interactive experiences.

Digital Marketing

Digital marketing is a complex field, structured on several main branches, all with the role of helping companies increase their visibility and attract customers online. Marketing work involves creativity, essential knowledge of the principles of economics, ease of expression, visual taste, and a lot of perseverance.

SEO (Search Engine Optimization) aims to optimize websites to obtain the best possible positions in the organic results of search engines, attracting relevant traffic without direct costs per click. SEM (Search Engine Marketing, sometimes called PPC) involves the paid promotion of websites through advertising campaigns in text, image, or video format, ensuring rapid visibility and conversions. Email marketing uses direct communication via email to inform, retain, or convert customers, being one of the most effective channels for relationship and promotion. Content marketing focuses on creating and distributing valuable content – ​​articles, blogs, videos, infographics – to attract, educate, and retain the target audience, thus strengthening the brand authority and generating long-term leads.

These branches work best when integrated into a coherent strategy, tailored to the goals and audience of each business.

Choosing the right IT specialization involves correlating your previous experience and skills with the current requirements of the field. By analyzing your professional background, interests, and strengths, you can identify specializations where your transferable skills offer an advantage, whether it’s programming, data analysis, management, or design.

To facilitate this process, we recommend taking our aptitude test, which helps you discover which IT branches best suit your profile, so that the transition is as natural as possible and you maximize your chances of success in your new career.

Stages of Professional Reconversion to IT

Information and Documentation About the Labor Market and Available Jobs

The first step in the reconversion process is to thoroughly inform yourself about the labor market and real opportunities in IT (hint: subscribe to our blog for filtered news adapted to your needs!).

You can access specialized platforms such as Glassdoor, Undelucrăm, PayLab, eJobs, or DevJob to explore job postings, job requirements, and current salary trends.

Labor market reports and barometers, and studies published by organizations such as ANIS or the National Institute of Statistics, as well as career guidance resources offered by employment agencies, are valuable sources for understanding which specializations are sought after and how market demand is evolving.

Establishing a Study Plan and a Realistic Schedule

Once you have identified the right direction, it is essential to establish a study plan adapted to your own pace. Especially if the professional retraining takes place at a time in your life when you have to juggle various family or professional responsibilities, it is essential to organize your time in such a way as to avoid overloading.

Divide large goals into concrete steps and plan your learning sessions according to the time available, so as to maintain a balance between study, work, and personal life. A realistic schedule, with clear deadlines for each stage, will help you stay motivated and monitor progress, even if you advance in parallel with other responsibilities.

At NewTech Academy, the program of professional retraining courses for IT generally includes two days a week of live, online meetings, of 3 hours and 15 minutes, and on break days, it is recommended to go through the material individually and complete the work assignments.

Choosing Your Learning Path

There are many ways to acquire the skills you need for a career in IT, and the choice depends on your resources and time. You can opt for traditional university programs or long-term professional conversion programs that provide a solid foundation and a recognized diploma.

Alternatively, private courses and bootcamps are faster options that focus on practical skills, with an emphasis on job preparation. For those who prefer flexibility, self-study with the help of free resources – online tutorials, educational platforms, tech communities – allows you to learn at your own pace, with minimal costs.

The Importance of Practice and Personal Projects

Constantly practicing exercises in your chosen field and carrying out personal projects are essential elements for success in IT conversion. Demonstration projects, whether they are web applications, automation or data analysis, show employers that you can effectively apply the knowledge you have acquired and validate your technical skills.

A well-structured portfolio, supplemented with recommendations or feedback from collaborators, significantly increases your chances of employment and differentiates you from other candidates who are just starting out. Regular practice and involvement in real or open-source projects are, in fact, the key to the transition from theory to professional performance.

Useful Resources for Reconversion

Courses

Currently, the offer of IT courses abounds in variants for all needs, from short crash courses to advanced programs over several months.

