From browser games to building enterprise infrastructure, Catherine Brennan’s career change to tech shows how curiosity, persistence, and opportunity can open doors to a fulfilling career. Today, she’s thriving as a Infrastructure Engineer Apprentice through the Salesforce Apprenticeship Program Future Pathways—but her path to this point has been anything but ordinary.
How Gaming Sparked an Interest in Coding
Catherine’s fascination with technology began in childhood, spending hours on the family computer playing browser-based games. Her love for gaming soon turned into curiosity: how were these digital worlds actually created?
Her first introduction to coding came in a fourth-year science class—a rare opportunity at her school—where she learned basic Python. That small taste of programming ignited something deeper. During the pandemic, Catherine began teaching herself to code. An online workshop introduced her to HTML and CSS, and before long, she was building her first websites.
“They were simple—just a PNG and some scattered text—but to me, they were pure magic,” she recalls.
Career Change to Tech: From Chef to Salesforce Apprentice
When it came time to decide on a career, Catherine initially considered software development. However, practicality prevailed—she wanted a stable job and financial independence. That led her to become a chef, spending three years working in hospitality.
But over time, she felt something was missing. “I loved the people and the place, but there was this nagging sense that I wasn’t where I was meant to be.”
After completing a PLC in Software Development, Catherine discovered FIT (Fastrack into Information Technology)—a key initiative driving tech apprenticeships in Ireland to help people transition into technology careers.
“Honestly, I thought it was a scam at first,” she laughs. But she decided to take a leap of faith. Balancing classes in Dublin with weekend shifts in Kilkenny, she pushed herself to the limit. Then came the opportunity that changed everything: an email about the Salesforce Future Pathways Apprenticeship Program.
Joining Salesforce Future Pathways
“When I got that email, I just knew,” Catherine says. “I started researching Salesforce, going through Trailhead modules, and the more I learned, the more I wanted in.”
While she had interviewed with other companies, Salesforce stood out for its values. “The 1-1-1 model and the focus on giving back really resonated with me,” she explains. “It’s embedded in everything they do.” Two years into her Salesforce apprenticeship, Catherine reflects with pride: “I’ve never once doubted that applying was the right choice.”
The Role of an Infrastructure Engineer Apprentice
When describing her role as an infrastructure engineer apprentice, Catherine uses a brilliant analogy:
“Imagine ordering an ice cream with sprinkles and sauce—but when it arrives, there’s no ice cream, just the toppings! My job is to make sure the ice cream’s there. The infrastructure—the servers, systems, and networks—is what supports everything else.”
She loves the technical challenges of her role, comparing the satisfaction of solving a tricky network problem to “completing a super-cool jigsaw puzzle.”
Overcoming Imposter Syndrome in Tech
Like many individuals pursuing a career change to tech, Catherine struggled at first with imposter syndrome. “I remember thinking, why me? What made me special enough to get this opportunity?”
Over time, with support from her coaches, mentors, and peers, she’s learned to silence that inner critic. “Whenever I hit a tough challenge now, I look back and think about how far I’ve come.
Catherine’s Highlights of Her Salesforce Apprenticeship
- A Culture of Collaboration: “I was nervous I’d be out of my depth, but the moment I met my team, that fear disappeared. Everyone genuinely wanted to help me succeed.”
- Award-Winning Recognition: Catherine won the internal award for Newcomer Apprentice of the Year at the Future Pathways Apprentice Awards. “It was such a validation of all the hard work. It reminded me that I really do belong here.”
- Endless Opportunities: As she nears the end of her program, Catherine hopes to transition into a permanent role as a Junior Infrastructure Engineer.
Tech Apprenticeships: Earn While You Learn
Catherine encourages anyone curious about technology to explore alternative career pathways:
She believes modern programs are redefining how people enter the tech industry. “There’s a big focus on university degrees, but tech apprenticeships offer something just as valuable—real-world learning and the ability to earn while you learn. It lets you focus fully on growing your skills.”
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