What was your last career change?
Starting my career as a Junior Software/AI Developer at the University of Ottawa after graduating Summa Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Applied Science in Software Engineering (CO-OP), Engineering Management and Entrepreneurship. It’s exciting to transition from being a student, co-op student, work-study employee, and Teaching Assistant to continue contributing to real-world projects that support students, faculty, and staff. Having spent several years learning and growing at uOttawa, it feels especially meaningful to give back to the community that has helped shape my journey.
What made it successful?
My willingness to learn, adapt, take on challenges, and step outside my comfort zone. I enjoy exploring new technologies, asking thoughtful questions, and learning from experienced teammates and senior colleagues. I see challenges as opportunities to grow, develop new skills, and become more confident in what I do. Technology is constantly evolving, especially in the world of AI, so I believe staying curious, embracing change, and being open to feedback and guidance from colleagues and seniors are key to growing both personally and professionally.
What was the biggest challenge in adapting to your new role?
Getting familiar with new tools, technologies, and existing codebases while understanding how everything fits together. Every project comes with a learning curve, but I’ve learned that I don’t need to know everything from day one. Being proactive, asking questions, and learning from others help me turn challenges into opportunities to grow and become a more confident developer.
What tasks do you find AI most helpful for in your role?
I find AI especially helpful for researching solutions, understanding unfamiliar codebases, debugging, and exploring different approaches to a problem. I think of it as a coding buddy or assistant that can help me work more efficiently and learn faster. However, AI is a tool, not a replacement for critical thinking. It’s important to understand the code, validate the results, and use AI responsibly rather than rely on it blindly.
What advice would you give to someone considering a career change?
Don’t be afraid to start something new, even if you don’t have all the answers yet. Be curious, stay open to feedback, and give yourself time to learn. You don’t need to know everything on day one; what matters is your willingness to take initiative, learn from mistakes, and keep improving. Sometimes, stepping outside your comfort zone is where the most meaningful growth begins.
How can colleagues help someone transition into their new responsibilities?
A welcoming team, open communication, and a supportive environment make a huge difference. Sharing knowledge, explaining the bigger picture, and creating a space where people feel comfortable asking questions can make the transition much smoother.
I’ve also found one-on-one meetings with my manager valuable, especially when they provide an open space to discuss work-related topics, ask questions, share ideas, or even talk about things outside of work. These conversations help build trust, strengthen the relationship with your manager, and make it easier to communicate openly. Sometimes, even a small tip, a quick conversation, or simply knowing that someone is there to support you can make a big difference.
What do you look forward to in your day?
I look forward to learning something new, solving a challenging problem, and seeing a feature come to life. I also enjoy collaborating with teammates and exchanging ideas. Most importantly, it’s rewarding to know that the work we do can make a positive difference for students, faculty, and staff. There’s always something new to discover, and that’s what keeps me motivated.
If you were a chocolate bar, which one would you be?
A Coffee Crisp! I love exploring new ideas, taking on challenges, and learning something new every day. I also enjoy a good coffee break to recharge and come back with fresh ideas. After all, even the developers need to refresh their minds before debugging their next mystery 😄!
What ingredient should never be found on a pizza?
Olives! Sorry, olive lovers, but they’re definitely not making it onto my pizza. Some debates are better left unsolved😄!
What three items would you bring if you were shipped to a deserted island?
A Swiss Army knife, a water purifier, and a satellite phone. Staying alive, staying hydrated, and finding my way home! I’m always up for a challenge, but I’d prefer not to make a deserted island my new home😄!