Everyone has varied motives for entering the IT business, whether they’re looking to escape a dead-end career, fascinated by the technology, or intrigued by the relaxed working culture the industry is renowned for. And it couldn’t have come at a better time. The industry is experiencing rapid growth due to increased demand for new IT services, and best of all, tech companies offer excellent compensation, exclusive benefits, and numerous career development opportunities. 

A standard four-year bachelor’s degree in software or computer engineering is the greatest foundation for a tech job if you have the time and money, and if your age is on your side as well. However, a degree may not ensure employment because it may not provide you with the skills or personal and professional traits that employers expect. So, what are the many ways to break into the technology industry? Here are a few pointers to help you on your way.

Entering Tech without a degree

Some larger corporations exclusively hire people with a four-year degree. Others are more concerned with a candidate’s technical abilities than with their academic credentials. In a Forbes article titled “15 amazing jobs that don’t require a four-year degree,” a recruiter claims that code samplings and fitting in with the work culture were the most important factors for his organization. “I had no notion who had a degree among the persons we employed.” All that mattered was that we liked them and thought they were cool and that they wrote good-quality code.”

Earn industry certifications

You’ll demonstrate to potential employers that you have the skills they require by becoming certified. This can go a long way toward compensating for inexperience. In some cases, having the correct certificates will put you ahead of those who have little experience and no certifications. Best of all, credentials can help you find additional entry-level IT jobs rather than settling for the first one that comes your way.

Help yourself out 

You can teach yourself but landing a tech job without experience is challenging. Taking on tech-related responsibilities at your present company is the greatest option. Offer to assist in the design, development, and promotion of your company’s website, for example. This will aid in the development of your resume for a position with an IT firm.

Another option is to approach a disruptor firm that has transformed your industry and poses a threat to your company and job. They might be able to make use of you. According to a mashable.com report, a radio salesperson was laid off by his firm but found work selling commercials for the Internet radio station Pandora.

Entering Tech with a degree

Follow the blogs and social media pages of the firms that you research. Keep a job-application tracking template with all of your applications’ details. Try to get answers to the following questions while researching: Is the particular company up to date with technology? What kind of influence may I have? Will I like the culture of software development there? With whom will I be collaborating? 

When it comes to your application and interview, make sure your CV is tailored to the organization you’re applying to. Refer to the technical terminology and cultural signals indicated in the job description (for example, “teamwork”) in your application to show the recruiter that you are aware of their special requirements. Mention any odd jobs that taught you the importance of collaboration and conflict resolution, for instance. Before you arrive, prepare for your interview by doing some research on your organization and interviewers.

A technical interview, usually performed by a senior engineer or team lead, will be required for software engineers. They’ll try to figure out how you solve an abstract problem, but they might not be interested in your solution. It’s possible that you’ll be quizzed on your specialist expertise. Feel comfortable saying “I don’t know” and asking for clarifications.

A newbie trying to break into the tech?

According to a monster.com post, a newcomer should avoid enrolling in an expensive and time-consuming program without first determining whether it is right for them. Attend meetings of industry organizations where you can meet possible mentors and get advice on what to do. Examine job functions to determine which career path appears to be the best fit for you.

Once you feel comfortable in your chosen path, look at recruitment ads for jobs in that field and master the most common skills listed in the requirements section. For example, if you’re looking at a career as a web developer, you’ll need to master HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, the languages used to show Web pages. Read articles and books on relevant topics like programming and networking. The internet is filled with great (and free!) online courses so take advantage of these. Most of all, never stop learning!

The IT industry offers greater prospects for creativity, technical brilliance, and other skills, and it is expected to employ more creative people in the near future than in any other industry. Every industry is being disrupted by technology, which is either changing or strengthening it and the sky’s the limit. To stay ahead of the pack, you’ll need to show employers you have the skills and the drive to be a great addition to their team.

Visit our careers page to stream through more than 230 career opportunities to kickstart your career in IT, to contribute your impeccable talent in our effort to drive digital transformation.