How to Break into Tech Without a Degree
To many who aren't conversant with the routines of the information technology space, getting to be a techie often appears like a herculean task. For one, the problem of where to start from can be overwhelmingly depressing, considering the vastness of the tech space and hundreds of new coding updates that take place almost daily.
Putting a knife through the myth, you really do not need to know so much as is popularly believed. The information technology discipline is vast, and as are broad disciplines of such nature, sub-disciplines are usually the building blocks. The sub-disciplines are where different professionals boast expertise and then come together to execute larger projects. With this reality, you can now see much of what you need to do is become a professional in your niche so much you can effectively contribute to the success of larger projects.
Now that you know what working in tech is not like, you may need to know what working in tech also looks like.
From the outside, working in tech is a boring venture far from an adventure. It often involves punching keyboards for long hours without much excitement than getting results. Yet, while hard work is part of the process of gaining the expertise, the techies also socialize and hangout discussing more than just codes. In breaking into tech without a degree, here are ways to go about it.
Hunger for knowledge
One of the reasons why a career in tech is realistically possible for anyone is because the field prioritizes knowledge over certification. And to be able to gain any form of relevance, you have to have something you can offer. As a prospective without a degree, you need to have a strong affection for learning new things. The ultimate of them being how to code.
There are a lot of languages you may need to learn, depending on what you choose to specialize in, but the basic is usually HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. These often equip you with the foundational knowledge to succeed in other study fields.
You may opt for a coding Bootcamp if you can afford one, or learn on your own through self-learning tools that are easily accessible over the internet. YouTube, for example, has tons of videos on your chosen specialization.
Take up tech tasks
You don't have a degree, and a company may not necessarily request one, but the experience can come handy, and you really need to prioritize getting some. You could gain some experience by approaching startups who need cheap expertise. Always remind them that you're opened to learning on the job, so their expectations of you are drastically reduced. You can also amass experience by volunteering or investing in personal pet projects.
Build a portfolio
You need to show your working to potential employees and collaborators you'll be meeting as you break into tech, and your portfolio can be your easiest access to getting the necessary attention. While building those personal pet projects, volunteering, or taking small tech tasks, you'll need to archive them online where those that may need your service can assess them to evaluate your level of progress and competence.
Use Twitter and LinkedIn
Most of the tech gurus you can learn from are already on Twitter and making them notice you can be your pathway to breaking into tech at light speed. This requires that you constantly follow them, equipping yourself with the dynamics of new updates and technologies. This will increase your knowledge bank as well as your employability.
LinkedIn will help you present your CV to those who need your service. Most employers use LinkedIn to seek new employers who align properly with their desired specifications. You can hire a professional writer to help you create an astonishing LinkedIn profile that attracts attention. You can also subscribe to a premium LinkedIn service, so your profile reaches more employers and collaborators faster.
Tailor your CV
There's nothing that brings you closer to being hired than presenting a CV tailored to the need of your employers. Employers specifically lookout for candidates who not only have the rich and dynamic experience but employers who equally have the qualities demanded in the job description.
So look keenly for the bullet points and demands of the vacancy publication and tailor your CV specifically to align with your targeted company needs. Consider the technical and cultural terms with great importance and stick to them in your application.
Join communities
No one is an island of knowledge goes the saying. You can't know it all. You need people to collaborate with both for learning and working, on say, a project. And you can only find them by joining the communities they belong to. It could be online communities where you read contributions on open-source code or serve as a contributor.
Through engaging others, you get to learn a lot since everyone has a thing or two to teach you. You also get to position your self for job opportunities as most people will usually refer to who they know when there's a job opening.
Communities also give you a sense of responsibility and attachment that helps you keep a tab with developments in the tech space.
Seek out a mentor
Books and other materials are great, but nothing surpasses being led by a competent hand that has been through the paths you wish to ply. Mentors ease the difficulties newbies usually experience in a new career such as tech. They have gone through the hurdles, faced the challenges and know what next on your journey, following them strictly will ensure that you don't make the same mistakes they made and frankly, that could be saving you a lot of time and money.
You'll also find salvation when you have a difficult task to perform. Your mentor could be brought in to simplify things and expedite your coding processes. Mentors are like maps leading to places, and you'll need a good one to really have a successful career in tech without a college degree.