We spoke with Tech Orda graduate Yryssaldy, who decided to learn programming and pursue a career in IT after eight years in the construction industry. Today, she works as a project manager at dBridge, where she helps develop ENKi, a digital construction operations platform. In this interview, Yryssaldy explains why she chose to build on her previous experience, how the programme helped her find her place in IT, and what aspiring career changers should consider.
Yryssaldy, could you tell us a little about yourself and what you did before joining Tech Orda?
— Before moving into IT, I worked in the construction industry for about eight years. I started as a quality control inspector at a house-building factory, then worked as a cost estimator and an engineer in the production and technical department. I contributed to industrial, road, residential, and public-sector construction projects and eventually progressed to a management position within the department.
Today, I work as a project manager at the IT company dBridge. Our team develops ENKi, a digital construction operations platform designed to manage construction processes. My previous professional experience did not become a thing of the past—it became an advantage. I have a strong understanding of the industry, its processes, and the real challenges its users face.
Why did you decide to pursue a career in IT and apply to Tech Orda?
— I first started considering a career change in 2021. I wanted to understand how digital products were created, learn to read and write code, and explore the logic behind programming. I was also attracted by the possibility of working remotely, as construction professionals are generally tied to a particular site or production facility.
I learned about the alem programming school from friends who were already studying there. My network helped me discover more about the field: my friends advised me on what to study, how to prepare for the selection process, and supported me throughout the journey. Eventually, I passed the selection process, enrolled at the school, and received the opportunity to study through the Tech Orda programme.
At that point, I did not have a clear plan to change careers completely. Initially, I simply wanted to give IT a try and see whether it was right for me. But once I began studying, I became determined to see it through.
What was the learning experience like?
— It was challenging at first because I had almost no technical background. During the programme, I began working with the terminal and Linux for the first time and was introduced to algorithms, programming languages, and Golang. It was an entirely new world for me.
At alem, the learning process was based on a peer-to-peer methodology: students studied the materials independently, completed projects, and helped one another. There was no traditional model in which an instructor explained an entire topic beforehand. If you did not understand something, you searched for information, discussed the task with other participants, and learned how to find a solution independently.
I found this approach extremely useful. When you explain something to another person, you reinforce your own knowledge and quickly identify the areas you still need to work on. This format also develops communication skills and teaches you not to be afraid of asking questions.
After the initial selection process, there was a three-month stage involving weekly exams and projects. My overall learning journey took about a year because I continued working in construction alongside my studies.
What was the most difficult part?
— Combining my studies with a full-time job. During the day, I handled my regular work responsibilities, and in the evenings, I had to switch my full attention to programming. It required a great deal of discipline.
On exam days, I had to take annual leave and sometimes unpaid leave. The support of my manager, family, colleagues, and friends played a significant role. They understood how important this was to me and did their best to accommodate me.
Another challenge was my lack of a technical background. People who are already familiar with programming can progress through some stages more quickly, whereas I had to start with the fundamentals. This experience taught me that anyone planning a career change should realistically assess their workload and, whenever possible, dedicate enough time and attention to their studies.
What did Tech Orda give you beyond technical knowledge?
— First and foremost, it gave me access to high-quality IT education with government support. Studying independently can require a significant financial investment, so the grant allows people to explore a new field and gain a foundation for further development.
The community and networking opportunities were equally important. During the programme, you are surrounded by people with different backgrounds and levels of experience. Participants help one another, share knowledge and job opportunities, and continue supporting each other after graduation. Many of the connections I made during this period later contributed to my professional growth.
The programme also helped me become more confident in communication. I was not afraid to ask for help: if one person could not provide an answer, I would approach someone else until I found a solution. In IT, the ability to ask questions, reach agreements, and collaborate with a team is just as important as technical expertise.
Did you immediately know which role you wanted to pursue in IT?
— No, and I believe that is perfectly normal. After completing the programme, I could read and write code and understood the basic principles of software development. Over time, however, I realised that my strengths lay at the intersection of analytics, management, and communication.
I already had experience working with processes, documentation, and different project stakeholders. That is why business analysis and project management felt more natural to me. These roles require you to understand business needs while also being able to speak the same language as developers.
