How Can You Do Professional Reconversion in IT?

Opinions, personal experiences, and a short practical guide

In a world of work that is constantly changing, accelerated by technological innovation and the advance of artificial intelligence, the need for retraining has become more urgent than ever. Statistics confirm this reality: according to PwC and WEF analyses, 37% of the core skills of Romanian employees are expected to change significantly or become obsolete by 2030.

This dynamic generates an acute need for retraining, especially towards areas with high demand, such as IT. Data indicates an exponential increase in organizational demands in the period 2025-2030 for skills such as AI and Big Data, networks and cybersecurity, along with essential soft skills – creative thinking, resilience, flexibility and agility, curiosity and continuous learning. As the required skills evolve, Romanian employers are facing the challenge of finding the right candidates, estimating a decrease of almost 50% in their availability in the coming years, while 70% of organizations intend to hire new staff with emerging skills.

Transitioning to a new field, such as IT, is not a short or easy process; on the contrary, it is a long-term journey that requires dedication and perseverance, but it is an extremely valuable and rewarding investment in the long term. Success in this endeavor is conditional on adopting a continuous learning mindset, capitalizing on mentoring opportunities and active involvement in peer learning communities, essential elements for successfully navigating the complex and dynamic landscape of IT.

To find out what, in concrete terms, the professional reconversion to IT involves for those who go through it, we spoke with three of the NewTech Academy graduates. They have one thing in common: they all came from other fields, and are currently working successfully as employees of IT companies in the country.

Adnana Mureșan worked as a Team Leader, Quality and Trainer Coordinator, and is currently a backend developer at an IT company specializing in the development of ERP systems and applications.

Radu Giuran graduated from the Faculty of Law and then worked in web development for an e-commerce company.

Florin Lucian Capotă worked in Business Development for large FMCG companies, and is currently a Software Engineer at a fintech company.

Below you can find the answers of our three graduates (to whom we thank you very much for participating!) to the most pressing questions regarding professional retraining.

What made you turn your attention to a career in IT, after previously working in another field?

Adnana: I turned to a career in IT out of the desire to learn something new, practical and always up-to-date. The field I worked in before no longer offered me challenges or development opportunities, and technology has always piqued my interest. I like the idea that in IT I can build concrete things, solve problems, and constantly evolve.

Radu: Being a die-hard gamer and tech nerd, I was always curious about how everything works behind the scenes, how it was designed.

Florin: I always wanted to end up working in IT, so things came naturally once the opportunity at NewTech arose.

Shay Hafzadi, CEO of NewTech Academy, said: “The two main reasons for retraining in IT are the continued growth of the technology industry compared to other industries, partly due to the process of digitization, and how artificial intelligence will influence our lives in the near future. Both are arguments for not falling behind, to continue learning new skills, and to remain competitive in the job market.”

What were the steps you took to make this transition to IT? What resources or methods were most useful to you? (courses, self-study, mentoring, etc.)

Adnana: The first step was to clarify whether IT was really the direction I wanted to go. After researching and talking to people in the field, I decided to enroll in a full-stack developer course at NewTech Academy. It was a very good choice, because I had structure, practical exercises, and support from mentors. In addition to the course, I supplemented my learning with individual study – official documentation, video tutorials, and practical projects. I think the mix of guided and self-taught learning was the key for me.

Radu: In 2019, I tried a course that didn’t help me much, but it piqued my interest. Then in 2022, I decided to give it another try. I found the people at NewTech Academy and said, “Let’s give it another try”. I can say that this time, things changed for the better.

Florin: The structure of the course at NewTech mattered a lot; it was what I was looking for. However, it requires a lot of involvement and perseverance outside of class hours. The field is very vast and cannot be covered in a few months, so seriousness and continuous involvement are a must. There are numerous platforms like Udemy, CodeCamp, or courses like The Odin Project, where you can delve deeper into the topics discussed in the course, but the big advantage at NewTech was the mentors, from my point of view.

What were the biggest obstacles you faced during this career change, and what helped you overcome them?

