How to Get Started in Tech

Plenty of people, myself included, have gotten into tech despite having no prior tech experience. If you're willing to do the work, I'm here to guide you on how you too can have a successful career without having a tech degree.

The tech industry is filled with high-paying and exciting career opportunities, I'm going to explain how to get into tech without a tech degree and experience.

Research

Before you choose a tech career path, you must do your research. The tech industry is very large and filled with various career options. It is also important to note that you do not need to know how to code to work in tech. I like to break it down into two major categories:

• Coding roles (e.g. web developer, mobile developer etc.)

• Non-coding roles (e.g. UI/UX, technical writer, product manager etc.)

Although coding and programming are among the most in-demand skills in the tech industry, it is also important to know that tech companies are businesses and they also rely on other departments besides software engineering.

Transferable Skills

Transferable skills or "portable skills" are skills that you have developed and can be transferred from one job to another. These skills can apply to various fields, working environments, and industries.

If you're great with people, have good organizational skills, and can work effectively under pressure - project management might be a good tech career path for you.

Resources

There are lots of tech materials and resources online. Choosing the right resource can be tricky. Before committing to a learning resource, knowing your learning style is important. Do you prefer audio, watching videos, or reading?

Now that you have established your predominant learning style, do the following:

• Research resources with materials that follow your learning style.

• Ensure that your resource has a detailed learning roadmap. Effective resources have a structured curriculum and are written and designed in a way that makes it easy to understand and use.

• Test-run resources to see if they are a good fit for you. The first tech course I paid for wasn't right for me and if I had done a test run I wouldn't have chosen that course.

Just Do It

Start from somewhere, just get started no matter how it looks. Choosing an initial tech career path doesn’t mean that’s what your career will always be about. You don't have to get it right the first time. The most important thing is to start. It is okay to start as a front-end web developer and switch to back-end development, UI/UX design, or project management later. You've done your research, identified your skills, and picked your resources, it is time to start learning.

Build Projects

I remember the way I felt when I built my first-ever tech project. I documented it here. Once you start learning it is important to build projects. You do not need to wait until you're at an expert level before you start building projects. Remember, the more you practice the better your skills get, so build as many little projects as you can.

Be Consistent

Ensure you have a genuine interest in the tech path you have chosen. Create a routine that works for you by picking a time slot when your productivity is at its peak and work on important tasks in that time slot.

Mentorship/Tech Communities

Having a mentor can give you a distinct advantage in your career development. Mentors offer support, guidance and encouragement to guide you toward a rewarding tech career.

Finding tech communities who share your common interest can have advantages for your growth. It is also common to find mentors, learning opportunities, scholarships, internships and job opportunities in tech communities.

There are various mentorship platforms and virtual tech communities online. Do your research to find one that fits your tech path.

Other Tips

• Carry out extensive research. You can find what you're looking for online. Do your research.

• Dedicate time each day to learn.

• Work with what you have. If it's a mobile phone start with it. Do not wait till you have a Macbook to start.

• Be proud of your journey and put yourself out there. Engage people on social media, send cold messages, and build your portfolio.

• Set realistic goals and reward yourself.

• DON'T GIVE UP. Keep going.