When people talk about starting a career in tech, they often imagine a straight path — good grades, university, then a job. My journey hasn’t been like that. It’s been about figuring things out early, taking risks, and pushing myself beyond what’s expected at my age.

I’m currently a student studying a Level 3 BTEC in Computing. I had moved from Spain to the UK for highschool. Looking back, even at the end of my GCSEs, I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do and so I felt lost.

However I came to think that I had always been interested in technology although I never got the chance to take a qualification in technology during secondary school, which led to my college blocking me from jumping into a T-Level in software engineering.

At first I felt broken, but I turned that into my own fuel to prove that education is simply a label, and anyone can do whatever they put their mind into, no matter their background or level.

That mindset changed everything.

Realising the Competition Early

One of the biggest turning points for me was understanding how competitive the tech industry really is — especially for apprenticeships. It’s not enough to just “be interested” in tech anymore. There are thousands of applicants, many with similar qualifications.

I realised early on that if I wanted to stand out, I had to go beyond what college was teaching me.

That meant self-study, building projects, and learning industry-relevant skills on my own.

While others were focusing only on coursework, I started exploring cloud computing — particularly Amazon Web Services. At first, it felt overwhelming. There were so many different things that got thrown at me: concepts, people constantly telling you to avoid what someone else told you is the best way to get started and unfamiliar terms. But instead of avoiding it, I leaned into it.

Building Skills Outside the Classroom

I began using AWS Skill Builder and other resources to teach myself cloud fundamentals. Over time, things started to click — how services connect, how real systems are built, and why companies rely so heavily on cloud infrastructure.

But learning theory wasn’t enough for me. I wanted something tangible.

That’s when I started building my own projects, trying to reflect upon things that are actually used in real-world applications.

It wasn’t easy. There were times where things didn’t work, errors I didn’t understand, and moments where I questioned whether I was progressing fast enough.

But every problem I solved built confidence.

And more importantly, it proved to me that I could learn things independently — a skill that’s essential in tech.

Dealing with Doubt and Pressure

Another challenge wasn’t technical — it was mental.

When you’re aiming high, especially at a young age, it can feel like you’re constantly behind. You see others progressing, getting opportunities, or already knowing things you’re just starting to learn.

There’s also pressure from different directions — school expectations, career uncertainty, and the fear of making the wrong decision.

For me, the biggest shift was understanding that progress isn’t about being perfect — it’s about consistency.

This whole thing took months, turning down the opportunity for just being “comfortable”. Sometimes I even felt like I had made no progress, even after months. However, I decided to stay consistent and stop looking back because I came to the realisation that looking at the times I didn’t invest as much in myself wouldn’t contribute towards the future version of me that I was hungry to become.

That consistency became my advantage.

Taking Opportunities Seriously

Recently, I’ve had the chance to connect with people in the industry — including mentors and professionals who actually work in tech and business.

One thing I’ve learned from them is that opportunities don’t just come from qualifications — they come from how you present yourself, your mindset, and your willingness to learn.

Having conversations with people who understand cloud computing, AI, and real business challenges helped me see the bigger picture. It’s not just about passing exams — it’s about solving problems and bringing value.

That’s something I’m continuing to develop.

What I’ve Learned So Far

If I had to give advice to someone trying to get their first job or apprenticeship, it would be this:

• Start before you feel ready. You don’t need to know everything to begin.
• Go beyond the curriculum. The people who stand out are the ones who do extra.
• Build something real. Projects show what you can actually do.
• Be consistent. Small daily effort beats short bursts of motivation.
• Talk to people. Networking isn’t just for adults — it matters at every stage.

Looking Ahead

I’m still early in my journey, but I know where I’m heading. My goal is to keep getting closer to that version of myself, inspire the world with my passion, continue building real-world projects, and keep improving every day.

I don’t see this as a race against others anymore it’s a long-term process of becoming someone capable, and now that I am able to share my success, I also want to show everyone that anything is possible as long as you put your mind to it enough.

And that’s what I’d encourage anyone reading this to focus on.

Not just where you are now — but who you’re becoming. If you see that image of yourself, keep chasing it.

Elias Bielskis

Incoming Technology Developer DA @Barclays | AWS Certified | 1st Place 2K26 GM Skills IT🥇 | Building in the Cloud, AI & DevOps | Linux Advocate

You can find out more and connect with Elias on LinkedIn.