Udemezue John
Introduction.
The tech world is booming, and opportunities abound for those with the right skills. But what if you’re starting from scratch, with no formal tech training or experience?
Fear not, aspiring techie! This guide will equip you with the knowledge and resources to launch your journey into the exciting world of technology.
Breaking into tech with no experience requires dedication, resourcefulness, and the willingness to learn.
By following these tips, building your skills, and actively engaging with the tech community, you’ll be well on your way to landing your dream tech job!
Ready to dive in? Stay tuned for the next part of this guide, where we’ll explore specific resources, learning paths, and tips to navigate your tech career journey!
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 Should I Switch Careers To Tech-Related Ones?
Are you feeling restless in your current career? Do you crave a dynamic, challenging, and future-proof path? If so, then the tech industry might be beckoning you.
But before you dive headfirst into coding bootcamps and online courses, let’s explore some compelling reasons why a tech career switch could be your best move:
1. Ride the Wave of Innovation.
Technology is woven into the fabric of our lives, and its constant evolution creates a never-ending stream of exciting opportunities.
As a tech professional, you’ll be at the forefront of progress, working on cutting-edge solutions that shape the future.
From artificial intelligence to cybersecurity, the possibilities are endless, and your work will have a tangible impact.
2. Unlock Your Earning Potential.
The tech industry is known for its competitive salaries and rapid career progression. With a strong skillset and a willingness to learn, you can climb the ladder quickly, enjoying financial stability and the rewards of your hard work.
Additionally, the demand for skilled tech talent far exceeds the supply, giving you leverage in negotiations and job security.
3. Embrace Flexibility and Freedom.
Gone are the days of rigid schedules and office cubicles. Many tech companies offer flexible work arrangements, remote work options, and generous vacation policies.
This allows you to create a work-life balance that suits your needs, fostering creativity, productivity, and overall well-being.
4. Find Your Niche and Be Creative.
The tech industry isn’t just about coding. It’s a world of diverse roles, from design and marketing to data science and project management.
Whether you’re analytical, artistic, or a problem-solver, there’s a tech niche that aligns with your skills and passions.
This variety ensures you can find a fulfilling career that leverages your unique talents.
5. Invest in Your Future.
The tech industry is booming, with no signs of slowing down. By making the switch, you’re investing in a future-proof career with long-term stability and growth potential.
The skills you acquire will remain relevant for years to come, opening doors to exciting opportunities across various sectors and industries.
6. Variety of job roles.
The tech industry offers a wide variety of job roles and specializations, which means that you can find a role that aligns with your skills, interests, and goals.
Whether you prefer working with data, building software, managing projects, or designing user interfaces, there is a tech role that can suit your preferences.
7. Learning opportunities.
The tech industry is always evolving, and there are always new technologies and skills to learn. This means that you can continue to develop your skills and knowledge throughout your career, keeping your work interesting and challenging.
8. Ability to work on innovative projects.
The tech industry is known for its focus on innovation and creativity, which means that you can work on cutting-edge projects and products that push the boundaries of what is possible.
9. Job security.
Due to the high demand for skilled tech professionals, the tech industry is relatively stable and less prone to layoffs than other industries.
This means that once you have established yourself in a tech career, you can enjoy greater job security and stability.
10. Flexibility to work remotely.
Many tech jobs offer the option to work remotely or have flexible schedules, which can be ideal for those who prefer a more flexible work-life balance or have other commitments.
Remote work became mainstream in 2020, after the pandemic, and since that time, it has been part of the working culture in companies across the globe.
According to data by recruitment specialist Ladders, three million jobs became permanently remote in Q4 2021 due to various factors, including cutting down the cost of workspace and the aftermath of the pandemic.
11. It’s easy to learn.
Anyone can learn to code with or without a degree, gone are the days when nerds were seen as gods, though they still are, to a certain extent, anyone can go into the field without feeling special.
Coding is thought to be challenging because it’s new to all of us. Adults went to school learning about all the things they thought they’d ever need to learn, and Coding wasn’t one of those things.
And for kids and teens still in school today, Coding isn’t taught in most places, so it becomes problematic if they need to find alternative opportunities to gain experience in Coding.
All you need to get started with Coding is a computer, an active internet connection and resources at your disposal.
If web development is your desired career path, you can start by building simple websites in HTML, CSS and Javascript. This knowledge would be enough to sustain you and get you a high-paying job.
How Do I Get Started In Tech With No Experience?
