The idea of a "traditional career" - study, get a steady job, climb the corporate ladder, and retire - feels increasingly outdated. Today’s professionals realize that career paths are anything but linear, and that’s perfectly okay. Many choose to pivot, start fresh, and explore new industries. And few industries welcome career changers as warmly as IT.
That’s exactly what we see at Katalysta by Telerik Academy. Our
Alpha program, an intensive 6-month coding bootcamp, is designed for complete beginners who want to launch a career in tech.
Interestingly, 82% of our students in Bulgaria are career changers, leaving behind established careers in retail, finance, marketing, engineering, and more.
Some switch because of tech’s growth potential, while others are drawn to more unexpected benefits of working in IT. If you’ve ever considered a career shift, you might just relate to one of these reasons.
Note: Most of the information shared here is based on our operations in Bulgaria. Training availability may vary by location. Interested in bringing our world-class programs to your country? Contact us to learn more.
1. The power of community
An IT career offers much more than just a high-paying job - it connects people with a global network of bright, curious, and innovative professionals. Many career changers seek a work environment that is dynamic, collaborative, and intellectually stimulating. In IT, knowledge-sharing is a way of life, and mentorship is the norm rather than the exception.
Take Nikolay Likyov, a former supermarket chain manager who became a Data Engineer at The Coca-Cola Company after graduating from
Alpha in Bulgaria.
"I quit my job as a manager after 16 years in the industry. What attracted me to programming was the people—their curiosity, intelligence, and ambition create an inspiring work atmosphere."
If you thrive in an environment that values continuous learning and teamwork, IT might be a perfect fit for you.
2. Future-proof career prospects
Industries evolve, but tech leads the charge. Whether it’s artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, cloud computing, or data science, IT professionals work in a field that is constantly growing. This security attracts career changers who want a stable yet forward-thinking career.
Ivaylo Penchev, now a Data Engineer at The Coca-Cola Company, made the leap into IT for exactly this reason.
"The world is becoming more digital, and programming is one of the most valuable skills. I wanted to be part of this fast-moving industry, so I chose Alpha."
If job security and staying ahead of the curve matter to you, learning to code is a smart investment.
3. The work is creative and challenging
For many, a career change is fueled by the need for intellectual challenge. IT offers this in spades—solving complex problems, building software, and developing digital solutions requires both logic and creativity.
That was the motivation for Vanya Dimitrova, who transitioned from being a business analyst to becoming a Cloud Engineer at MentorMate after completing Alpha.
"After working as a business analyst, I wanted a new challenge. Programming became the logical next step for me."
The best part? IT is a merit-based field. Your background doesn’t matter as much as your skills, problem-solving abilities, and willingness to learn.
4. Lifelong learning is built In
Unlike some industries where career progression slows over time, IT is all about constant evolution. New technologies, frameworks, and methodologies emerge every year, ensuring that professionals are always learning and growing.
For Petya Petrova, now an Associate QA Engineer at interop.io (Tick42), this was a key reason to switch careers after 20 years in another field.
"I love that in IT, you never stop searching, learning, and exploring."
If you crave intellectual stimulation and enjoy learning new things, tech provides a career where curiosity is an asset rather than an afterthought.
5. A different work environment
Some people transition into IT because they are looking for more flexibility, autonomy, or a break from traditional corporate structures. Tech companies are known for embracing remote work, flat hierarchies, and dynamic work cultures.
Whether it’s working in open, collaborative office spaces, enjoying flexible hours, or having the ability to work from anywhere in the world, the IT industry provides a refreshing alternative to traditional workplaces.
Ready to take the leap?
The decision to switch careers isn’t just about salary or job demand. It’s about finding fulfillment, embracing new challenges, and stepping into an industry with endless possibilities.
If any of these reasons resonate with you, maybe it’s time to take the first step - help bring Katalysta Alpha into your country.
See how.
