Udemezue John
Introduction.
I often get questions about starting a career in tech when I don’t have any previous experience.
This topic matters because many people feel stuck in their current jobs or unsure of how to switch careers, even if they have a passion for technology.
Today, I’ll share my insights and some helpful tips that have worked for many people.
I believe that anyone can begin a successful journey in tech with the right approach and tools.
What are Tech-Related Careers?
Tech-related careers are a broad and ever-growing field encompassing a wide range of roles that involve technology in some way.
From developing software and designing websites to managing data and protecting computer systems, there is a tech career out there for almost everyone.
Here are some of the most popular tech-related careers:
- Software developers: Design, develop, and test software applications. They use programming languages to create code that instructs computers how to perform specific tasks.
- Web developers: Design and develop websites and web applications. They use a variety of programming languages and technologies to create user-friendly and functional websites.
- Data scientists: Collect, analyze, and interpret large datasets to extract meaningful insights. They use statistical methods and machine learning algorithms to solve complex problems and make data-driven decisions.
- Information security analysts: Identify, assess, and mitigate cybersecurity risks. They use their knowledge of security threats and vulnerabilities to protect computer systems and networks from attacks.
- Network administrators: Install, configure, and maintain computer networks. They ensure that networks are running smoothly and efficiently and that users have access to the resources they need.
- Computer systems analysts: Analyze and design computer systems to meet the needs of businesses and organizations. They use their understanding of hardware, software, and networks to create efficient and effective systems.
- IT support specialists: Provide technical support to users of computers and other technology devices. They help users troubleshoot problems, answer questions, and resolve technical issues.
- Graphic designers: Create visual content such as logos, illustrations, and websites. They use design software and their creative skills to produce visually appealing and effective designs.
- User experience (UX) designers: Design products and services that are easy to use and enjoyable for users. They focus on the user’s needs and preferences to create intuitive and user-friendly designs.
These are just a few of the many tech-related careers available. With the ever-growing demand for technology skills, the tech industry is a great place to find a rewarding and challenging career.
Why Choose Tech?
Technology affects almost every part of our lives. From smartphones to smart homes, tech is everywhere.
According to a report by CompTIA, the tech industry is expected to grow by 12% over the next few years.
This growth means more opportunities for people who are ready to learn new skills and take on exciting challenges.
I find it inspiring that even without prior experience, many have transformed their careers and found fulfilling roles in tech.
The field is not just about coding; it includes roles in design, support, project management, data analysis, and more.
How Do I Get Started In Tech With No Experience?
1. Finding Your Path
Before diving into learning, it’s important to take a moment to think about what interests you in tech. Ask yourself:
- What parts of technology do I enjoy?
- Do I like working with data, or do I prefer creating digital experiences?
- Am I interested in problem-solving, design, or perhaps understanding how systems work?
There is no single path in tech. Some choose to become software developers, while others might pursue roles in cybersecurity, digital marketing, or user experience design.
I suggest exploring free online resources or talking to people in various tech roles to see what excites you the most.
2. Learning the Basics
Once you have an idea of where you want to go, start learning the basics. There are many free or low-cost platforms available that can help you get started:
- FreeCodeCamp: Offers free coding lessons and projects to build your skills.
FreeCodeCamp - Codecademy: Provides interactive courses on different programming languages and topics.
Codecademy - Coursera and Udemy: These platforms offer a mix of free and paid courses on a wide range of tech subjects.
Coursera | Udemy
Taking small steps like learning HTML, CSS, or a simple programming language like Python can give you a taste of what tech is all about.
I recommend starting with basic tutorials and then gradually moving on to more advanced topics as you feel comfortable.
3. Gaining Hands-On Experience
Learning from books and videos is a great start, but putting that knowledge into practice is what helps you grow. Consider working on small projects or challenges. For example:
- Create a simple website using HTML and CSS.
- Try out a coding challenge on platforms like HackerRank or LeetCode.
- Build a personal project that interests you, such as a blog, a portfolio site, or a small app.
These projects will not only help you understand the concepts better but also serve as proof of your skills when you are ready to show your work to potential employers.
4. Building a Network
A strong network can make a big difference when you’re starting. I have found that connecting with others in the field opens up new opportunities and provides a support system. Here are some ideas to consider:
- Attend local meetups and tech events: Look for local groups or events on platforms like Meetup. These gatherings are great for meeting like-minded individuals.
- Join online communities: There are many tech forums, Slack groups, or subreddits where beginners and experts share ideas and answer questions.
- Reach out to mentors: A mentor can guide you through the early stages of your tech journey. Try platforms like MentorCruise to find someone who can share their experience.
