The prospect of a tech career can be both thrilling and intimidating, especially if you’re completely new to the field with little to no technical experience. With so many tech pathways available, finding the one that best suits you can be challenging. You might find yourself exploring various paths before discovering what truly works for you. Just as people have different personalities, these traits play a significant role in choosing a tech career. Some individuals have a creative side and may excel in graphic design and UI, while others enjoy technical and analytical tasks and might thrive in coding. Some people have strong management skills and might find success as project managers. The possibilities are endless, and even after finding your niche, knowing how to build a career in it is essential. Here are some tips to help you navigate the start of your tech journey.
1. Identify Your Interests and Strengths
Before diving in, take the time to explore various fields within tech. Whether it’s cybersecurity, DevOps engineering, data analytics, software engineering or cloud computing, understanding what excites you will guide your learning path and help you assess your strengths. Properly research these roles to find out what they entail and the skills you need to thrive in them, and if multiple pathways catch your interest, you can further narrow down your choices by considering the industry, salary expectations, opportunities for career growth and development, and then determine if it’s the best fit for you. Are you analytical, detail-oriented, or creative? This self-awareness will help you choose a specialization that aligns with your skills and passions.
2. Learn the Basics and Hone Your Skills
Start with foundational knowledge. Get acquainted with the basics of the pathway you’re pursuing. For software development, this means learning basic programming languages, researching the top programming languages used by software developers in various companies, and finding beginner-friendly courses online. Fortunately, there’s a wealth of resources at your disposal. Numerous online courses, bootcamps, and tutorials can provide you with the necessary technical skills.
For those seeking to deepen their expertise, platforms like Qurate provide specialized bootcamps in high-demand fields such as DevOps, Cybersecurity, and Data Analytics. These intensive programs combine hands-on labs with live instruction delivered by industry practitioners, along with personalized AI support to assist you when needed. Through this comprehensive approach, you can gain in-depth knowledge and practical experience to excel in your chosen technical field.
3. Focus on Problem-Solving Skills
Tech roles often involve solving complex problems. Develop your problem-solving skills by engaging in activities that challenge your analytical thinking, such as coding challenges, participating in hackathons, or working on personal projects. Strong problem-solving abilities are highly valued in tech.
4. Build a Portfolio
Showcase your skills through a portfolio of projects. Whether it’s coding projects on GitHub, design work on Behance, or contributions to open-source projects, having tangible proof of your abilities is essential. A strong portfolio sets you apart from other candidates in job applications.
Resumes are great, but a portfolio showcasing your practical skills is a game-changer. Build personal projects, contribute to open-source initiatives, or participate in hackathons.
Portfolio Ideas:
- DevOps: Showcase your experience with Infrastructure as Code (IaC) tools like Terraform, Ansible, or CloudFormation. Include projects where you have provisioned infrastructure on AWS, Azure, or GCP. Provide code samples and documentation on the infrastructure setup.
- Cybersecurity: Showcase your skills in incident response by including sample incident response plans you’ve developed. Highlight the steps for detection, containment, eradication, and recovery.
- Data Analysis: Showcase your skills in data cleaning. Include projects that demonstrate your ability to clean and preprocess data. Show examples of raw datasets, the cleaning techniques you applied, and the resulting clean datasets. Explain the tools and libraries used, such as Python, Pandas, or Excel.
- UI/UX Design: Highlight your skills in UI/UX design by showcasing web or mobile interfaces you’ve designed. Include screenshots, design mockups, and user flow diagrams. Explain the design principles and tools used (e.g., Figma, Sketch, Adobe XD).
- Mobile App Development: Include any mobile apps you’ve developed for iOS or Android. Provide links to the app stores if they are published, or share APK files and demo videos. Highlight the technologies used (e.g., Swift, Kotlin, React Native) and the main functionalities of the app.
5. Network and Join Communities
Networking is vital in the tech industry. Join online forums, attend meetups, and participate in tech conferences. Platforms like LinkedIn, Twitter, WhatsApp, and communities focused on your field (like Stack Overflow) are goldmines for connecting with tech professionals. But networking is a two-way street. Don’t just collect contacts, share your knowledge, engage in discussions, and build real relationships. This can open doors to mentors, collaborations, and even job recommendations.
Tip: Embrace the Growth Mindset
Learning a new skill takes time and dedication. Don’t get discouraged by setbacks. Embrace challenges as opportunities to learn and grow. There’s a supportive tech community waiting to help you along the way.
6. Stay Updated
The tech industry is constantly changing. Stay current by following tech news, blogs, and podcasts. Websites like TechCrunch, Wired, and Medium offer insights into the latest trends and technologies. Continuous learning ensures your skills remain relevant and competitive.
7. Gain Practical Experience
Internships, part-time jobs, and freelance projects provide practical experience. Look for opportunities to work on real-world problems and collaborate with experienced professionals. Hands-on bootcamps excel in this area, providing you with the chance to work on job-related projects and build your portfolio while gaining valuable experience throughout the course. This practical experience not only enhances your skills but also helps you understand the dynamics of working in a tech environment.
8. Tailor Your Resume for Tech Roles
Gone are the days of generic resumes. In today’s competitive tech job market, it’s essential to create tailored resumes that stand out. Highlight your technical skills using relevant keywords specific to the job description. This helps your resume get past applicant tracking systems (ATS) and grabs the attention of hiring managers.
Quantify your achievements whenever possible to provide concrete evidence of your impact. For example, instead of just listing your role in a project, specify what you accomplished, such as “Increased website traffic by 20%” or “Reduced server downtime by 30%.” These metrics demonstrate your effectiveness and add credibility to your claims.
Remember to craft separate resumes for different tech positions you’re applying for. Each resume should be customized to match the requirements of the specific role, emphasizing the skills and experiences most relevant to that position. Tailoring your resume shows potential employers that you’ve taken the time to understand their needs and how you can contribute to their success. This targeted approach increases your chances of landing interviews and ultimately securing the job.
9. Seek Mentorship
Finding a mentor can significantly impact your career trajectory. A mentor can provide guidance, share industry insights, and help you navigate challenges. Look for mentors through networking events, professional associations, or within your workplace. Organisations like Qurate offer a mentorship program where you have access to industry experts willing to mentor you in your specific pathway. These mentors can guide you along the way to success, sharing the tips and tricks they used to secure amazing careers for themselves in the tech industry.
10. Embrace Lifelong Learning
Technology is constantly changing, making lifelong learning a necessity. Enroll in advanced courses, attend workshops, and earn new certifications as you progress in your career. Keeping your knowledge up-to-date is crucial for career advancement and adaptability.
Starting a tech career requires a blend of learning, networking, and hands-on experience. By following these tips, you’ll be well-equipped to enter the tech industry and thrive in your chosen field. Remember, the journey is continuous, so stay curious, keep learning, and embrace the opportunities that come your way.
Jamillah Bello
Solutions architect by day, tech content creator by night. When I'm not crafting solutions or content, you might find me delving into DevOps or unwinding with anime.
