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5 tips on switching to a career in tech


5 tips on switching to a career in tech

Switching to a career in technology can be daunting, especially if your previous experience and education are in a different field. However, within any career change, there are always transferable skills that you will be able to apply to a new role.

With the technology industry growing, the number of career opportunities is extensive, from Software Developers to IT Support, Project Managers, and Data Analysts. All you have to do is figure out which role is best suited to you and determine a plan to get the experience and/or training you'll need to sell yourself. We have put together 5 tips to help you switch to a career in tech.

1.      What tech role best suits you?

Switching to a career in tech may not be as hard as you think. For example, if you have experience in finance, then becoming a Data Analyst would be an ideal career swap. Or if you have a background in engineering, the skills needed for Web Developers are very similar. Be sure to ask yourself questions about what you want for your career swap. How much do you want to earn? Do you want a customer-facing role? Do you want an opportunity to be creative? Do you enjoy working with data? These are all questions that will help to whittle down the many tech roles available.

2.      What skills can you transfer into a tech role?

When considering a new career, to get the best possible start it’s important to consider your strengths and weaknesses. For example, problem-solving is a very desirable skill in tech. Whether it’s in coding or IT support a lot of tasks are solved through trial and error. Communication skills are also essential, every IT profession needs excellent verbal and written communication skills, and email communication will most certainly be a large part of your responsibilities. You will also need to be able to communicate effectively with your co-workers to assist them in resolving technological challenges.

Click here to read our top 5 soft skills in tech for 2022

3.      Do you need specific qualifications?

You might think that you need a relevant degree to work in technology, but this is not always the case. To be successful in the tech industry, there are many different paths to take, as well as required experience and certifications. Find out what certifications are available and how to get them. If you are changing careers, having the correct certifications on your CV might make all the difference. One good hack is to search people through LinkedIn for similar roles and go through their education and certification to get a better idea of what is applicable.

4.      What hands-on experience can you obtain?

As well as sharpening your skills it is important to think about getting hands-on experience. Volunteering, apprenticeships, part-time work, and internships are all effective ways to obtain this. Reach out to businesses that could benefit from your help while also allowing you to learn on the job. Your current company may have a tech department that you can learn from, and ask to take on tech-related tasks that you can put on your CV. The majority of IT positions do not provide paid training at the start of your career, but some do. Look into your intended field to see if there are any opportunities for employer-sponsored training.

5.      Look out for networking opportunities both online and offline.

Networking is an excellent way to get into a new sector. If you have been fortunate enough to obtain hands-on experience through an IT mentor, you should broaden your search and connect with as many tech professionals as possible. Attending specialised events and conferences is one example. LinkedIn is also a valuable resource for online networking. It helps you to keep up with industry trends, learn from industry thought leaders, interact with other users, and network.

One of the best things about the technology industry is how quickly it is growing and how many opportunities are available. Companies are investing their money into the industry and as long as candidates have the necessary skills, they can be considered for the role. Employers value skills, regardless of your background. This means that people of all ages and backgrounds can look into swapping to a career in tech.