The tech industry is known for its high demand for skilled professionals, which has created many opportunities for those interested in starting a career in tech.
However, getting started in tech can be challenging, especially if you have no prior experience or background in the field.
In this article, we will discuss some tips and strategies for getting started in tech with no experience.
1. Identify your interests.
The tech industry is vast, and there are many specializations and job roles to choose from. Therefore, it is important to identify your interests and skills to determine which areas of tech are best suited for you.
Some questions to ask yourself include: What aspects of tech interest me the most? Do I prefer working with hardware or software? What skills do I already have that can transfer to a tech career?
2. Choose Your Career Path.
Before venturing into Tech, the first thing you need to do is choose your career pathways. I tell people who are scared of getting a career in tech that you don’t necessarily need to know how to code before starting in Tech.
We have Coding tech careers and No-coding tech careers; it all depends on you to choose which ones suit you.
If you feel you are the type who doesn’t like to code, you can decide to venture into a No-Coding career in Tech; that way, you can stay in your comfort zone and still have a fantastic job in Tech.
It has even been discovered that No-coding tech careers earn way better than Coding tech careers and are much in demand than their coding counterparts.
1. Coding Tech Careers.
Coding tech careers are tech careers that require the person in question to master the basics of Coding before getting started with them.
In coding tech careers, you need to learn how to code in one or more languages, and most of the time, you get started with HTML, CSS and Javascript. Various tech jobs under this category are listed below.
1. Web Development.
Web development refers to the building, creating, and maintaining of websites. It includes web design, web publishing, web programming, and database management.
It is the creation of an application that works over the internet, called a website or web app. Web development has three phases; you can choose either one or still decide to learn all of them. These phases include frontend development, backend development and mobile app development.
Frontend development deals with user interfaces and interactions. Software technologies used in this phase include HTML, CSS and javascript. As a front-end web developer, all you are concerned about is how beautiful and interactive you want your website to be.
On the other hand, backend development deals with how databases are supposed to be interacted with. As a backend web developer, all you are concerned about is how databases interact, and secured data should be.
Technologies seldom used in this phase include; High-level programming languages such as Python, PHP, Scala, Javascript, Ruby and many more.
Lastly, the final phase in web development is called Mobile development. This phase deals with mobile app creations such as Android, IOS and other operating systems that might be in operation when you are reading this article.
Mobile app development is tricky because they are developed with similar tools used in frontend development.
I wrote a comprehensive guide on this blog on how to get started with web development as a beginner; follow the link to the article below.
2. Data science.
Data science merges multiple fields, including statistics, scientific methods, artificial intelligence (AI), and data analysis, to pull value from a set of raw data derived from a particular source.
Those who practice data science are called data scientists. They combine skills to analyze data collected from the web, smartphones, customers, sensors, and other sources to derive actionable insights.
Data science encompasses preparing data for analysis, including cleansing, aggregating, and manipulating the data to perform advanced data analysis.
Data science is quite complex when it comes to including it as a coding tech skill or as a No-Coding tech skill.
You need to know a little about Coding to become a data scientist; languages such as Python and R play a significant role in becoming a data scientist.
3. Robotics.
Robotics is a science that produces machines, called robots, that substitute for human actions. Anyone can become a professional robotics developer because it requires a great deal of software. Robotics is a branch of engineering that involves the conception, design, manufacture and operation of robots.
The objective of the robotics field is to create intelligent machines that can assist humans in a variety of ways. Software tools like Arduino and raspberry pi are among the best options for getting started with robotics. Also, note that you need to know a particular programming language before diving into robotics.
4. Machine Learning.
Machine learning is an application of artificial intelligence (AI) that provides systems with the ability to learn and improve from experience without being programmed.
Machine learning focuses on developing computer programs that can access data and use it to learn for themselves.
The process of learning begins with observations or data, such as examples, direct experience, or instruction, to look for patterns in data and make better decisions in the future based on the criteria that we provide.
Machines learning is one aspect of Tech that is still in its infancy but is expected to mature much faster in recent years.
Machine learning is everywhere around us; we can find them on search engines (Google, Yahoo, Bing), social media(Facebook, Twitter and Instagram), etc.
Machine learning also has numerous applications in various aspects of life, such as agriculture, security, manufacturing, health and many more.
You do not need a degree to become a Machine learning developer because it is not taught in traditional universities.
