Why Non-Traditional Career Paths Strengthen Tech Teams |
Meet Notitia's Web Dev Team: Different Paths Same Mindset
Notitia's web development team members have each taken a different path into the industry.
They bring with them hands-on experience from the Australian Defence Force, healthcare, finance, photography, trade and hospitality — building a sharper, more adaptable way of solving problems.
It’s not just a feel-good story. Research increasingly shows that diverse career backgrounds create stronger, more innovative teams — a critical advantage in a sector that never stands still.
More Than Technical Skills: Why Backgrounds Matter
The stereotype of tech being a closed world for coders with computer science degrees is out of date. In fact, data from Australia's Tech Council shows that 41% of new tech workers come from non-technology backgrounds.
There’s good reason for that shift. According to Deloitte, companies that embrace cognitive diversity — including diversity of career paths — are 20% more innovative and make better decisions 87% of the time.
In other words: it’s not just "nice to have" different backgrounds on your tech team. It’s a competitive advantage.
Meet Some of the Journeys Behind Our Screens
At Notitia, we hire for mindset, not just skillset.
Take Brett Earle, Notitia's Senior Web Developer based in Adelaide. Brett started his career in the Australian Defence Force as a combat engineer — a role that demanded rapid problem-solving, structured thinking, and the ability to stay calm under pressure.
Later, Brett moved into trades, working hands-on in the field before pivoting to tech. He’s self-taught, deeply practical, and brings a real-world lens to every project he leads — ensuring what we build works not just in theory, but where it matters: on the ground.
Brett's story isn't unusual at Notitia. It’s part of a deliberate strategy to build a team that thinks differently, adapts faster, and delivers better outcomes for clients.
Before moving into tech, Notitia Web Developer, Livia Gu, built her career across telecommunications, hospitality, freelance photography, and finance — sharpening a rare blend of creative and commercial skills.
After completing formal training at General Assembly, and earning both a Bachelor of Commerce (double majoring in Corporate Finance and Marketing) and a Master of Accountancy, Livia pivoted into web development.
She brings a unique mix of technical expertise, creative thinking, and a passion for continuous learning to every project she tackles — helping our clients turn complex ideas into practical, user-friendly solutions.Livia’s journey reflects the qualities we seek at Notitia: adaptable, curious minds who build with both logic and imagination.
Before transitioning into tech, Notitia Web Developer Ben Cuttance, spent five years as an ICU nurse — developing the ability to problem-solve quickly, work collaboratively under pressure, and think critically in complex environments.A
rmed with skills across front-end and back-end development, database management, and UI design, Ben now applies that same precision and people-first mindset to building web and software applications.
His adaptability, attention to detail, and sharp problem-solving instincts make him a huge asset to our projects — especially when solutions need to work seamlessly under real-world conditions.
Ben’s path shows why we value diverse experience at Notitia: because the best digital outcomes are built by people who understand more than just code.
Why Non-Traditional Career Paths Strengthen Tech Teams
So what exactly do these different backgrounds bring to the table?
1. Adaptability in Fast-Changing Environments
People from industries like construction, defence, and small business know how to adapt fast.
They’re used to changing conditions, unexpected hurdles, and finding practical ways forward.
In tech, where platforms evolve overnight and client needs shift fast, this ability to adjust without missing a beat is invaluable.
2. Practical, Outcome-Focused Problem-Solving
When you’ve managed projects on construction sites or worked in operational roles, you learn quickly how to separate critical problems from distractions.
You focus on outcomes — not just processes.
A 2019 study by Harvard Business Review found that leaders who succeed in high-ambiguity environments — like tech — often have strong backgrounds in non-linear problem-solving.
That shows up in our Web Dev projects every day: fewer delays, smarter decision-making, and solutions that stick.
3. Better User-Centric Thinking
Research consistently shows that diverse teams are more empathetic and better at designing for real user needs.
When you’ve worked in service industries, operations, logistics, or customer-facing roles, you naturally see things from the end-user’s perspective — not just from behind a computer screen.
In practical terms, that means our developers anticipate user needs earlier, build more intuitive interfaces, and create systems that actually make life easier, not harder.
4. Grit and Resilience
According to LinkedIn’s 2024 Workplace Learning Report, resilience and the ability to navigate uncertainty are now among the most sought-after skills in tech hiring.
Real-world industries teach you that good decisions aren’t just about speed — they’re about judgement, accountability, and building trust under pressure.
What We Look for at Notitia
At Notitia, technical excellence is the starting point — not the finish line.
We look for people who are wired for continuous improvement:
- Always learning
- Always questioning
- Always building towards something better
It’s a deliberate hiring strategy, and it’s one of the reasons our teams stay agile, our projects stay on track, and our clients get outcomes that make a real-world difference.
When we assess candidates, we don’t just ask about certifications.
We ask about how they solve problems, how they learn, and how they think about users, not just code.
Because in a world where the technology stack will change again next year — mindset, adaptability, and critical thinking are the true markers of success.
The Future of Tech Will Be Built by the Adaptable
The tech industry is changing — fast.
The latest Technology Council of Australia projections estimate that Australia will need more than 650,000 tech workers by 2030 to meet demand.
But it’s not just about filling jobs.
It’s about bringing the right skills, the right thinking, and the right problem-solving mindset into the sector.
That’s why non-traditional career paths aren’t just "acceptable" anymore.
They’re critical.
Companies that only recruit from traditional pipelines will miss out on the kind of grit, agility, and practical intelligence that complex digital projects increasingly demand.
At Notitia, we’re already seeing the benefits — and so are our clients. If you want to find out more, get in touch!
