UEFA People stories: Giang's journey from accounting to ICT

Hi, I’m Giang Pham. I was born and raised in Vietnam, studied in the UK and since 2020, I’ve been living in Switzerland. My professional journey began in accounting, but today, I’m proud to say I work in tech as a EURO 2028 ICT Data Analytics Assistant at UEFA.

It’s been quite a journey, and I’d love to share it with you.

How I got into ICT

When I moved to Switzerland with my husband and our 1.5-year-old son, I chose to prioritise caring for my child. But deep down, I knew I wanted to return to work; I just wasn’t sure in what direction.

I came across an article about the lack of women in tech. It struck a chord. Could this be something for me? I decided to try a free online course in web development. I had always thought coding was for geniuses or people who were great at maths. But as I started learning, I realised how fascinating it was. I went from building something small to something bigger, and with each step, my confidence grew.

Even though I didn’t have a background in computer science, I kept going. I carved out time during my son’s naps or while he was at the crèche. Over 1.5 years, I taught myself using free resources online. I volunteered on NGO projects and participated in hackathons, not for financial gain, but to learn how to work under pressure and collaborate with other developers.

Then I discovered Powercoders. Their application process was rigorous; they tested my coding skills, teamwork, and presentation abilities. I was thrilled to be selected for their 3-month bootcamp, where we not only honed our technical skills but also learned about Swiss workplace culture. As an immigrant, I felt incredibly lucky to be part of a programme that usually supports refugees. The experience was empowering and being surrounded by motivated people from all over the world reminded me that we’re all here to support each other.

Thanks to Powercoders, I attended their career day and presented myself to eight companies. I was overjoyed when UEFA (my top choice) offered me an internship, which eventually turned into a full-time role.

So how did I get into ICT? I tried, I persevered, I kept going. I met wonderful people who helped me along the way. And most importantly, I found something I truly enjoy.

My experience at UEFA

One moment that stands out was during a UEFA-wide meeting called Time Out. A survey was presented asking, “Why do you like working at UEFA?” The top answer was: our colleagues. After a year of interning, I couldn’t agree more.

From day one, my manager and colleagues gave me space, trust and time to learn. I was shy at first, hesitant to ask questions. But every time I approached someone, I was met with a smile and genuine willingness to help. My manager encouraged me to network across departments, reminding us that we serve one another. That mindset made all the difference.

Beyond the job itself, I’ve been blessed with kind colleagues who went out of their way to make me feel welcome. From gaining access to tickets for the Champions League final to giving my son the chance to be a player mascot at the Women’s EURO 2025 and volunteering together at the semi-finals in Sion, it’s been an unforgettable experience.

The ICT team at the UEFA Women's EURO 2025 in Sion, SwitzerlandGiang Pham

My advice to women interested in coding

If you’re considering a career change into tech, don’t let self-doubt hold you back. You don’t need a computer science degree to start. Be consistent in your learning and give it a try! There are so many free and paid resources online.

Also, when it comes to networking, don’t feel pressured to attend every event or introduce yourself to everyone. Instead, volunteer for projects, join hackathons and offer your help. You may not get paid, but you’ll build trust, rapport and meaningful connections. Most people in tech are introverted, so showing your motivation and willingness to contribute is a great way to find your path.