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How to Successfully Transition Into a Tech Career: A Guide

on April 12, 2022 in Career Tips, News

 

Information technology is among the most in-demand, lucrative and rewarding fields. If you are considering shifting into one of the many potential careers in technology, chances are you’re making a smart move. But “tech careers” is a very broad category. Take some time to determine which information technology career path is right for you. Here’s how to get started on your tech career transition. 

 

Determine What You are Looking to Get From a Career in Technology

 

Be honest with yourself about why you are considering a career change to information technology. You don’t want to head down the wrong path or waste time and money qualifying for a tech job that you dread every Monday.  

 

So, think about it. Identify your reason for changing careers. If your primary motive is financial, there’s nothing wrong with that! But perform some due diligence to ensure you can attain your ideal salary in the tech job you pursue. For example, jobs that can be automated or off-shored don’t pay as well as they used to. Be sure your resources are up to date. If you’re looking for more flexibility, look for tech careers that offer better working hours or remote work.  

 

Think seriously about what you like and dislike in your current or previous jobs to ensure you’re not making a big mistake. Do you like working as part of a team or independently? Are you a big picture person or more detail-oriented? You’ll find information technology jobs where your natural abilities, temperament and work style will allow you to shine. Be sure you choose the right one. 

 

Which Information Technology Career is Right for You?

 

The category “careers in technology” is so broad, saying you’re interested in starting a career in information technology isn’t much more helpful than saying you want a job. Consider the following factors when taking the first step down the information technology career path. 

 

Most In-Demand Tech Jobs

 

If you’re going to make an effort to pursue a brand-new career change to information technology, it’s essential to choose a specialty that’s in high demand, not a field that is saturated or obsolete. Some of the best tech jobs to consider right now are software developer, IT business analyst, information security analyst and web developer. What will you need to do to qualify for entry-level IT jobs in specialties like these?  

 

Software Developer  

Software developers create programs, applications, websites, and mobile apps. They need to be able to code in a variety of program languages, including C#, C++, HTML, Java, Microsoft .NET, and SQL. If you are taking classes or teaching yourself, be sure to learn the most up-to-date languages and find out which are the most in-demand languages in your target industry or job. Developers must be creative, analytic and able to solve problems. They must be able to understand user requirements, interpreting and clarify as needed because non-technical people don’t always know the correct terminology  

 

Educational requirements for developers are typically a bachelor’s degree in computer science, but an associate degree may be enough if accompanied by certifications, bootcamps, and prior work experience. 

 

The average software developer salary in the United States is $72,590. 

Read more: 5 Of The Most In-Demand Programming Languages 

 

IT Business Analyst

 

IT business analysts act as a sort of translator between decision-makers and IT. That means they need an understanding of both. This position could be a suitable point of entry for individuals with a strong business background and a willingness to learn the technology. Successful IT business analysts will have strong communication and consultative skills. They should be detail-oriented, analytical and able to solve problems. They need a solid understanding of business processes, organizational structures, technology and data.  

 

While there are no specific educational requirements, several organizations such as the IIBA, IQBBA, IREB and PMI offer certifications for IT business analysts.  

 

The average IT business analyst salary in the United States is $88,194 

 

Information Security Analyst

 

Demand in this growing field is on the rise as corporate security is increasingly in the spotlight.  

Information security analysts design and implement IT security systems to ensure the organization’s networks and data are protected. This role comes with a high level of responsibility. Successful IT security analysts will have strong technical and analytic skills, attention to detail, vigilance and patience because testing and tweaking is a big part of the job. A bachelor’s degree in computer science is a common requirement. Some organizations may require an MBA in information systems.  

 

The average Information Security Analyst salary in the United States is $82,648 .

 

Web Developer

 

Web developers are skilled in coding to build and optimize websites and as web applications. They need to communicate well with stakeholders, understand what they expect and make their vision a reality. They should be proficient in relevant programming languages and development tools such as WordPress, AWS, MYSQL, JavaScript, Ruby, and CSS. Most employers look for an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in computer science, but some will give self-taught developers a shot if they bring a strong portfolio. Bootcamps or certifications can give you an edge over other candidates.  

 

The average web developer salary in the United States is $74,004. 

 

Transitioning to Tech

 

Depending on where you are in your career and the kinds of work duties you have performed, your transition to tech could be seamless or daunting. Be prepared to put a lot of time and energy into starting a career in information technology. There are many jobs available, but there is also a lot of competition. Research the field, network and talk to people who work in the job you want or recruiters specializing in IT placements. If you have an unrelated degree or don’t wish to attain a degree, look into boot camps or certifications that can quickly get you up to speed. 

