Benita Chidimma
"There are only two ways to Success, by Grace or By Your
Great Efforts" - Dim-Think
Transitioning into a tech career can be a challenging and overwhelming experience. However, with the right approach and mindset, you can navigate this transition successfully and achieve your goals.
with these few approaches, you can be sure of taking the right step with the right leg:
Research:
To begin with, it is crucial to conduct thorough research to gain an understanding of the tech industry. Learn about the different fields, explore emerging trends, and identify your strengths and interests. Aligning your skills and passion with a specific tech field increases your chances of success and job satisfaction.
Skill building:
Skill building is another important aspect of transitioning into a tech career. Online learning platforms like Coursera, Udemy, and edX offer a wide range of courses on programming languages, product design, and other tech skills. Your learning ability can decide your earning capability, Earning industry-recognized certifications can validate your skills and make you a more attractive candidate. Intensive boot camps can provide a faster track to learning core tech skills and preparing for entry-level positions.
Networking and building experience:
Networking and building experience are crucial in the tech industry. Engage in online tech communities, and join forums or discussions on platforms like Discord or WhatsApp to connect with other aspiring tech professionals and learn from their experiences. Attend tech meetups, workshops, or conferences in your area to network with professionals and stay updated on industry trends.
Internships and volunteer opportunities:
Internships and volunteer opportunities provide valuable hands-on experience in a tech environment and can help you land a full-time job over time. Look up opportunities to apply your newly acquired skills on volunteer projects or freelance gigs. Contributing to open-source projects can help you build your portfolio and showcase your skills.
Portfolio:
Building a portfolio is essential in the tech industry. Create a portfolio website or online repository to showcase your projects, code samples, or design work. Start building your portfolio as soon as you start learning and update it regularly to reflect your latest accomplishments.
Seek Mentorship:
Finding a mentor who can provide guidance, advice, and support as you transition into your tech career is crucial. They can offer valuable insights based on their own experiences and help you navigate challenges along the way. Some communities and organizations make it easier to find a mentor and that is the advantage of communities, it brings far-fetched information closer to you. Look for mentors in your network or reach out to industry associations or professional organizations for guidance.
Develop Soft Skill:
Finally, developing soft skills is equally important as technical skills. Employers also look for communication, teamwork, adaptability, and time management skills in addition to technical skills. Work on developing these skills to become a well-rounded professional. Don't underestimate the value of your existing skills from previous careers.
In conclusion, transitioning into a tech career requires a combination of technical and soft skills, networking, experience, and continuous learning. With the right mindset and approach, you can overcome the challenges and achieve your career goals in the tech industry.
Takeaways
Build your online presence and Connect with tech professionals on LinkedIn or at events. Build genuine relationships and don't be afraid to ask for informational interviews.
Be consistent; Learn, ReLearn, and UnLearn.
Start applying to jobs as soon as you start getting them you can never have all the qualities that a recruiter needs but you can decide on how to present yourself differently.
"Mind you forget about the consequences of failure. Failure is
only a temporary change in direction to set you straight for
your next success". - Denis Waitley