How to Change Careers to Tech in 2024

The tech industry never stops growing and evolving, and this constant flux offers endless opportunities for career changers. Moving into tech might seem daunting, but you can make a successful shift with the right approach. This guide will give you an action plan to navigate the tech landscape, gain the necessary skills, and enter the job market.

Understanding the Tech Landscape in 2024

The tech industry is always on the move, with new trends and technologies popping up all the time. Here are some key areas to keep an eye on:

• AI and machine learning: AI is revolutionizing various industries, making it a high-demand skill.
• Cybersecurity: As cyber threats increase, so does the need for cybersecurity experts.
• Cloud computing: Proficiency in platforms like AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud is crucial.
• Data science: Data is the new oil, and the ability to analyze and interpret data is invaluable.
• Web and mobile development: The demand for web and mobile applications continues to rise.

Don't miss out on emerging tech like extended reality (AR/VR), blockchain, and quantum computing – they're set to shake things up even more. While tech skills are crucial, remember that the industry also relies heavily on non-technical roles such as UX design, project management, and business development to drive success.

How Hard Is It to Switch Careers?

While making a career change isn't always easy, it is doable with the right motivation. The challenges you face can vary  – some people may find it tougher than others. One thing's for sure, though: a career transition can take time. The difficulty of the shift often depends on how closely your new industry relates to your current one and whether you have any relevant experience.

For example, if you're a tech writer with a background in technology, you may already be familiar with areas like AI and machine learning. This would make switching to a core tech job easier for you. If you're jumping into a field where you have no prior experience, you may hit a few more roadblocks. But even these can be overcome with persistence and effort.

Consider this: According Pew Research, nearly 50 million workers in the U.S. (30% of the workforce) switched jobs in 2022. Of these, 60% saw an immediate increase in their monthly earnings compared to last year.

So, if you're considering a career change, you're in good company. The job market is full of opportunities for those willing to make the leap.

Signs That You Should Change Careers 

It's perfectly normal to feel unsatisfied with your job over time. Sometimes, career growth doesn't match your expectations for earning potential or advancement. This can lead to dissatisfaction and a general lack of motivation to work. Fortunately, a robust global job market means you don't have to put up with these feelings for long before deciding to make a change.

In a trend known as "The Great Reshuffle," about 53% of all American workers changed jobs in 2021. Among them, 61% were aged 18 to 29, while 45% were over 30. This data shows that people of all ages and sectors are making career changes. So, how do you know if it's time for you to find a new role? Here are a few signs you should make the change:

• Disinterest and boredom: If your job no longer excites or challenges you, it might be time for a change.
• Constant burnout: Persistent stress and exhaustion indicate your job may not be engaging enough.
• Dreading work: Feeling anxious and discouraged about going to work suggests your job isn't fulfilling anymore.
• No growth opportunities: A lack of personal and professional growth can make even a well-paying job feel burdensome.

12 Tips To Make Starting a New Career Easier

A successful career change involves more than just having a strong resume and cover letter, though those are important. Here are some tips to help you make a smooth transition.

Understand Why You Want the Change

When Jeff Bezos was contemplating leaving his investment banking job to start what would become Amazon, his boss asked him a simple but profound question: "Why?" This question helped Bezos realize that he would regret not taking the chance more than he would regret trying and failing. Understanding your motivations for a career change is crucial. It helps clarify your goals and dispel any doubts.

To find a career path that aligns with your interests and values, you need to understand your career aspirations and motivations. Being clear about why you want to change careers can help you put all misgivings to rest and start making a concrete plan. It also enables you to tailor the rest of the changeover process to your set goals. If you're struggling to align your thoughts, consider working with a career coach to help move your aspirations in a productive direction.

Identify What You Like About Your Current Role

Reflect on your initial motivations when you started your current role. Was it the responsibilities, potential for growth, or something else? Consider which aspects of your job you still enjoy and why they interest you. Is it creativity, strategic thinking, or analytical tasks? Do you thrive on constant change, or do you prefer stability? What are your values, and how does your current job match those? Use these insights to guide your next career move. By assessing your likes and dislikes, you'll better understand what to seek out or avoid in your new career.

Find a Career That's a Good Fit

Once you've decided to make the leap into tech, it's time to explore different career options. Focus on fields that genuinely interest you and where you can best use your personal and professional skills. Think about your transferable skills, relevant experience, and network connections that can help you in your transition. With this in mind, look into roles like software developer, data scientist, cybersecurity analyst, cloud engineer, and UX/UI designer.

