Is it too late to get into the tech industry?

The technology industry is the fastest growing in the world and it’s becoming a huge part of business as a whole. The rapid expansion of computer technology caught us by surprise so there aren’t enough people to fill all of those jobs yet. A lot of people are choosing computer science courses at college but if you’ve already graduated, you might not have realized how important it was going to be when you were choosing your major. There are so many different jobs that you could apply for in the industry that don’t require a computer science major so don’t worry, you haven’t missed the boat quite yet. If you are trying to get your foot in the door of the biggest industry out there, here are a few tips.

Get Qualified

If you want to get in at a high level straight away, you’re going to need qualifications. You can’t walk into a job as a computer engineer without the credentials to back you up. The highest paying positions in the tech industry are out of your reach if you don’t have the right qualifications so if you’re aiming high, you might need to get qualified again. You could go back to college full time but that’s going to cost you a lot of money and it’ll be another four years out of your life. Most of us can’t afford to do that but that doesn’t mean you won’t be able to get the degree that you need. You can take an online Computer Information Systems degree that you can do in your own time from home. That way, you can get yourself qualified while you’re still working. This massively reduces the financial burden when compared to going back to college full-time and you can lay the foundations for your career move without putting yourself in a bad financial position.

Get Experience At Your Existing Job

Even with qualifications, it’ll be a struggle to get a job with a tech company if you don’t have any experience. One way of getting that experience is to see if there’s anything that you can do at your existing job. A lot of companies struggle with their online presence and if you’re learning at home, why not use your new found knowledge to help advise your bosses. They might give you more duties on the tech side of the business which can all go on future job applications. If you’re successful in your attempts then you have a proven track record that potential employers will be impressed by.

Learn About The Internet

Most people don’t really understand how the internet works. They just know that if they type something in, it’s there for them. Spend a bit of time learning about what goes on behind closed doors. This knowledge will help you to get experience at your existing job, as well as showing potential employers that you are going out of your way to improve your skills and tailor them towards a job in the tech industry. If you haven’t got this basic level of knowledge, you’re unlikely to be considered.

Be Bold

Tech companies are looking for people that are qualified but that’s only part of the story. The attitude that their employees have is also very important to them. They want people that aren’t afraid to be bold and take risks because, in such a fast moving industry, it is often the companies that are willing to take a gamble on a crazy idea that end up being the most successful. Start trying to be that kind of employee at your current job. Suggest new ideas and help carry them through. That way, when you get into an interview situation, you can put yourself ahead of the competition, even if they have more qualifications than you.

You can also show that you’re a go-getter by contacting tech companies on social media. If you’ve got the confidence and initiative to get in touch with them and ask for a job, that will impress them more than somebody who waits for a job advert to appear.

Prepare For A Step Backwards

Many people expect to enter the tech industry at the same level that they were at in their previous job. This rarely happens so be prepared for it. Even though you were a head of a department at your old job, that doesn’t make you qualified enough to head a department in a tech company. It’s a different world and you’ve still got a lot to learn so the chances are, you’ll be offered a job at a lower level and perhaps with less pay. If you’re serious about pursuing a career in the tech industry long-term, you need to be willing to make this sacrifice in the beginning. You will end up on a higher wage eventually if you are good enough.  

You might also like to read:

• Are you right for a job in the healthcare industry? | career tips
• Focusing On Business Security
• Interior Design Trends: Inspiring Bold Colors
• 5 Steps To Buying An Existing Business
• Could This Be the Year You Pursue Your Dream Job?