Step-by-step guide for non-techies transitioning to tech

BY PRISCA EMELIKE

Let me start with a bit of a personal story.

I have come a long way from a non-tech background to building a successful career in tech as a business analyst, product manager, and tech mentor. My journey started with a degree in agricultural economics from the Federal University of Technology Owerri (FUTO), which may seem unrelated to tech, but my passion for learning and upskilling led me into this exciting field. So, I started online courses on platforms like Udemy, Coursera, and LinkedIn. These courses gave me a solid foundation in digital technology, but I quickly realised that practical experience was just as important. So, I sought out internships and apprenticeships, where I worked on real projects like CRM implementations and app development.

I didn’t hesitate to invest my time and money in acquiring new skills because I knew they were crucial for my growth. In a tech industry where experience often matters more than formal qualifications, continuous learning became my mantra. I understood that staying relevant meant constantly improving myself, so I embraced hands-on learning and sought out opportunities to expand my expertise.

Living in a world where practical skills trumped degrees reinforced my belief in the power of continuous self-improvement. I focused on honing my skills in project management, product development, and systems analysis, seizing every chance to grow and contribute to the tech sector. And as I progressed in my career, I discovered that there are plenty of tech roles that don’t require extensive coding knowledge.

Today, roles like UX/UI designer, product manager, business analyst, and project manager offer lucrative opportunities for individuals with diverse backgrounds. I have leveraged my strengths in communication, problem-solving, and strategic thinking, and I’ve been able to thrive in these roles and contribute to innovative projects that drive business success.

So, if you’re not from a technical background, journeying into the world of digital technology might seem intimidating. The good news? It’s entirely possible to make the leap with the right mindset and determination.

This guide is to show you that transitioning to a career in digital technology is within your reach. Whether you’re curious about coding, interested in software development, or just eager to explore new opportunities, this step-by-step guide will provide you with the clarity and resources you need to get started.

So, if you’ve ever thought about getting into tech but weren’t sure where to begin, this guide is for you.

Self-assessment

Transitioning into digital technology starts with understanding your motivations and recognising your strengths. Take some time to reflect on why you want to make this change. Is it because you’re fascinated by technology and its impact on the world? Or maybe you’re looking for new career opportunities with better prospects? Whatever your reasons, having a clear understanding of your motivations will keep you focused and motivated throughout your journey.

Next, evaluate your existing skills and strengths. You might not have a technical background, but that doesn’t mean you lack valuable traits. Think about your problem-solving abilities, analytical thinking skills, and communication prowess. These are all essential qualities in the digital technology field. By recognising your strengths, you can leverage them to your advantage as you embark on this new path.

Understand the tech space

The field of digital technology is vast and diverse, and there are a multitude of career paths to explore. Take the time to research various roles within the field, such as software development, data analysis, UX/UI design, and cybersecurity. Each role comes with its own set of responsibilities, requirements, and opportunities for growth. Identify which areas align with your interests, skills, and career goals. Maybe you’re drawn to the creativity of UX/UI design or the problem-solving aspect of software development. By understanding the different roles available, you can narrow down your focus and set clear goals for your journey into tech.

Specialisation

What the previous step is getting at is that specialising in a particular tech area that you really like can be a smart move. Whether you’re into artificial intelligence, cloud computing, or making mobile apps, focusing on one specific thing can help you become an expert in that field. By specialising, you can stand out from the crowd and show that you have in-depth knowledge in a particular tech area.

When you specialise in a specific tech field, you can go deeper into learning all about it. Becoming an expert in one area allows you to develop specialised skills and knowledge that can set you apart from others. Whether it’s mastering the ins and outs of AI algorithms, understanding the complexities of cloud infrastructure, or honing your skills in app development, focusing on a niche area can make you a go-to person for that particular tech specialty.

Moreover, specialising can open up more opportunities for you in the tech industry. Employers often look for experts who have deep knowledge in specific areas of technology. By focusing on a niche, you can position yourself as a valuable asset with specialised expertise. Whether you aspire to work for a tech company, start your own business, or freelance in your chosen field, specialising can help you carve out a successful career path in tech.

