How To Get Into A Career In Technology: A Guide

If you’re considering a career in technology, then keep reading. We’re going to be covering some of the questions you might have about a career path in tech, as well as how you can get into it. From what qualifications you need to advance in a technology-based career, to how to impress potential employers, read on to find out more.

Benefits Of A Career in Tech

A career in tech holds plenty of opportunities for growth and progression as it’s a growing industry. Unlike other industries, the tech world isn’t going to slow down any time soon, people will always need advancements in technology. Therefore, if you embark on a career in it there is more opportunity for you to gain jobs, find your specialty, and climb the ladder in the workplace. As the skills for it are in high demand, the earning potential for careers in tech is good, with the potential to rise as your progress in your career. Each job your experience in tech gives you the opportunity to advance your skills and add to your experience, which will help you to gain new job roles or promotions. As well as academic learning, tech jobs require hands-on experience, so simply gaining experience will help you to stand out from other job candidates. There is also the potential for flexibility with a job in tech, as many companies offer schedules other than the traditional 9-5. As tech skills are in demand around the world, you don’t have to be limited to working in a certain location, and there is the opportunity to travel abroad for your career if you wish to do so.

Studying For A Degree

For most job roles in the technology world, it will be required that you have a relevant degree. There are a number of different degrees you can choose to undertake that can help you to start your career in technology. Some of the best degrees to undertake to jumpstart a career in technology include subjects such as information technology to become an IT analyst or technician. Web designers and developers are also in high demand, which can be studied as a specific subject or as a general computer science degree. You could also choose to specialize in subjects such as cybersecurity, software development, or computer networking. If you want to study big data in Scotland, then Stirling University offers a postgraduate study that can equip you for an exciting career in technology applications and advanced analytics. Once you have earned your degree you can begin your career in tech and start establishing the exact areas you would like to specialize in.

Gain Work Experience

Although a degree will help to give you the necessary knowledge and skills you need to begin your career, you will also need hands-on experience to help you establish which roles you enjoy and what areas of tech you want to progress your career in. Sometimes the career you end up in could vary slightly from the degree you originally studied. However, as many of the skills in the tech world are transferable, you can move between different job roles to help you find one that is the right fit for you. There are also some skills that can only be gained by actually being present in the workplace, so it will be necessary for you to gain work experience just as much as earning your degree. It will also allow you to gain skills that can only be built from experiencing a workplace. For example, developing your communication and people skills, and learning what will be expected of you for a career in tech. If possible, try and gain work experience while you’re still studying for your degree, so that you can begin your career with a stronger CV application.

Have A Personal Interest In Technology

As with any other career, it helps if you actually have a personal interest in the tech world and enjoy learning about it in your free time. Although many people are attracted to a career in technology due to the benefits mentioned earlier, not all of them have a real passion for the subject. This could mean they quickly become disillusioned with their job or lack the drive to advance their career. If you have a real interest in it, you will find that you are more likely to enjoy your job, and this will be picked up on by employers. Try and find the time outside of study or work to learn more about the area you want to specialize in and the latest news in that area. Keeping up to date with developments and changes occurring in the tech world will also allow you to be better at your job and support the company you work for by updating its processes and services to keep up with competitors.

Be Passionate About Lifelong Learning

As the tech world is forever changing and developing, you need to be the kind of person who enjoys lifelong learning and continually finds new skills to add to your experience. This will not only help you to perform better in your career but also remain interested and motivated in your job role. For example, you should make sure you’re taking opportunities to advance your learning either through further study or by undertaking training programs throughout your career. If employers can see that you’re willing to remain on the ball with updating your skills and knowledge, they will be more likely to put your forward for promotions, pay raises, or positive references if you apply for other jobs. Training opportunities can sometimes be found through your workplace, but you could also look into pursuing them yourself. Although some training or postgraduate study can mean investing your money, they could pay off in the long term if they help you to gain positions with a higher earning potential. It can also help you to move into a different area of tech if you think you would prefer a role doing something a bit different than your current role.