Adnana: One of the biggest obstacles was getting out of your comfort zone. Coming from a different field, everything was new: the logical thinking, the terminology, the tools. At first, it seemed overwhelming. It was also hard for me to trust that I could learn something so different from what I was doing before. What helped me the most was taking everything step by step and being patient with myself. 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 keep going. I learned to ask for help when I needed it and not to give up when things got tough.

Radu: During the courses, I got stuck a few times, which made me give up on my first attempt at learning programming in the past. But this time, with a mentor and a community (namely, colleagues), I was able to continue.

Florin: The sheer volume of information I received in a relatively short time. I overcame moments like that because I truly wanted to end up working in this field, and it wasn’t just a fad or something I did out of boredom or too much free time.

What role do you currently play in the IT field, and what aspects of the job bring you the most satisfaction?

Adnana: I currently work as a developer, with a focus mainly on the backend side, in an IT company specializing in developing ERP systems and applications. What brings me the most satisfaction is the fact that I can directly contribute to the optimization of real business processes through code. I like the challenge of finding efficient, logical, and scalable solutions, but also the fact that I constantly learn new things, both technically and related to how various industries work. It’s a combination of logic, strategy, and creativity that always keeps me motivated.

Radu: I now work as a Web Developer & Web Administrator. The fact that I am able to maintain a website alone, the fact that I have managed to automate repetitive processes, that I am not contractually “forced” to work “on schedule” – all of which make me feel somehow fulfilled.

Florin: Software developer. I believe that in any field you work in, if you put passion into what you do, good results inevitably appear. Everything 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.

How would you compare the level of satisfaction you have in your IT career with that in your previous field? Are there any significant differences that you would notice?

Adnana: The level of satisfaction in your IT career is significantly higher than in the field in which I worked previously. In IT, I feel that my work has a clear and concrete impact, and the development possibilities are much greater. It is a dynamic field in which I am constantly learning, and I do not feel the routine so strongly. Compared to my previous jobs, I now have more autonomy, real intellectual challenges, and the feeling that I am part of a field of the future. The biggest differences are related to the growth opportunities, work culture, and daily motivation.

Radu: For me, there is no comparison. Stress exists, like in any job, but someho,w working in this field, you are surrounded by capable and quality people. This makes me end the day much calmer.

Florin: I didn’t make the change because I wasn’t satisfied with what I was doing (I worked in a very cool field, ok colleagues and managers), but the opportunity arose, and I took advantage of it. I believe that professional satisfaction is directly proportional to your involvement (regardless of the field); if you are passive, you will probably always remain dissatisfied. There are considerable differences in approach, implementation, execution, communication, etc. It took me a few months to adapt ☺

Given your experience, what advice would you give to other people who are thinking about making a career change to IT?

Adnana: I would recommend that those who are thinking about making a career change to IT have courage and patience. You don’t have to know everything from the beginning – it’s important to be curious, consistent, and learn step by step. A well-structured course can help you enormously, but individual study and the desire to experiment are equally important. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes – mistakes are part of the learning process. I would also tell them that although the beginning may seem difficult, the satisfaction of succeeding in this field is worth it. And that it’s never too late to make a change, if you feel that IT is the right direction for you.

Radu: Many people are afraid of the advent of AI. I believe that this is a tool that must be used. I recommend that you start by learning the basics and the structure of a project very well and not rushing the process.

Florin: To be honest with themselves, if there is passion – go for it, otherwise, if you want to do this just because it’s cool -> no, it won’t work out. To be aware that no one has a guaranteed job with thousands of euros and other beautiful stories. To earn a lot of money, you have to get very involved, study, and work every day. Programmers who earn significant amounts have over 8 years of experience and are very good.

From the Experience of Graduates: a Short Guide to Professional Reconversion to IT

The decision to make a professional reconversion, especially to a dynamic field like IT, is a courageous step full of potential. IT offers a wide variety of roles and opportunities, but it requires dedication and a structured approach.

Each person’s professional path varies. Numerous factors can influence the speed and ease with which the reconversion can be achieved, including: family responsibilities, financial expectations, professional background, starting educational level, etc.