We recommend the NewTech Academy courses, authorized by the Ministry of Labor and accredited by the ANC, which are oriented especially towards practice and the development of a solid professional portfolio. The range includes IT and cybersecurity courses, Python programming, web development (front-end and full-stack), graphic design (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, AI tools), data analysis, digital marketing. Graduates receive an internationally recognized certification, free coaching for career guidance, support in creating a CV, and advice in preparing for interviews. The NewTech Academy offer is aimed at both those without experience in IT and professionals who want to consolidate or expand their digital skills, with programs adapted for all levels of training.

Some important aspects to consider when choosing a course, regardless of the provider, are:

• Diploma accreditation
• Percentage of practice
• Trainers should be industry specialists and not just skilled in public speaking
• Reviews from graduates.

Certifications

IT certifications can be a great asset early in your career, providing formal recognition of your skills. Below, you’ll find a list of the most relevant and sought-after certifications in each field. (Heads up, there’s a caveat here: certifications, while important to obtain, don’t automatically guarantee you a job, and many recruiters don’t ask for them at all, as they also place a greater emphasis on practical skills and a portfolio.)

For programming, there are, among others:

• AWS Certified Developer Associate (for Amazon Cloud development)
• Microsoft Azure Developer Associate (for Azure-based solutions)
• Python Institute certifications (for Python programming)
• JSE (for JavaScript)
• Oracle Database SQL Certified Associate (for databases).

In the field of QA testing, the most well-known certifications are:

• ISTQB (internationally recognized and structured on several levels of expertise)
• QAI (offers specialized certifications for those who deal with manual and automated testing)

For cybersecurity, the basic certifications are:

• CCNA from Cisco
• CompTIA Security+
• CEH (Certified Ethical Hacker).

For data analysis, there are, among others:

• Microsoft Power BI Data Analyst Associate
• Google Cloud Data Analytics Certificate

In the area of ​​UX/UI and graphic design, the Nielsen Norman Group (NN/g) certification is one of the most respected globally.

In digital marketing, the following certifications are appreciated for their international recognition and coverage of diverse areas:

• Meta (Facebook)
• Google
• Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM)

For a broader technical base, generalist certifications such as CompTIA (for cybersecurity, network administration, cloud, or Linux) and LPIC-1 for Linux administration can provide additional validation of basic IT skills.

Mentoring and Learning Communities

They play a key role in the professional retraining process, providing support, feedback, and opportunities for continuous development:

• Professional communities bring together people from the same field who work and learn together to improve their skills by sharing relevant experiences.
• Academic communities include students and faculty who collaborate to deepen knowledge and coordinate projects.
• Residential communities are aggregated around a physical neighborhood and provide an immersive learning environment, under the supervision of mentors, usually to solve civic problems
• Action-based (project-based) communities emphasize the practical application of knowledge through real and collaborative projects.

These communities facilitate authentic connections, access to diverse resources and constructive feedback, thus accelerating progress and adaptation to new IT requirements.

Building a Portfolio and Professional Presence

How to Create a Portfolio of Relevant Projects

A portfolio is relevant not only for designers and marketers, but for any candidate who wants a career in IT or related creative fields. For each IT branch, there is a certain preferred way to create a portfolio, as well as dedicated platforms for displaying it.

• For programmers, platforms such as GitHub, GitLab, Netlify, or Vercel are basic tools to store, manage, and present source code, personal projects, or contributions to open-source projects. These platforms facilitate version control, collaboration, and even rapid publishing of web applications, providing a professional framework recognized by employers.
• In the field of QA testing, a portfolio can include detailed documentation such as test cases, bug reports, API test examples, or automations, all presented either in a repository on GitHub or on a personal website created using platforms such as WordPress or Notion. For automated testing, it is recommended to include the source code of the tests, screenshots, or even short demonstration videos, so as to highlight both technical skills and attention to detail.
• Graphic and UX/UI designers exhibit their projects on specialized platforms such as Behance or Dribble, where they can create virtual galleries with the most successful works, from visual identity to website mockups or mobile applications. A well-structured portfolio, with an attractive visual presentation and a careful selection of projects, is the ideal business card for any designer.
• For digital marketers, the portfolio can be created in the form of PDFs with campaign examples, measurable results, and screenshots from PPC accounts, using tools such as Canva, or as presentation microsites or a dedicated section on the LinkedIn profile, to highlight the achievements and impact of the campaigns managed.