Continuous learning

A lot of changes happen in tech every time, so continuous learning is essential. You have to stay updated on the latest trends, tools, and technologies. To do this, you can take online courses, attend workshops, and participate in tech communities. The goal is to be deliberate about spaces where opportunities are discussed, networks are amplified, and more. Platforms like Coursera, Udemy, and edX offer a wide range of courses to help you enhance your skills and stay relevant in the industry. Truly, some of these courses are paid for, but there are basic courses that can be learned for free, and some might luckily come with certifications too.

However, there is a platform that many sleep on, and anyone looking to transition into tech needs to take it seriously. And that’s YouTube! YouTube is such a great place for any kind of learning, including learning about a specific field you are interested in tech. You just have to decide what number of hours you want to commit to this. You might also need to learn how to go about your searches. Start with things like, “How to get started in tech?”… “Tech basic learning for absolute beginners”… etc. You will be surprised at the troves of learning options available to you on the platform.

Hands-on experience

While it’s good to learn theories, actually doing things is super important in the tech world. Try to find chances to use what you’ve learned by doing internships, working on small projects for others, or creating your own tech projects. By building a collection of projects, you can not only show off what you can do to possible employers but also feel more sure of yourself and your skills.

Practical experience helps you understand things better by putting your knowledge into practice. Whether it’s making a website, analysing data, or designing an app, working on real projects lets you apply what you’ve learned and create a portfolio that highlights your abilities. Also, by trying out different things and learning from your mistakes, you can improve your skills, face challenges confidently, and grow as a tech person. Getting hands-on experience is a great way to show that you can solve real problems effectively and feel more self-assured in your tech abilities.

Networking

There has been a cursory reference to this earlier in the part about continuous learning. Network is part of learning, and in the tech space, it is the golden rule for personal growth. You can meet new people and make connections by going to tech events, joining online groups, and talking to professionals in the field. By networking, you can find job chances, get advice from experienced people, and work together with others on projects. Having a good group of connections can help you a lot in growing your career in the tech industry.

Making connections with people in tech can bring you lots of opportunities. Whether it’s finding a job, getting guidance, or teaming up with others, networking can help you go a long way in your tech career. So, don’t forget to build a strong network of contacts—it can make a big difference in how your tech career grows.

Stay persistent

Truth be told: staying persistent in the tech industry is really important because you might face difficulties and obstacles along the way. It’s crucial to keep going, even when things get tough. By staying determined and not giving up, you can continue to learn from your mistakes, grow from failures, and adjust to changes in the tech world. With a strong sense of perseverance, you can overcome challenges and reach your goals in the tech industry.

Remember: Consistency is key to tech success. By staying consistent in your efforts, continuously pushing yourself to learn and improve, and staying resilient in the face of setbacks, you can make progress and achieve success in the tech field. Embrace challenges as opportunities for growth, stay focused on your goals, and maintain a positive attitude even when things get tough. With persistence and a never-give-up attitude, you can navigate the ups and downs of the tech industry and ultimately succeed in reaching your aspirations.

Let me correct an assumption here quickly….
You might have been reading all along and thinking, “Oh! I don’t want to learn any technical skills! Is there no place for me?”

There is. And quite a number of opportunities, I must say. In fact, that was where this piece started from.

In the tech industry, it’s not just about technical skills. There are various roles that require different abilities, such as project management, marketing, sales, customer support, and more. If you have strong communication skills, organisational abilities, creativity, or problem-solving skills, there are plenty of non-technical roles that could be a great fit for you. Companies in the tech sector need diverse talents to thrive, so there are definitely opportunities for you to contribute and succeed without having to delve deep into technical skills. Don’t underestimate the value of your unique strengths and consider exploring non-technical roles that align with your interests and abilities.

Whatever you decide, rooting for you!

Prisca Emelike can be reached via [email protected]