You've hit a roadblock in your career. (Or maybe your interest changed!)
Now, you want to switch from a non-tech to a tech career.
This transition can seem overwhelming and challenging. And it is!
But with the right strategy and mindset, you can successfully make this jump and end up landing a great job that pays well, aligns with your interests, and makes you feel content.
So, how do you really transition from a non-tech background to a tech career?
Follow these tips:
Identify Your Transferable Skills
Start by taking stock of the skills you’ve developed in past jobs or education that technology teams need.
Are you an ace communicator with years of experience in marketing? A good multi-tasker from managing executive calendars? A data geek from budget forecasting?
List down these strengths and determine which tech roles tap into them.
A project manager’s coordination talents may thrive in overseeing software developers.
A retailer’s analytics skills could shine as a business intelligence analyst.
Emphasize those transferable abilities in your application materials rather than your technical gaps. For most roles, you’ll pick up the required hands-on skills on the job.
Lead with the value you already bring.
Upskill with Online Courses
Supplement your core strengths by developing basic tech fluency through online learning platforms.
Whether you aim to code software or extract insights from data, interactive courses can build relevant capabilities.
Look for courses that map to your target role’s skillset.
Aspiring web developers should gain a deeper understanding of HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.
Future data analysts need Python, SQL, and Tableau fundamentals.
Prioritize courses with practical projects that resemble real work.
Applying new coding or analytics knowledge to tangible assignments reinforces learning and yields shareable work samples.
Network and Seek Mentorship
Attend local Meetup groups, conferences, and virtual events to start putting names to faces.
Engage in forums and online communities to tap the minds of those already in the field.
Seek out a mentor who can share their tech career path, provide candid advice, and make introductions.
Try arranging informational interviews with professionals who have roles you aspire to. Over coffee or a video chat, pick their brains.
These connections offer insider intel about company cultures, the demand for various skill sets, and how to stand out as an applicant.
The relationships developed can fast-track you past the resume screening stage when you do apply.
Gain Practical Experience
While degrees and online courses carry weight, practical experience is still pivotal.
Look for opportunities to use your new tech skills on real-life projects. For example, offer to help a local non-profit overhaul its website in return for a testimonial.
Volunteer to build a relative’s business, a simple customer database.
Contribute to open-source projects to sharpen your skills and have published work to show employers.
Sign up for weekend hackathons to collaborate with techies on intensive coding challenges.
These experiences don’t have to be extensive or fancy. They show initiative, applied skills, and passion for the work – all appealing to tech hiring managers.
Tailor Your Job Search
With tech skills and experience, create resumes and cover letters that play up relevant strengths.
Use industry terms and highlight completed technical projects and training.
Don’t self-reject from stretch roles. Tech companies value diverse teams with multifaceted skill sets. They’re often eager to upskill applicants with strong core competencies like communication, analytics, and project coordination.
Consider interim roles like associates, assistants, or interns. They provide hands-on exposure and pave the way for more advanced positions later.
Final Thoughts
Pivoting to a tech career is very feasible for non-technical professionals. The keys are thoughtful skill-building through online courses and real-world applications.
Remember that your well-rounded experience can bring tremendous value to tech teams that need varied perspectives. Sell your transferable abilities.
With the consistent effort to upskill and get your foot in the door, you can leverage your background as a springboard to a rewarding technology career.
No comments yet