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Career changes are never easy, especially when they mean leaving a profession rooted in purpose, structure, and relationships. For Audrey, that leap meant transitioning from a middle school math teacher to a Quality Software Engineer at a large regional bank. But between those two worlds was a powerful bridge built by Tech Elevator and Ingage Partners, one that helped her navigate imposter syndrome, build confidence, and discover where she truly belonged in tech.
This is her story.
When Teaching Sparked a Tech Future
Audrey didn’t always envision a career in software engineering. She began as a math teacher at a behavioral school before accepting a role at Pleasant Run Middle School. What she thought would be a traditional teaching position quickly became something much more innovative.
Through grant-funded programs, she began teaching computer science and robotics alongside math, guiding students as they programmed robots using C++, learned geometry through navigation challenges, and applied real-world problem-solving skills. What started as an intimidating shift became an awakening.
“That experience lit something up in me,” she shared. “For the first time, I thought, maybe I could be an engineer too.”
As a woman who never saw herself represented in engineering growing up, the experience reshaped what she believed was possible, not just for her students, but for herself.
The Scary (and Worth-It) Leap into Tech
Burnout eventually set in, as it does for many educators. Audrey found herself teaching during the day and learning on her own at night. One drive home changed everything.
“I heard a segment on NPR about coding boot camps. I applied the next day.”
That program was Tech Elevator, an intense, 12-week immersive boot camp that compresses years of learning into a few demanding months. It was rigorous, fast-paced, and, at times, overwhelming.
But Tech Elevator didn’t just teach code; it taught how to launch a career. From networking with 50+ companies to interview prep and employer exposure, it was the first time Audrey truly believed a career in tech was within reach.
Still, doubt followed her into interviews.
Imposter Syndrome & Finding Home at Ingage
“I walked into every interview feeling like I didn’t belong,” Audrey admitted. “I didn’t have years of experience. I came from teaching. I kept thinking, why would anyone take a chance on me?”
Until she interviewed with Ingage Partners. That interview felt different. It was relaxing. Human. Encouraging.
“They saw more than just my technical skills. They saw my willingness to learn, my communication style, my energy.”
She officially joined Ingage as a Quality Software Engineer and immediately found herself surrounded by support:
- Weekly meetups
- Technical learning sessions
- A culture that valued curiosity
- And most importantly, mentorship
Her mentor played a pivotal role in her confidence and career development, offering both technical guidance and reassurance when imposter syndrome crept back in.
“She helped me believe I belonged, before I fully believed it myself.”
Learning Never Stops (And Neither Does Doubt)
Even now, as a full-time engineer at a large regional bank, imposter syndrome hasn’t disappeared, especially as AI and new technologies evolve at lightning speed.
But what changed was how Audrey responded to that doubt.
“Technology is always changing. You’ll never feel like you know everything. The difference is now I trust that I can learn what’s next.”
She’s moved from Java into Python, from manual testing into automation, and continues expanding her skill set through curiosity, teamwork, and communication, skills that trace directly back to her teaching roots.
The Power of People, Community & Comfort
Beyond technical growth, Ingage reminded Audrey of one of the things she loved most about teaching: giving back. From volunteering to community involvement, she found meaning in being part of something bigger than her job title.
“Ingage brought back that feeling of purpose, the same feeling I had helping kids who didn’t always have access to resources.”
Even through the disruption of the pandemic, virtual work, and shifting teams, it was the people-first culture that kept her grounded.
When asked what she would tell someone considering a similar leap, Audrey didn’t hesitate:
“Don’t quit your career right away. Learn on the side. Build your skills before you jump.”
Timing matters. Stability matters. And confidence often comes after the leap, not before. But most importantly: “Don’t ignore that voice that says you’re capable of more.”
A Launchpad to Success
Audrey spent one year at Ingage, an apprenticeship that shaped her technical foundation, strengthened her confidence, and prepared her full-time role at a large regional bank where she continues to grow today.
Her story reflects exactly what Ingage believes in:
- People over perfection
- Learning over knowing
- Community over competition
- Potential over pedigree
Sometimes, the biggest career changes don’t start with certainty; they start with curiosity, courage, and a company willing to take a chance on who you’re becoming.
