If you have found yourself captivated by the enticing glare of technological possibility or
simply wish to make some very good money out of your passion for computing, you might be in luck!
Now is a wonderful time to carve a career for yourself in the world of tech, particularly when considering the mass digital transformation that companies the world over have undertaken in the last few years.
Technology is often at the cutting edge of societal innovation. It informs and inspires, excites, and evolves, making it an ideal option for anyone with an affinity for progressive thinking and a desire to find a fulfilling career path.
However, it can be difficult to prepare for, particularly if you are thinking about a sudden
change of direction in your professional life.
Thankfully, it is far from impossible, so here are some tips to hopefully help you get started on your journey towards a rewarding job in tech.
Education is Key
Education is empowering, eye-opening, and crucial in at least some description to every
aspect of life.
It might be worth turning to the world of remote learning nowadays since it has come an awfully long way in just a few years, and many of the best options have retained every ounce of quality but still comes with all the great benefits of a remote course, i.e., flexibility and affordability.
In order to give yourself the best chance of landing a top-level cyber security job while
nurturing your practical tech skills, aiming for post-graduate certifications should be kept on your radar.
You may want to take a look at Baylor University’s Online Masters in computer science, as this is a superb example of how remote learning opportunities can provide you with the tools necessary to thrive in the modern world of work.
If you can manage to commit to continuous learning throughout life, you will likely be able to stay ahead of the game and grow alongside technological innovation rather than be abandoned by it.
Tip – Math skills are more than just handy; they are somewhat critical in many areas
of the tech world, so it might be worth honing your algebra before too long!
Experience is Vital
Experience is just as vital in the tech world as it is in other industries, if not more so, as
many cutting-edge concepts will probably be working alongside brand-new information, so your ability to demonstrate your willingness to adapt and overcome is crucial.
Many entry-level tech jobs require little to no experience to get started in, and as long as you are within the industry, so to speak, you will no doubt unveil more and more opportunities as you progress.
Tip – Sometimes, taking apprenticeships or internships can be a good way of
introducing yourself to the industry, and once you have your foot in the door, you can
always strive to climb up the ladder! The tech world is rife with opportunity, provided
you can get there in the first place.
It is worth noting that experience and education should not be pitted against one another in a ‘which is more valuable’ contest, as they are both important in their own way, so taking steps to make sure that you can nurture both is a must.
Reach Out Networking is, in many ways, now an intrinsic part of the modern career, no matter how unsavory it can come across at times.
Schmoozing aside, the power of the coffee date should not be underestimated, so why not reach out to people you know in the industry, friends of friends, or even professionals via LinkedIn and ask them if they can give you some handy hints?
Sometimes, advice from someone already in the industry can be extremely valuable by
itself, even if they cannot offer you concrete direction per se.
Tip – Volunteering can be another great way to kill two clichés with one stone, as it
can allow you to gain work experience while meeting like-minded people who wish to
make connections, just like you!
Reaching out can be difficult at the best of times, especially for the introverts among you. It is probably worth bearing in mind that people tend to enjoy talking about themselves, especially successful people in the tech world, so reaching out is likely not a huge deal, and you only have something to gain and nothing to lose from doing so.
Hard Skills
Demonstrable hard skills can add to your strength as a candidate, so it is worth thinking
about which of your own are most applicable to the world of tech. For example, you might want to start by writing a list of your top 3. This might look like this:
The ability to understand and practice coding in various computer languages.
Deep technical knowledge of computer networks and the hardware they operate on.
The capability to use project management software flawlessly.
Once you have your list, it is worth thinking about a time when you had to utilize them in a professional setting, as this can help you answer the questions when your job interview rolls around.
If you cannot think of any professional examples, there is no need to worry, as you can
always talk about how you utilize the software for your personal needs and how you feel you could use it in a professional setting moving forward.
Soft Skills
Soft skills are not to be underestimated in the world of tech, especially ones such as
communication and critical thinking.
Sharpening your communication skills can allow you to put points across with ease, help you to fit comfortably into a team, and generally make your working life a great deal easier.
Similarly, developing your critical thinking ability will likely influence the quality of your work, particularly in areas like data analysis, coding, software engineering, and cybersecurity.
Build Your Portfolio
Say, for example, you developed your own videogame, created an app, or wrote some
custom code for your website, all of this can look great on a professional portfolio, even if you just did it for a laugh by yourself!
Putting together a portfolio is a vital part of becoming a well-rounded candidate, so you
might want to start thinking about your achievements today.
Tip – Thinking about your achievements can put you in a positive mindset, a great
state to be in when trying to branch out into a new career.
