Tech is HOT right now. With the ever-increasing demand for more technology professionals, you may have considered switching careers. And who can blame you? Tech offers great earning potential and an opportunity to develop solutions for the world. With that said, your pivot to tech can prove to be unsuccessful if you don't steer clear of some major pitfalls. Here are the Top 6 Mistakes to Avoid When Pivoting to Tech.
1. Not Researching Tech Roles
Many people know they want to pivot to tech but haven't given thought to which area they want to pursue. Tech has a lot of subindustries and specializations. The path you choose should be well thought out so you can effectively focus your education, time and energy to attain the tech role you want. You should perform research on what's out there and determine which roles may align with your interests and needs. You can use this tool as a starting point to help determine Which Tech Role May Be A Good Fit For You.
2. Only Focusing On Money
Tech is one of the top paying industries in the world. It provides a great opportunity to meet your financial goals. However, if money is your only motivation and focus when pivoting to tech, you will find it very difficult to weather the storm. It takes a lot of dedication and skill development to attain those top paying roles so many people are after. If you don't have the genuine interest or passion that will allow you to hone your craft and become the best tech professional you can be, you will find it difficult to endure the many roadblocks and difficulties that go hand in hand with this industry. But make no mistake... the rewards that also go hand in hand with this industry are totally worth it!
3. Expecting to Learn Everything in a 10-Week Bootcamp
A lot of people have used bootcamps as a way to jumpstart their tech knowledge and careers. Everyone's experiences with bootcamps vary amongst the numerous programs that are available. One thing that's true regardless of which bootcamp you attend is that you shouldn't expect to learn absolutely everything you need for a successful career in tech. You should use it as a starting point to continue your development. Take what you've learned and pursue additional learning and skill-building opportunities. Take some online courses on platforms like WhizLabs or Pluralsight to continue your skill-building journey.
4. Not Developing A Project On Your Own Project
If you haven't attained a tech role yet, it's essential to demonstrate your skills using other methods. The easiest way to do this is by creating self-directed projects to showcase what you can do. You could develop a simple app or manage a tech-related project outside of work. The best thing about this is that you can do whatever interests YOU and build a portfolio of projects that speak to your skill set in the process.
5. Not Getting a Mentor
If you're new to a field, it's advantageous to receive guidance from someone who has been in the industry for a while. This is where mentors are very useful. They've been around the block. They can give advice about navigating the industry and provide helpful resources to get you where you want to go. Why experience setbacks when you can have a resource to help you avoid them? If you know a seasoned tech professional or someone who is currently in a role you want to pursue, reach out to them and develop a mentor/mentee relationship. Additionally, MentorCruise has a selection of tech professionals from top companies like Microsoft, Google and Amazon with whom you can establish mentorships and obtain the advice you need for a successful career.
6. Only Focusing on Certifications
Certifications are mechanisms to demonstrate your knowledge or skill as it pertains to a particular subject or field. When attempting to pivot to tech, they should be used to supplement your current skill set. Note the use of the word, SUPPLEMENT. Certifications are not replacements for actual experience. I've seen people outright obsess about tech certifications and end up amassing ludicrous amounts that will not help them in the long run. Most companies value experience over certifications and will quickly choose an experienced candidate over one with 50 certifications and little to no experience. As a result, invest more time building up your portfolio of self-directed tech projects or find ways to implement your newly-learned tech skills in your current role.
7. Not leveraging Your Current Skill Set
Even if you don't have tech experience, many skills from other industries are transferrable. Use them to augment your value as a professional. Think about the math skills you need for accounting, the project management skills required in construction, the customer service you deliver when supporting a product or even working under pressure as a bartender. All of these skills contribute to your total package. Use them to your advantage.
GetN2Tech can help you get on the right track to a successful tech career.
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