From Zero to Tech Hero: Your Guide to Breaking into the Tech Industry from a Non-Tech Background
The technology sector is rapidly expanding, but there is a persistent shortage of skilled professionals in the field, making it challenging for tech companies to find suitable candidates. This skills gap is expected to widen in the coming years, creating a growing number of unfilled positions. A recent report from Hays revealed that nearly 95% of employers seeking technology professionals experienced a shortage of skilled candidates in the previous year. As the industry moves forward, more individuals from non-tech backgrounds express interest in pursuing careers in technology but may feel intimidated by the vast amount of information available or overwhelmed by the unfamiliar job titles, such as cloud engineer or UX designer. This article aims to provide guidance for non-technical individuals on how to confidently select a tech career path and get into tech.
Choose the Role That's Right for You
Before embarking on any journey, it's important to know where you're headed. The same goes for transitioning to the tech sector. To start, you need to decide what kind of role or roles you want to pursue in the future. This involves taking into account several factors, including your interests, background, desired salary, career prospects, and job responsibilities.
To help you make an informed decision, here's a summary of some of the most popular tech jobs and their expected average salaries:
Data Analyst
Data analysts are responsible for collecting, analysing, and interpreting large sets of data to identify trends and patterns that can be used to inform business decisions. Technical skills required for this role include proficiency in data analysis tools and programming languages such as Python or R, as well as experience with data visualization software. Soft skills such as attention to detail, critical thinking, and strong communication skills are also important. The average salary for a data analyst in the UK is around £35,000 per year.
Data Science
Data science involves using statistical and computational methods to extract insights and knowledge from data. This includes tasks such as data cleaning and preparation, statistical modelling, and machine learning. Technical skills required for this role include proficiency in programming languages such as Python or R, as well as experience with statistical analysis and machine learning algorithms. Soft skills such as problem-solving, critical thinking, and communication skills are also important. The average salary for a data scientist in the UK is around £50,000 per year.
Business Analyst
Business analysts are responsible for evaluating an organization's business processes and identifying areas for improvement. They use data analysis to help inform business decisions and make recommendations for process improvements. Technical skills required for this role include proficiency in data analysis tools and programming languages such as SQL, as well as experience with data visualization software. Soft skills such as communication skills, problem-solving, and critical thinking are also important. The average salary for a business analyst in the UK is around £45,000 per year.
.NET developer
.NET developers use Microsoft's .NET framework to create software applications for desktop and web platforms. Technical skills required for this role include proficiency in C# programming language, experience with ASP.NET web development, and knowledge of SQL databases. Soft skills such as problem-solving, attention to detail, and teamwork are also important. The average salary for a .NET developer in the UK is around £38,000 per year.
Cloud/Data Architect
Cloud/data architects design and implement cloud-based systems for storing and managing large amounts of data. Technical skills required for this role include proficiency in cloud platforms such as Amazon Web Services (AWS) or Microsoft Azure, as well as experience with data architecture and management. Soft skills such as communication skills, problem-solving, and teamwork are also important. The average salary for a cloud/data architect in the UK is around £79,000 per year.
Data Engineer
Data engineers are responsible for designing, building, and maintaining the infrastructure necessary for storing and processing large amounts of data. Technical skills required for this role include proficiency in programming languages such as Python or Java, as well as experience with database systems and big data technologies such as Hadoop and Spark. Soft skills such as problem-solving, attention to detail, and communication skills are also important. The average salary for a data engineer in the UK is around £50,000 per year.
Technical Support
Technical support professionals provide assistance to users experiencing technical issues with hardware or software. Technical skills required for this role include knowledge of computer hardware and software systems, as well as troubleshooting skills. Soft skills such as communication skills, patience, and customer service skills are also important. The average salary for a technical support professional in the UK is around £31,000 per year.
Database Administrator
Database administrators are responsible for maintaining and securing an organization's databases. Technical skills required for this role include proficiency in database management systems such as MySQL or Oracle, as well as experience with database security and backup protocols. Soft skills such as attention to detail, problem-solving, and communication skills are also important. The average salary for a database administrator in the UK is around £51,000 per year.
IT Security
IT security professionals are responsible for protecting an organization's digital assets from cyber threats. Technical skills required for this role include knowledge of network security protocols, experience with intrusion detection and prevention systems, and familiarity with security compliance standards such as HIPAA or PCI DSS. Soft skills such as problem-solving, attention to detail, and communication skills are also important. The average salary for an IT security professional in the UK is around $58,000 per year.
UX/UI Designer
UX/UI designers are responsible for designing the user interface and experience for software applications, websites, and other digital products. Technical skills required for this role include proficiency in design software such as Adobe Photoshop or Sketch, as well as experience with user research and testing. Soft skills such as creativity, empathy, and communication skills are also important. The average salary for a UX/UI designer in the UK is around £53,000 per year.
Product Designer
Product designers are responsible for creating new product concepts and designs that meet the needs of users and align with an organization's goals. Technical skills required for this role include proficiency in design software such as Adobe Creative Suite or Sketch, as well as experience with user research and testing. Soft skills such as creativity, problem-solving, and communication skills are also important. The average salary for a product designer in the UK is around £46,000 per year.
Product Analyst
Product analysts are responsible for gathering and analysing data on the performance of an organization's products and making recommendations for improvements. Technical skills required for this role include proficiency in data analysis tools and programming languages such as Python or R, as well as experience with data visualization software. Soft skills such as communication skills, problem-solving, and critical thinking are also important. The average salary for a product analyst in the UK is around £45,000 per year.