Anyone can become a machine learning expert without attending college; you can decide to learn it independently. Various companies have agreed to come up with machine learning projects that allow you to develop without hassle.
To get started with machine learning as a beginner, you need to know some programming knowledge in Python.
2. Non-Coding Tech Careers.
Non-coding tech careers are tech pathways that do not require the person in question to master any coding skills.
These careers are tech-based but don’t require any level of technicality but basic knowledge of computing is a must. You should be able to work with a computer at least before venturing into this space.
1. Become a Product Manager.
Product management is an organizational function tasked with overseeing the development lifecycles of a company’s products.
Everything a Product Manager does is related to delivering a successful product. That means they are responsible for defining and coordinating all activities needed to bring a product to market.
This can include customer and user research, identifying market opportunities, revenue and pricing modelling, road mapping, and more.
PMs have an intimate understanding of both consumer desires and business goals.
The truth is that someone needs to oversee the software developers in a company; not all software developers understand the business side of things, less alone the customers.
However, a product manager must identify these difficulties and try as much as possible to bridge the gap to enable a unique workflow for the company.
Most product managers were previously web developers and had an understanding of sales.
You don’t need to learn code to become a product manager; you need to understand the business and the logical side of things to become one.
2. Digital Marketing.
Digital marketing is selling products and services through channels such as social media, SEO and Email marketing.
Some people say digital marketing involves electronic devices; I’m afraid I have to disagree because electronic devices such as TV and Radio do not provide you with insights and data about how your campaign fared.
One reason why it is called digital marketing is that advertisers have access to data and insights.
Digital marketing is one hot skill in Tech that will continue to be around as long as the tech industry continues to flourish.
The good news is that acquiring a digital marketing skill does not require you to learn to code.
As long as I am concerned, anyone can pick up digital marketing in less than three weeks, and with hands-on, real-life experience in six months, you are ready to start building a career in Tech.
Anyone can kick start a career in digital marketing using free resources on YouTube and free resources available online. One of these resources I recommend anyone access is Google Digital skills garage.
The Google digital skills garage is a free hosted course by Google, which teaches you all you need to know in digital marketing and certifies you in the end.
I wrote a comprehensive guide on kickstarting your career in digital marketing; click the link below to the article to get started.
3. UI/UX Designers.
UX and UI design are two different elements of a single consumer experience. UX refers to the user experience, which focuses on how something works and how people interact.UI, or user interface, focuses on the look and layout. So put, a UI/UX designer is someone who designs how a web application works and looks.
Look at those apps and software products you use in your day-to-day life; someone designed the workflow and design of that app on software before it was handed over to the software development team to complete.
You do not need coding knowledge to become a UI/UX designer; you need a basic understanding of how users feel and interact with your proposed web platform.
Lastly, you need to get familiar with tools that help you sketch these things out, and one of them is the use of Adobe XD and many others.
3. Develop your skills.
Once you have identified your interests, the next step is to develop your skills in the areas of tech that you are most interested in.
There are many resources available online that offer free or low-cost training in areas such as coding, data analysis, cybersecurity, and more.
Consider taking online courses or attending boot camps to learn new skills and gain hands-on experience.
3. Build a portfolio.
One way to showcase your skills and experience is to build a portfolio of projects and work samples. This can include coding projects, data analysis reports, or design samples, depending on your area of interest.
Creating a portfolio can help you stand out to potential employers and demonstrate your ability to apply your skills to real-world problems.
A portfolio is a website that shows your skills, abilities, and the quality of your work for prospective employers to see.
When getting hired as a web developer, a portfolio of your best project would help you get past various screen hurdles.
A resume has its time and place, but a portfolio is where you show (not tell) what you can do; most times, having a hosted portfolio as a techie enables you to show off your resume and your work profile.
Having a hosted portfolio website can help you stand out. It demonstrates your commitment and dedication to showcasing your work.
It’s also an opportunity for you to represent your work in the best light possible and show your personality.
Anyone can create a portfolio, even no-coders can utilize the help of website builders, and if you have some coding skills under your belt, you can get a free hosting platform like Vercel to help you get started.
I wrote a comprehensive guide on this blog on some of the best website builders alive; check it out in the article below.
4. Participate in tech communities.
Participating in tech communities can help you stay up-to-date on industry trends and connect with other professionals in the field.
Consider joining online forums or attending local tech meetups to network and learn from others.
5. Apply for internships or entry-level positions.
Internships or entry-level positions can provide valuable experience and help you build a network of contacts in the tech industry.