Connecting with others not only gives you advice but may also lead to job opportunities or collaborations on projects.
5. Gaining Formal Education or Certification
While self-learning is powerful, sometimes a structured program can help you gain more in-depth knowledge. Consider these options:
- Bootcamps: Intensive coding bootcamps are designed to turn beginners into job-ready candidates in a few months. Schools like General Assembly and Flatiron School have helped many people make the switch.
- Community college courses: Many community colleges offer affordable courses in computer science or IT fundamentals.
- Certifications: Earning a certification in a specific area, such as cybersecurity (e.g., CompTIA Security+), can add value to your resume.
These options can be a great way to get the structured learning environment that some learners need.
6. Monetize Your Career.
The flexibility you get from being in Tech is because there are various opportunities to build a side income that can eventually become a full-time business.
The majority working full-time in Tech would not be in that space in the next decade because they are likely to build their start-ups or venture into a tech business.
The same goes for you as a newbie; not everyone would work in Tech, the majority acquire these skills to start a business of their own, and they do so well; it all depends on where you stand.
There are various tech side-businesses that you can build by anyone who just acquired a tech skill, and they are;
1. Become a Freelancer.
Freelancing is a contract-based profession where instead of being recruited by an organisation, the person uses his skills and experience to provide services to several clients.
Freelancing is when you use your skills, education, and experience to work with multiple clients without committing to a single employer.
Freelancing is one way to start a business in Tech because many companies and individuals would not consult a tech organization because of the cost.
Instead, they turn to individuals with the same skill for help because they will pay less and get the job done faster.
I wrote a comprehensive guide on becoming a freelancer on this blog; click the link to the article below.
2. Start a YouTube Channel.
YouTube’s assault on traditional forms of television shows no signs of declining. The most recent data available shows that the time spent on YouTube has been enjoying double-digit percentage growth. At the same time, time spent watching TV is seeing a double-digit decline.
In the United States, YouTube reaches more 18 to 49-year-olds than any broadcast or cable TV network.
There are upcoming web developers who lean on free resources to get better at what they do, and one source that they usually go to is YouTube.
I was able to switch to a career in Tech with the help of YouTube. Popular Coding and digital marketing channels like The New Boston, Freecodecamp, and NetNinja were among the few tracks that I was able to leverage to enable me to get to where I am today.
Starting a YouTube channel does not mean you are working and dishing out helpful content for free; there are many ways you get rewarded, either via the platform or using your monetization technique.
I wrote a comprehensive guide on how to get started with a YouTube channel and make money with it.
3. Start a Blog.
Blogging allows you to reach the billions of people that use the Internet. Blogging can help you promote yourself or your business.
Having a blog and writing about important topics relevant to your audience establishes yourself as an authority and enhances your professional image.
Blogging can lead to other business/traffic-generating opportunities, such as speaking engagements, press, or tech jobs. Blogging enables anyone with something interesting or valuable to say to be identified as an expert.
Blogging is another avenue to monetize your tech career. As said earlier, many more people turn to the Internet when they need help and the very first place they look out for in search engines such as Google.
Google has more than 6 billion queries per day. So imagine having to answer the question of more than 300 million people in a day and see how far it takes you.
I wrote a comprehensive guide on starting a blog and making money; click the link to the article below to get started.
4. Start a Podcast.
Podcasting is one of the best methods to talk about something you enjoy or are passionate about. Unfortunately, not everyone has the luxury of intelligence to shoot videos and edit them; most are even camera-shy.
You can talk freely and engage with your audience on a personal level. This is an effective way to teach your audience or share your understanding, but it also makes the experience more enjoyable for you.
Not only are you maintaining a personal connection to your audience, but you’re also minimizing the amount of equipment required to start and the overall skill set needed in creating content.
As a new techie, you’ve probably learnt a lot, and if you want people to spread the good news without much hassle, then starting a podcast would be the best bet for you.
Podcasting also brings in massive commissions when you understand how to market it; good money is also made.
I wrote a comprehensive guide on how you can start a podcast; read the article below.
Practical Tips and Motivation
Starting a new career path can sometimes feel overwhelming. Here are a few tips to keep in mind:
- Set small, achievable goals: Instead of trying to learn everything at once, break your journey into manageable steps.
- Celebrate your progress: Every time you complete a project or learn something new, take a moment to appreciate your achievement.
- Be patient: It takes time to build new skills. Consistency is key.
- Stay curious: The tech field is always changing. Keep an open mind and continue exploring new trends and ideas.
- Ask for help: There is no shame in asking for assistance. Reach out to friends, mentors, or online communities when you need guidance.
I believe that taking one step at a time and being open to learning will gradually build your confidence and skills.
