From photographer to full-stack dev: a bold career pivot

Confidence in technology is not about knowing everything, it's about being willing to make mistakes, learn, and then solve the problems anyway.

Ahead of International Women's Day, I've reflected on my unconventional path into web development, which began while building a website for my own photography business.

When I started my photography business, I decided to build my own website instead of using a drag-and-drop tool. I thought it would be a fun challenge. I was Googling, watching YouTube, figuring it out bit by bit. During the process, I realised I was enjoying it too much.

Creating something from scratch, and troubleshooting problems one by one, gave me a sense of achievement that I hadn't experienced before.

I liked bumping into problems and solving them. That really triggered my interest. 

When something is challenging, it gets me into my hyperfocus zone. And I quickly realised that web development would be a good job choice for me. It really suits how I think. I'm very self-driven by passion and interest.

From self-taught coder to full-stack web developer

What began as curiosity in 2020 soon became a career pivot. Initially self-taught, I formalised my skills through a web development bootcamp in 2022, before joining data and digital transformation firm, Notitia, the following year.

Now based in Notitia's Adelaide office, I work as a full-stack developer, building secure, scalable digital solutions for clients nationally, across a range of Australian industries.

What building confidence in tech really means

One of the biggest shifts in my professional development has been learning that confidence doesn't come from certainty - it comes from mindset.

At the start, I didn't want to speak up unless I was 100 per cent sure. But over time, I've realised that waiting was holding me back. 

No one knows everything, we're all facing uncertainty and it's okay to make a mistake. You own it. You fix it. Then you move on.

It's about continuous learning, but also about changing how you think. You don't have to be perfect to contribute, especially in web development which is all about solving problems that people don't always know the answer to.

The shift from junior developer to project ownership

My defining professional moment was the first time I was given full ownership of a project, from scoping and estimation through to client communication, implementation and handover.

When starting out as a junior web developer, I was given requirements and told what to build. But now I can be handed a whole project and can figure out what it needs, how to scope it, how to estimate it, communicate effectively with the client and document everything.

Moving into this senior role has been a "wake-up moment" and it's forced me to rethink what development actually involves.

I realised that development is not just sitting in a dark room doing your magic.

You have to think about the whole project. You have to step back and see the whole picture. My approach to complex technical problems has matured significantly. 

Why senior developers think architecturally, not just technically

Early in my career, when I faced a complex problem, I would just dive in and see how it goes. I had that mindset of just jumping straight into the implementation.

Now, I take a more architectural approach. I'll sit back first. Draw out the problem. I look at the bigger picture. I think about what exactly we're solving and the possible ways to approach it, before diving into the details.

This shift leads to stronger, more sustainable outcomes.

What a full-stack developer actually does behind the scenes

As a full-stack developer, I work across front-end and back-end systems, integrating complex APIs, implementing robust security measures and building customised data-driven web solutions.

Clients are often surprised by what happens beneath the surface.

One common 'aha' moment is when clients see how seamlessly complex APIs can integrate into their systems. Or when they understand the level of security measures that are implemented to protect their data.

They're also surprised by how customised we can make things, especially when it comes to visualising their data.

How different career experiences strengthen technical thinking

My diverse career background includes qualifications in corporate finance and accountancy, experience in telecommunications sales and hospitality, and freelance photography. It's shaped my practical and adaptable approach.

Telecommunications sales helped me develop strong troubleshooting skills. And photography trained me to think creatively and look at things from different perspectives.

What continues to fire my passion for full-stack development is the opportunity to build something meaningful from nothing.

It's about being able to create something from scratch with my own skills. There's always something new to learn. There's no boring, repetitive work.

Considering a career in web development?

I encourage aspiring developers (particularly those unsure about entering the industry) to focus on curiosity and persistence rather than perfection.

You don't need to know everything before you start. If something interests you, explore it. Challenge yourself.

Confidence in technology ultimately comes down to solving real problems. For me, the biggest motivation is being able to create something that fills a gap and solves someone's needs.

That's what makes the work meaningful.