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In a tech world that’s evolving faster than ever, stories like this remind us why women’s career transformations matter. From questioning Martyna’s path to finding a role she genuinely loves, this journey shows that stepping into tech isn’t about having the “perfect” background.

We have to remember that it’s also about courage, learning and trusting your potential. Her story is one more proof that with the right support, mentorship and resilience, women can rewrite their careers and thrive in fields they once saw as out of reach.

1. What was your career background before your transition/upskilling journey began?
(e.g. industry, role, how long you’d been in that field)

Before embarking on my transition/upskilling journey, I held a bachelor’s degree in finance with a specialisation in banking. I then spent five years working in the human resources field, focusing primarily on administrative tasks, particularly those related to legal and documentation aspects.

2. What inspired you to make a change or upskill?
(Was there a moment, a challenge, or a long-standing goal that pushed you forward?)

What inspired me to make a change and upskill was a growing realisation during my time in HR that I couldn’t see a clear path for personal and professional growth in that field. Although I was competent in my role, I lacked passion and motivation, which became evident in my interactions and conversations. As I noticed this shift and others began to see it too, I started questioning myself about what I truly wanted to do and whether I would excel in a new direction. This self-reflection and desire to rediscover my passion ultimately inspired my decision to upskill and pursue a change.

3. What were your biggest fears or doubts before starting?
(And how did you deal with them?) 

Before starting my upskilling journey, my biggest fear was the possibility of making a mistake by choosing a path that might lead to greater dissatisfaction. I was plagued with uncertainties about whether I would excel in a new field and whether transitioning to IT would be the right decision for me. To manage these doubts, I focused on thorough research and self-reflection, reminding myself that growth often involves stepping into the unknown and that every experience is an opportunity for learning and development.

4. What steps did you take to make the transition or upskill?
(Did you take courses, get a mentor, join a program, etc.?)  

To make the transition and upskill, I enrolled in an external full-stack course focused on Python, which lasted for 10 months. This intensive program was conducted on-site every weekend, with one weekend off each month, and involved 7 hours of learning per day. Balancing this commitment with my full-time HR job during weekdays was challenging. After completing the course, I still felt uncertain about my readiness to work in an IT company, so I decided to join the Women Go Tech mentorship program, specifically focusing on the backend track, to further enhance my skills and confidence.

5. What was the most surprising thing you learned about yourself during this process? 

The most surprising thing I learned about myself during this process was the transformative power of great mentorship. Initially, I perceived my previous career choices as mistakes, but through the mentorship I received, I came to realise that my career path was not a series of mistakes, but rather valuable lessons. I discovered that I can find happiness and passion in my work by truly listening to my own aspirations. With my mentor, Dovilė Kurpytė-Lipnickė’s guidance, I was able to create a plan to achieve my goals. This shift in mindset was entirely due to the support and insights provided by my mentor, and I am deeply grateful to the Women Go Tech program for pairing me with such an impactful mentor.

6. Were there moments when you felt like giving up? If so, what helped you stay motivated? 

Yes, there were certainly moments when I felt like giving up—almost at every step of the journey. During the course, I realised that coding was far from easy. Following the course, I was exhausted from juggling studies and a full-time job in HR. Even in the Women Go Tech program, I came to understand that backend development might not be the perfect fit for me. Then, after my QA internship, my first IT role ended with my contract being terminated. Despite these setbacks, my motivation persevered due to a balance of internal and external factors. When I faced rejections or challenges externally, my internal motivation urged me to try at least one more time. Conversely, during times when I felt unmotivated internally, my mentor played a crucial role in lifting my spirits and keeping me on track.

7. What are you doing now, and how do you feel about where you are in your career? 

Currently, I am a Quality Assurance engineer at Vinted, Lithuania’s first unicorn company, where I have been working for almost four years. QA work feels instinctive to me, and in the initial years, I felt as if I had uncovered a secret because it seemed so straightforward, and I was surprised that not everyone pursued it. I realised it feels easy because it’s something I truly enjoy and am passionate about. At Vinted, I clearly see opportunities for growth, as the company offers numerous possibilities for learning and development, which is incredibly important to me. I continue to feel that there is much for me to learn and achieve both professionally and personally.

8. What advice would you give other women who are unsure if they should pursue a similar path? 

I would encourage women who feel uncertain about their current path not to remain in comfortable but unfulfilling positions. It’s important to ask yourself the difficult questions and recognise that every decision you make is part of your learning journey, not a mistake. Embrace a mindset that is always geared towards growth and development, and don’t

9. If you had to describe your career journey in one word, what would it be – and why?

If I had to describe my career journey in one word, it would be “transformative.” This journey has fundamentally changed my perspective on career choices, allowed me to find a field I am passionate about, and enabled me to grow both professionally and personally. Each step, challenge, and learning experience has contributed to a profound transformation in my career and my approach to life.