Jumpstart Your Career: The Ultimate Guide on How to Get into Tech

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Jumpstart Your Career: The Ultimate Gide on How to Get into Tech

Technology is the best industry to get into in 2024. There is no denying that nearly every tech job is in high demand. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there are over 1.6 million tech jobs with a projected growth rate of 11% from 2020 to 2030. Many of the highest-paying jobs are related to tech, and the vast majority of them do not require graduate school.

The good thing about the tech industry is that it attracts people from all walks of life. You’ll find individuals with strong social skills, media savvy, logical and rational thinkers, and creative and artistic talents all working in tech companies. 

The diversity of jobs in the tech industry means that no matter your educational background, you can find a position that fits your skill set. In this article, we’re going to go over in detail the diversity of jobs in the tech industry, the skills needed to be productive, and how to get into tech.

Table of Contents

Through Studying

Pursuing a bachelor's degree in a tech-oriented field is a common and effective pathway to enter the tech industry. Despite some conflicting information about the value of university degrees, many large corporations in the tech sector still value and often require a college degree.

Obtaining a computer science degree or similar will enhance your logical and rational thinking. Understanding theory is fundamental for becoming a proficient programmer.

Several majors can directly lead to a career in tech, including:

  • Computer Science
  • Computer Engineering
  • Electrical Engineering
  • Mechanical Engineering
  • Computer Information Systems (CIS)
  • Management Information Systems (MIS)
  • Biomedical Engineering
  • Cybersecurity
  • Robotics
  • Data Science
  • Information Technology (IT)
  • Game Design

However, excelling in your career requires more than just completing coursework. Universities offer numerous resources to support your career development. Take advantage of your university's internship programs and facilities to build your professional network. Joining tech clubs allows you to collaborate on projects and refine your skills. Additionally, working on side projects will sharpen your skills and build a portfolio to showcase to future employers.

While the university provides a strong foundation in tech, the industry also values self-learning and curiosity. For those without tech-related degrees or the means to obtain one, self-learning is a viable alternative. Many free online resources offer practical skills, and platforms like CodeAcademy or bootcamps can equip you with the tools needed to land your first tech job.

Learning Essential Skills for a Tech Career

If you’re wondering where to start in building your tech repertoire, consider learning a few of these skills. Mastering just one of these can make you highly competitive in the job market.

  • Web Design: Every company needs a website. The ability to create a functional and user-friendly website is invaluable. As a web designer, you can focus on the frontend (what the user sees) or the backend (servers, security); some web developers are proficient in both areas (full-stack).
  • Programming: This is one of the most versatile skills in the tech world. Learning how to program is essential for web and app development. Key languages to learn include Python, JavaScript, Ruby, and Swift, along with the theoretical principles behind coding.
  • Project Management: Project managers oversee the progression of projects. To excel in this role, consider acquiring certifications in agile methodologies, which promote effective communication and efficient progress while managing teams.
  • Data Analytics: This involves gathering large amounts of information and determining how to use it efficiently. Mastering principles of statistics and data manipulation applications like SQL are crucial hard skills in this field.
  • Machine Learning: This involves teaching AI how to learn from data. ML engineers create training models using algorithms, a crucial skill in the growing field of artificial intelligence.
  • Cloud Computing: Using services like Google Cloud Platform, Amazon Web Services, and Microsoft Azure instead of hardware to provide networking, storage, and server resources. Cloud computing is essential for scalability, particularly in the SaaS industry.
  • UX Design: UX designers focus on improving the usability of apps. This involves understanding user decision-making processes and making their journey as seamless as possible. UX design is about knowing what the consumer wants.
  • Technical Writing: This involves translating complex technical jargon into clear, understandable language. Technical writing can range from creating guides and documentation to persuasive proposals and reports.
  • Information Security: Cybersecurity involves protecting company assets such as financial resources and sensitive data. Knowledge in information security encompasses cloud storage, cryptography, firewalls, and networks.
  • Network Administration: This includes operating, updating, configuring, and maintaining networks. Learning the ins and outs of network operations will prepare you for technical support roles. You'll understand which networks are best for specific tasks, how much to invest in updates, and how to troubleshoot problems for your company or clients.

Gaining Hands-On Experience

Developing tech skills through practical application is more effective than relying solely on theoretical knowledge. Engaging in real-world projects allows you to encounter and solve problems, enhancing your technical abilities.