Regardless of the field, the key to an effective portfolio is to concretely demonstrate what you can do, present relevant projects, and use recognized platforms to increase your professional visibility.

Optimizing Your Resume for IT Job Requirements

A well-optimized resume is like a “magic bullet” to get noticed and selected for an interview for the IT jobs you’re applying for. Even if your experience in the field is not extensive, such as in the case of retraining from another profession, it’s worth taking the time to highlight any relevant connections and transferable skills that you think could recommend you for an IT job.

Optimizing your resume involves clearly structuring your professional experience, highlighting your technical skills and relevant projects, and customizing the content for each targeted job so that it meets the specific requirements of employers in the field. You may spend some time on this customization and adaptation of the content to the jobs you’re applying for, but it’s a process worth taking.

To create an attractive and effective resume, you can use specialized platforms like Novoresume or Canva, which offer modern templates, intuitive editing features, and the ability to quickly generate versions adapted for different applications.

The Europass CV format remains popular, especially for job applications in the European space, due to its standardized structure and international recognition. The Europass platform has evolved from a simple CV template to various additional features, such as creating a digital skills profile or managing a professional portfolio directly on the platform.

Regardless of the format chosen, it is essential that your CV is up-to-date, concise, includes both technical and soft skills, and is tailored to each role to increase your chances of being noticed by recruiters.

The Process of Applying and Integrating into the IT Job Market

How to Identify Entry-Level Jobs and How to Apply Effectively

An inspired job hunting process starts with good information about the job market. To do this, you can use specialized platforms such as LinkedIn, BestJobs, eJobs, Hipo or DevJob, where there are filters for job postings depending on the level of experience and the desired technologies. An active presence on these platforms, with a complete and updated profile, significantly increases your chances of being noticed by recruiters and receiving relevant offers.

In addition, if time allows, participating in dedicated events – such as job fairs, hackathons, conferences, or meetups – gives you the opportunity to meet employers directly, learn details about recruitment processes, and expand your professional network.

Networking is essential in IT:

• Connect with professionals in the field on LinkedIn
• Get involved in relevant groups and communities
• Ask for recommendations from colleagues or mentors.

In addition to job hunting on your own, there are other possibilities to get the job you want in IT:

• Collaborating with specialized IT recruitment agencies in Romania (AMS, SonsOfCoding, Hays, Human Rise, Evolve Today) – they can open an important door for you, facilitating your access to opportunities that are not published on profile sites
• Headhunting – for high-level positions, this is a common practice. How to get in the sights of a headhunter? It’s simple. Make sure you have visibility on platforms like LinkedIn and a well-developed portfolio, two essential aspects to be contacted directly by recruiters specializing in such positions.

Do not hesitate to directly approach the companies of interest, either by email or through messages on LinkedIn, and be proactive in searching for and pursuing opportunities, including by participating in internship, trainee, or internship programs, which can represent a valuable first step in your IT career.

Interview Preparation

You’ve reached the key point: you’ve managed to be selected and invited to an interview. Congratulations! What’s next? Interview preparation, of course!

In IT, interviews vary depending on the specifics of each specialization, but generally include a combination of technical knowledge with communication and problem-solving skills (in other words, a technical interview + a personal interview).