Here is a simple structure of steps that you can follow for reconversion. The structure below is essentially found in the approach of each of the NewTech Academy graduates who have successfully converted to IT.

Step 1: Do a self-assessment and define your motivation

Ask yourself why you want to make this change. What attracts you to IT? What type of activities interest you (logic, design, problem solving, working with data)? How would you perceive yourself as an IT employee – would you have greater self-satisfaction than in the field you currently work in? Identify your transferable skills from your current field (analysis, communication, organization, attention to detail – many are also valuable in IT). A clear understanding of your motivation will help you stay focused.

Step 2: Research the IT landscape in Romania in 2025 (with a focus on your area) or abroad (for remote)

The IT field is vast. It’s not just about programming! Document yourself about the different roles: software developer (web, mobile, desktop), QA specialist (testing), systems/network administrator, data analyst, cyber security specialist, IT Project Manager, technical support specialist, etc. Try to understand what each role entails and what technologies it uses.

Step 3: Choose a niche/starting field

Don’t try to learn everything at once. Based on your research and interests, choose 1-2 areas or roles to focus on initially. For example: web development (frontend or backend), cybersecurity, and databases. Choosing a niche will help you focus your learning efforts and avoid “chasing many rabbits but catching none.”

Step 4: Learn the basics

Once you’ve chosen your niche, you need to learn the basics. Regardless of the direction, understanding programming logic (even if you don’t become a programmer), how the internet works, operating systems, and the basic concepts of your chosen field are crucial. There are plenty of free and paid online resources that can help you get a handle on this.

Step 5: Acquire specific skills (on-the-job learning)

This is the heart of retraining: acquiring the technical skills needed for your chosen role. To speed up this process and benefit from a guided learning structure, a great option is a multi-month intensive program like the ones offered by NewTech Academy. These courses are specifically designed to provide practical and theoretical knowledge in a focused format, ideal for those coming from other fields.

NewTech Academy emphasizes hands-on learning, covering IT fields with high demand on the job market: full-stack programming, front-end web development, Python programming, data analysis, online marketing, graphic design, and cybersecurity.

The benefit of participating in such courses is that you receive a clear structure, support from instructors with industry experience, and work on concrete projects that will form the basis of your portfolio. Although these courses greatly accelerate the process, personal dedication, constant practice, and additional work on your own projects remain essential for consolidating knowledge.

We also recommend that you complement intensive courses with various other methods of continuing professional development:

• IT bootcamps: Intensive, short-term (a few months), practically oriented programs designed specifically for reconversion.
• Individual studies: Using tutorials, official documentation, and books.
• Mentorship programs: Find someone with experience who can guide you. Regardless of the method, the emphasis should be on practice.

Step 6: Build a portfolio

Theoretical learning is not enough. Develop practical projects. Start with small projects, then move on to more complex ones. Create an account on platforms like GitHub (for programmers) or Behance (for designers) to showcase your code and projects. The portfolio is a “business card” that demonstrates to employers what you can do.

Step 7: Do networking

Connections are more important than you think, even in fields perceived as more “solitary”. On the principle of “help to be helped”, connect with people in the field. Participate in meet-ups, conferences (even online), and join IT communities on platforms like LinkedIn or dedicated groups. Networking can provide you with valuable advice, reality checks, open doors, and help you better understand the industry.

Step 8: Prepare for employment

Update your resume by emphasizing your IT skills and portfolio projects. Write a compelling cover letter explaining your transition and motivation. Prepare for technical (coding exercises, answering domain-specific questions) and behavioral interviews.

Step 9: Apply for entry-level positions and be persistent

Be realistic. Your first job in IT will most likely be a junior or intern position. Apply actively, be prepared for rejections, learn from feedback, and continue to improve your skills and portfolio.

Step 10: Learn continuously

The IT field is constantly evolving. Once you have landed a job, your commitment to learning must continue. Be curious, explore new technologies, and seek professional development.

Retraining in IT takes time, effort, and perseverance. Every step is important, and success depends largely on your determination to learn and adapt. Good luck!