 

Acquire Certifications

 

While a degree can be helpful, for many tech jobs, you can get hired with just self-study, certifications or boot camps. The Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA) is an excellent place to start your research into relevant certifications. CompTIA is a membership organization where you can get an overview of the IT field, read advice on how to get a tech career or even acquire one of several available certifications. You can find training online through LinkedIn and MOOC. You can also take university-level classes locally or online if you would like a more advanced education.  

 

Read more: IT Certifications Vs IT Degree: Which Should I Get? 

 

Leverage Transferable Skills on Your Resume

 

You might be surprised how many of your existing skills will set you up for a successful career in technology. For example, solid verbal and written communication skills are valuable in many different fields but can really set you up for success in tech. For instance, as a career changer with communication skills, you could be an asset in cross-functional teams. One of the biggest challenges in these circumstances is that often technical people don’t understand non-technical people and vice versa.  

 

An IT professional can struggle to explain something that to them is obvious. Your communication skills will be welcome because you can break down a technical issue into understandable components for non-tech people and take their concerns back to the tech team, translating them into their language so they can develop a solution to the problem.  

 

Depending on the IT career path you choose, other skills that can come into play are self-motivation, problem-solving skills, the ability to work as part of a team, eagerness to learn, and resilience to change.  

 

Network with People in the Tech Industry

 

There is probably no better way to explore careers in technology than speaking with those already in the field. Seek out people in a variety of specialties, and don’t be afraid to ask questions. You’ll want to know what kind of training they have and how they got started, but you’ll learn more about whether a tech job is right for you if you ask what they like best about their job and what they don’t like. Ask what they wish they had known before beginning their career in technology.  

 

Individuals who work in the tech industry are not your only resource. Technical recruiters are also a valuable resource. They are busy, and you don’t want to waste their time, but many tech recruiters will be willing to take the time for a quick video chat, coffee meeting, or a few emailed questions. Ask what mistakes people make when starting their technical careers and what qualifications employers look for. Wrap up with an open-ended question about if they have any other advice to offer or if they can share any common misconceptions.  

 

A thank you note will be welcome, but an even better way to show your appreciation is to remember your tech recruitment agency when you’ve completed your training and are ready to begin your technical career. Reach out to them to find work. If they made time for you when they had nothing to gain, imagine the service you can expect when the circumstance is mutually beneficial.  

 

Information Technology Job Outlook

 

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), computer-related occupations will see continued growth through at least 2030. Below we’ll look at the occupational outlook, job growth and anticipated job openings for 2020-2030.  

 

Read more: 5 Of The Fastest Growing Jobs In The It Industry  

 

Projected Growth

 

The BLS projects growth between 2020–2030 for the following high-demand positions to be: 

 

 

 

Occupational Openings

 

The BLS expects occupational openings between 2020–2030 in these technical positions to have an annual average of: 

 

 

 

Partnering with an IT Staffing Agency to Streamline Your Search

 

An IT staffing agency can help you to get your foot in the door at the right companies. They know who is likely to give a career changer a chance. They can also help you find temporary or contract entry-level IT jobs so you can decide which types of projects you like working on best. You’ll be able to test out your competency in a low-risk environment and build your skills to make your dream of a tech career a reality. 

 

Benefit from their Expertise

 

Hiring for tech positions is what a specialized IT staffing agency does best. Technical recruiters are experts at analyzing an employer’s requirements and matching them to candidate qualifications. They speak the language and know who’s hiring.  

 

Access to an Expansive Network in Tech

 

A substantial portion of an IT staffing firm’s success is who they know. They know all the major players in the industry and your region. When you partner with them, their network becomes your network. Find a recruiter to talk to by connecting on LinkedIn, reading blogs and articles to find thought leaders or even just reaching out to a local tech recruitment agency. You’ll want to know which positions are in high demand and show signs of continued growth.  

 

Receive Helpful Feedback Throughout the Job Searching Process

 

They can look at your resume and let you know where your skills may be lacking, and which employers might be the right fit based on your background, interests and goals. If a tech job is in your future, a tech recruitment agency can put you on the right track. If you have an interview with an employer, they can provide feedback regarding what the interviewer thought and how you can improve. 

 

 

Find a Job in Information Technology with PEAK Technical Today

 

Are you thinking about transitioning to a tech career? PEAK can connect you with employers nationwide who are hiring for entry-level IT jobs that offer flexibility, challenge, and excellent compensation plans. Our technical recruiters can help you leverage your training and transferable skills to advance your IT career. Contact us today no matter where you are in your search. We are here to help!