How to Switch to a Career in Tech with no Previous Experience: A Step-by-Step Guide
It is never too late to consider changing to a career in the tech industry. Regardless of why you might want to try a new career, there are some absolute essentials that you need to take on board in order to switch. Changing careers can be overwhelming if you do not have advice to help you take the right step, so here is a step-by-step guide to how to successfully transition into a new and accomplished tech career.
Identify Your Transferrable Skills
The first thing to do is to evaluate if you have what it takes to succeed in a new career. So, it is advised that you conduct a SWOT analysis. This entails understanding your Strengths, Weaknesses, the Opportunities and the Threats to success. The benefit of doing this is that it will help you understand yourself better and the job that will suit your unique abilities the best.
There are lots of transferable skills you may have that can apply to a career in tech. You can identify these by looking at roles and matching them to the skills you already have; they often include skills relating to things like analysing data, or working with stakeholders.
The soft and technical skills you already possess, form the foundation for developing other skills.
Find a Tech Role That Interests You
It’s also essential to understand your reasons and motivations for switching. Do you need more fulfilment? Do you want to take on a new challenge? Then, research career options to find the one that suits you the best. It needs to align with your interests and desires. Some of the most popular areas include data science and software engineering.
Your research should cover the nature of the job, educational requirements, required skills, technicalities of the profession, and job prospects. Conducting thorough research allows you to fully understand the career you are about to enter and be realistic in the area you choose.
Acquire the Appropriate Technical Knowledge and Skills
In order to acquire the appropriate Technical Knowledge and Skills, you can attend tech training workshops to learn more about the role and to develop your skills, which should provide the following benefits:
gaining a greater understanding of the technological aspects of the job
getting a leg up on the competition with these transferable skills
you will meet like-minded classmates and make new connections which is a vital part of finding employment in the professional sphere
the interaction with others will provide you with wider awareness and insight into the industry
as well as expanding your knowledge, an increased ability to adapt and to develop new skill sets.
Develop Other Vital Technical and Soft Skills
Depending on the role, you may need knowledge of computer programming, databases, process modelling, architecture and more. Research the skills you need and look to develop them further. Soft skills such as analytical and critical thinking, time management, and attention to detail are always important.
A tech career requires expertise in more than a few areas. You’ll need to be conversant with using office apps, such as Microsoft Office Suite and Google Workspace, video conferencing apps such as Zoom and Skype, and online collaborative software, such as Asana, for project management. These skills are vital across most industries today.
Network with Tech Professionals
Networking with other tech professionals via conferences, seminars, and workshops makes it easier for you to learn about tech careers and break into the industry. It also helps you find mentors and experts who can help you make the most out of your tech journey.
Joining mastermind groups will enable you to learn from experts in your field. This is a group of five or six people who meet to give each other two-way advice and support. They can also include presentations, discussing personal issues and brainstorming.
“It is a “meeting of the minds” – a place where you can speak the truth and expect it in return.”
Source: Tony Robbins
“Networking is the most successful way of finding a meaningful job and attaining career success. 80% of professionals find networking essential to their career success, almost 100% believe that face-to-face meetings build stronger long-term relationships, and 41% want to network more often.”
Source: https://www.apollotechnical.com/networking-statistics/
You can also use social media platforms such as LinkedIn to connect with tech professionals.
Build a Portfolio and add it to your CV
Digital portfolios are important tools for job seekers in any industry, enabling you to demonstrate your work and skills in a way that is easily accessible. You should use your portfolio to showcase any relevant work, skills or experience that you are proud of, as well as:
· achievements
· certificates
· projects
· peer recommendations
This will help increase your visibility and build your online presence, providing prospective employers with a view of who you are and why how you could be a valuable member of their team.
Your digital portfolio should be an extension of your job application or CV, enabling you to market yourself beyond your cover letter or CV and setting you apart from fellow applicants.
In terms of your CV, you should include details of how to access your digital portfolio on here and tailor you it to match your preferred tech job. It needs to contain the basics, including your education, experience, relevant technical/IT and soft skills, and other tech-related certifications. Make it visually appealing and straight to the point. You can enhance your CV by taking on personal tech projects and developing new skills.
Join a Technology Academy
Joining a technology academy is a great move for someone with no previous experience of working in tech. The reason for this is that they will train you in the technology skills, processes and tools that you need, before integrating you into a company that suits you best.
Corecom Technology Academy (CTA) is an inclusive and diverse technology academy. Nurturing the best talent and the best training, the company is truly inclusive, and provides you with a path into the tech industry. We will train you in a range of technology, processes and tools that meet the needs of Corecom’s clients, and then work with you to integrate you into suitable projects and teams. Not only that, CTA will support you throughout your academy journey with a mentor and you will be provided with continuous training to ensure that you are continually developing.
Tech is hot. Tech is fast moving. Tech is experiencing fast paced and exciting changes. It could just be the best move you ever make.