For a person just starting their career in tech, it can be challenging, rewarding, and exciting. This is whether transitioning from another field or just beginning an exploration into tech.
Technology is ever-evolving, even as you read this article. Currently, there are thousands of openings in critical STEM-based fields (Science, Technology Engineering, and Mathematics). This article will focus more on technology and computer technology opportunities, better known as the “tech industry.”
There are several approaches to this career field even if a person isn’t currently in tech but is motivated and wants to learn and pursue tech as an initial focus or even to change their current career field. Based on research by the Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA), which sponsors several certification tests, the estimated number of careers available now comes to around 9.4 million and accounts for approximately 5.8 percent of the overall US workforce. However, that figure is likely underestimated because tech professionals don’t only work in tech companies, but in many other industry sectors.
Unfortunately, this data is a bit flawed because it’s more difficult to adequately gauge the number of available jobs. It’s estimated that over 85 percent of organizations are now searching for innovative technologies and skilled professionals who are up to date-in new tech fields.
However, when exploring how to get into tech, it’s important to be aware of the different skills needed to succeed in the chosen field. There are a number of essential skills needed to thrive in the tech industry, which can include information systems, information technology (better known as IT or Cyber Technology), and Cybersecurity (formerly referred to as Information Assurance).
Each major profession has several career paths. For example, Information Technology would include the following occupations, to name a few:
- user experience engineer (UX)
- software developer
- software engineer
- software agile development
- DevSecOps engineer
- systems administrator
- network engineer
- cloud services engineer
- cloud microservices engineer ( includes containerization with Kubernetes and dockers)
- full stack software developer
- database engineer
- data scientist
Cybersecurity, a major tech category, would encompass incident response, computer forensics, network security, policy, and cyber threat intelligence, to name just a few career options.
Currently, Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) are the big focus for future hiring positions.
The wonderful thing about going into tech is that it can accommodate all ages, genders, races, and cultures when it comes to learning, operating in, and profiting from computer technology. All that’s needed is the right attitude, ambition, and the willingness to learn.
There are several resources to learn, sustain, and profit from by being constantly involved in tech. Several large corporations have programs that range from youths to adults. Also, there are several community outreach and online resources from which to learn tech. Some of the more popular resources are Google Certificates, SANS, Coursera, edX, Udemy, YouTube, online courses, online classrooms, and online training for several types of IT and cybersecurity certifications.
There are many certifications that can be obtained for a tech career that can be obtained even before going to college or university. Such certifications include MSCE, ITIL, CISSP, Network +, A+, and Security +. CEH, and several others with which to get started. There are so many that prior to enrolling in a program it’s helpful to do some research to discover all the available possibilities. If affordability is the goal, check out the courses and programs offered by American Military University. Serving in the military isn’t required, the courses and programs are affordable, and it is a great online university.
If you are new to computer technology, it is suggested to get started with CompTIA’s Network+ and A+ study guidebooks. The Network+ covers how computer systems are connected and the A+ book covers how computers work and how they’re built with hardware, along with various other physical connections.
As far as technical skills go, the exact expertise needed will depend on the specific tech career being targeted. It’s safe to assume that to work in most technical positions, according to Monster Jobs, at least a basic understanding of all the following is required:
- Programming Languages – Coding with programming languages such as Java, Python, C++, JavaScript, or similar.
- Database Management – Managing databases and extracting and manipulating data.
- Data Analysis – Knowing how to collect, filter, and analyze data is essential. Familiarity with Excel, Tableau, and R Analytics is a must.
- System Architecture – This is technology that uses complex systems and infrastructures such as cloud architecture, virtualization, and distributed systems. Understanding how these systems are designed, built, and maintained is important if you are serious about learning how to get into tech.
- Web Development – Front-end and back-end development and the interactions between the two are managed through programs like HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and React.
- Machine Learning (ML) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) – These technologies have gained more and more importance in the future. Learning how AI algorithms and networks work is crucial to operating in spaces such as robotics and data science.
- Cybersecurity and Network Security – Data is unbelievably valuable, and that same data is vulnerable to theft, which is a profound problem. Cybersecurity tools and techniques are needed to protect organizations along with having a general technical understanding of cybersecurity concepts such as firewalls, encryption, and secure coding practices.
As with any industry, there are some tech jobs that are easier to get into. According to Monster Jobs, it just depends on one’s connections in the tech industry, plus simple demand and supply. IT support specialist, help desk analyst, database entry, and technical writer are some of the entry-level avenues leading to professional tech positions. They can progress to higher levels depending on talent, ambition, and motivation.
The tech sector is wide open and here to stay. It offers multiple avenues for rewarding careers in numerous industries. It’s all there to meet the needs and aspirations of anyone. The best of luck to all those captivated and inspired by tech!