It is important to assess your strengths honestly: what genuinely interests you, what you do best, and which role will allow you to create the greatest value. Weaker skills can be developed, but your strengths are often what help you find your place in a new industry more quickly.
How did you transition into IT after completing the programme?
— I understood that entering a new industry would most likely mean starting with a lower position and salary than I had previously. I had financial obligations, so I could not make the transition immediately. My initial goal was to complete the programme and then decide on my next steps.
After graduating, I realised that if I did not try to apply my knowledge in practice at that point, making the move would only become more difficult later. I left the construction industry and accepted an offer to become a project coordinator at DIGITIZE LLP, part of the Axiom Capital group of companies. In that role, I coordinated communication between the client and the development team. My skills in communication, documentation, and process coordination proved particularly valuable.
I worked at DIGITIZE LLP for about two years. During that time, I gained insight into the work of project managers, analysts, and developers and saw how IT processes worked from the inside. At some point, however, I realised that I wanted to be more deeply involved in product development and began looking for a new role.
What helped you take the next step in your career?
— I updated my CV and tailored it to business analyst and project manager positions. At the same time, I was looking for someone with experience in IT who could evaluate my journey from an outside perspective and advise me on my next steps. That is how I found a mentor.
I also told people in my network that I was open to new opportunities and asked them to share my CV if a suitable vacancy became available. Eventually, networking led me to dBridge.
For a long time, I had been thinking about how valuable it would be to combine my construction experience with my new knowledge of IT. Eventually, everything came together: I joined dBridge LLP as a business analyst and began working on the ENKi platform. Two months later, I was offered a project manager position within the same project.
Could you tell us more about the product and your current responsibilities?
— ENKi enables developers to monitor construction projects remotely and manage their operational processes. Thanks to my experience in construction, I understand the challenges professionals face on construction sites, how document workflows are organised, and which solutions can genuinely make their work easier.
I am currently involved in developing new product features: I analyse requirements, prepare product requirements documents, or PRDs, discuss solutions with the development team, review implementation, and test new functionality. I also coordinate project documentation, information security matters, and other related processes.
Working at a start-up means that you are not limited to one narrow function. You can simultaneously immerse yourself in business analysis, product management, testing, and client communication. This allows you to grow quickly alongside the project.
How useful has the knowledge you gained during the programme been in your current role?
— It gave me the technical foundation I needed to communicate effectively with developers. Project managers and business analysts do not necessarily need to write code every day, but they do need to understand how a system works, how its components are connected, what can be implemented, and how to describe requirements accurately.
When you understand the logic of development and speak the same language as the team, it becomes easier to translate business needs into specific tasks, evaluate proposed solutions, and see the product as a whole. In this respect, learning to code became the foundation on which I was able to build my career in analytics and management.
How has your life changed since moving into IT?
— Not only have my responsibilities changed, but so has my professional environment. I am now surrounded by people who are constantly learning, quickly mastering new tools, and openly sharing their knowledge. It is incredibly motivating.
I particularly enjoy seeing an idea gradually turn into a working product. In construction, you begin with a drawing and then build a real structure based on it. IT offers a similar sense of fulfilment: you define the requirements, the team develops the solution, and then you test and improve it together. That is especially meaningful to me because the result of your work becomes tangible.
What advice would you give to those planning to apply to Tech Orda?
— First, define your goal: why do you want to study, and what result do you hope to achieve? Without a clear goal, it will be difficult to stay motivated and complete the programme.
The second step is to choose a field that aligns with your interests and strengths. The sooner you understand which role you want to pursue, the easier it will be to structure your studies and prepare for employment.
The third step is to choose your school carefully. On the Astana Hub platform, you can explore available programmes, learning formats, and school ratings. I would also recommend reaching out to graduates, asking about their experiences, reading reviews, and contacting the school directly to clarify its terms and requirements.
Most importantly, do not expect instant results. Everyone progresses at their own pace: some people find a job quickly, while others need more time. The key is to remain disciplined, practise regularly, build professional connections, and take at least one small step every day. Consistent effort is what ultimately delivers results.
