When 28-year-old software engineer Nicol Reid opens her laptop in a Sydney café, she’s not just connecting with colleagues remotely, she’s living proof of how determination and curiosity can transform a career. Once a dental nurse in North Yorkshire, Nicol is now a senior software engineer at Causeway Technologies, a provider of digital construction software. Her journey from healthcare to high-tech exemplifies the power of transferable skills and the opportunities within the fast-growing digital construction sector.
From Dental Nursing to Digital Innovation
Nicol’s early career began in a dental surgery in Saltburn, a small coastal town near Middlesbrough. After leaving college at 17, she trained as a dental nurse while completing an Access to Higher Education diploma in Health Sciences. Caring for people came naturally to her, but she always had a fascination with technology.
“As kids, my brother and I used to build websites and simple apps,” she recalls. “Technology was always there in the background, but I never imagined it would become my career.”
That changed during a visit to Teesside University. Wandering through an open day, Nicol found herself drawn to the computer science stand. The tutors spoke about logic, problem-solving, and creativity, concepts that immediately resonated. “It felt like discovering a whole new world,” she says.
Learning to Code from Scratch
At 20, Nicol enrolled on Teesside University’s Computer Science degree, despite having no prior coding experience. “I remember sitting in my first lecture surrounded by people who had been programming since they were 12,” she says. “I felt completely out of my depth, but I kept reminding myself: I don’t know this yet.”
That mindset, known in the tech world as a growth mindset, became key to her progress. Her hard work paid off when she secured a placement with AspenTech, a global software provider working with industrial clients like SABIC, one of the world’s leading petrochemical manufacturers. There, she gained first-hand experience building industrial software systems used to optimise operations and improve efficiency.
“The placement was a turning point,” Nicol explains. “It helped me see how software engineering can solve real-world problems, from energy management to infrastructure performance.”
Balancing her placement with part-time work and final-year studies, Nicol graduated with first-class honours, becoming the only woman in her cohort to do so. “It was a proud moment, but it also made me realise how few women were entering the field. That’s when I decided to become a STEM ambassador to encourage more girls into technology.”
Building Software for the Built Environment
After graduation, Nicol joined AspenTech full-time before moving to Causeway Technologies, where she now works as a senior software engineer on CausewayOne, the company’s digital platform designed to connect every stage of the construction process, from design and procurement to project delivery and asset management.
“No two days are the same,” she says. “One day I’m designing new features for the platform, the next I’m mentoring junior developers or collaborating with clients to refine their digital workflows.”
The digital transformation of the construction industry has created demand for engineers like Nicol who can bridge technical expertise with practical understanding. The sector increasingly relies on construction software, BIM integration, and data-driven solutions to improve efficiency, reduce waste, and enhance collaboration across project teams.
“Construction is changing rapidly,” Nicol explains. “Digital tools are becoming central to everything, from estimating costs to managing site logistics. Being part of that shift is incredibly rewarding.”
Transferring Skills from Healthcare to Software
Interestingly, Nicol believes her early career in healthcare gave her an advantage in tech. “Dental nursing taught me communication, precision, and how to perform under pressure,” she says. “Those skills are surprisingly relevant in software development, where teamwork and problem-solving are essential.”
Like many women in tech, she has faced moments of imposter syndrome, the feeling of not quite belonging in a male-dominated industry. “At first, I worried I didn’t fit in,” she admits. “But now I see that as a sign I’m growing. Everyone feels that way at some point.”
Inspiring the Next Generation of Women in Tech
As an advocate for women in STEM, Nicol regularly mentors students and speaks at outreach events. Her message is simple: start small, stay curious, and keep learning.
“Don’t wait for permission to begin,” she says. “Build a simple website, learn a bit of Python, or explore coding tutorials online. There are so many free resources—YouTube, TikTok, coding academies—and you’ll be surprised how quickly it clicks.”
She also encourages young women to value all types of experience. “If you’ve worked in healthcare, retail, or hospitality, those skills matter. The technology and construction sectors need people who understand how the real world works.”
Looking Ahead
Nicol’s story highlights a broader shift in the digital construction landscape, where diverse talent and transferable skills are becoming vital to driving innovation. As the sector continues its journey toward full digital transformation, professionals like Nicol are proving that success in technology isn’t about where you start; it’s about where curiosity and persistence can take you.
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