6 Tips to Transition to a Tech Career
The computer and tech industry is expected to increase by 13% between 2020 and 2030, which is not so surprisingly far above the national average. This rapid expansion comes with the promise of higher salary packages. So, it is no surprise that career transitions to tech are at an all-time high. According to a survey, 89% of people transitioning into tech industries did so in pursuit of higher salary packages. Even though tech jobs pay well, people tend to take an average of 12 months to officially make the shift, which is approximately two months longer than people switching to other industries.
If you are also considering switching to a tech career, you’ve come to the perfect place. We’ll guide you through all the jargon and tech concepts to help you better navigate this industry. By the end of this article, we hope you’ll realize that tech isn’t as daunting and foreign as you thought, so stop selling yourself short and read on.
- Narrow down your career options/Identify your interests.
The tech industry is very vast, with so many options to choose from. To avoid being overwhelmed, it’s best to pick a niche and stick to it. You are free to have your pick from highly technical sectors such as data sciences and cybersecurity to more creative domains such as graphic design and digital marketing. Say you decide to work in data analytics. Once you’ve narrowed down your calling, it’s easier to find the relevant resources to guide you through your niche. You can consider opting for an MBA in analytics. You may decide to pick up a course at your local community college or enroll yourself in an online data analytics course such as that offered by Longwood University.
The bottom line is to identify what stimulates your interest and stick to it. Do your necessary research and then equip yourself with the appropriate tools.
- Identify your transferable skills.
A career shift doesn’t mean starting from scratch. Your career so far has handed you its fair share of life lessons and skills. Take all these experiences and skills with you. Assess all your current skills and abilities and develop a skill inventory. Mark all the skills that may aid you in your targeted tech career.
You can also decide to reach out to a career advisor or coach. Let’s go back to the data analytics example. You may not know your way around data analysis yet, but your previous position taught you great teamwork, problem-solving, and communication, all crucial for a good data analyst.
- Invest in technical training.
Now that you’ve collected all existing resources, it’s time to add new equipment to your arsenal. You guessed right; we’ll now identify all the skills and tools you must learn to excel. The best thing about this part is the vast options and methods to choose from to gain your required skill set. You can easily choose whatever works for you. Whether that be an online MBA in data analytics, investing in good books, or learning the latest AI tools to help you flourish. You can opt for a traditional four-year-long degree, a self-paced course, or a boot camp or workshop.
Be sure to choose whatever works best for you. Your aim here is to learn, not just sit through every course you can find. Additionally, attend workshops and short online crash courses on mastering useful AI tools. AI won’t replace you, but someone who knows how to use these tools efficiently might just replace you if you are not efficient enough.
- Practice through personal projects and freelancing.
By far, one of the most distinct things that set the tech industry apart is the importance of firsthand experience for all technical sectors. You need hours of practical experience to efficiently identify problems and provide compact solutions.
One of the easiest ways to do so is by freelance work. Build your projects and pick up as many freelancing gigs as you can. Build an online portfolio and compile all your best work. This portfolio will later help you attract prospective employers and help you display and market your skills.
- Network, network, network
This one is particularly important. You can be great at what you do, but you’ll lose out on some great opportunities if you don’t network with the right people. Don’t be afraid to call people who you believe can provide you with the appropriate opportunities to grow—network with tech professionals at seminars, workshops, and conferences. Use those extra five minutes with them and know how to sell yourself to the right people.
Networking is also a terrific way to help you find wonderful mentors and coaches who can help you kick-start your tech career. Join groups and attend masterclasses. Learn from the experts in your field through personal coaching and fruitful intellectual conversations and exchange of ideas.
Make the most of LinkedIn and other social media handles. In 2016, a survey revealed that 85% of people looking for jobs ended up getting offers through networking via LinkedIn and mutual groups.
- Build the right mindset!
The tech industry is a constantly growing field with high competition and pressure amongst competitors, and even at times, amongst co-workers. Due to the attractive financial incentives, and flexible hours, you will always compete with thousands for your spot. Hence it is very crucial for you never to stop learning. With newer tools, software, and tech being introduced each day, you must constantly be on the lookout for these tools and add-ons to make your work more efficient and up to date with all the latest trends.
Don’t just focus on your technical skillset and knowledge but constantly strive to expand your soft skills too. You must have expertise in analytical and critical thinking, data management, diligence, and crisis management.
Conclusion
To wrap it up, do not be afraid to change your field if you feel you’re better off working among computers and gadgets. Take this leap into the tech industry but be smart about it. Remarkable things always seem daunting initially, but a little effort and homework can go a long way. Develop a growth mindset, be resilient, and you will flourish in your new tech career.
With a solid foundation in technology, backed by a BIT degree, Lucas Noah has carved a niche for himself in the world of content creation and digital storytelling. Currently lending his expertise to Creative Outrank LLC and Oceana Express LLC, Lucas has become a... Read more