Navigating Uncharted Territories: From Classic Architectural Blueprints to State-of-the-Art Salesforce Code

A Career Change Journey

by Ana Urumovska

The yearning for an alternative vocational voyage

Embarking on a career change is like exploring new territory - a journey filled with self-discovery, transformation, and, inevitably, tapping into the most resilient part of yourself. Once proudly bearing the title of a certified (classic) architectural engineer, I drew inspiration from the intricate realms of architecture and design. However, as the world grappled with the challenges of the COVID-19 lockdowns, I found myself yearning for something new.

I decided to try my talent with coding as a means to pass the time and experiment with problem-solving in a fresh mental space. This eventually evolved into spending about a year seriously exploring whether this could be a viable career shift. As time passed and I learned more about programming, I continued experimenting and trying out ideas. I sought advice from friends and professionals in the field and became increasingly immersed in the satisfaction of a job well done in this new endeavor. After carefully weighing the pros and cons, I boldly chose to leave (classic) architecture behind and fully dedicate myself to learning programming and front-end web development.

Grabbing the unexpected “From Zero to Hero” opportunity

Serendipitously, during this exploration period, a call for action caught my attention—an academy named “From Zero to Hero” organized by codeSTREETS, offering a pathway to becoming a Salesforce developer. Intrigued by this unique opportunity, I decided to dive into it. Three intensive months in the academy culminated in my first certificate as a Salesforce Platform Developer.

Learning Salesforce is an ongoing journey. During and after the academy, I used online courses, hands-on practice, and Trailhead modules to understand everything better. But the pivotal moment came when I transitioned from theory to practice. Moving from a learner to a practitioner, I took on tasks and projects that demanded a synthesis of creativity and technical acumen. Becoming a Salesforce consultant and developer at codeSTREETS meant not just using the platform's tools but also understanding the unique needs of businesses and translating them into efficient, scalable, and user-friendly solutions. Each project, from custom app development to integrating third-party tools, became an opportunity for innovation.

The allure of transitioning to a different career path

The beauty of changing careers is that you can bring a different perspective to a new domain. This career shift revealed surprising connections between my (classic) architectural skills and Salesforce. Also, it demonstrated that my problem-solving and attention-to-detail abilities in architecture were valuable in this new landscape. My architectural mindset helped me see the bigger picture and craft better, tailored solutions within the Salesforce platform.

Changing to a Salesforce career wasn't just a job switch. It changed how satisfied I am with my work and the gifted people I am surrounded with. Solving problems, helping businesses grow, and keeping up with the ever-changing tech world are fulfilling aspects of my new role. It showed me that the skills I already had are helpful in different disciplines and that when you're passionate enough, you can conquer new challenges.

Curiosity is a magical force. Embrace it boldly

As I keep navigating this exciting new path, I want to share some advice with those considering a career shift. Embrace the learning process, connect with the supportive Salesforce community, and see challenges as chances to grow. Get certifications, work on different projects, and bring the unique strengths from your past career. Most importantly, let curiosity guide you, and view every obstacle as an opportunity to improve your skills and become a resilient Salesforce professional. Boldly go where you have not gone before. The less-traveled path might lead you to unexpected and fulfilling destinations.