This content originally appeared on DEV Community and was authored by Angelee Morquin
Hey #DEVCommunity from Victorias City and everywhere else!
Today, I want to share a piece of my story that’s probably a bit different from your typical “how I became a developer” post. My path to the world of data science and tech has been anything but conventional, but it’s precisely these diverse experiences that I believe are becoming an incredible asset in today’s rapidly evolving industry.
Before I ever wrote a line of Python code or visualized a dataset, my hands knew very different trades. I spent years as a Domestic Helper in Arab countries, a role that demanded immense adaptability, resilience, meticulous planning, and profound cross-cultural communication. Then, I returned home and embraced the heat and sparks as a Lady Welder at Victorias Milling Corporation, learning precision, problem-solving, and the sheer grit required to build and mend industrial structures.
Now, thanks to the DTI+Google scholarship program and a relentless commitment to learning (culminating in six Google Professional Certificates in just one year!), I’m diving headfirst into data science, competing and growing in this exciting field.
Why My “Non-Traditional” Background is My Secret Weapon in Tech (and Why Yours Might Be Too!):
In 2025, the tech industry is increasingly recognizing that innovation doesn’t just come from traditional computer science degrees. It comes from diverse perspectives, real-world grit, and unique problem-solving approaches. Here’s how my past roles have surprisingly become my superpowers in tech:
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Problem Solving is Universal (Just the Medium Changes):
- From DH: Whether it was troubleshooting a household appliance, managing complex schedules, or navigating unexpected situations in a foreign land, I learned to identify problems, prioritize, and find creative solutions with limited resources. In data science, this translates directly to debugging algorithms, cleaning messy datasets, and finding elegant solutions to complex analytical challenges.
- From Welder: A tiny flaw in a weld can compromise an entire structure. This taught me a meticulous, root-cause analysis approach to problems. It’s not just about fixing; it’s about understanding why it broke. This precision is invaluable in debugging code, identifying data anomalies, and ensuring the robustness of models.
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Unmatched Adaptability & Resilience:
- Changing countries, industries, and skill sets demands incredible flexibility. The tech world is constantly evolving, with new languages, frameworks, and AI models emerging daily. My background has instilled in me the mindset that continuous learning and pivoting are not just options, but essential survival skills.
- I’ve faced physical challenges and logistical complexities. This builds a mental fortitude that helps push through frustrating bugs, steep learning curves, and the inevitable moments of “imposter syndrome.”
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The “Human Layer” of Data:
- My experiences interacting with diverse individuals, understanding unspoken needs, and managing expectations have given me a unique lens for data. When I look at user data, I don’t just see numbers; I see patterns of human behavior, potential pain points, and opportunities to build more empathetic and effective solutions. UX design principles (from my cert!) now seamlessly blend with my lived experiences.
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Transferable Skills Are Gold:
- Project Management: From planning daily tasks for a household to managing a welding project, the ability to organize, prioritize, and execute is fundamental. My Google Project Management cert formalized skills I’d been practicing for years.
- Attention to Detail: Critical in welding for safety and structural integrity, this translates directly to meticulous data cleaning, error checking in code, and precise model evaluation.
- Communication: Explaining complex situations clearly, whether to an employer or a colleague, is vital. My diverse background has refined my ability to articulate technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders.
My Message to You: Your Unique Story is Your Strength!
If you’re in tech from a non-traditional background, or considering a pivot: Don’t hide your past; leverage it! Your unique life experiences provide perspectives, problem-solving approaches, and a resilience that often isn’t taught in a traditional classroom. Companies in 2025 are actively seeking these diverse viewpoints because they lead to more innovative solutions and stronger teams.
My journey from a domestic helper and a welder to a learner and competitor in data science proves that with dedication, transferable skills, and the right opportunities (like the DTI+Google scholarship!), any background can be a launchpad for a thriving tech career.
What unique experiences from your life have surprisingly helped you in your tech journey? Share your unconventional superpowers in the comments!
This content originally appeared on DEV Community and was authored by Angelee Morquin