In the ever-evolving landscape of career choices, the tech industry stands as a shining beacon for those seeking a path filled with promise, growth, challenge, and innovation.
If you would like to break into the tech industry but don’t have a more traditional technical background, then it might be an intimidating process with a high perceived barrier to entry.
The truth is, that breaking into the tech industry with a non-tech background is not only possible but also highly achievable.
I have been part of the tech industry for about 15 years now, and have hired and worked with several tech employees from entry-level juniors to senior managers and CxOs. I, therefore, understand what it takes to get in and succeed in the tech industry.
By the end of this article, you’ll have a roadmap to navigate the tech landscape. In this post, I describe 10 practical steps that you can take and break into the Tech industry regardless of your background. These steps are tried and true, coming from someone who’s been there & done that.
But first, it is vital to understand what this vast and diverse industry entails, its various facets, and what recruiting managers look for when hiring for junior roles.
The Tech Career Explored
In the fast-paced world of technology, success is often defined by adaptability and a hunger for continuous learning. Over the past decade, I’ve witnessed the tech industry undergo remarkable transformations, and one constant remains: to thrive, one must embrace change and cultivate a growth mindset.
In this dynamic landscape, success requires not only technical expertise but also the ability to collaborate across diverse teams, communicate complex ideas in simple terms, and stay resilient in the face of rapid innovation.
However, the tech industry is not without its challenges. Employee churn and the perpetual quest for top talent are persistent hurdles. With technology evolving at breakneck speed, attracting and retaining skilled professionals has become a competitive battleground.
Yet, the advantages of working in tech are substantial. The ability to contribute to groundbreaking innovations, the potential for rapid career advancement, and the culture of problem-solving and creativity make the tech industry an exciting and rewarding space. For those willing to adapt, learn, and collaborate, the opportunities are vast, making the tech sector a thrilling playground for the curious minds of tomorrow.
So welcome to a highly competitive world, always changing, and in constant need of fresh talent. You’ll be a junior specialist, and guess what? There’s a shortage of talent – that’s your cue!
But, there are some challenges for non-techies 👀 –
👉🏼 No clear paved path,
👉🏼 Lack of formal education/skillset
👉🏼 Lack of proven experience
👉🏼 Too many roles and streams
– all typical hurdles. But fear not, we’ll tackle them head-on.
The good news is times have changed! Degrees are so last season.
Great organizations and managers today don’t really care whether you have an academic degree. The truth of the matter is, that academic training (e.g. a degree in software engineering) cannot keep up with the pace of technology change. Managers care more about your mindset and passion than your diploma. Let’s exploit that.
Step-by-step guide: 10 Steps to Break into Tech
Step 1: Establish the Why?
Alright, let’s begin our journey into the world of technology. When we speak about technology, it’s important to understand that it’s not simply a means to a paycheck; it’s a lifestyle. It’s a realm where your passion should be your guiding light, your North Star.
It’s not just about landing a high-paying job or creating the next revolutionary innovation, it’s about ensuring that you’re in this field for the right reasons. Technology is not just about the outcome or the end product; it’s about loving the process.
It’s about immersing yourself in the journey, learning from each step, and developing a deep-rooted love for the craft.
Step 2: Develop the Tech Mindset
Adopt the thought process of an engineer. This process includes formulating a hypothesis, conducting experiments to test this hypothesis, receiving and incorporating feedback, adopting the valid parts of the hypothesis, and then moving on to a new, refined hypothesis.
This continuous cycle of hypothesis, experiment, feedback, adoption, and a new hypothesis is akin to the secret code for achieving success in the technology industry. By embracing this focused and iterative mindset, you’ll seamlessly blend into the tech environment and be well-equipped to solve complex problems.
Step 3: Develop the Skillsets
Embarking on a journey into the ever-evolving realm of technology can be both exhilarating and challenging. Drawing from my extensive experience in the tech industry, I’ve compiled a roadmap of key skill sets that not only pave the way to securing a tech job but also ensure sustained success in the role.
Core Skills
When it comes to core skills, it’s vital to develop a strong foundation in analytical problem-solving, which enables you to tackle any issues that may arise effectively and efficiently.
Logical reasoning is another crucial skill that underpins much of the work in the tech industry, aiding in the development of sound, robust solutions. Furthermore, the ability to break down complex concepts into simpler chunks is key in managing intricate tasks and projects.
Effective communication, another cornerstone, is paramount in facilitating clear, constructive interactions within a team and with stakeholders. Lastly, big-picture thinking is essential in ensuring alignment with broader business objectives and strategies.
Hard Skills
On the other hand, the hard skills required for a successful tech career include a deep understanding of algorithms. Coding, while not necessary for all roles, is highly recommended as it is integral to many areas within the industry. A firm grasp of technology architectures and data flow concepts is also important in understanding how different components within a system interact and work together. Furthermore, acquiring domain-specific knowledge can provide a competitive edge and enable a more holistic understanding of the industry.
This is not an exhaustive list, but it can be used as a starting point. It’s not necessary to master all these skills. However, a deep understanding of at least some of the hard skills can be beneficial.
Step 4: Develop an MVP – Minimum Viable Position
The first three steps of this process are designed to guide you toward discovering your true passion path. This is an essential component of building a successful career, as it fosters motivation and job satisfaction.
Once you have a clear understanding of your passion, the next step is to target a select number of roles that align with your interests and skills. Examples of these roles might include positions such as software developer, product manager, or IT consultant, among others.