In conclusion, these jobs all require a mix of technical and soft skills, and the average salary can vary based on experience, location, and industry. However, with the right skills and training, these jobs can provide fulfilling careers in the tech industry.
Learn and Develop Relevant Skills for Your Chosen Tech Role
Once you've decided on the tech role you want to pursue, the next step is to acquire the relevant skills. While a four-year degree is not mandatory for entering the tech market, you will need to learn specific skills to perform the required tasks of your chosen role. There are several ways to approach this, and it all depends on your learning style and preferences.
For many roles, there is a wealth of learning material available. If you are consistent and proactive, self-teaching may be a suitable option for you. Numerous free learning resources are available on YouTube and Medium, as well as, affordable self-paced courses can be found on platforms such as Coursera, Udacity, Udemy, Khan Academy, LinkedIn Learning, and more.
If you are more of an extrovert and enjoy collaborative learning, taking a course at a college or bootcamp may be a better fit. Look for programs that provide hands-on experience through working on projects and offer placements or internships, as this can significantly increase your chances of securing a job.
Ultimately, the key is to be proactive, consistent, and committed to developing your skills. With the right approach, you can acquire the knowledge and expertise necessary to succeed in the tech industry.
"Learn as if you were not reaching your goal and as though you were scared of missing it" – Confucius
Gain Experience in the Tech Industry: How to Make It Without Faking It
When you first enter the tech job market, you may find yourself facing the age-old dilemma of the chicken or the egg. Many entry-level positions require one to two years of experience, which can be discouraging for those just starting out. However, there are ways to gain the necessary experience without resorting to dishonest tactics.
Unlike some professions, such as becoming a commercial airline pilot, experience in the tech industry is not solely dependent on the number of years worked. It's more about the effort you put into solving problems, performing tasks, and contributing to projects.
Here are some ways to gain experience without actually being an employee:
· Participate in competitions, such as hackathons, to showcase your skills and problem-solving abilities.
· Contribute to open source projects, which allows you to work collaboratively with others while building your portfolio.
· Perform volunteer and community work, such as building websites or software for non-profit organizations.
· Proactively find problems and develop solutions, whether it's for your own project or for a client.
Find a Mentor
Is it reasonable to reinvent the wheel? Most likely not. Seeking advice from people who were once in your shoes and are now in the position you aspire to be in can save you a lot of time, effort, and even money. Fortunately, the tech community is filled with people who are willing to share their knowledge and experiences to help you make informed decisions.
Finding a mentor is easier than ever thanks to online platforms such as ADPList and MeetaMentor. These platforms connect you with hundreds of experienced community members who are willing to share their expertise with you free of charge. While you may already know people among your friends and family who can offer advice, connecting with a mentor in the tech industry can be especially valuable.
Through ADPList, you can even book a session with me. As someone who came from a non-tech background, I enjoy helping others transition into tech and find their dream jobs. Don't be afraid to reach out and connect with someone who can help guide you on your journey to success.
Build your Network
One of the most effective ways to break into the tech industry is through referrals and networking with people you already know. If you have connections in the industry, your chances of landing a job are significantly higher. However, if you don't have any connections, it's essential to start building your network. It's important to note that networking is not about exploiting others, but about building mutually beneficial relationships. To build a sustainable and efficient network, learn to offer something of value before you take from others.
Networking opportunities can arise unexpectedly, such as meeting someone at a bar who happens to work at a tech company and is recruiting for your role. However, there are also events specifically designed for networking, such as meetups and recruiting company events. Joining relevant communities and engaging in discussions can also help you add key people to your network.
Social media platforms, particularly LinkedIn, provide opportunities to connect with new people, but a true connection goes beyond having them in your list of contacts. Don't be afraid to start a conversation, ask for a video call or meet for a cup of coffee to build a genuine relationship.
Remember, building a network takes time and effort, but it's an investment that can pay off in the long run.
Prepare your CV, Master your Story
Crafting an impressive resume or portfolio is a crucial aspect of the job search process. Without a strong and compelling document, you may not even get the chance to showcase your skills and experience to potential employers. Therefore, it's important to dedicate time and effort to create an effective resume that showcases your accomplishments and qualifications.
It's important to keep in mind that hiring managers often review numerous resumes and may only spend a few minutes on each one. Therefore, it's important to create a document that quickly and effectively highlights your strengths and achievements. I'll be sharing a blog post here soon on how to create an outstanding resume, so be sure to subscribe to get notified when it's available.
Stay Motivated
Finally, it's important to remember that the competition for high-paying roles at well-known tech companies is fierce, and while there are many opportunities out there, you will need to stay motivated and consistent on your journey. It's important to regularly remind yourself of your aspirations and celebrate small achievements along the way. This will help you stay focused and motivated as you work towards your ultimate goal.
Wrap Up
To wrap things up, the technology industry is rapidly expanding, but there is a shortage of skilled professionals, creating a growing number of unfilled positions. However, the article provides guidance for non-technical individuals on how to confidently select a tech career path and get into tech. By summarizing some of the most popular tech jobs and their expected average salaries, this article helps individuals to make informed decisions based on their interests, background, desired salary, career prospects, and job responsibilities. Ultimately, with the right information and mindset, anyone can start a career in tech, regardless of their educational background or previous work experience.