Meet Kieran Dunch: One of Our 30 Faces of YES
After years as a theatre artist, Kieran was ready for a bold new direction — one that would take him from the stage to the world of software development. He had completed his retraining and was eager to start this new career. However, transitioning between two very different industries felt daunting. The rules of the arts didn’t quite apply in I.T., and Kieran knew he needed guidance to find his footing.
That’s when YES stepped in. Through one-on-one coaching with Annalise and ongoing support from the YES team, Kieran rebuilt his confidence and refined his approach to job applications, networking, and interviews. Each session offered structure, clarity, and a space to discuss challenges as well as celebrate wins.
Today, Kieran is thriving as a software developer at Montreal-based Fintech company Otonom Solution — a career he once only imagined. With determination and the right support, he turned uncertainty into opportunity and transformed his passion for creativity into a brand-new professional path.
Interview with Kieran
What brought you to YES, and what were you hoping to achieve at that time?
I wanted a career change from artist to software developer. After having already finished retraining, I was ready to step into this new career path. But where to begin? I was hoping to find a new role as an IT professional and I was looking to YES for help.
Can you tell me about some of the challenges or goals you faced when you first connected with YES? Was there a particular moment or obstacle that felt especially significant?
It was the navigation between two different industries that work in very different ways. As a theatre artist, all of the things that I know about getting hired were based on the rules of that trade, and not about what that journey is like in I.T. I needed help finding a direction and sticking to it.
How did YES support you in overcoming those challenges or moving forward in your career, business, or artistic journey?
Working directly with a coach was super helpful; The coaching that Annalise from YES offered me was instrumental with building my confidence in stepping into applications, networking events and interviews. The weekly checks-ins allow space to vent and talk about the setbacks I was experiencing, and talking to Caroline Gauthier about the relationships between art and business helped too!
Were there any tools, workshops, or insights from YES that made a lasting difference?
One of my main takeaways from YES was the help owning my skills. When completely transforming your life and skill set by changing career paths (and for me, the switch from arts to I.T. felt like two different worlds), it can be hard to feel like you belong in that new field. Feeling the support of others that were invested in my journey, and who had knowledge and advice to share really gave me the tools to succeed.
Where are you now in your journey, and what achievements or milestones are you most proud of?
I am now working for a Fintech company based in Montreal, Otonom Solution! I have been with them for three years, and YES’ coaching was instrumental with helping me get through the door!
Looking back, is there a particular moment or success that stands out as a turning point?
I think one of the most satisfying moments of that journey was when I was able to contact Annalise and tell her that I got the job! All the work we put in together paid off, and now I was ready to enter my new career with a new outlook, and with the new toolset that YES gave me.
➔ Learn more about Kieran’s journey through his 2022 Client of the Month feature!
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