SuccEss stories

From physiotherapist to data analytics

Learning success

Mitchell, who is a seasoned philomath, has enjoyed learning, gaining certifications in tourism, business, mechanical engineering, a bachelor’s in Information Technology, and a recent qualification in Software (Cloud & DevOps) Development with Mission Ready.

Perfect Fit – Salesforce

“My degree wasn’t as helpful in getting a job in the field. I heard about Mission Ready through a job interview at Datacom. I didn’t get that job, but I knew where I needed to go next.” Following this, George progressed to a full-time career opportunity as a salesforce administrator with Genetic Technologies – Pioneer Seeds.

Flying To The Next Mission: A Pilot’s Journey Into Software Development

Once a friendly face that flew across the blue waters of the South Pacific but Stuart Toleafoa turned in that career for a chance to follow his interest. I’m currently working as a contractor. I provide services in the area of software development and project management.

Challenging Norms: Thinking Ahead Of Time Brings Success

“If you’re a brown woman like me, be confident in your ability to do things. But Neishun adds, “Tech is a massive sector that is not generally accessible for women or minorities, so don’t let people underestimate you.” “I am currently a UX Designer and leading the Front-End team for Tohu Media, an indigenous post-production company.”

From Defusing Explosives To Debugging Errors: Ex-Military Professional Finds His Way Into Software Development

"It was a rollercoaster. It was a non-stop ride that swung back and forth between frustration and elation as I worked my way through each mission and became increasingly confident and competent. The intensity was real, ...the kind of intensity that is uplifting and enriching. ”

Connecting Skills: The Search For Career Satisfaction Leads To UX

Simon, who used to be a civil engineer, says he was out looking for the “next thing that would lead to career satisfaction.” I heard about Mission Ready from a friend who was also in a career transitional phase. He had just completed his education with Mission Ready and spoke highly of the experience. Initially I thought of taking an online course but I was intrigued by his experience so I Googled them, and here we are.

Getting A Portfolio Of Real Work Sparks A Career In UX

“I was fresh out of school when I decided to join Mission Ready, but it was relieving and exciting to find a variety of people at different life stages studying together.” “I heard about Mission Ready from my ICT teacher in school. Based on my school assignments, I had expressed my interest in UX Design; my teacher believed I had some potential and sent me links to resources and tools to help me get there.”

Breaking The Cultural Norms

“I had no idea what I wanted to pursue in life. I certainly didn’t want to be a doctor or engineer, which all my friends were pursuing, so that left me feeling disheartened.” “My 19 weeks were definitely challenging but rewarding. It’s incredibly fast-paced. I learned more in the initial nine weeks of Mission Ready than in my entire university year.”

Upskill, Connect And Explore: How An Industrial Designer Made The Switch To UX

Holding a Bachelor’s degree in Industrial design and working full-time, Danbee found her “perfect opportunity to upskill, connect and explore” in Mission Ready’s 19-week UX Designer accelerator

Sensing The Future: A Software Developer’s Success Story

“I heard about Mission Ready from a friend who did a UX course with them. I was unsure about what I wanted to do professionally, but I knew it was something software-related.” “Every week we were able to apply our learning by doing various assignments. The assignments are gratifying ... You can be creative, experiment, and have fun.”

What Success Means To A Florist Turned UX Designer

“Working in technology gives me flexible hours, and I can work remotely. The best thing is being able to have the summer holidays with my family.” Elena, who previously owned a boutique florist store has moved through a few careers. “This career switch has allowed me to have a lifestyle that’s important to me and my family. Anyone who wants something similar should really consider Mission Ready.”

What The Market Needs: Sales Expert Turned Developer Shares Insights

“Straight out of school, I decided to follow the business path, which I am glad I pursued, but I didn’t see it as a long-term career. When we moved to Tauranga, I decided to change to something I have a passion for and something I could see myself doing long-term.”

Common Grounds Between Technicality And Creativity

“I actually ended up getting into UX because I wasn’t creatively challenged enough with [software] development” Muryum recalls lightheartedly. “I’ve always been quite creative and I was always really good at art”. ”There is absolutely room for people coming into text with non-tech background. Believe in yourself, take initiatives and know that you can make the transition”.

The Art Of Success: Leaving Contact Centres Behind For UX

“I have a background in art and design. The Mission Ready Agile UX Design accelerator helped me take the skills I had and transfer them into a new career that’s creative and challenging.” Now working as a UX/UI designer at the Auckland Council’s digital team.

From Hobby To Career: How Freelancing For Small Business Led To The Big Break

“In high school, I thought it would be cool to learn about programming, so I took additional technology classes and built websites and a few programs in Python.” What may have seemed like a tiny spark of interest for Vishal Prakash years ago has lead him a career as a software developer.

Coincidence Or Design: How A Passion For Making Things More Human Led To UX Success

“As a student you’re given a lot of guidance but also autonomy, plus you’re given the opportunity to work in a real-life scenario, which genuinely gets you workplace ready”. “You have to be ready for a challenge, and you absolutely have to come in with a growth mindset”.

From Military Navigator To UX Designer: How An Air Force Engineer Took On A New Mission

“I was part of the Colombian Air Force for more than ten years, then I moved to New Zealand, and I was a full-time employee of an IT company. My role in the marketing team awakened my curiosity about UX Design as it was required to progress in my career pathway". “Mission Ready is the perfect place to start this journey; you will always feel the support of a beautiful and professional team.”

From Fashion Design To Designing Digital Solutions For A High Profile Bank

Before Mission Ready I was putting together collections for New Zealand fashion designers. I’d gotten a Bachelor of Fashion Design and had been working up the ladder starting in dispatch then working up to Sample & Fashion Design Assistant. My friend suggested I’d like UX Design .. I wasn’t too keen to go back to school—I’d already put in three years doing my Bachelor degree—so Mission Ready’s 19-week course seemed perfect.

Swapping Books For Bytes: A librarian’s journey into tech

I was looking for ways to get experience in the Salesforce environment or to develop my skills further to then progress along that path. When I came across Mission Ready it seemed to fit the bill, with training in the developer stream and a healthy chunk of workplace experience.

From Labs To Coding: A Mother’s Entry Into Tech

"University helped me understand coding but I wasn’t sure what I was going to do when I finished – it felt abstract. I needed a real hands-on project to help me understand what I’d learned so I emailed the university and asked if I could finish as a diploma and then I enrolled in Mission Ready’s level 5 Software Developer"

Finding Inspiration In UX Design

I would say go for it as you have nothing to lose! Make sure you do your research on different roles in tech beforehand so that you choose the right accelerator for you and your career path. Don’t hesitate to reach out to past Mission Ready candidates and ask for advice if you need – from personal experience, the Mission Ready community is very kind, welcoming and always willing to help!

Danbee An

"Sharpen your tech skills, learn from industry-focused mentors, and your commitment will pay off."