At Ironhack, we're dedicated to highlighting the diverse journeys of our graduates as they navigate the tech industry. Today, we're excited to share the story of Barry Despenza, a graduate who transformed his musical and artistic background into a thriving career as a Product Designer at Flaconi in Berlin.
Finding Rhythm in a New Field
Growing up in a household where music was ever-present, Barry's creative journey began at just seven years old. "My father was a songwriter who was also an A&R for ABC records in the late 1960s. He wrote a famous Chicago hit titled 'Can I Change my Mind way before any of our time," Barry shares with a smile.
Starting with piano and eventually moving to percussion and voice, Barry found his groove early. "I'm a Gemini, so I need to be able to work on multiple things—percussion was the best option. There are so many toys you can play with while keeping a beat."
Little did he know that these early musical experiences were building the foundation for his future in tech:
The patience required to master an instrument
The attention to detail needed in musical arrangements
The ability to recognize patterns across compositions
Collaboration skills developed in musical ensembles
The Transition: From Art to Tech
Three years ago, Barry found himself at a crossroads. With a fine arts background, he was creating but not feeling fulfilled. "I was doing fine arts but not enjoying it and wanted something more practical," he explains.
A simple Google search led him to Ironhack, and the rest, as they say, is history. What set Ironhack apart for Barry was the hands-on, collaborative approach to learning:
The discipline that comes from focused, intensive learning
Experience working on collaborative projects
Exposure to working with external stakeholders
Real-world, hands-on experience that theoretical learning couldn't provide
Within just four months of completing the bootcamp, Barry landed an internship at Freie Universität, quickly followed by his current position as a Product Designer at Flaconi.
Embracing the Berlin Tech Scene
Barry's enthusiasm for his current role is infectious. "I like it because I put people first," he explains. "What I love is how close design is in your everyday life."
His morning routine now includes waking up at 5:30 AM to curate his thoughts before diving into his workday.
"I draw inspiration from the strength, creativity, and resilience of women and black culture. Their stories and contributions are amazing and this is what keeps my heart beating"
This creative approach has served him well in his product design work, where he blends logic, empathy, strategy, and aesthetics—much like composing a well-structured song.
Lessons From the Journey
For those considering a similar career pivot, Barry offers this advice:
"Embrace Uncertainty – Change is uncomfortable, but growth happens outside your comfort zone. Stay adaptable and trust the process."
He acknowledges that transitions aren't always easy. "Life sometimes can be a bit rough around its edges, and we all have a story to tell. A career change is just another chapter in your book."
At 33, Barry continues his own growth journey while working on his own app alongside his full-time role. "I was sure I wanted to be a famous music producer with dreams of a hit record. Now, look at me? I am here in Berlin, working for a beauty e-commerce. Soon my own app. You can do it! Stay strong. It's fun at the end of the day."
The Ironhack Impact
Barry's experience at Ironhack wasn't just about acquiring technical skills—it was transformative on multiple levels:
Community Building: He made lasting friendships, still keeping in contact with three fellow ironhackers.
Professional Discipline: The intensive program instilled work habits that serve him in his career
Collaborative Skills: Working on team projects prepared him for cross-functional work
Real-World Application: The practical approach helped him transition smoothly into the industry
Isabella, his teacher at Ironhack, provided the guidance he needed—something that was missing during his previous self-taught attempts at learning design.
What's Next?
Barry's journey from percussion to pixels demonstrates the beautiful unpredictability of career paths in the tech industry. His story reminds us that our past experiences—whether in music, art, or any other field—can become valuable assets in tech careers.
As Barry continues to design user experiences that resonate and delight, he carries with him the rhythm, creativity, and collaborative spirit of his musical past.
Are you considering a career change like Barry? Discover how Ironhack can help you transform your professional journey. Contact us today to learn more about our programs and join our community of innovators.