Frequently asked interview questions, depending on the field:

• In programming, interviews often include questions about recent projects, known programming languages, debugging methods, experience with Agile methodologies (if applicable), and time management. It’s important to present concrete examples and demonstrate adaptability and effective collaboration.
• In cybersecurity, the focus is on questions related to threat identification and management, knowledge of security protocols, analysis tools, and incident response scenarios. It’s essential to show both technical expertise and the ability to react quickly.
• In data analysis, interviews focus on data interpretation skills, the use of analysis tools (such as Excel, SQL, or Power BI), presenting case studies, and explaining how you extract relevant insights from large data sets.
• In design, questions focus on your creative process, project portfolio, UX/UI knowledge, collaboration with other teams, and the ability to justify visual choices.

Regardless of the field, thorough preparation, participating in mock interviews, and building a solid portfolio are essential steps to making a good impression and increasing your chances of success at the job.

Soft skills have also become essential for success in IT, whether you are pursuing an office job or a remote one. These skills are assessed verbally and nonverbally during all interviews.

Among the most important soft skills in IT are effective communication, both written and verbal, active listening, and the ability to clearly convey complex ideas, especially in the context of remote work or distributed teams.

Collaboration and teamwork are crucial for building strong professional relationships and effectively solving problems in joint projects, while emotional intelligence helps manage conflict, maintain motivation, and adapt to change.

Time management, task prioritization, and project management contribute to increasing productivity and meeting deadlines, and flexibility and adaptability allow for rapid integration into dynamic work environments.

The development of these skills is achieved through practice, participation in workshops, soliciting feedback, and involvement in team-building activities, all of which are as important as technical training to obtain and maintain a job in IT.

Salary and Career Growth Expectations

The salary level in IT for those at the beginning of their journey starts, in 2025, from 4,000–6,500 lei net monthly for junior positions, reaching 8,000–14,000 lei for mid-level and 15,000–24,000 lei for senior specialists, depending on specialization and experience. The average net salary in IT exceeds 12,000 lei per month, being the highest in Romania, and for certain specialized roles (cloud, DevOps, IT architecture) incomes can rise to over 25,000 lei net or even more for top positions.

Although the salary expectations of candidates for entry-level positions can reach 10,000 lei per month, the real average for juniors is about 4,500–6,500 lei, and the difference between the offer and expectations remains significant.

Continuing to work on your personal portfolio is essential in parallel with applying for jobs. A well-structured portfolio, with recent projects, increases your chances of employment and professional advancement.

Last but not least, a salaried job is not the only way to monetize in IT. For those who want alternatives to classic jobs, freelancing is a viable option, with platforms such as Upwork, Freelancer, Fiverr, Contra, or 99designs, where short-term projects or long-term collaborations can be found.

For programmers, there are also special opportunities to monetize open source projects. Thus, retraining in IT offers not only stability and competitive income, but also flexibility in the way of working and the possibility of building a career adapted to your own goals.

Time and Motivation Management in the IT Reconversion Process

Professional reconversion to IT comes with numerous challenges related to time management and motivation, and the risks should not be underestimated. Many candidates face unrealistic promises or expectations, fueled by course offers that guarantee quick employment or above-average salaries, but the reality is much more nuanced: the process can take from a few months to over two years and requires constant effort, perseverance, and adaptation.

In addition, the pressure to learn quickly, work on personal projects, and apply for jobs can lead to burnout, stress, and even loss of motivation in the long term, especially if results are slow to appear or if the goals are not aligned with real personal interests.

Effective time and motivation management is essential to avoid these pitfalls. A realistic study plan, adapted to your personal schedule and family or professional responsibilities, is the key to maintaining a sustainable learning pace.

Short, focused sessions, using time management techniques (such as Pomodoro), setting clear, measurable goals, and including regular breaks for relaxation are strategies that prevent overload and maintain energy in the long term.

Genuine motivation, based on personal interests and a desire to develop, is much more effective than external motivation or social pressure. In addition, recognizing each progress, no matter how small, and maintaining a positive attitude helps overcome moments of stagnation or discouragement.