You can explore the available courses, choose an IT school, and apply to Tech Orda until September 21, 2026, on the Astana Hub website
We spoke with Tech Orda graduate Yryssaldy, who decided to learn programming and pursue a career in IT after eight years in the construction industry. Today, she works as a project manager at dBridge, where she helps develop ENKi, a digital construction operations platform. In this interview, Yryssaldy explains why she chose to build on her previous experience, how the programme helped her find her place in IT, and what aspiring career changers should consider.
Yryssaldy, could you tell us a little about yourself and what you did before joining Tech Orda?
— Before moving into IT, I worked in the construction industry for about eight years. I started as a quality control inspector at a house-building factory, then worked as a cost estimator and an engineer in the production and technical department. I contributed to industrial, road, residential, and public-sector construction projects and eventually progressed to a management position within the department.
Today, I work as a project manager at the IT company dBridge. Our team develops ENKi, a digital construction operations platform designed to manage construction processes. My previous professional experience did not become a thing of the past—it became an advantage. I have a strong understanding of the industry, its processes, and the real challenges its users face.
Why did you decide to pursue a career in IT and apply to Tech Orda?
— I first started considering a career change in 2021. I wanted to understand how digital products were created, learn to read and write code, and explore the logic behind programming. I was also attracted by the possibility of working remotely, as construction professionals are generally tied to a particular site or production facility.
I learned about the alem programming school from friends who were already studying there. My network helped me discover more about the field: my friends advised me on what to study, how to prepare for the selection process, and supported me throughout the journey. Eventually, I passed the selection process, enrolled at the school, and received the opportunity to study through the Tech Orda programme.
At that point, I did not have a clear plan to change careers completely. Initially, I simply wanted to give IT a try and see whether it was right for me. But once I began studying, I became determined to see it through.
What was the learning experience like?
— It was challenging at first because I had almost no technical background. During the programme, I began working with the terminal and Linux for the first time and was introduced to algorithms, programming languages, and Golang. It was an entirely new world for me.
At alem, the learning process was based on a peer-to-peer methodology: students studied the materials independently, completed projects, and helped one another. There was no traditional model in which an instructor explained an entire topic beforehand. If you did not understand something, you searched for information, discussed the task with other participants, and learned how to find a solution independently.
I found this approach extremely useful. When you explain something to another person, you reinforce your own knowledge and quickly identify the areas you still need to work on. This format also develops communication skills and teaches you not to be afraid of asking questions.
After the initial selection process, there was a three-month stage involving weekly exams and projects. My overall learning journey took about a year because I continued working in construction alongside my studies.
What was the most difficult part?
— Combining my studies with a full-time job. During the day, I handled my regular work responsibilities, and in the evenings, I had to switch my full attention to programming. It required a great deal of discipline.
On exam days, I had to take annual leave and sometimes unpaid leave. The support of my manager, family, colleagues, and friends played a significant role. They understood how important this was to me and did their best to accommodate me.
Another challenge was my lack of a technical background. People who are already familiar with programming can progress through some stages more quickly, whereas I had to start with the fundamentals. This experience taught me that anyone planning a career change should realistically assess their workload and, whenever possible, dedicate enough time and attention to their studies.
What did Tech Orda give you beyond technical knowledge?
— First and foremost, it gave me access to high-quality IT education with government support. Studying independently can require a significant financial investment, so the grant allows people to explore a new field and gain a foundation for further development.
The community and networking opportunities were equally important. During the programme, you are surrounded by people with different backgrounds and levels of experience. Participants help one another, share knowledge and job opportunities, and continue supporting each other after graduation. Many of the connections I made during this period later contributed to my professional growth.
The programme also helped me become more confident in communication. I was not afraid to ask for help: if one person could not provide an answer, I would approach someone else until I found a solution. In IT, the ability to ask questions, reach agreements, and collaborate with a team is just as important as technical expertise.
Did you immediately know which role you wanted to pursue in IT?
— No, and I believe that is perfectly normal. After completing the programme, I could read and write code and understood the basic principles of software development. Over time, however, I realised that my strengths lay at the intersection of analytics, management, and communication.
I already had experience working with processes, documentation, and different project stakeholders. That is why business analysis and project management felt more natural to me. These roles require you to understand business needs while also being able to speak the same language as developers.