Reverse-Engineer the Skills You Need 

Now that you're clear about which tech career you want to pursue, it's time to put your strategy in place. Make a list of all the skills and certifications required for your chosen field. Understanding the specific qualifications of a job title helps you prepare for interview questions and test assignments. It also gives you insight into the professional demands of your new field. Remember, both technical and soft skills are valuable across different roles, and some non-tech skills translate well into tech jobs. 

Use job posting platforms like LinkedIn and Indeed to find relevant job descriptions and understand the skills recruiters are looking for. Resources such as Glassdoor and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics can provide valuable information about your potential career, including average salaries, job growth, education and training requirements, and so on. Also, tap into your professional network and mentors to learn how they developed their skill sets.

Fill the Skill Gap with Online Learning

Before you start applying for new jobs, you may need to go back to school – but that doesn't mean a full college degree. Over the past few years, employers in tech have come to value online degrees and certifications. Taking online courses lets you develop the skills you need for your career change without having to leave your day job. Programs like those offered by Turing College allow you to learn at your own pace and collaborate with peers and mentors.

Build a Strong Portfolio

A solid portfolio is essential for showcasing your skills and projects. Build a portfolio website with personal projects, GitHub repositories, and case studies. Highlight real-world problem-solving projects and contributions to open-source communities. Your portfolio should show that you can tackle complex challenges and deliver innovative solutions.

Volunteer or Freelance

Offering your skills for volunteer projects or freelance work is a great way to build your portfolio and expand your network. Consider developing a website for a non-profit, assisting with a data analysis project, or helping a startup with cybersecurity measures. These opportunities not only help you gain experience but also connect you with professionals in your new field.

Decide Whether to Move Laterally or Switch Companies

When you're ready to apply for your next job, remember that a new career path doesn't always mean leaving your current company. You may find opportunities in other departments. For example, suppose you're a front-end programmer with a passion for software development. You can try enrolling in training programs for data structures and object-oriented programming (OOP). You can then apply for a role in your company's product department.

Companies often prefer to hire internally because they already know the employee well. If a new position opens up in a different department, you may have an advantage over external applicants. To pursue a lateral move, speak with your HR manager about your intention. They can make your transition within the company fast and smooth.

Prepare for the Job Search 

If you want to switch to another company, start by looking for and shortlisting tech jobs that interest you. Create a hierarchy based on your preferences – identify roles you're most passionate about and others as fallback options. This approach helps you stay focused and organized during your job search.

Make Use of Your Network

Relying on cold emails and online applications may not land you the job you want. Instead, use your professional and personal networks to bridge the gap between your current job and your desired role. Reach out to people you know to see if they have connections in your target field and arrange informational interviews. Remember, referred applications are up to four times more likely to be successful than those submitted through traditional means.

Be Consistent With Your Job Applications

Applying for new jobs can be a bit of a grind. You might not get interviews and job offers right away, but what's important is staying consistent. Dedicate time each week to applying for at least a few positions. Indeed suggests aiming for 10-15 applications each week to be able to line up a few prospective interviews.

Negotiate Your Salary Terms

Negotiating your salary and benefits is crucial when accepting a new job. Have a clear idea of your expected salary and be ready to explain why you deserve it. Effective negotiation involves finding a balance that satisfies both you and the employer. While you shouldn't undersell yourself, it's also important to show flexibility and genuine interest in the job.

Career Change Myths

Understanding the practical steps for a career change is essential, but it's equally important to avoid discouraging myths. These misconceptions can hold you back from making a potentially life-changing decision. Here are two of the most prevalent myths about switching careers and why you should ignore them.

You Can't Change Your Career After a Certain Point

One of the most common misconceptions is that you can't start a new career after a certain age. A 2022 survey by Novoresume found that nearly 80% of workers over 40 consider a change in their careers, but only 5% go through with it. However, the survey also showed that 82% of those who did make the switch after 45 were successful.

A career change is possible at any age if you're willing to gain the necessary skills. In fact, older employees bring a wealth of professional experience that makes them valuable to companies. Your maturity, work ethic, and knowledge can be significant assets.

Changing Careers Means Starting Over From Scratch

Another myth is that you have to start from scratch when changing careers. While you might start with a slightly lower salary or job title, you don't always have to begin at an entry-level position. If you can show relevant skills through projects and certifications, you can be considered for higher positions. Relevant work experience is important, but having the right skills and credentials also go a long way in securing a well-paying job.

Change Your Career with Turing College

Ready to switch careers? Check out Turing College. Our tech programs cover everything from data analytics and data science to web development and digital marketing. Crafted by experts from top companies like Google, Amazon, and Unity, these courses let you learn at your own pace and get hands-on experience with one-on-one project reviews. Dive into your new career path with confidence and real-world skills.