Thinking about a career change into tech but have no coding experience? Web developer and writer Katie Tran shares what she learned pivoting her career from medical science into web development.
I started off in medical science, and with minimal CS experience, successfully transitioned to the world of technology.
Nothing beats the power of constant determination, an eye on your North Star, and relentless grit. Here are my 6 tips for anyone looking to carve their own path and pivot their career into tech.
This one is for the career change-makers, the trailblazers, the dreamers and the hustlers.
1. Self-Start your Career Change into Tech
One of the things that supported me along my journey was being a self-starter. You might feel uncomfortable or like you’re in too deep. That’s the point!
Get comfortable with being uncomfortable.
It’s not about waiting for the opportunity to come to you, but you making it work for yourself and creating that opportunity. Take the initiative to network, really put yourself out there and ask questions.
You are your biggest priority and your biggest supporter, hence being a self-starter.
Dedicate yourself to upskilling, learning, and building your portfolio. Afterall, building your name is one of the most important forms of support you can give yourself.
2. Outsider Advantage: Embrace Your Background
We all have our own unique experience. In fact, this is your greatest asset, as you have what is called ‘The Outsider Advantage’. Contrary to popular belief, your diverse background can help you thrive.
This is because you bring a new set of eyes, a new skill set and different ways of thinking to the table. Innovation is not just born within an industry; it’s born outside of it.
Be sure to take inventory of your soft skills. Things like teamwork, leadership, autonomous working, and problem solving. While you might be looking to make a career change into tech, such skills are highly valued across all industries.
3. Write about your Career Change into Tech
Language and words are a powerful tool. We all have our own background, our own experiences, and our own narrative. So, put your story out there and be proud of your journey.
Share your journey along the way. While you’re pivoting into the world of tech write about your experiences in technology.
It doesn’t matter where you came from or what experiences you’ve had (or haven’t had). What is important is your mindset and the actions you are going to do going forward.
Documenting your journey helps bring light to your experience and builds your portfolio.
Ultimately, it can assist you cultivate the various soft skills that are invaluable in the tech world. Skills like written communication, verbal communication, and documentation.
4.The Right Intentions: Determination & GRIT
Imposter Syndrome effects almost everyone. We feel like we’re not good enough unless we have acquired experience in whatever role we are working towards. But, here’s the thing: your background doesn’t matter. What really matters is the right intentions and a determined attitude.
It’s all about shifting and reframing the focus from ‘lacking a tech background,’ to ‘how can I make this happen?’.
Your ambition, purpose, and passion to achieve your goals and create new opportunities trumps your lack of experience.
How did I make this all work? By staying curious and committing to continued learning.
These two intentions had me building my knowledge and awareness in technology. It also helped me to develop critical thinking skills, an important skill for those looking to make a career change into tech.
5. Pivot your Career with Personal Branding
It was only during my self-learning journey into technology that I had a clear understanding of the significance of a personal brand.
When starting out I was determined to find a supportive community of women and career changers in tech. So, I created a website and Instagram platform purely dedicated to meeting and empowering these like-minded individuals.
Your online platform also depicts who you are. It shares your values, your goals and your mission to society. I encourage you to identify your goals, your values and what you hope to achieve.
Nevertheless, the beauty of this is a chance to meet your future employers and to get your name out there. Your online presence helps you make relevant connections that ultimately boost you in your career change.
6. Don’t just Switch Careers, Be a Trailblazer
Trailblazers are innovators.
They are change-makers, dreamers, and hustlers.
I can’t stress enough the importance of standing out and embracing your uniqueness. What makes you want to work in tech? What can only you offer?
Being a trailblazer, leading the change, and having your own personal brand are your biggest strengths when making a career change into tech.
