It’s the last quarter of the year and you realized that you are not yet a baller, know a tech bro/sis that barely leaves the house and makes good money, or maybe someone that left the country through tech opportunities but with roles like software developer, web content manager, business analysts, and data analysts, you ask yourself, how do I get into the tech space?
Technology is very fascinating so whether you are in HR, Accounting, or Medicine, you can make a smooth career transition and you do not necessarily need a tech degree. You can get tech skills through online courses or boot camps. This can be helpful because you can focus on specific skills you need.
Here are some specific steps you can take to successfully switch careers in the tech space.
- KNOW WHY YOU WANT TO TRANSITION
Before deciding to transition into the tech space, an important question to ask yourself is what is the motive behind this transition? Am I looking to get more money or explore my creative side? Do I want to help people solve problems or do you want flexibility? Whatever the reason is, make sure that you are ready for the transition, that way you will less likely to change your mind. Write down your reasons so in case you lose confidence, you can go back to it as a reminder to stay on track when things get tough.
- RESEARCH ROLES THAT ALIGN WITH WHAT YOU ENJOY DOING
Knowing what you enjoy helps in choosing what aspect of tech you want to play in. This can come from your personality or your career background. If you love calculations, you most likely want to be in the data space. If you are a creative person, you can look towards UI/UX. If you have no idea about which one to go for, Research tech jobs and what they are about. Talk to professionals, watch Youtube videos or attend webinars about IT careers and technology trends. Go through your LinkedIn network, find someone who has the job you want, and reach out to them. This will guide you on the job you desire.
- ACQUIRE THE SKILL
Many jobs in the tech space do not require you to get another degree in the university, even though a few of them might. You definitely need an upgrade in learning if you are looking to scale up your skill. You also need a trusted tutor to help you learn these skills. Dataleum Academy teaches these skills and the best part is that you get certified too. The point is that you need a platform that can teach you these skills and offer support to help you grow and stay relevant. You also need to have a list of skills to acquire in the short term and those for the longer term.
- PRACTICE
Learning is a continuous process in the tech space, with a lot of unlearning and relearning to do. It is important for you to build a good portfolio. It can come in the form of volunteering, internships, or even part-time jobs. The goal is to keep practicing. Reach out to companies that could use your assistance while allowing yourself to learn on the job. Get your hands dirty and get real practical experiences.
- NETWORKING
Networking is a soft skill that you need to transition to a Tech space. If you don’t have a solid network yet, you can start building one now. One way to start a network is to join LinkedIn groups that are in your field. Check people with profiles that have what you are looking for and reach out to them to network. The more people you add to your network, the more clarity you get around your area of interest. Attend professional association events and networking gatherings. When you’re ready to start applying for jobs, the network you built can prove to be very important.
Reference links
- https://www.comptia.org/career-change/switching-career-path/how-to
- https://youritcareer.com/7-steps-to-transition-to-a-tech-career/
- https://careerkarma.com/blog/tech-career-transitions/
