How To Start a Tech Career Without a Degree

If you have ever wondered about the possibility of starting a career in tech without a degree or how long it will take you to fully transition into tech, this blog post is for you.

First of all, not all tech jobs are technical. There are lots of non-technical roles in tech like human resources, sales, finance, and even legal. However, I will focus more on the technical side of tech because that’s my niche.

It is also important to not downplay the role of transferable soft skills like problem-solving, critical thinking, and effective communication, which are universal and essential in any professional setting, including tech jobs.

So, you want to get into tech but you are not sure of your chances because you do not have a computer or a related IT degree. The truth is that you stand a great chance – depending on which roles you are looking out for, and your level of commitment to acquiring the necessary technical skills for the role.

Tech giants like Apple, Microsoft and Google helped accelerate the adoption of hiring tech talents based on their skills instead of possessing an IT degree.

With tech skills still in high demand and the abundance of great online learning platforms for acquiring these skills, it will be unfair to restrict the hiring pool to only people with IT degrees.

To start a career in tech without a technical background, you need a plan:

1. Research tech roles

One of the things you will quickly notice as you start your tech journey is how much research you will have to do.  You need to know tech roles, estimated salaries and skill requirements.

It is advisable to go for roles that are in demand and align with your capabilities so you do not end up wasting time trying out things that will not work for you.

Examples of tech jobs currently in high demand are software development, data analysis, project management, UI/UX design, cybersecurity, and artificial intelligence.

2. Acquire the necessary skills

While a technical background can be advantageous, it is not always a prerequisite for starting a tech career. There are plenty of available resources to help you develop skills for any tech role you choose. Online learning platforms, bootcamps, nanodegrees, and college courses offer comprehensive and readily accessible options. 

Most online learning platforms offer self-paced courses. It is up to you to determine what works best for you. 

While you are acquiring the necessary skills, building a portfolio of personal projects and contributing to open-source initiatives will give you much-needed practice. They can also demonstrate your abilities and commitment to potential employers.

3. Get an accountability partner or a mentor

Leverage the knowledge of a mentor to navigate many of the challenges that you will face. A mentor will make things easier for you by helping you define your goals and drafting strategies to achieve them, while also giving you feedback and support.

 An accountability partner will keep you grounded in your goals, provide motivation and support for when the going gets tough.

4. Build a network 

Attend tech-related events, join tech communities, and reach out to professionals in your desired field. Engage your learning peers in conversations, and ask for advice. Building relationships with industry insiders can provide insights, guidance, and even job referrals. 

Many job opportunities are not advertised and this is especially true for entry-level and internship roles. Being in a community or having a good network will be very beneficial in finding these opportunities to kickstart your tech career.

5. Gain practical experience

Internships and entry-level positions offer a valuable bridge between your existing skills and the tech industry. While they may come with a lower starting point, they provide hands-on experience and the chance to learn from experienced professionals. Consider these opportunities as stepping stones to gaining practical knowledge and establishing a track record.

6. Embrace continuous learning

The tech industry is known for its rapid evolution. You will find that trends get quickly outdated in tech, so embracing a mindset of continuous learning is crucial. Stay updated with the latest trends, technologies, and best practices through online resources, industry publications, and attending conferences.

Consider pursuing professional beginner certifications like Google career certificates, Cisco certifications and Comptia certifications to get you grounded in IT first, before getting more certified in your chosen tech field. These will solidify your IT foundations knowledge, enhance your credibility and demonstrate your commitment to growth and development.

The time it will take to complete your first professional IT certification and get job ready might range from six months to a year.

There is no guarantee that you will land your first job as soon as you are ready, especially with the current world economic crises. However, if you are able to take all the steps listed above, you stand a good chance to start your tech career faster.

Do your best and hope for the best.

Bonus tip:

Udacity scholarship opportunity sponsored by Access Bank for Business Analytics, Product Management, Digital Marketing, Introduction to Programming, and Programming for Data Science with Python 

Grow with Google career certificates are self-paced and offered on Coursera. On completion, certificate holders qualify for entry-level jobs. Audit the courses for free in 7 days.

Microsoft Learn is a great platform for learning about Microsoft technologies and preparing for Microsoft certifications. The platform is free to use and is a wonderful guide for your chosen career path.

Let me know in the comments if you’re interested in seeing more scholarship opportunities posted here.