Technology industry is one of the fastest growing industries today. Even with global pandemic and economic pressures, tech companies are hiring as they are scaling for growth. Therefore, it’s no brainer that if you’re looking for a job in a growing industry, tech industry is the answer. And contrary to popular belief, you don’t need to have a Computer Science degree to break into the tech industry. There are many other roles that tech companies are looking for that is not a software developer role, such as Product Manager, Product Designer, UX Designer, Content Designer, Data Analyst and so on, which don’t require you to do coding full time.
My personal story of how I got into tech
While I had a Computer Science degree, I didn't get a graduate software engineer role with a well-known tech company in the Silicon Valley. I started my career working as a web developer for a small web agency in Sydney, Australia, doing everything from gathering requirements from customers, designing websites in Adobe Photoshop, building backend applications, coding frontend interfaces, to looking after domain name registration, hosting, and so on.
Throughout my career, I’ve had many different job titles that are similar yet different in many ways, such as developer, technical lead, technical director, startup CTO, head of engineering, software development manager, and engineering manager.
I got into tech because I love using my creativity and problem solving skills to create & build stuff.
With that, let’s take a look at how you might plan and prepare for a career in tech in three key stages.
Stage 1: Research and assess
Gather up-to-date information on what roles are available out there and what companies are hiring
- Assess how your resume aligns with skills and characteristics required for those roles
- Customise your resume to best suit the roles that you’re going for, by using the same terminology where possible and highlighting transferrable skills
Assess how your resume aligns with skills and characteristics required for those roles - Customise your resume to best suit the roles that you’re going for, by using the same terminology where possible and highlighting transferrable skills
Stage 2: Take everyday action
- Read tech blog posts, articles and news
- Build your online presence
- Network with people in the tech industry
- Bridge important gaps in your experience via side projects or pro bono jobs
- Be active on LinkedIn and reach out to recruiters directly
Stage 3: Prepare and study for interviews
How to prepare for interviews
- Learn about common interview process at tech companies
- Come up with actionable strategies to help you formulate compelling responses during an interview
- Understand interview red flags and avoid them
- Keep practising your interviewing skills
You can learn more about tips, tricks, techniques and strategies to do well at job interviews in my book, Nail That Interviews, Tips on nailing remote interviews at a tech company.
Take care of your emotional health
Interviews are stressful, no matter how many times you’ve done it. It’s ok to feel nervous. Don’t beat yourself up if you get rejected. Practice self-care activities and prepare yourself mentally for interviews and their outcomes. Have the courage and confidence to keep going.
Summary
To conclude, there are 3 key stages to getting a tech job, even if you don't have a Computer Science degree from a prestige university.
Stage 1: Research and assess
Stage 2: Take everyday action
Stage 3: Prepare and study for interviews
Remember that with consistent effort and determination, anyone can have a fulfilling career in tech.
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