There’s an undeniable gap in the tech industry between the number of talented applicants and available jobs that worries every company. This shortage makes it difficult for most companies to find new employees. Due to this low supply of tech workers amid high demand, most tech professionals have high salaries. That is one of the reasons why people dare to switch careers to enter the tech industry. However, not everyone is into technology. What can these people do to break into tech with zero experience?
Of course, you could complete a five-year Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science, but you have probably already built up a career with a different niche. So, obtaining a new bachelor’s degree may seem like too much time for someone who has several years of experience in another industry.
No career path is easy, and if you want to find success, you can’t take shortcuts. But there is something you can do to switch careers without starting over. Here, we’ll show you the best way to break into tech if you weren’t born a techie.
Find a Related Niche
The first step is to find which career path you’d like to take. Remember that you can either start a career in a completely unknown field, work on upskilling, or combine aspects of your current career with tech skills.
Starting over can be somewhat challenging. You may need to spend a couple of years in a bachelor’s degree program. But if you already have a career, you can leverage your background and create something powerful. Some people would rather find a tech equivalent that’s related to their current niche. For example, people in the healthcare industry, such as doctors or nurses, can dive into the HealthTech sector. Another great example of this is how retailers can develop their career to become project managers.
Another option is to practice upskilling. You don’t necessarily need to have an area of specialization to break into tech. You can simply add value to your resume by learning a tech skill.
This way, you’ll continue to work on what you love, but you’ll appear more valuable to most companies. Hiring a financial adviser is not as beneficial as hiring a financial adviser who also knows about software development.
Seek Out a Mentor
A mentor can be your guiding light, someone that you can look up to for advice or inspiration. If you’re going to start a career in a new industry, it will be useful to have someone to guide you through the entire process. This way, you’ll know which paths are beneficial and which you should avoid. Don’t underestimate the power of mentors. It might be hard at first to find someone to learn from, but once you meet someone who’s willing to guide you, it will be the beginning of a successful future.
Go to Tech Meetups
Tech professionals never stop learning. The fact that you already finished your bachelor’s degree or your coding bootcamp does not mean you will stop growing. You need to become a life-long learner if you’re going to be part of this industry, especially because technology changes fast.
Therefore, it might be beneficial for you to go to tech meetups. Usually, these types of events are centered around big announcements that will shape the future of the industry. So, it’s good to be there to keep track of the evolutions in the sector. Besides, tech meetups are a great place for networking.
Attend a Coding Bootcamp
Once you’ve decided which area of specialization you’d like to pursue, it’s time to go for a certification. One of the most popular methods of breaking into tech these days is by taking a coding bootcamp. Not only are they an intensive form of education, but they will also provide you with up-to-date training.
Most bootcamp schools keep track of the latest tech trends and offer up-to-date curriculums. Besides, you’ll learn everything you need to know about your chosen new profession in a matter of six to 12 months. This is also a good option if you don’t want to spend too much money on training.
Build Your Own Project
There’s no way to find a job if you don’t highlight your skills. It’s not only about what’s inside your resume that matters -- you also need to show recruiters what you can do. It might be challenging at first to find a job in a new career, but if you can impress recruiters, it will be less difficult.
You can start your own project as soon as you get certified. Although you’ll have to pay all of the expenses, it will be worth it in the end. Besides, this is a good way to practice what you have learned.
Networking
Don’t stop networking. Once you get certified, you need to start showing companies your skills, and it’ll be good to have someone who can represent you. Having the right contacts will help you find great opportunities. Think about this the next time you go to a tech meetup or if you meet someone who’s an influencer in the field. Networking can significantly increase your possibilities of getting a job in the tech industry, so don’t underestimate the power of networking.
Optimize your LinkedIn profile
Your LinkedIn profile is an open door for you to find great opportunities in a new career. It is one of the most popular recruiting sites in the tech industry. Remember that most jobs in tech can be handled remotely, so it’s not surprising to see that companies use this site to find tech talent. That’s why you should constantly update your LinkedIn profile and optimize it to increase visibility online.
Conclusion
Do not take shortcuts on your way as you try to break into tech. You should put a maximum amount of effort into building a successful career. Be on the lookout for new ways to make yourself more visible and to develop your skills without having to start over.
