From Non-Tech Background to a Quality Engineering Career at IBM
How Rhoda moved from care and other non-technical roles into technology, secured an IBM role within three months of training with LEMP, and successfully transitioned from Cyber Security into the Quality Engineering career she had always wanted.
Background: Care and other non-technical roles
Current Position: Quality Engineering professional with 3 years of industry experience
Support Received: LEMP Software Testing Bootcamp + ongoing mentoring
Career Progression: Cyber Security Analyst → Quality Engineer
First Technology Role: IBM Graduate Programme (within 3 months)
Overview
When Rhoda joined LEMP, she held non-technical roles in care and other sectors. Her goal was to transition into technology, specifically software testing. By enrolling in the LEMP Software Testing Bootcamp, she was able to build the core technical foundations and confidence required to interview for major global firms. Within just three months of starting her training, Rhoda successfully secured a place on the competitive IBM Graduate Programme, marking a total career shift that has since spanned over three years of consistent professional growth.
The Challenge
Rhoda faced two major hurdles in her journey:
• Transitioning from a Non-Technical Background: Moving from care and other general roles into the high-barrier technology sector required not just new technical skills, but a complete shifts in professional identity and confidence.
• Navigating an Unexpected Career Offer: After three months of training focused on software testing, Rhoda received an offer from IBM but it was for a Cyber Security Analyst role rather than a testing position.
Faced with a role that didn't immediately align with her Quality Engineering aspirations, Rhoda had to decide whether to accept the offer or continue pursuing her original goal. With LEMP's guidance, she chose to enter IBM via Cyber Security as a strategic entry point into the company, with a long-term plan to pivot back to her preferred path.
The Approach
LEMP provided a two-stage support system to ensure Rhoda’s success:
• Software Testing Bootcamp: Intensive technical training that equipped Rhoda with the foundational skills needed to pass the rigorous IBM recruitment process.
• Career Transition Accelerator & Mentoring: Dedicated support in job application strategy, interview preparation, and personal branding, which proved vital when translating care-sector experience into tech-ready competencies.
When the Cyber Security offer arrived, LEMP provided strategic career guidance, encouraging Rhoda to accept the role at IBM while offering sustained mentoring to help her build her internal profile. This ongoing professional relationship focused on identifying internal transfer opportunities and maintaining her Quality Engineering technical skills while she worked in Cyber Security.
Watch Rhoda's Story
Hear directly from Rhoda as she shares her journey from a non-technical background into IBM, the impact of LEMP's training and mentoring, and how continued support helped her build a successful career in technology.
3 Months
Rhoda secured a role at IBM within 3 months of completing the Software Testing Bootcamp.
3 Years Growth
Sustainable career growth in Quality Engineering at IBM for more than three years.
Outcomes & Key Results
Rhoda's strategic career shift underscores the power of specialized training and persistent mentorship in achieving long-term professional success at a global leader like IBM.
Strategic Entry
She successfully entered IBM via the competitive Cyber Security Graduate Programme.
Support
Continued success powered by ongoing professional mentoring and career development support.
Quality Pivot
Through mentoring and targeted development, she successfully transitioned into Quality Engineering.
Legacy
Rhoda's journey inspired family members to access and benefit from LEMP opportunities.
Participant Reflection
“Before LEMP, I didn’t know where to start in tech. The structured training and mentorship made everything clear. Within a few months, I was confident, job-ready, and able to secure my first role.”
— Rhoda Dawodu (Software Testing Programme)