Breaking Into Tech: A Guide To Landing Your Dream Job in IT
The tech industry has exploded in recent years, offering high salaries, exciting projects, and plenty of opportunities for career growth. However, breaking into the industry can be a daunting task, especially if you don't have a technical background. But don't worry, we're here to help! Here are some tips to guide you as your take your next step into the world of tech.
1. Research & Planning
Before you start sending out resumes and attending job fairs, it's important to do your research and plan your path. The tech industry is vast and varied, with plenty of different roles and companies to choose from. Take the time to identify your strengths and interests, and research the companies and positions that align with them. One great way to do this is to follow industry influencers and read tech blogs to stay up-to-date with the latest trends and developments. For example, if you're interested in cybersecurity, you might follow people like Bruce Schneier or Brian Krebs on Twitter and read blogs like KrebsOnSecurity. If you're interested in software development, you might follow people like Martin Fowler or Joel Spolsky and read blogs like Stack Overflow or Hacker Noon. By immersing yourself in the industry, you'll gain a better understanding of the skills and knowledge you need to succeed.
2. Building A Strong Foundation
Once you've identified your strengths and interests, it's time to build a strong foundation in IT. This means gaining a solid understanding of programming languages, operating systems, and networking. You may take up short courses or earn microcredentials online to gain practical experiences, work on guided projects, and opportunities to learn from industry experts from companies like Google, IBM, and AWS, gaining valuable experience and building your resume. There are also plenty of free resources available online, such as Codecademy, edX, and Khan Academy, where you can learn the basics of programming and computer science. However, if you're serious about breaking into tech, it's worth investing in a formal education. Speak to our Course Advisors to enquire about a comprehensive education in all aspects of IT, from programming languages like Python and Java, to networking fundamentals and cybersecurity!
3. Gaining Practical Experience
While having a strong foundation is important, gaining practical experience is equally crucial. The tech industry is constantly evolving, and staying up-to-date with the latest tools and technologies is essential. There are plenty of ways to gain practical experience, such as internships, projects, and volunteering. For example, if you're interested in web development, you might volunteer to build a website for a local nonprofit or attend a hackathon to work on a team project. If you're interested in cybersecurity, you might participate in a capture-the-flag competition such as Wargames.MY or volunteer to do some penetration testing for a local business.
4. Developing Soft Skills
Developing your soft skills is just as important as honing your technical skills in the tech industry. That's right, skills like communication, teamwork, and problem-solving are essential for success in this field, where you'll be working with a different people and projects. One way to develop your soft skills is to work on group projects and collaborate with others. Formal education in IT would provide you with opportunities to work in group projects and other collaborative activities, giving you the opportunity to hone your communication and teamwork skills.
5. Networking
Networking is an important part of any job search, and the tech industry is no exception. Attending industry events, joining professional organisations, and connecting with people on social media can all help you build your network. For example, you might attend a local tech meetup or join a professional organisation like the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE). You can also connect with people on LinkedIn and Twitter, and follow companies and industry leaders to stay up-to-date with the latest news and job opportunities.
6. Tailoring Your Resume & Cover Letter
When it comes to applying for jobs in tech, it's important to tailor your resume and cover letter to the specific job and company you're applying to. Highlight your relevant experience and skills, show off your portfolio, and demonstrate your passion for the industry. For example, if you're applying for a web developer position, highlight your experience with HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, and include links to any websites you've built. If you're applying for a cybersecurity position, highlight your knowledge of encryption algorithms and network security protocols, and provide examples of any penetration testing you've done.
7. Preparing for Interviews
Once you've landed an interview, it's important to prepare thoroughly. Research the company and the job position, and practice answering common interview questions. Be prepared to demonstrate your technical skills, as well as your soft skills like communication and teamwork. For example, if you're interviewing for a software engineering position, be prepared to write code on a whiteboard or during a coding challenge. If you're interviewing for a project management position, be prepared to talk about your experience leading teams and handling difficult situations.
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