Tips to successfully switch to a tech career in 2024

If you are yielding to the many talks of "Tech is the future" and would like to switch to a career in tech, your dreams are valid! Over the years, technology has immensely impacted several lives and has created several opportunities causing people to find expression. However, switching to a career in tech will require you to undergo several processes and make different commitments. While you must have heard different people share their tech journey stories, some must have inspired you and some may have given you the impression that it is a hard nut to crack. Whichever way, it is very much possible to achieve whatever you set your heart to. So, if you are looking to become a successful techie, check the tips discussed in this article. 

Why Tech? 

Before you decide to transition into tech, you need to understand what you are going there to do even though the pressure is real. People get into tech for various reasons and while you are looking to move into tech, find your reason. It is important to constantly have this reminder - "Tech is not a "get rich" scheme which means that you need to exercise enough patience to get the results that you desire financially and professionally. 

People transit into tech for different reasons, such as the opportunity for creativity and innovation, the potential for career growth, the demand for tech skills in today's job market, or the chance to solve problems through technology. Choosing tech offers several benefits - the chance to work on ground-breaking projects, the flexibility to create solutions that impact people's lives, and the potential for lucrative career prospects. 

One thing about the field is that it constantly evolves, providing room for personal and professional development. Yet, it's essential to recognize the hurdles that you might face. During your journey, you might have ongoing skill upgrades, adaptability to new technologies, and sometimes navigating through intense competition.

Read also: Top 5 highest paying fintech companies in Nigeria

Decide on a path that suits you

Depending on your ability, strength, and interest, the tech industry has different paths you can choose from. These paths are majorly categorized into 2 - the non-code tech path and the code-tech path. The non-code tech path consists of roles that do not require you to code or do any form of programming and these roles include project management, product management, product design, technical writing, and technical sales. These roles allow you to do more planning, organizing, designing, selling digital products, and creating useful content. 

Code-tech path, on the other hand, requires you to be proficient in programming language, logical thinking, and deep knowledge of data structures. The roles available in the code-tech path comprise software engineering, web development, mobile app development, data science, artificial intelligence, and more. Assess yourself and see what role best fits you and gets you thrilled so that you can make a decision on which to explore.  

Leverage Free Courses

If you are transitioning to a tech career, it may be beneficial to take advantage of free online courses related to your role. Some paid courses are expensive and this may discourage or make you hesitate. However, free courses can start as a starting point to ignite your interest and fuel your desire to delve deeper into the course. You can take time to check Google for free courses related to the role you have chosen; this search will yield results that you can explore and start learning from right away. Some of the popular online tech course providers include:

• Udemy

• DataCamp

• Udacity

• Edx

• Coursera

• Code Academy

• Khan Academy

Start with what you have

Waiting for the perfect set of resources or circumstances may stall you from moving towards your goals or even trying to achieve them. Leverage the tools at your disposal even if they don't seem enough, at least it allows you to kickstart your journey. If you are interested in content marketing, no rule says you have to make videos with an iPhone, utilise your Android phone if it is what you have; the most important thing is that your progress is being recorded every day you try. 

Have a Mentor 

Switching into a tech career is like venturing into uncharted territory where having a guiding hand becomes important. This is why the power of mentoring cannot be undervalued as good mentors can provide essential guidance, support, and direction ensuring that you never feel clueless. Access to good mentorship also exposes you to a wealth of knowledge that can help you weather the storm in your journey, accelerate your learning process, and broaden your professional horizon. 

Read also: Common requirements for tech jobs

Join a community

Community creates an avenue for great rapport and allows you to tap into a vast pool of knowledge and diverse perspectives expanding your understanding of your role. Also, these platforms allow you the opportunity to ask questions, seek advice, and engage in meaningful conversation with experts and peers. With a community, you know that you never walk alone; you can navigate hurdles, find opportunities, and shoot up your experience when you are with your people.

Sell yourself 

It's okay to let people know that you just transitioned to tech and will be open to any opportunity. Sell yourself, and share your story on LinkedIn. You can also make a Tweet to say something like "I have just completed an intensive UX writing course and am now eagerly seeking any internship role available in this field." Do not keep to yourself, let them know who the new techie is, you just may be lucky to land a tech role. If you are an aspiring tech bro or babe, get into action! It is as possible as you think it is, however, you may want to bring a lot of commitment along. 

Wondering about the type of jobs that are referred to as tech? 

Tech jobs are classified into tech and no-code tech. While they have their differences, all of the jobs fall under technology and some of these jobs include: 

• Software Engineer

• SEO specialist 

• Product Designer 

• Machine Engineer

• Social Media Manager

• Digital marketer

• Social media manager and many others

The tech boom in Africa is expanding, and your thought of transiting is very much on track. So, do all that you need to do - thorough research, start with a course, join a community, take on projects, and build in public.

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