What was your last career change?
My most recent career move was starting my first full-time position after earning a degree in Computer Engineering from the University of Ottawa. I started as a Junior Software Developer in January 2026, stepping deeper into Cybersecurity and QA testing. It was a big shift — from being a student and co-op intern to taking full ownership in a professional environment.
What made it successful?
I’ve never been afraid of change. Throughout my studies and internships, I pushed myself to step outside my comfort zone and learn new tools. I also received a lot of encouragement and guidance from my managers, which helped me adapt quickly and grow into my new role with confidence.
What was the biggest challenge in adapting to your new role?
The biggest challenge was applying theory to real, production-level systems. As a university student, you learn concepts. In the workplace, you learn impact. Understanding security testing processes, identifying blind spots in applications, and seeing how technical decisions affect real users requires a new level of thinking. It’s pushed me to go beyond “how it works” and start thinking “how it scales, how it breaks, and how it can be secured.”
What tasks do you find AI most helpful for in your role?
AI helps me make sure I don’t miss features when exploring a new tool or application. It helps me see blind spots I might not notice at first. I also use it to summarize test reports for management and stakeholders, and to quickly understand the full capabilities of new tools.
What advice would you give to someone considering a career change?
Do it. If it scares you a little, it’s probably growth. You don’t need to know everything. You just need to be willing to learn.
How can colleagues help someone transition into their new responsibilities?
Be available. Encourage questions. Share context. A supportive team makes all the difference.
What do you look forward to in your day?
That moment when a complex bug finally makes sense. Turning confusion into clarity is very satisfying.
If you were a chocolate bar, which one would you be?
Lindt Dark Chocolate with hazelnut. A little intense, but balanced and delicious 😊
What ingredient should never be found on a pizza?
Peas or beans. Some experiments are unnecessary!
What three items would you bring if you were shipped to a deserted island?
Honestly, I’d look forward to it. It would be a great opportunity to disconnect from the Internet in this era of constant technology and just enjoy nature. I would bring books to read, a notebook to write, and strong coffee.