A Not-So-Straight Career Path to Becoming a Software Engineer: Meg Rolley’s Inspiring Journey

For many of us, the path to a fulfilling career isn’t always straightforward. In fact, it’s often the twists, turns, and unexpected changes that lead to the best opportunities. Meg Rolley, now a software engineer at Vindico, knows this first-hand. Her journey from studying geography at Cardiff University to landing her dream role in tech is a story of passion, persistence, and courage — and a testament that it’s okay to change direction when something doesn’t feel quite right.

Starting Out on a Different Path

When Meg began her university journey in 2018, she was enrolled in geography at Cardiff University. At first, it seemed like the right fit. But as she got deeper into the coursework, something didn’t quite click. Many of us have experienced that gut feeling when something feels off, and for Meg, this realisation came with a sense of urgency to pursue a path that would truly engage her.

Rather than sticking it out and ignoring her doubts, Meg made a bold move: she decided to switch to Applied Software Engineering after her first year.

“It felt like a huge decision at the time,” she recalls, “but it turned out to be a game-changer. suddenly I was working on real projects with actual clients, solving genuine problems rather than just hitting the books.”

These hands-on experiences would solidify Meg’s love for software development.

Diving Deeper into Software Engineering

As Meg settled into her new course, she seized every opportunity to gain practical experience. In her second year, she joined a research project at Cardiff University focused on developing software to detect “phubbing” (that all-too-common habit of ignoring others in favour of a smartphone).

“We’ve all been guilty of it!” admits Meg.

“That project gave me the opportunity create and test the software myself, which was a brilliant experience.”

At the time, she was set on pursuing a PhD, envisioning a future of research, writing, and presenting papers at conferences. 

“Funny how plans change, right?” says Meg.

As she explored new facets of software engineering, she found that her interests were steering her in new directions.

Inspiring the Next Generation of Coders

Meg’s journey wasn’t only about her personal growth; she was also giving back along the way. During her studies, she became a STEM ambassador, visiting primary schools to teach children about computing using fun tools like Game Maker Studio and Scratch. She even ran online code clubs, helping young students stay engaged and curious about tech during the pandemic.

Later, Meg took her teaching skills a step further, teaching Java basics to postgraduate students.

“Being on the other side of the classroom and sharing what I'd learned along the way really helped cement my own understanding of these concepts,” says Meg.

Gaining Real-World Experience

As her final year approached, Meg managed to balance her studies with a part-time role at a South Wales startup. Working in the fast-paced startup environment gave her invaluable insights, forcing her to think on her feet and adapt to new challenges.

“Not going to lie - balancing my final year studies with work was challenging, but it was worth every minute,” adds Meg.

By the time she graduated with a First Class Honours in June 2022, Meg had already gained a level of experience and confidence that would shape her career.

Click here to see how other members of the Vindico team have taken alternative career paths into software development and coding.

Joining Vindico and Embracing New Opportunities

Meg joined Vindico’s award-winning development team in October 2023, where the diverse projects and collaborative team culture immediately appealed to her.

“What really drew me to Vindico? They’re doing all sorts of different projects, and their team is full of different perspectives and skills.

“I love how they're always ready to tackle new tech and try different tools as new projects come in. It's not just about building my skills - it's about doing it in a way that's actually exciting and keeps me on my toes in this constantly changing tech world. Every day brings something different, and that's exactly what I was looking for in my career.”

The Big Takeaway: Embrace the Journey

Meg’s path from geography student to software engineer wasn’t always smooth, but every twist and turn taught her something valuable.

“Looking back, my path's been pretty winding - from geography to coding, from teaching kids to building software, from startup life to where I am now. But that's what makes it interesting, right?” says Meg.

Her story is a reminder that it’s okay to pivot when something doesn’t feel right. The most fulfilling careers aren’t always straightforward; they’re built on curiosity, courage, and a willingness to pursue what excites you.

Or, as Meg puts it:
 
“Sometimes you need to push yourself out of your comfort zone and go after what really gets you excited. Do what feels right for you, and chase after whatever lights that fire in your belly. After all, if you’re going to spend most of your life working, it might as well be doing something that gets you jumping out of bed in the morning.

“That journey from uncertain first-year to where I am now wasn't always smooth sailing, but each twist and turn taught me something valuable. And honestly? I wouldn't change it for the world.”

For anyone questioning their career path or feeling uncertain about the future, Meg’s journey shows that it’s never too late to pivot and pursue what truly fulfils you. Her advice? Embrace the journey, take risks, and don’t be afraid to follow your passion — even if it means stepping into the unknown.

You can also find out about the latest tech career opportunities with Vindico by clicking here.