5 ways to start a career in tech

A career in tech does not have boundaries. From web development to app development to product design to project management to brand management, the tech ecosystem offers many opportunities for interested individuals.

So, you’ve decided to pivot into tech, or you may just be thinking tech is just programming and UI/UX and all the other jargons? Or you may be looking to gather more information, before you decide if it is the right industry for you?

What is tech?

Tech is short for technology. Britannica says it is the application of scientific knowledge to the practical aims of human life or, as it is sometimes phrased, to the change and manipulation of the human environment.

The simplest and most accurate definition of tech is “simply taking everyday stuff we do and adding technology to enhance it.” 

Having defined it, you must now realise that there is room for everyone who has interests in tech. It is a sector that covers all aspects of our everyday lives.

Tech fields (non-exhaustive)

• FinTech (Financial Technology)
• MedTech (Medical Technology)
• EdTech (Education + Technology)
• AgriTech (Agriculture + Technology)
• PropTech (Property + Technology)
• LegalTech (Legal Technology)
• CleanTech (Clean + Technology) | Greentech (Green + Technology)
• RegTech (Regulatory Technology)
• WealthTech (Wealth + Technology)
• FoodTech (Food + Technology)
• MadTech (Marketing + Advertising + Technology)

Let’s take a look at a few options on how to start a career in tech. 

1. Build an app

You can bet that not all the popular tech bros became tech bros/sis by learning programming first. They had an idea and they built an app. Think up an idea and consider making it into an app. Build something that infuses technology into what people do. You may not be the builder, but you are the conceptualist, and may be the founder people have been looking for.

2. Learn a tech skill

If you do not have any ideas but still want to go into tech, then learn one or several of the skills that are in high demand in the tech world. Skills like Programming, Web and App Development, Digital Business Analysis, Digital Design and Data Visualisation, Digital Project Management, Digital Product Management, Digital Marketing, Social Media, Data Science and Data Analytics, and so on. 

You can also leverage on the already existing skills you have like graphics design or content production to start.

When considering what skills you should learn for the future, it’s important to think about what will be relevant to your career and what is most desired by companies. Skills like artificial intelligence, cloud computing and blockchain are currently some of the most in demand skills in the tech industry.

Acquiring these skills will ensure you get entry-level jobs in tech.

3. Earn industry certifications 

Getting certified may be the fastest way to break into tech. While a tech degree can take 1-4 years, certifications can be studied for and earned in just a few weeks.

By getting certified, you’ll show potential employers that you have the skills they need. This can go a long way towards making up for a lack of experience.

4. Attend tech events

Networking is not negotiable. One sure way to start a career in tech is to attend tech events and network with those already in the industry. This is a good way to ask questions, make useful connections and possibly get a mentor who already is in a position you would like to occupy in a tech company.

Be willing to learn, engage and ask questions and just fearlessly put yourself out there, you never know the opportunities that may come your way through your network.

5. Be open to new opportunities 

Regardless of whatever industry you currently work in, if you have an interest in tech then be open to new opportunities that may be different from what you are used to.

Also, be open to start at the bottom.

There is are other ways to start a career in tech, but the above listed act as a simple guide to show you how to start your career in tech. 

Tech doesn’t bite, it may sound very intimidating and technical initially, but once you get in while your knowledge and confidence level increases, you will find that it isn’t at all as complex as it sounds. 

Just jump in.