Last but not least, the balance between study, practice, and personal life is essential for long-term success and preventing burnout. It is important to give yourself time for recreational activities, spend time with family and friends, and not neglect your physical and mental health.

A flexible course schedule, with live evening sessions or access to recorded materials, can make it easier to effectively combine study with other responsibilities. Ultimately, IT conversion is an endurance race, not a sprint, and careful management of personal resources, expectations, and motivation is the key ingredient to reaching the finish line with success and renewed enthusiasm.

Success Stories from Romania

The experience of people who have gone through this process demonstrates that, regardless of previous professional experience, with perseverance and the right support, reconversion to IT is possible.

“Coming from another field, everything was new: logical thinking, terminology, tools. At first, it seemed overwhelming. The support of the mentors, the course community, and the fact that I started to see concrete progress through the projects I completed motivated me to move forward. I learned to ask for help when I needed it and not to give up when things got difficult,” says Adnana, former Quality and Trainer Coordinator, currently a Backend Developer. “The level of satisfaction in the IT career is significantly higher than in the field I worked in previously. In IT, I feel that my work has a clear and concrete impact, and the development possibilities are much greater,” she continues.

“I believe that in any field you are active in, if you put passion into what you do, good results inevitably appear. Every thing you have contributed to and that is used every day by hundreds or thousands of people gives you great professional satisfaction, as well as a boost of confidence, being at the beginning of the journey”, says Florin, former Business Development Specialist, current Software Engineer.

Such examples inspire and confirm that a career in IT can become a reality for anyone who is willing to invest time, energy, and passion in their own professional development.

Next Steps

For those at the beginning of their journey in IT, there are numerous resources that can accelerate the learning process and integration into the job market. Online communities play an essential role: forums such as Devforum.ro, dedicated Facebook groups (IT Programmers Beginners Professionals, IT Romania, Cybersecurity | Networking), international platforms such as Stack Overflow, Reddit, or Daily Dev, as well as local groups on Meetup.com, offer spaces for discussion, exchange of experience, and technical support for any level of training. For constant support and networking, you can access active communities on Discord or Slack, and initiatives such as Women in Tech Romania support diversity and inclusion in the industry.

Participating in events and hackathons dedicated to beginners – such as DevHacks, The Bucharest Hackathon, HackTM, Hackathon4Health, or competitions organized by universities in major cities – are excellent opportunities to work as a team, test practical skills, and build your portfolio. These events function as true “programming marathons”, where you can learn quickly, receive feedback from professionals, and make valuable connections for your future career.

Active involvement in these networks and participation in events not only accelerates the reconversion process but also gives you access to the latest trends, resources, and opportunities in the IT field.

Conclusions: How to Maximize Your Chances of Success in IT Reconversion

Professional reconversion to IT is a complex process, but accessible to anyone who wants a real change and is willing to invest time, energy, and perseverance.

The essential steps for a successful transition include:

• Thorough information about the labor market and available specializations
• Self-assessment of personal skills and interests
• Choosing the right direction
• Establishing a realistic study plan and choosing learning methods adapted to your needs
• Building a practical portfolio
• Optimizing your CV
• Active networking and participation in professional communities and events.

Last but not least, balanced time management, maintaining motivation, and continuous adaptation to market requirements are essential to avoid the risks of burnout and ensure sustainable professional development.

Success in IT reconversion does not come overnight, but is built step by step, through continuous learning, applied practice, and openness to feedback and new opportunities.

Every step, no matter how small, counts and gets you closer to your goal.

Learn to celebrate your achievements, seek support in the community, and stay connected to industry trends.

Perseverance, curiosity, and a desire to evolve are the ingredients that transform a simple intention into a successful IT career.

Regardless of your starting point, with a clear strategy and the right resources, professional retraining can become one of the most inspired decisions of your professional journey.