How to create a career transition in the Tech industry?
The tech industry can be intimidating to those without a technical background. But for those who have been working in tech for years, it feels like a natural fit.
Transitioning to the tech industry can be challenging due to the large number of courses and training programs. While certifications can be beneficial, they don't guarantee immediate employment. Things simply don't work that way. Tech industry is a very practical industry. Success in the tech industry often requires a combination of formal education, hands-on experience, and continuous learning. A course can provide a solid foundation, but practical experience and a strong portfolio are essential for landing a job.
Many recruiters and hiring managers are more interested in practical skills and accomplishments than simply completed courses. Your resume should be a powerful tool to showcase your abilities, portfolio, and what you can bring to the table. Leverage platforms like GitHub to demonstrate your technical skills and projects. This can make a significant impact on your job search.
How to create a career transition to a non-technical position?
There are several groups of positions.
The first group is a functional group, similar in many companies, like marketing, sales, HR, finance, and administration. Executing these roles within the tech industry often requires a distinctive approach - creativity, proactivity, and dynamism.
The second group is related to product development or projects the company is working on, like: Project Managers, Product Managers, Product Owners, Scrum Masters, Agile Coaches, Unit Leads, Delivery Managers, UI/UX designers, Business Analysts. These are actually positions that are popular in the tech industry, because of the industry’s quick expansion.
Regardless of your current experience or education, it's possible to transition into the tech field. Instead of relying on traditional courses, consider a more strategic approach.
Start by identifying your ideal role.
This can be achieved through a self-assessment, such as a SWOT analysis - assessing your Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats.
Another important step is the COMPETENCE DEVELOPMENT PLAN.
Through SWOT, you define your career goals. Your starting position is your current level of experience and knowledge. The gap between your current position and your desired goal represents the competence development you'll need to achieve.
Once you find the job description for the position that suits you, move on to the following questions to identify which competencies you need to develop for the job you want:
What technical skills and knowledge are essential for this position?
What tools or software do I need to master?
Are there any concepts or areas where I need to improve my understanding?
How can I compensate for any experience gaps?
What entry-level positions could lead to my desired role?
By thoughtfully analyzing these questions, you can create a clear roadmap for your career transition as Tamara did.
Tamara's Career Transition: From Administration to HR
Tamara worked as an administrative assistant for only 3 months and quit. She had a bachelor’s degree in pedagogy and through our collaboration, we identified her strengths and realized that her desired career was in HR and coaching. Tamara got hired on a recruiter position as it was a great entry point given her skills and interests.
If you’re unsure how to discover your passion and align it with the job you want to do or the career you want to pursue, check out Guide to Discovering your Passion.