Safeena Mehmood moved into Service Desk Analyst

Fifteen years ago, I began my career in IT as a 1st Line Help Desk Analyst. It was a role I truly enjoyed, but life had other plans. Just as I was gaining momentum in my career, I was about to welcome my first child. Like many parents, I had to make a difficult decision between my growing career and the needs of my growing family. I chose to step away from IT to focus on a more flexible job that would work around family life. As my child grew older and more independent, the idea of returning to the tech world became stronger. But coming back after such a long gap wasn’t easy. The industry had changed, technologies had evolved, and every job I applied for required recent experience or updated certifications. I was stuck. That’s when I discovered IT Career Switch during a late-night Google search. I was intrigued by their job guarantee and even more impressed by the positive reviews from others who had been in situations like mine. I decided to take the leap — and looking back, it was the best decision I ever made.

From the very beginning, the support I received was incredible. My tutor, Pierre, guided me through the technical aspects of the course, ensuring I had a solid understanding of each concept. Belinda and Barry were instrumental in helping me rework my CV and get interview-ready, boosting my confidence with every step. Within a year of enrolling in the cyber training course, I landed a role as a Service Desk Analyst — and just like that, I was back in the IT field I loved.

Now, in my current role, no two days are the same, and I absolutely thrive on that variety. What I enjoy most is the human aspect of the job, being the first point of contact and helping someone get back to work quickly gives me a sense of purpose. I’ve learned to stay calm under pressure, communicate clearly with non-technical users, and think on my feet when urgent issues come in. The best part? I’m not just back in IT — I’m growing. I’ve already started Step 4 of my Cyber Security Traineeship, continuing my learning journey while working full-time. With each ticket I resolve and every course I complete, I feel more empowered and more aligned with my long-term goal of building a solid career in cyber security. This journey has been more than just returning to work, it’s been a personal transformation. And I couldn’t be more grateful for IT Career Switch and everyone who helped me along the way.