When I graduated as a chemical and food engineer, I never imagined that years later I would be leading the operations department at a tech company like Urudata. My career started in the industry, working on production lines, quality systems, process controls, and logistical challenges. Today, my daily work revolves around IT solutions,
infrastructure, security, and technology services. How did that change happen? The answer lies in adaptability, constant curiosity, and the desire to step out of my comfort zone.
The First Steps
For over 8 years, I worked in industrial plants. I learned to manage teams, solve problems under pressure, optimize processes, and make critical decisions based on real data.
Although the environment was very different from today’s, many of those skills turned out to be surprisingly transferable to the tech world.
What attracted me to IT was the possibility to be part of transformations. In industry, innovation tends to be slow and structured. In technology, change is constant. That scared me a little but also excited me.
The Leap
Deciding to change fields wasn’t easy. It meant unlearning, relearning, asking for help, and accepting that many times I wouldn’t have all the answers. Joining Urudata was like entering a new language. I learned about networks, cybersecurity, critical infrastructure, managed services, and much more. And most importantly: I understood that I didn’t need to be a technical expert to add value.
My operations background, combined with my analytical training and process experience, gave me an advantage. I could bring structure, efficiency, and a systemic view to a highly dynamic environment. I also learned to rely on technical experts and to foster multidisciplinary teams.
What I Learned
- Technology needs more diverse profiles. Not all IT roles are technical. Leaders, project managers, communicators, organizers, and people with process vision are needed.
- Industry and technology aren’t separate worlds. Many IT solutions are designed precisely to solve industrial problems: traceability, automation, quality control, real- time monitoring, etc.
- It’s never too late to change. My story isn’t about someone who coded since they were 12. It’s about a professional with a different background who one day decided to explore a new path and discovered a new passion.
- Curiosity is key. It’s not about knowing everything, but about wanting to understand how things work, what impact they have, and how to improve them.
Today
At Urudata, I lead operations in a company experiencing rapid growth, with a committed team and a culture that values continuous learning. I’m proud to have made this change, and I’m excited to share my experience with those considering a professional shift.
If you’re in a “traditional” industry and have ever thought that IT isn’t for you, I invite you to rethink it. The opportunities are there — often you just have to take the first step.