20-20-20: A Journey from Ophthalmology to Tech

My journey into tech began in high school when I discovered a passion for coding through online JavaScript lessons. But when it came time for college, my path took a different turn. I pursued a degree in biology with dreams of becoming a physician assistant. After graduating from The University of Georgia, I began working as an ophthalmic technician and surgery coordinator for a local ophthalmology group in the Atlanta area.

I spent six years in ophthalmology, but over time, I realized my passion lay elsewhere. The turning point came when I found myself constantly frustrated with the software used for patient registration. That frustration sparked something in me: a desire to create more efficient, user-friendly solutions. From that moment on, I knew I had to follow the calling to pivot toward technology.
While still working full-time, I couldn’t resist the urge; I enrolled in a full-stack coding boot camp where I built a strong foundation in programming. Within this boot camp, I learned core concepts like data structures, control flow, and object-oriented programming while strengthening my skills in JavaScript and Python. After graduating, I pursued several internship opportunities that confirmed my love for software development. Whether I was collaborating asynchronously to build a front-end app, developing a neural network to address global glaucoma detection, or diving deeper into full-stack Java development, I pushed myself to stay immersed in the tech world.

That’s when I came across Broadcom’s Mainframe Vitality Program.

A Newfound Passion for Mainframe

At the time, I barely knew what a mainframe was. In my mind, it was a system sitting in a dusty room, frozen in history. But the more I learned, the more intrigued I became. I saw that mainframes are anything but obsolete. They are known for their reliability, security, and role as the backbone of many enterprise systems. And with so many seasoned mainframe professionals nearing well-earned retirements, there’s a growing demand for new talent. The opportunity to enter a field with immense demand while continuing to grow as a technologist felt like the right next step.

Although my background was rooted in distributed systems, I was excited to take on this new challenge. It wasn’t about starting over. It was about building on what I already knew and applying it in a new context. I began by completing every badge I could through the IBM Z Xplore program, gaining hands-on experience working with JCL, REXX, and COBOL. That foundation prepared me for the intensive training that followed over the next seven months.

I learned the essentials: TSO, ISPF, security protocols, and system troubleshooting. Toward the end of my training, I chose to specialize in Endevor administration, which aligned closely with the DevOps principles I had already been exposed to. By the time I finished, I felt ready to take on real-world challenges.

Next came my residency with one of Broadcom’s financial industry clients. I knew I’d be assisting their team as an Endevor administrator, but I still felt a bit nervous. Would I know enough? Could I keep up? Fortunately, the team welcomed me with open arms. They not only mentored me but also trusted me with meaningful tasks. Even when things didn’t go as planned, every hiccup became an invaluable learning opportunity that helped accelerate my growth.

The 20:20:20 Rule

Though I’ve left ophthalmology behind, I’m proud of the leap of faith I took. It all goes back to a rule I learned while working in that field: the 20-20-20 rule. Every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds to help reduce eye strain. In a way, I applied that advice to my career. I paused, looked ahead, and refocused on what I really wanted: a career that’s both fulfilling and impactful.

As I wrap up my residency and transition into a full-time role with my host company, I’m grateful for every step of this journey. The Vitality Program gave me the tools, confidence, and clarity to build a long, sustainable career in the mainframe space. And I’m just getting started.

If you're considering a career change into tech, or are curious about the world of mainframes, I’d love to connect. Feel free to add me on LinkedIn. I’m always happy to share what I’ve learned.

Let’s stay in touch via LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ismarjiworkman