How to Get a Tech Career Without a Tech Degree

How to Get a Tech Career Without a Tech Degree  

In the tech industry, the barrier to entry is traditionally viewed as having a degree in a tech-related field, such as computer science or engineering. But with the right skills and strategy, it’s possible to enter and even make a career in the tech industry — even without a tech degree.

For those considering an alternative route to get into a tech job, here are some valuable tips to start your journey.

Look for Entry-Level Opportunities

The most important step to breaking into the tech industry is to identify entry-level jobs or internships that can help you build the skills necessary for a successful career to begin with. It’s important to keep in mind that a prestigious degree isn’t a requirement for many of these positions; rather, an enthusiasm for technology is.

Find a Mentor

Finding a mentor can be an invaluable resource for anyone working in the tech industry. It could be a recruiter, an existing employee in the tech industry, or even someone you meet while attending a hackathon or a tech-related seminar. The key is to find somebody that can provide you with advice and support as you build your tech career.

Get Comfortable With Coding

Coding is an important skill to have — even if your job doesn’t require you to use it directly. A basic understanding of coding will be a huge benefit to you as you are learning about the tech industry. You could take a coding class, join an online coding boot camp, or even teach yourself by using coding tutorials and other helpful resources available online.

Develop Skillsets Necessary for the Tech Industry  

Apart from coding, there are other skillsets to develop in order to be successful in a tech career. A good place to start is to become an expert in one of the many technologies used in the tech industry. You could focus on a backend language like Python or a frontend framework like React. Additionally, it’s important to become familiar with debugging tools, unit and integration tests, source control systems, continuous integration, etc.

Networking

Networking is an extremely important part of entering the tech industry. It’s essential to build and nurture relationships with people already in the industry, so you can learn more about what’s happening in the industry, as well as gain insight into certain roles, organizations, and any open opportunities.

Also, while networking, don’t forget to reach out to industry experts and leaders, who could teach you more about the tech industry and provide valuable advice.

Learn What Employers Value

For those looking to get a tech job without a tech degree, it’s important to understand that employers value skills more than degrees. Technology companies want their employees to think critically and to know how to use technology in creative ways. They also want to hire people who can keep on top of the latest trends in the industry.

To become attractive to employers, you should take the time and build a portfolio showing off your best work. Having a robust portfolio website or GitHub profile is essential for displaying your skills and showing potential employers that you’re a viable candidate.

Choose a Location

Location is an important factor to consider when looking for a job in the tech industry. Big tech cities, such as San Francisco and Seattle, tend to have a wide selection of opportunities and resources to help you get a tech career. Alternatively, if you’re not interested in moving, many cities in the US now have access to a growing tech community, industry events, and career opportunities.

Narrow Your Job Search

Finally, once you have a good idea of who you want to work for, it’s very important to focus your job search and only apply to roles that are a good fit for you. The tech industry is vast, and there are many different roles and multiple avenues to get the job you want.

Take the initiative, do your research, and clearly explain how you can contribute to a company. With the right strategy and determination, anyone can get a tech career without a tech degree.

There are many valid paths to breaking into the tech industry without a tech degree. It might require more work from you in terms of learning, networking and honing your skills, but it is definitely doable.

The key takeaway is to focus on skillsets, build a portfolio, and find a mentor who can offer guidance and advice. All of these things combine to help ease the process of getting a job in the tech industry — even without a tech degree.

So don’t be scared off by the barrier to entry posed by traditional tech degrees. With the right plan, a tech career can be yours. Good luck!

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