Breaking into Tech: 7 Entry-Level Career Paths

With endless possibilities and booming demand, breaking into the tech industry can be a game-changer. But where do you start?

Getting a job in tech without a degree has been made easier by the increasing demand for tech talent and the availability of online learning platforms. You don’t need to be a tech genius or a math whiz to break into tech but you need a passion for learning, a willingness to work hard, and a curiosity for solving problems.

Despite the recent challenges that the tech industry has faced, there are still plenty of opportunities. People from all backgrounds and skill levels can find a tech job that suits them.

Tech Career Paths

1. Web Developer

Love building things that work just right? Consider becoming a web developer. Web developers are responsible for creating and maintaining websites and web applications. They use programming languages such as HTML, CSS, JavaScript, PHP, Ruby, Python, and more to build the front end (the part that users see and interact with) and the back end (the part that handles the logic and data) of websites.

Skill requirements for a web developer role:

– Web Development Languages: HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, including server-side languages such as PHP, Ruby, Python, or Java 

– Ability to use web development tools

– Web Design

– Web Standards and Best Practices

– Problem-solving and Creativity

Learning resources:

To learn web development, you can take online courses from Codecademy, Coursera, Udemy, edX, etc. You can also join online communities like freeCodeCamp, The Odin Project, and CodeNewbie. Practice what you have learned by working on projects.

Salary and growth expectations:

According to Indeed, the average salary for a web developer in the US is $77,200. Demand for web developers is expected to grow 8% from 2021 to 2031, according to the US Bureau of Labour Statistics.

*All salary and growth data are from Indeed and the US Bureau of Labour Statistics.

2.  IT Support Specialist

If you enjoy helping people solve technical problems, consider a career as an IT support specialist. IT support specialists provide technical assistance and support to customers and users of various hardware and software products. They use tools like Zendesk, Freshdesk, and Jira, to communicate with customers, diagnose issues, troubleshoot problems, and provide solutions. They also install, configure, maintain, and update hardware and software systems.

Skill requirements for an IT support specialist role:

– Knowledge of common hardware and software products

– The ability to use various customer service and ticketing tools

– Problem-solving and analytical skills

– Communication and interpersonal skills

– Customer service orientation

Learning resources:

Take courses on platforms such as Udemy, Coursera, edX, CompTIA IT Fundamentals, Microsoft Learn, Cisco Networking Academy, and LinkedIn Learning. 

Join online communities such as IT Support Community, Spiceworks Community, and Tech Support Forum.

Salary and growth expectations:

The average salary for an IT support specialist in the US is $54,760. Demand for IT support specialists is expected to grow 8% from 2021 to 2031.

3. Data Analyst

Data analysis is among the most in-demand and versatile tech careers for beginners. If you have a knack for numbers, train to become a data analyst and increase your chances of getting a well-paying job! 

Data analysts collect, process, analyze, and interpret data to help businesses and organizations make better decisions. They use tools such as Excel, SQL, Python, R, Tableau, and Power BI to manipulate and visualize data and apply statistical and analytical techniques to find patterns, trends, and insights.

Skill requirements for a data analyst role:

– Ability to use data analysis tools like SQL, Excel, Python, R, Tableau, Power BI, and more.

– Data communication skills

– Data business skills

– Statistics

– Data Visualization

Learning resources:

Courses on platforms like DataCamp, Dataquest, and Udacity. Participate in data science competitions and explore Kaggle’s datasets to sharpen your skills.

Online communities such as Data Science Central, Analytics Vidhya, and Towards Data Science. 

Salary and growth expectations:

The average salary for a data analyst in the US is $75,760. Demand for data analysts is expected to grow 31% from 2021 to 2031.

4. Cybersecurity Analyst

Cybersecurity is one of the most critical and challenging tech careers for beginners. Cybersecurity analysts are responsible for protecting businesses’ and organizations’ information systems and networks from cyberattacks. They use firewalls, antivirus software, encryption, and penetration testing tools to monitor, detect, prevent, and respond to security threats and incidents.

Skill requirements for a cybersecurity analyst role:

– Networking

-Security

– Ethical Hacking

– Digital Forensics

– Risk Assessment and Compliance

Learning resources:

Courses on platforms like Cybrary, Coursera, edX, and Udemy. 

Cybersecurity Certifications: Pursue certifications like CompTIA Security+, Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH), or Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP).

Leverage the power of community with Hack The Box, TryHackMe, and CTFtime.

Salary and growth expectations:

The average salary for a cybersecurity analyst in the US is $81,560. Demand for cybersecurity analysts is expected to grow 33% from 2021 to 2031.

5. Digital Marketer

Do you have a passion for creating digital content and love crafting compelling stories? Consider a career in digital marketing. Digital marketers are responsible for promoting and selling products and services online using various digital channels and strategies. It is one of the most creative and flexible tech careers for beginners.

Becoming a digital marketer requires learning the basics of digital marketing, using different tools and platforms, and measuring and optimizing your results.

Skill requirements for a digital marketer role:

– Marketing strategy

– Digital advertising

– Email Marketing

– Search engine optimisation (SEO)

– Content Marketing

– Social Media Marketing

– Communication and analytical skills

Learning resources:

Courses on Google Digital Garage, HubSpot Academy, Udemy, and Coursera. 

Online communities such as Digital Marketing Institute, Moz, and Copyblogger.

Salary and growth expectations:

The average salary for a digital marketer in the US is $64,040. Demand for digital marketers is expected to grow 10% from 2021 to 2031.

6. UX/UI Designer

This IT role is for people who are good at design. A UX/UI designer helps shape how people interact with technology. UX designers are responsible for designing and improving the user experience of products and services.

They use tools like Sketch, Figma, Adobe XD, and InVision, to create wireframes, prototypes, mockups, and user interfaces. They also conduct user research, testing, and feedback to understand the needs and preferences of users and optimize the usability and functionality of products and services.

Skill requirements for a UX/UI designer role:

– UX Design Principles

– Ability to use different UX Design Tools

– UI Design

– User Research

– User Testing

– Collaboration and communication

Learning resources:

Online courses on platforms such as Udemy, Coursera, edX, and Skillshare. Collaborate with others on online communities like UX Design Community, UX Mastery, and UX Collective.

Salary and growth expectations:

The average salary for a UX designer in the US is $96,040. Demand for UX designers is expected to grow by 18% from 2021 to 2031.

7. Cloud Engineer

If you’re fascinated by cloud technologies, explore a career as a cloud computing specialist. Cloud engineers design, develop, deploy, and manage cloud-based applications and services. They use tools and platforms such as AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud,  to create and maintain cloud infrastructure, platforms, and software. They also ensure the security, scalability, reliability, and performance of cloud solutions.

Skill requirements for a cloud engineer role:

– Knowledge of fundamental cloud computing concepts 

– The ability to use various cloud services and platforms

– Programming languages like Python, Java, and C++

– Networking

– Problem-solving

Learning resources:

Courses on Coursera, edX, Udemy, A Cloud Guru, and Cloud Academy.

Entry-level certifications: AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner, Microsoft Certified: Azure Fundamentals, and Google Cloud Certified – Associate Cloud Engineer.

Online communities such as Cloud Computing Community, AWS Community Builders, and Azure Dev Community

Salary and growth expectations:

The average salary for a cloud engineer in the US is $118,080. Demand for cloud engineers is expected to grow 22% from 2021 to 2031.

Remember, success in tech is driven by curiosity, continuous learning, and a willingness to adapt. So, pick your path, start learning, and let your tech journey unfold!

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