Finding her recipe for success in tech

Caitlin Achemedei’s career change is a powerful story of bravery, reinvention, and the strength of community. After spending years in high-pressure kitchens as a chef, Caitlin made the bold decision to transition into tech, discovering a new passion, a new purpose, and a new community through the She Codes program, supported by Robert Walters.

“I spent my 20s working as a chef and unfortunately the aftermath of COVID and the housing crisis left me with little to show for all my hard work,” Caitlin shares.

I made the terrifying decision to quit cheffing and transition into tech.

Initially considering university, Caitlin realised that studying full-time while maintaining a living wage wouldn’t be sustainable. That’s when she turned to She Codes, thanks to a glowing recommendation from her older sister, who had completed the program herself a few years earlier.

“The 6-month tech immersion program run by She Codes was the perfect solution to kickstart my journey and I couldn’t recommend it more to anyone considering making the same change for themselves!”

For Caitlin, She Codes was more than just a course - it was a support system. "The support and knowledge provided by the mentors to us students was invaluable... The biggest highlight for me was finding a community of women - and other mentors - so happy to spend their free time investing in us. It was an amazing experience that showed me there is still plenty of good in the world!"

While moving from the kitchen to the keyboard may seem like a major shift, Caitlin was surprised to discover how much her previous experience prepared her for coding.

The creativity from cooking and creating dishes translated into a passion for designing and building applications that suit a user’s needs.

Now on a new path, Caitlin is a strong advocate for women entering the tech industry—and passionate about lifting up others just starting their own journeys.

Her advice? “Be kind to yourself. No one is perfect at anything the first time they try it. I saw so many women—myself included—talk themselves down when something didn’t work right away. We’re often our own biggest barrier to success.”

She credits her sister for giving her one of the best pieces of advice during her studies: “Keep a brag journal. Every time you do something that makes you go ‘YES! I did it’, write it down! Cover the wall behind your computer in sticky notes! When you’re struggling, those reminders will help you keep going.”

And for anyone who’s tech-curious but unsure where to start, Caitlin recommends the She Codes One Day Workshops. “They’re run by truly awesome people who genuinely want to inspire and teach others. After that, the world is your oyster!”

Caitlin Achemedei’s story is a powerful reminder that with the right support, mindset, and community, it’s never too late to follow your passions and thrive. Her journey reflects the transformative impact of She Codes and highlights the importance of creating inclusive spaces for women to explore careers in tech.

Since 2017, Robert Walters Perth have sponsored She Codes to help empower and support women in pursuing careers in tech. Learn more about our partnership here.