Expert Insights.
1. Melissa Gerke, SEO Copywriter Melissagerke.com
Learning tech without any prioGetting is overwhelming and frustrating. Often, you’ll reach one small issue that can easily cause a bottleneck.
I find speaking to someone the best way to overcome these initial problems. Yes, you can use Google. But when you start out learning tech, you need more than answers.
You need reassurance. Speaking with someone who’s been there before you can spur you on your tech journey.
2. Melanie D, Head of Content Spikenow.com
Absolutely, getting started in the tech industry without prior experience can seem daunting, but it’s definitely achievable with the right approach. Here are steps that have helped me along the way.
Utilize online resources such as tutorials, courses, and forums to learn the basics of programming languages, software development, or other tech-related skills.
Practice what you learn by working on personal projects or contributing to open-source initiatives.
Building a portfolio of projects not only demonstrates your skills to potential employers but also provides valuable hands-on experience.
Attend tech meetups, workshops, and networking events to connect with industry professionals and learn from their experiences.
Look for internships or entry-level positions that offer on-the-job training and mentorship. Many tech companies are willing to hire candidates with little to no experience if they show enthusiasm, a willingness to learn, and a strong work ethic.
3. Taryn Williams, Tech Founder hashgifted.com and theright.fit
Despite no coding, I built 2 tech companies by understanding the problems and learning fast.
Here’s my advice:
- Know your limits: Ask for help, learn the basics, but don’t pretend. Find a mentor and upskill yourself through courses and reading.
- Validate your idea: Share it, get feedback, and iterate. Ask tough questions: “Would you pay for this?” “Is this truly a pain point?”
- Build an MVP: Focus on core features, not bells and whistles. Launch quickly, learn from users, and iterate.
- Hire the right people: Don’t stress about coding skills. Focus on communication, vision, references, and cultural fit. Use advisors to assess technical expertise.
Remember, success is possible even without a technical background. Focus on your strengths, learn, and build the right team.
4. Phillip Stemann, Freelancer phillipstemann.com
I’ve been in the tech industry for years and started with no experience, but do yourself a favour: Create your own projects.
In tech, unless you’re Facebook/Google, recruiters don’t care about education. They care about skillsets and practice.
So sit down and practice every day. Set a project you want to build and build it. Document it so you can showcase it. The more you do this, the more you learn and the more excited recruiters get.
So my tip is Practice, practice, practice. Forget about spending time on education if you have yet to gain experience.
5. Matthew Ramirez, Serial entrepreneur and investor Rephrasely.com
For individuals looking to enter the tech industry without any prior experience, the first step is to determine which specific area of tech they are interested in pursuing.
With a wide range of roles and responsibilities available, it is crucial to pinpoint one’s passion within the field. Once a focus has been established, individuals can begin honing their skills.
Taking advantage of online courses, in-person classes, or hands-on projects can help develop the necessary knowledge in coding, programming, and other tech-related abilities.
Additionally, gaining practical experience through internships or small projects can boost one’s resume and provide valuable insights.
Networking and establishing connections within the tech community is also essential for discovering job opportunities and advancing one’s career in the industry.
FAQs
Do I need a degree to start a career in tech?
Not at all. Many tech roles value skills and experience over formal education. You can learn through self-study, online courses, and hands-on projects.
How long will it take to become job-ready?
This depends on the time you invest and the area you choose. Some people may feel ready after six months of focused study, while others might take a year or more.
What if I get stuck while learning?
It’s common to hit roadblocks. I suggest joining online forums or local groups where you can ask questions and share experiences. Often, someone else has faced the same challenge and can offer a solution.
Are there any free resources for beginners?
Yes, many platforms offer free courses. FreeCodeCamp, Codecademy (with its free tier), and numerous YouTube channels are great places to start.
Is networking really that important?
Absolutely. Networking can open doors to job opportunities, mentorship, and collaborations. Building relationships with others in tech can provide support and inspiration throughout your learning journey.
Further Resources
- Online Learning Platforms:
FreeCodeCamp | Codecademy | Coursera | Udemy - Coding Practice Platforms:
HackerRank | LeetCode - Networking and Mentorship:
Meetup | MentorCruise - Bootcamps and Certifications:
General Assembly | Flatiron School | CompTIA Certifications
These resources can help you build a strong foundation and support your journey into tech.
Conclusion
I hope this guide makes you feel more confident about starting a career in tech. The journey might seem challenging at first, but each small step leads you closer to your goal.
With determination, the right resources, and a bit of practice, you can build the skills needed to succeed. I encourage you to explore, ask questions, and connect with others along the way.
What are your thoughts? How will you take your first step to get started in tech with no experience?
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