After identifying potential roles, it’s crucial to position yourself effectively for these opportunities. This involves a careful requirements and capability matching process. You need to clearly identify and define the minimum viable position you need to reach in terms of skills, capabilities, and knowledge.
This will enable you to perform the functions of the role effectively and excel in your chosen field.
Step 5: Bootstrap Locally and Get Feedback
This step is all about learning through action. It embodies two primary goals:
- To encourage you to get out there, take action, experience failures quickly, and learn from them. This approach fosters an environment that values experience and rapid learning over stagnation and fear of failure.
- To help you identify significant gaps in your Minimum Viable Position (MVP) relative to market requirements. By getting a first-hand understanding of the market, you can tailor your MVP to better meet the expectations and requirements of your target audience.
Apply your skills and knowledge locally to gain real-world experience and insights. You can do this by:
- Applying to a ton of roles (as defined by your MVP) and try getting a few interview calls. This will not only help you understand the current market trends and demands but will also help you prepare for future opportunities.
- Considering an apprenticeship or internship. This provides a great platform to learn, grow, and network in your chosen field.
- Taking up freelance work. This allows you to work on a variety of projects and expands your professional portfolio.
- Developing personal projects. This will help you apply and showcase your skills, creativity, and initiative.
Finally, don’t be afraid to put your work out there and solicit feedback. Remember, every piece of feedback is an opportunity to improve, grow, and bring you one step closer to your goals.
Step 6: Create a Portfolio
Forget the boring CV. A portfolio is your personal tech showcase. It’s not just about possessing skills; it’s about showing them off with pride.
Unlike a Resume, which is primarily a documentation of your professional experiences and formal qualifications, your portfolio should take a different approach.
A portfolio is a curated collection of your personal initiatives. It’s a tangible representation of your passion and proactiveness. This goes beyond simple claims of proficiency to demonstrate your skills in a real, tangible way.
By showcasing your projects, a portfolio allows potential employers to see your creativity, problem-solving abilities, and how you apply your skills in practical scenarios. It is a powerful tool that can set you apart from the competition and demonstrate your true potential.
Step 7: Actively Network
Build bridges, not walls. Identify target companies, connect with people, and let your passion shine through. Networking is your golden ticket.
The primary goal of networking is to cultivate a robust network of professional contacts.
The first aspect of this step involves identifying your target companies. These should be organizations that align with your Minimum Viable Position.
Once you have identified these companies, the next step is to identify key individuals within these organizations. These could be decision-makers, influencers, or individuals who can provide valuable insights about the company or industry.
The next stage is the initiation of contact with these individuals. When reaching out, it’s essential to ask genuine questions that demonstrate your interest in their work and industry. Display your passion and dedication in your interactions, as this can help to establish a positive rapport and potentially open up future opportunities.
⚡️ Pro tip: Utilize the power of LinkedIn. Unlike other social networks, LinkedIn is designed for conducting business. Users use it to network and often to find talent. Create an impressive LinkedIn profile and use its robust search function to identify potential contacts within your target companies.
Step 8: Leverage Your Network
In the tech industry, the majority of job opportunities are often secured through some form of networking. This could be through colleagues, friends, or even online communities and professional networking platforms.
Make use of your existing network to help you spot these opportunities. This could be through regular interactions with your contacts, or keeping an eye on job postings and discussions in your field on social media or professional networking sites.
Once you’ve spotted these opportunities, you can then leverage your network to help you position for them. This could involve seeking advice from those in similar roles, or even asking for introductions to key individuals in your targeted organizations.
Finally, put forth your candidacy. This could involve tailoring your resume and cover letter to the specific job requirements, preparing thoroughly for interviews, and following up diligently. Remember, your network can be a valuable resource in this step as well, providing insider knowledge and potential referrals.
Step 9: Apply and Follow-Up
While networking is valuable, casting a wider net online enhances your job hunt. Tap into various platforms to maximize opportunities beyond personal connections. Here are two things to keep in mind while applying for the position:
Tailored Application Pack: Craft a personalized application that aligns with the specific role. Tailor your resume, cover letter, and portfolio to highlight relevant skills and experiences. Show how your unique strengths meet the employer’s needs. Quality, not quantity, is key when presenting your application to stand out in the digital crowd.
Also when applying to a junior/entry-level position keep your resume to no longer than 1 page.
Proactive Follow-Up: Don’t let your application disappear into the digital abyss. Take a proactive approach by following up after submitting your materials. Express genuine interest in the position and inquire about the status of your application. This not only demonstrates enthusiasm but also keeps you on the radar of potential employers. Persistence can make a significant difference in a competitive online job market.
Remember, the online landscape is vast, but strategic and personalized effort sets you apart.
Step 10: Prepare for the Interview
Interviews are your time to shine. Nail that “tell me about yourself” question (you are guaranteed to get this as an opener)
When talking about experiences, focus on results. Use the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Results) method to answer questions. Here is a great resource that talks about using the STAR method to ace the interview.
Prepare, rehearse, and bring your A-game.
Congratulations on navigating the roadmap to break into the tech industry! Despite the challenges, success is within reach for those with determination and the right mindset. In this journey, we’ve dismantled perceived barriers, emphasizing that passion and adaptability surpass formal education.
As you step into the tech world, remember your unique perspective is an asset. Ignite your spark, embrace challenges, and embark on a thrilling journey.
Welcome to the thrilling world of tech – your adventure awaits you!
If you found the article helpful then let me know in the comments. BTW you might also like the following popular articles that I have written,
The Tech Industry: A Prime Ground for Building a Successful Career
10 entry-level jobs in Tech in high demand that require no coding