Here are some ways to gain hands-on experience:

  • Internships: Internships offer a glimpse into the tech industry with manageable responsibilities. They provide valuable insights into the tasks you'll perform in a tech role without overwhelming you. Most internships are designed as learning opportunities with lower pressure. Utilize university resources to find internships, as alumni often have access to a wide network of opportunities.
  • Freelance Projects: Working on freelance projects helps keep your tech skills sharp and relevant. Many companies have gaps that need to be filled by tech workers. Reaching out to companies and offering your services at a low cost or even as a volunteer can provide practical experience.
  • Bootcamps: Bootcamps focus heavily on the application of skills rather than theory. These intensive programs immerse students in real-life scenarios, providing the knowledge and projects needed to hone tech skills. After a few weeks, you can demonstrate your value to potential employers.
  • Shadowing: Shadowing involves observing how experienced professionals perform their work. Visual learning can be highly effective for understanding technical processes. Many professionals are open to mentorship, so reach out to those further along in their careers and ask if you can shadow them, even remotely through screen sharing.
  • Open-Source Projects: The tech community often collaborates on open-source projects. Participating in these projects allows you to work on real-world applications and learn from more experienced individuals. This collaborative environment can lead to job referrals and further learning opportunities.
  • Creating Your Own Project: Building your own project, whether it's a basic calculator app or a mobile strategy game, is highly recommended. Creating a project helps you identify the skills needed to complete it and provides direction for your learning. It also enhances your personal brand and demonstrates your understanding of time management and the various components involved in the tech industry.

Investing in Online Courses

There are countless ways to learn about the tech industry today. For a more structured approach, consider taking an online course. These courses build skills from the ground up and offer the benefit of a pre-designed curriculum, saving you the effort of creating one yourself. Additionally, you will receive guidance on handling complex topics.

Choose a course that aligns with your career goals. Some courses, designed by university professors, focus on theoretical knowledge, while others provide practical assignments. It's important to understand the differences in skill sets. For example, a project manager may benefit from basic coding knowledge but doesn't need an elaborate course on the subject.

There are also courses offering certificates in business skills relevant to the tech industry. For instance, HubSpot provides free email marketing courses that introduce you to modern marketing philosophies for SaaS companies.

Platforms like edX, Khan Academy, Coursera, Udemy, and Udacity offer a wide variety of courses in coding, cybersecurity, data science, data analytics, UX design, and more.

For beginners, Harvard’s “Introduction to Computer Science” (CS50) is an excellent starting point. Although more challenging than other beginner courses, completing it will provide you with a strong foundation in tech skills.

Another effective program is “The Odin Project”, which combines various media such as blogs, YouTube tutorials, and more, presented in an organized manner. The Odin Project includes small projects to provide hands-on experience, making it a valuable learning tool.

For advanced programmers, consider courses that further develop your logical thinking. MIT offers online courses in software engineering, networking, project management, and more. These advanced courses can significantly enhance your skills if you already have a solid foundation.

Leveraging the Power of Networking

Collaborating with others on open-source projects is crucial for building professional relationships and showcasing your skills. Engaging in these projects allows you to connect with other professionals who can vouch for your abilities.

Platforms such as Reddit, Discord, and Slack are popular hangouts for people in the tech industry. By becoming an active member of these communities, you gain access to current events, job market trends, and various projects. Many people find job opportunities simply by being a recognizable presence in these communities and demonstrating their knowledge, personality, and abilities.

In-person networking is equally important. Look for networking events, seminars, workshops, and conferences in your area. When attending in-person events, keep the following tips in mind:

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Demonstrating Your Abilities

Creating a personal website to showcase your projects is an excellent way to highlight your work. This website can act as an online resume, featuring products you've created or jobs you've completed for various companies. Comprehensive profiles on GitHub or LinkedIn can attract hiring managers to you instead of the other way around.

Starting a blog, YouTube channel, or social media campaign can help establish you as an authority in your field. Even if you are not an expert when you start, you will accumulate knowledge over time, and your platform will demonstrate this growth.

Launching a blog also shows initiative and business acumen, skills that many in the tech industry may lack. Combining tech and business skills makes you highly competitive for entry-level positions.