Look for opportunities to gain experience in your area of interest, and be open to starting in a lower-level position to gain experience and work your way up.
Now that you have acquired specific skills and some mentorship, it’s time to start testing the waters.
One mistake I see people make is trying to be perfect before applying for a job, you should chill out; that is why we have entry-level tech jobs.
Getting a job in Tech is not easy, but you have to ignore naysayers; in the beginning, there will be many rejections, but you have to keep trying.
6. Be persistent.
Starting a career in tech with no experience can be challenging, but it is important to be persistent and stay committed to your goals.
Keep learning and developing your skills, and be open to new opportunities and experiences that can help you grow and advance in your career.
7. Seek mentorship.
Mentors are people that have done what you intend to do and have seen it all. In an age where instant gratification is glorified, it’s unsurprising that many entrepreneurs and young people do not seek out a mentor.
Like I always say, you need to meetups with someone who has done what you intend to do; having a mentor helps you plot a road map so that you don’t get confused as you get started.
Seeking mentorship can be a valuable way to learn from experienced professionals in the tech industry.
Look for opportunities to connect with mentors who can provide guidance, advice, and feedback on your career goals and development.
8. Build a strong online presence.
A strong online presence can help you showcase your skills and connect with potential employers and clients.
Consider building a professional website or creating profiles on social media and professional networking sites such as LinkedIn. Be sure to highlight your skills, experience, and achievements clearly and concisely.
9. Stay up-to-date on industry trends.
The tech industry is constantly evolving, and it is important to stay up-to-date on the latest trends and technologies.
Follow industry blogs, attend conferences, and participate in online communities to stay informed and gain insights into new developments and emerging technologies.
10. Be adaptable.
The tech industry is fast-paced and constantly changing, so it is important to be adaptable and open to new challenges and opportunities.
Be willing to learn new skills and take on new projects, and be open to feedback and constructive criticism to help you grow and develop in your career.
11. Get The necessary certifications.
The next thing you need to do as someone looking to kickstart a career in Tech is to try as much as possible to acquire certifications to back up what you have learnt yourself.
Earning an IT certification is a fantastic way to build up and showcase your tech skills on a resume as you work to break into the field.
It helps provide validation of your technical proficiency to hiring managers and recruiters and can prove that you are helpful as you aim to be.
This can be acquired for free; you even have to pay a small fee to get certified. There are free certification programmes anchored by big techs such as Google, LinkedIn and Amazon, to mention a few.
Getting a certification should not stop you from kickstarting a career in tech certification is not essential; competence is most important, so you should have a hosted portfolio of some of your works, leading us to the next section.
12. 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 be built 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.
Expert Insights.
1. Melissa Gerke, SEO Copywriter Melissagerke.com
Learning tech without any prior experience can be 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 a 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 favor: 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.
FAQ About getting started in Tech With No Experience.
1. What is the easiest tech job to get?
For me, I recommend no-code tech jobs, because all they require is logical thinking and creativity.
2. Where to start if you want to get into tech?
Do your research, on what Field is the easiest for you, and do you like coding or not, once you are done with this, then you can choose a Field for what you just discovered.
3. Is it possible to get into the tech field with no experience how do you do it?
Yes, it is, and you dont need a certification whatsoever. Freelance work is a quick way to practice your skills while adding experience to your resume. Use sites like UpWork, and Freelancer.com, to find people hiring temporary workers.
4. Can I start my IT career at 30?
Yes Definitely. If you are from an IT then it will be easy for you but you need to work very hard to get an opportunity if you are not, then you may have to do some underground work.
5. Is it too late to start a tech career?
I dont think there is a word like “Late” when it comes to starting something new. You might think that only a 17-year-old can be successful in a startup. But it’s never too late to get a career in tech.
Conclusion.
Switching to a tech career can offer many benefits, including high job prospects, good salaries, opportunities for growth and advancement, a variety of job roles, learning opportunities, the ability to work on innovative projects, job security, and flexibility to work remotely.
With the right skills and mindset, you can successfully transition to a tech career and enjoy a rewarding and fulfilling professional journey.
Finally, starting a career in tech with no experience is possible with the right mindset, dedication, and willingness to learn.
By identifying your interests, developing your skills, building a portfolio, participating in tech communities, applying for internships or entry-level positions, and staying persistent, you can successfully transition into a rewarding and fulfilling tech career.
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