It's no secret that tech is a hot industry. And unlike many in-demand fields, technology is one that's here to stay. In fact, with an average unemployment of just 2-3%, technology is one of the best industries for job growth and security.
Because of the sheer speed in which the tech industry is growing, there are many positions that are in high demand due to a lack of workers with that unique skillset.
According to a study by
Computerworld
, the top 10 skills managers plan to hire for in the next year are:
-
Programming/application development
- Help desk/tech support
- Security/compliance/governance
- Cloud/SaaS
- Business intelligence/analytics
- Web development
- Database administration
- Project management
- Big data
- Mobile application and device management
So what does this mean for you? Opportunity.
The good news is, jobs in tech don't necessarily require a specialized degree. In fact, you may already have the key skills required for your dream job.
For example, if you are extremely organized and experienced in coordinating resources and developing detailed plans, you may consider a job as a digital project manager. Or perhaps you've spent your career in design, but psychology and problem solving also fascinate you. A job as a user experience (UX) designer might be right up your alley.
So how exactly do you get there?
1. Research. Research. Research. Thanks to the magic of the internet, you have a vast amount of information at your fingertips - including everything you could possibly need to know about a career path prior to making the transition. For example, if you're curious about a job in app development, there are a multitude of sites to help you gain a better understanding of the skills required for the job.
2. Determine your knowledge gap.
One of the best ways to discover which skills you're currently lacking is by researching jobs in your desired field and taking note of the requirements.
3. Shadow a co-worker or find a mentor.
If you have coworkers who work in an area you're interested in, reach out and ask for advice. You can also browse your social networks. LinkedIn is perfect for this, and Facebook can also be a great resource. Odds are, you either have a friend or a friend-of-a-friend who can give you the lowdown.
4. Take an online course.
Whether you just want to get your toes wet, or you're ready to dive headfirst into a new career, there are great resources to help you get started. Check out the following, some of which are completely free!
5. Position yourself as a thought leader.
Before you even begin building your portfolio, you should build your personal brand. Position yourself as a thought leader by starting a blog and connecting with other thought leaders in the field. This can be a tedious process, but if you're committed, it has the potential to pay off big time in the long run.
6. Build your portfolio.
Once you've learned the skills necessary to do the job, it's time to get some work! When you're a newbie, this can be particularly tricky to do, so you may need to start by offering your services at a deep discount - or even pro bono. View it as an investment in your future.
Above all else, remember that it's never too late to pursue a job you love. If you're interested in furthering your tech career, connect with an ektello recruiter today!
