
Charting new directions: painting your career in new colors
Today’s career paths are rarely straightforward. Many professionals make significant shifts, seeking more fulfillment, fresh challenges, or alignment with their passions. Stories of Marek Cichy - our Data Analyst and Monika Kaczmarek, Senior Product Manager are examples of that shift. Their journeys from linguistics and financial auditing to data analytics and product management not only reveal the challenges and rewards of switching industries but also offer valuable insights for those considering similar transitions.
From linguistics to data analytics
Marek began his professional life studying Iberian languages, specializing in Portuguese, and working as a linguist. This career path, involving mainly translation and then data labeling, soon felt stagnant. It wasn’t long before he began experimenting with Python programming and self-teaching data analysis, setting the stage for a pivotal career shift.
After years in linguistics, he landed a role in data analytics with a Brazilian company. In this position, he was tasked with bringing structure to a chaotic database. “I was the first person to really dive into the data,” he recalls, explaining that his role in managing and interpreting data not only brought clarity to the company's operations but also offered a new avenue for his professional growth. This opportunity to "put things in order" ultimately allowed him to transition into the highly technical world of data analysis - an area in which he previously had no formal training.
“I learned primarily through self-study, by implementing various things in my everyday work, taking online courses on Data Camp and Data Quest, with some informal mentoring, which helped guide me. After that, it was a lot of learning on the go, often through trial, error and hands-on practice.”
This combination of self-driven education and practical, on-the-job learning underscores a key takeaway for anyone contemplating a career switch - you don’t need to know everything to make a successful transition, you just need to start learning.
But as Marek’s knowledge grew, so did his appetite for new challenges.
"In my previous role, I was mostly on my own, trying to implement things by instinct, without much guidance or anyone to learn from. That’s why I wanted to join Allegro. Here, I stepped into a seasoned team with well-established data processes, allowing me to learn a lot by observing. I must admit, the sheer volume of data was also a game changer."
From financial auditing to product management
Monika’s early career revolved around financial auditing, a demanding job that often required working weekends and late hours. Despite the prestige and security of this career path, she knew it wasn’t her calling, "at some point, I just realized that financial controlling didn’t interest me anymore".
Her casual interest in product management then led her to Allegro.
"I was checking out Allegro because I had heard a lot of good things about working here. So at first, I focused more on the company itself, and then looked for a role that might catch my interest. I applied for a position in category management, but I actually went through three or four different interviews - each of them for a different position. In the end, I was hired into a different team than the one I initially applied for and I ended up closer to product data. Quickly - after just four months - I got my own team. So I started on the business side, and now I'm a product manager, doing something completely different from what I had done before."
Although the leap from financial auditing to product management may seem drastic, the skills from their previous career transferred seamlessly.
“Two key strengths I've leveraged in my new role were my managerial experience and analytical skills. Having previously led teams and collaborated with high-level clients, I’ve gained a significant edge. My ability to communicate effectively and handle complex interactions has been invaluable. And while data may vary, the fundamental principles of analysis remain the same."
This story serves as a reminder that no skill or experience is ever wasted. Even if the surface-level responsibilities change dramatically in a new role, underlying competencies such as communication, leadership, and problem-solving remain valuable assets. The key is to leverage those transferable skills effectively in a new context.
The joy of learning
One of the most rewarding aspects of their career changes, both Monika and Marek agreed, was the constant learning involved. The newness of their roles meant they were always gathering fresh knowledge, whether it was mastering new technical skills or understanding how different parts of the company functioned.
"Transitioning from a business role to product management was a journey of continuous learning. I dove into articles, books, and online resources, but the real growth came from hands-on experience and mentorship. Engaging with seasoned managers and learning from their stories, alongside ongoing market research and team interactions, shaped my development. It’s all about combining self-driven learning with external insights."
- Monika
The takeaway here is clear: embrace learning as an ongoing process. Even after you land the role you’ve been aspiring to, continued education and mentorship are key to thriving in that new position.
The best advice for those who want to paint their career in new colors?
- Network and research.
“Reach out to people in the field you want to move into - chances are, they might already be in your LinkedIn or Facebook network. Ask them about their day-to-day, what skills they think are most important, and how they transitioned or started out. The more you know about what a role is about, the better prepared you’ll be.”
- Marek
- Don’t be afraid to try (and fail).
"Even if you might return to your previous field after a few months, give it a try. It’s always worth exploring if something else resonates with you because, while we don’t live for work, it takes up a significant part of our every day. So, don’t be afraid - just go for it and see how it turns out. Sometimes, the best growth comes from stepping out of your comfort zone and trying new things.”
- Monika
- Master the art of a job interview.
“Dive into the recruitment process and keep sending out those CVs. Don’t get discouraged by rejections after the first or second interview. Instead, use the opportunity to understand the role you’re aiming for—research the responsibilities, read relevant articles and case studies, and reflect on the skills you need to develop.Sometimes you just need to keep going until you find the right fit.”
- Monika
Why is Allegro the right place to color outside the lines?
"What surprised me after joining Allegro was how much more enjoyable work can be than I thought. There's a great sense of openness and autonomy here - I have the freedom to work on my own projects and bring my ideas to life. The scope of opportunities and experiences available within the company is also something quite unique here, I think. Few places offer the chance to continuously evolve and shape your career path within a single organization like that."
- Monika
“And there's just something really cool about working for a big player in the market and seeing how your own work helps shape its success."
- Marek
Stories of our employees show that the right company culture can be instrumental in a successful career change. Allegro's environment fosters creativity, autonomy, and learning - qualities that make it an excellent place for anyone looking to redefine their career path.
While switching industries may seem daunting at first, with persistence, a commitment to learning, and the right support, it’s possible to find not just a new job but a more fulfilling career.
For anyone considering a similar move, the message is clear: Don’t be afraid to chart a new direction. Your next career adventure might just be the most rewarding one yet.