Adrianna Remisz
Junior DevOps Engineer in HSBC
I started out in UX/UI Design, but over time I felt I wanted to try something new and change direction, even though I wasn’t quite sure what that would be. Joining the Engineering pathway of the Technology Graduate Programme helped me discover the world of cloud technologies and find a career path that really excites me. Today, I work as a DevOps Engineer and continue to explore AWS and new technologies with curiosity and enthusiasm. Outside of work, I love playing tennis and staying active.
Adrianna, you’re an ambassador for the programme. You spent two years in it and were then offered the opportunity to continue working at HSBC. Is that right?
Exactly! I can’t believe how quickly those two years went by. I’m still working at HSBC in a role I worked towards and gained experience in throughout the programme.
You started out in UX/UI Design, and now you’re working in DevOps. How did that happen?
I knew I wanted to change direction, but I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do next. Initially, I applied for a Business Analyst role. Then I took a few courses on AWS and cloud technologies, started getting to know the tech environment at HSBC, and realised that cloud solutions were what interested me most. So I began looking for opportunities to join teams working in this area. The Engineering pathway gave me the chance to explore different options and find what really suited me.
So you didn’t have to know exactly what you wanted to do right from the start?
No, I didn’t. And that’s exactly what convinced me to apply. There were different pathways to choose from: Business Analysis, Data, Engineering and Cyber. I didn’t have to commit to just one role. I wanted to learn, take on new challenges and see what I was capable of, even without much technical experience.
“You don’t have to be ready for everything. You just have to be willing to give it a try.”
Weren’t you worried you might not be able to handle it?
I was. But then I thought, “What’s the worst that could happen if I give it a try?” Even if things didn’t work out, I’d still gain valuable experience. I knew I’d regret not trying much more than spending years wondering what might have happened if I had.
And that’s how you ended up in the world of AWS. What was it like at the beginning?
Haha, that’s a great question! Definitely making changes to the production environment! At first, I wanted someone to double-check every step I took. I asked lots of questions and constantly checked whether I was doing things right. Now I understand the whole process, know how to prepare for it and can handle it from start to finish. I still ask for support when I need it, but I’m much more confident in what I do.
Apart from technical skills, what else helps you most in your work?
Working with people. Of course, I use my technical skills in AWS and cloud technologies, but I’ve also learned a lot about communication, asking for help and building relationships. In a technical role, it’s not just about what you can do yourself, but also how you work with your team and share knowledge.
Did you have people around you that you could count on?
Yes, especially the other people in the programme. Whenever someone had doubts, we supported and motivated each other. We were a really close-knit group where we could talk openly about challenges and share our experiences. It helped me remember that I didn’t have to know everything right away.
And what happened when those two years came to an end? Did you have to start looking for your next role?
For me, the transition to continuing my career at HSBC was really smooth. We started discussing what would happen next about six months before the programme ended, so there was plenty of time to explore the options. After the programme, my responsibilities stayed pretty much the same, and I was able to keep growing within my team.
If you had to pick the biggest benefit of the programme, what would it be?
Finding a job where I feel comfortable and genuinely enjoy what I do. Learning through hands-on experience, having access to courses and getting support from people I could learn from made a huge difference. I joined the programme without a clear idea of where I wanted my career to go, but I found a direction that really suits me. I’ve also discovered that I enjoy solving problems, exploring new technologies and gradually taking on more responsibility.
And what’s next for you? Do you already have your next step in mind?
I want to keep developing my skills in cloud technologies. It’s such a broad field, and it’s constantly evolving, so there’s always something new to discover. That’s exactly what makes it so interesting to me.
Who would you recommend this career path to?
To someone who’s curious about new things, open to challenges and willing to change direction sometimes. You need patience and shouldn’t be afraid to start from scratch, ask questions or learn from other people’s experience. You don’t need to know everything from day one. What matters more is your willingness to learn and your commitment.
And what would you say to a woman who meets the requirements but still thinks, “I don’t know enough yet”?
Apply!!!! Seriously. I had similar doubts myself, and I know how easy it is to imagine all the things that could go wrong. But that’s exactly what this programme is for – learning and gaining experience. You’ll meet people who will support you along the way. You don’t have to be ready for everything. You just have to be willing to give it a try.
And one last question: if you could go back in time, would you choose this programme again?
ABSOLUTELY YES! I recommend it to all my friends. I think that without this programme, my journey into DevOps would have been longer and more difficult. If someone had told me two years ago that I’d be where I am today, I probably wouldn’t have believed them. I’m so glad I decided to give it a try.
