Journey into Tech: From Humanities to Software Engineering
- 9 October, 2026
Not every software engineer starts out studying computer science. Sometimes, the road into technology begins with an entirely different dream, a few unexpected opportunities, and the determination to keep learning.
In this episode of the MakeITSimpleTT Podcast, the guest shares a personal journey from Trinidad and Tobago to Florida, explaining how an interest in journalism and international relations eventually led to a career in software development.
From Journalism to Technology
Growing up in Trinidad, the guest was more interested in reading, writing, languages, and the humanities than in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Journalism was the original ambition, while international relations later seemed like a possible route towards working with the United Nations.
However, the journey did not follow the expected path. After moving to Florida, the guest began reconsidering those ambitions and exploring other career possibilities.
An introduction to web development from a cousin helped change that direction. Seeing how a website’s headline could be changed through the browser’s developer tools made technology feel creative and exciting in a way that had not been obvious before.
That discovery sparked a growing interest in software development and e-commerce.
Getting Started Without a Traditional Degree
The guest initially explored iOS development and enrolled in a computer-related college programme. However, struggling with mathematics and experiencing imposter syndrome made the traditional academic route difficult.
Rather than completing a degree, the guest began teaching himself web development and looking for opportunities to gain practical experience.
A job opening at a supplement company provided an unexpected entry point. Although the initial role involved administrative work and managing products in Shopify, it placed him close to an existing web development team.
With encouragement from his first boss, Marriott, he gradually took on small technical tasks, including changing button colours, updating banners, and working with HTML and CSS.
These seemingly minor assignments became the foundation for developing real-world skills.
Learning by Doing
One of the strongest lessons from this story is the value of practical experience. Learning web development while working meant that the guest had to solve actual problems rather than simply complete course exercises.
Some tasks took hours to figure out, and there were nights spent in the office trying to understand how to make something work. The process was challenging, but each task offered another opportunity to learn.
Working alongside his cousin also provided support through pair programming and explanations of difficult concepts.
The experience demonstrates how small responsibilities can gradually lead to more advanced work when a learner remains curious, asks questions, and takes opportunities to practice.
Overcoming Imposter Syndrome and Tutorial Hell
The journey was not without setbacks. The guest describes struggling with imposter syndrome for years, questioning whether he should return to school and feeling pressure to remember every programming concept without looking it up.
This sometimes led to what developers call tutorial hell: repeatedly starting new courses instead of finishing them or applying what had already been learned.
Programming involves continual problem-solving, and developers cannot be expected to memorise every function, class, or technical detail. Knowing how to research a problem, use documentation, test solutions, and learn from mistakes is an important part of the work.
The guest’s experience highlights a useful reminder for aspiring developers: you do not have to know everything before you start, and you do not have to remember everything to become competent.
Is a Computer Science Degree Necessary?
A formal degree can provide structure, foundational knowledge, and opportunities to study important computing concepts. However, the discussion also highlights the value of hands-on experience.
Working on real projects exposes developers to practical challenges, deadlines, unfamiliar systems, and problems that do not always have straightforward answers.
The lesson is not that degrees are unnecessary or that self-learning is easy. Rather, there are different routes into technology, and each requires commitment, continuous learning, and the ability to apply knowledge.
For anyone considering a career change, the guest’s experience shows that an unconventional background does not automatically close the door to a career in tech.
Advice for Aspiring Developers in Trinidad and Tobago
For people in Trinidad and Tobago who want to enter the technology industry, this journey offers several practical takeaways:
– Start with curiosity. Explore web development, software engineering, or another area of technology that interests you.
– Build practical projects. Apply what you learn by creating websites, experimenting with code, or contributing to real projects.
– Use free learning resources wisely. Tutorials can help, but make time to practise independently and complete projects.
– Ask questions and find support. Mentors, colleagues, and other learners can help you work through difficult concepts.
– Do not let your background define your limits. Skills from writing, communication, research, and other disciplines can still be valuable in technology.
– Keep going when problems get difficult. Learning to investigate and solve unfamiliar problems is part of becoming a developer.
Final Thoughts
The journey into tech is rarely a straight line. For this guest, it involved changing career ambitions, relocating, reconsidering formal education, learning HTML and CSS on the job, and working through years of self-doubt.
The experience offers an encouraging message for aspiring software developers: there is more than one way into the industry. A willingness to learn, practical experience, persistence, and support from others can help turn an unexpected opportunity into a new career.
Watch the full episode of the MakeITSimpleTT Podcast, “Journey into Tech,” to hear more about the experiences, challenges, and decisions behind this career transition.
In This Article
- From journalism and humanities to technology
- How a move to Florida changed the guest’s career direction
- Getting started in web development without a traditional degree
- Learning HTML, CSS, and Shopify through hands-on experience
- Overcoming imposter syndrome and tutorial hell
- The value of practical experience versus formal education
- Tips for aspiring software developers in Trinidad and Tobago
- Lessons from an unconventional journey into tech