It is important to assess your strengths honestly: what genuinely interests you, what you do best, and which role will allow you to create the greatest value. Weaker skills can be developed, but your strengths are often what help you find your place in a new industry more quickly.
How did you transition into IT after completing the programme?
— I understood that entering a new industry would most likely mean starting with a lower position and salary than I had previously. I had financial obligations, so I could not make the transition immediately. My initial goal was to complete the programme and then decide on my next steps.
After graduating, I realised that if I did not try to apply my knowledge in practice at that point, making the move would only become more difficult later. I left the construction industry and accepted an offer to become a project coordinator at DIGITIZE LLP, part of the Axiom Capital group of companies. In that role, I coordinated communication between the client and the development team. My skills in communication, documentation, and process coordination proved particularly valuable.
I worked at DIGITIZE LLP for about two years. During that time, I gained insight into the work of project managers, analysts, and developers and saw how IT processes worked from the inside. At some point, however, I realised that I wanted to be more deeply involved in product development and began looking for a new role.
What helped you take the next step in your career?
— I updated my CV and tailored it to business analyst and project manager positions. At the same time, I was looking for someone with experience in IT who could evaluate my journey from an outside perspective and advise me on my next steps. That is how I found a mentor.
I also told people in my network that I was open to new opportunities and asked them to share my CV if a suitable vacancy became available. Eventually, networking led me to dBridge.
For a long time, I had been thinking about how valuable it would be to combine my construction experience with my new knowledge of IT. Eventually, everything came together: I joined dBridge LLP as a business analyst and began working on the ENKi platform. Two months later, I was offered a project manager position within the same project.
Could you tell us more about the product and your current responsibilities?
— ENKi enables developers to monitor construction projects remotely and manage their operational processes. Thanks to my experience in construction, I understand the challenges professionals face on construction sites, how document workflows are organised, and which solutions can genuinely make their work easier.
I am currently involved in developing new product features: I analyse requirements, prepare product requirements documents, or PRDs, discuss solutions with the development team, review implementation, and test new functionality. I also coordinate project documentation, information security matters, and other related processes.
Working at a start-up means that you are not limited to one narrow function. You can simultaneously immerse yourself in business analysis, product management, testing, and client communication. This allows you to grow quickly alongside the project.
How useful has the knowledge you gained during the programme been in your current role?
— It gave me the technical foundation I needed to communicate effectively with developers. Project managers and business analysts do not necessarily need to write code every day, but they do need to understand how a system works, how its components are connected, what can be implemented, and how to describe requirements accurately.
When you understand the logic of development and speak the same language as the team, it becomes easier to translate business needs into specific tasks, evaluate proposed solutions, and see the product as a whole. In this respect, learning to code became the foundation on which I was able to build my career in analytics and management.
How has your life changed since moving into IT?
— Not only have my responsibilities changed, but so has my professional environment. I am now surrounded by people who are constantly learning, quickly mastering new tools, and openly sharing their knowledge. It is incredibly motivating.
I particularly enjoy seeing an idea gradually turn into a working product. In construction, you begin with a drawing and then build a real structure based on it. IT offers a similar sense of fulfilment: you define the requirements, the team develops the solution, and then you test and improve it together. That is especially meaningful to me because the result of your work becomes tangible.
What advice would you give to those planning to apply to Tech Orda?
— First, define your goal: why do you want to study, and what result do you hope to achieve? Without a clear goal, it will be difficult to stay motivated and complete the programme.
The second step is to choose a field that aligns with your interests and strengths. The sooner you understand which role you want to pursue, the easier it will be to structure your studies and prepare for employment.
The third step is to choose your school carefully. On the Astana Hub platform, you can explore available programmes, learning formats, and school ratings. I would also recommend reaching out to graduates, asking about their experiences, reading reviews, and contacting the school directly to clarify its terms and requirements.
Most importantly, do not expect instant results. Everyone progresses at their own pace: some people find a job quickly, while others need more time. The key is to remain disciplined, practise regularly, build professional connections, and take at least one small step every day. Consistent effort is what ultimately delivers results.
You can explore the available courses, choose an IT school, and apply to Tech Orda until September 21, 2026, on the Astana Hub website
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