Engaging in online communities can open up more job opportunities. As you become a familiar face, others will vouch for your abilities and help you pursue your goals. Contributing advice and assisting with projects can also enhance your reputation within the community.

When writing your cover letter, highlight how you have overcome obstacles and use numbers to quantify your successes. Additionally, explain why you want to work at the specific company. Showing passion and understanding for the company can add significant value. Keep your cover letter concise, just a few paragraphs to entice them to read your resume.

Mastering the Tech Interview

Preparing for an interview can be challenging, but with thorough preparation, you can enter with confidence and make a strong impression.

Start by reviewing the job requirements and preparing thoughtful responses to potential questions. Using a flashcard app like Anki can help you practice and refine your answers over time, allowing you to respond with confidence and clarity during the interview.

Identify any skills listed in the job description that you are less familiar with and take the opportunity to improve them. Even gaining a basic understanding of unfamiliar tech skills, general internet knowledge, and in-depth familiarity with at least one major operating system can be beneficial.

Prepare a few anecdotes about challenges you have faced and how you solved them. Employers value problem-solving abilities, so be ready to discuss specific problems and the methodologies you used to address them.

Don't overlook soft skills. Maintain a positive demeanor and make strong eye contact. While it's important to be genuine, demonstrating that you are pleasant and sociable enough to work with is crucial. Provide examples of how you used your communication skills to resolve a crisis.

Research the company thoroughly. Understand their products, goals, philosophy, and work culture. Websites like Glassdoor can offer insights from current and former employees. Understanding the company's culture will help you convey that you can seamlessly integrate into their team.

By preparing in these ways, you'll be well-equipped to make a positive and lasting impression during your interview.

📚 Further reading: How to Ace Your Technical Interview (For Job Seekers & Employers)

Choosing Your Tech Career Path

There are various paths to building a successful tech career. Here are seven types of careers that can lead you to your dream tech job:

1. UX Designer 

A UX Designer focuses on how programs interact with users. This strategic role requires knowledge of the sales journey, graphic design, and UI design. UX designers must understand user behavior, making it an ideal career for those interested in psychology.

Average Salary: $94,000 

2. Product Manager

A Product Manager (PM) identifies gaps in a company's product offerings and helps design new products. The PM coordinates with various departments to complete projects, so strong communication skills are essential. This role suits individuals who excel in time management and organization.

Average Salary: $98,000 

3. Security Analyst 

Security Analysts create frameworks to protect sensitive information within companies. This highly in-demand job is projected to grow by 32% by 2032, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. It typically requires advanced technical skills and suits those who want significant responsibility and to be an indispensable asset.

Average Salary: $112,000 

4. Cloud Engineer 

Cloud Engineers design and maintain data, information, and storage solutions. They stay updated on cloud technology advancements and collaborate with other departments to optimize resource storage. This role is ideal for individuals who excel at keeping their skills current.

Average Salary: $124,000 

5. DevOps Engineer 

DevOps Engineers bridge the development and operations departments in tech companies. They support both teams by identifying and correcting mistakes. This role requires a broad skill set and strong communication abilities, making it suitable for those who enjoy learning various topics and overseeing projects.

Average Salary: $104,000 

6. Tech Sales 

Tech Sales professionals sell products requiring extensive technical and industry knowledge. Individuals with degrees in computer science and IT often transition into this field. The role involves managing accounts, solving client issues, and understanding inbound marketing. Experience in sales from other industries is highly valued.

Average Salary: $99,000 

7. App Developer 

App Developers, often with backgrounds in programming and coding, create applications. They may specialize in front-end, back-end, or full-stack development. Mobile app development is the largest market, but opportunities also exist in desktop and 3D platforms. This role requires patience, logical thinking, and continuous learning.

Average Salary: $111,000 

Conclusion

Tech is an industry filled with numerous job opportunities and ongoing innovations. As the tech sector continues to expand, entering the field becomes more accessible, offering high demand and competitive salaries.

Unlike some other high-paying professions, succeeding in tech requires continuous self-learning. Professionals in tech often view themselves as their own personal brand and make decisions aimed at achieving long-term goals.

Cake is an online resume maker and portfolio builder that provides you with hundreds of resume templates (free download) and various job resume examples that help showcase the best you. Landing your dream job will be a piece of cake!

— Originally Written by Christopher Grudge —

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