Perhaps you’re currently looking at the tech industry from the outside and asking yourself: “Is this really right for me? Do I have the right profile? Isn’t it too late for a completely fresh start?” These doubts are understandable, but they’re often based on an outdated view of IT. The reality today is different: the IT sector isn’t looking for cookie-cutter profiles, but for people who can solve problems and build bridges.
Fiona Jakob’s example is a striking illustration of just how powerful an individual career path can be.
From a career in nursing to an IT specialist
Fiona Jakob did not begin her career with programming courses, but as a qualified nurse (HF). Her path into technology was shaped by practical experience: whilst working as a project manager at a software development company specialising in the healthcare sector, she realised that she wanted to gain a deeper understanding of how the application worked and that this would require more IT expertise. This realisation led her to undertake further training as a business IT specialist (HF).
Today, Fiona is deputy team lead in Application Management at HOCH Health Ostschweiz. Her team manages over 100 applications, some of which need to be available around the clock. What drives her is a fascination with processes and the search for technical solutions that optimise them. “How an application works and how it fits into the overall enterprise architecture – that challenges and motivates me every single day,” says Fiona.
Your background isn’t a hindrance, but your strength
What makes Fiona’s story special is not just the change of industry, but the way she has integrated her past experience. In her role, she acts as the link between the business side and the technical side. “We need to be fluent in both languages,” she explains. This is precisely where her background in care becomes a key asset: thanks to her deep understanding of users’ needs, she makes a significant contribution to business enablement.
For you, this means that your career path so far isn’t a dead end, but a foundation. Whether you come from the healthcare sector, education, marketing or the hospitality industry – you bring a perspective that is sorely needed in the tech world. A diversity of experience leads to better products and more robust systems.
A path that adapts to your life
A common concern for those entering the IT sector is balancing work and personal life. Fiona proves that demanding tech roles and family life are not mutually exclusive. She has been a mother for a year and fulfils her leadership role whilst working a 60% role. The tech industry has recognised that flexibility is not a barrier to performance, but often the very condition that fosters highly committed employees.
Take the first step
Fiona’s path wasn’t planned out in a straight line. It grew out of curiosity, a willingness to learn new things and a readiness to try something different. It is precisely this spirit that thrives at schools like 42 Zurich. Here, it’s not your previous qualifications that count, but your motivation to acquire knowledge independently and to develop solutions together with others.
There’s no ‘perfect’ time or ‘right’ age to get into computer science. There’s only the moment when you decide to give it a go. Let Fiona’s story inspire you to forge your own unique path. The tech industry needs your perspective more than anything.
Go for it. Your journey starts now.
About Fiona Jakob
Fiona is an Application Manager and Deputy Team Leader at HOCH Health Ostschweiz. Her background as a nurse is her strategic strength. She is committed to raising the profile of women in IT – as mothers, leaders and innovators – on their own terms.
The interview was conducted by Corina Schedler.
This profile is featured on the 42 Zurich blog as part of the “Gender Equality in IT Education” project, in collaboration with the Federal Office for Gender Equality.
