From a childhood fascination with computer hardware to discovering her true calling in software development, Kathryn Nelson's journey into tech was shaped by family encouragement and a key realization during her Chemical Engineering studies.
Now working as an Associate Software Engineer at ASOS, she finds satisfaction in solving complex problems and contributing meaningful solutions. Her message to others is clear: diverse perspectives are not just welcome in tech – they're essential.
She recently spoke with Sync NI about her career transition, the power of mentorship, and why the tech industry needs voices from all backgrounds.
Have you always had an interest in technology and was there a specific person or a particular event that led you into your current role?
I’ve always had a passion for computers – as a child & teenager I was particularly interested in the hardware side of things, thanks to my older brother and my uncle’s encouragement. When I went to university, I realised that the most rewarding parts of my Chemical Engineering degree were the modules focused on coding & software, so I knew that I wanted to take that path instead. My older brother once again guided & supported me through actualising software as a viable career path, so I will always appreciate him for giving me the push I needed to take the leap into a new field.
What would you consider to be the most enjoyable and rewarding aspects of your job?
I find that software really itches my brain in the right places when it comes to the satisfaction of solving puzzles and problems– and nothing compares to the feeling of finally figuring out how to fix a complicated issue or deploying a huge feature you’ve worked so hard to perfect. The reward for me comes from the confidence and pride I feel when I know I’ve contributed something meaningful.
In terms of career development, how important is it to build a professional network and attend industry events?
There is an incredible community of software developers out there, and I find that when I started reaching out to people and getting involved in industry events, my opportunities and experiences skyrocketed. I can’t recommend to people enough how important it is to get involved, be it inside or outside your office, even just for the opportunities to find like-minded people and cultivate a sense of belonging in the wider community.
READ MORE: Tech Trailblazer: Natalie Smith, Associate Engineer, ASOS
How much impact can a mentor have on your personal development?
In my career so far, I’ve found mentors in many different places – be that more senior developers, talented public speakers or women in my professional circles who I admire. Having mentorship relationships has been integral to my personal development in several aspects of my career, most of all in having the confidence to make my voice heard and to trust myself, and the support and encouragement these relationships have provided are something I often find myself feeling incredibly grateful for.
What guidance would you offer any young person on why they should consider a career in technology?
It is an ever moving and fluid field – as a young person who went into tech, I wasn’t certain exactly what path would suit me best, but the variety of opportunities and projects to work on keeps the career feeling fresh and challenging even if you’ve not technically changed job roles. There’s always something new to get your teeth into, and moving laterally between different related job roles is fairly straightforward due to the volume of transferrable skills software and technology allow you to develop.
What advice would you give to women considering a career change or return to work but are daunted at the prospect of working in what can be perceived as a male dominated industry?
My advice would be:don’t let perception limit your potential. Every industry benefits from diverse perspectives, and your voice is not only needed,it’s powerful for challenging norms and outdated perceptions. One of the most impactful things you can do is seek out female mentors - women who can offer honest insights, support, and encouragement from a position of experience. I have found their guidance to be both grounding and inspiring in my journey so far.
For those who may not come from a STEM background, what other career opportunities exist within the tech sector beyond software engineering?
Beyond software engineering, positions such as project leads, product managers and UX/UI design can be incredible for those with less of an inclination toward coding. These positions are critical to how technology is built, communicated, and delivered to users, and can provide valuable, human-centric perspectives that can sometimes be sidelined by traditional software engineers. People from all kinds of diverse educational or professional backgrounds can provide fresh ideas, good communication, creativity and innovation which is integral to the industry as a whole.
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