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How do I break into the tech industry?
I am a college student looking to enter the tech industry.
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9 answers
Updated
Jacob’s Answer
Everyone above has really great advice. What made it possible for me was being willing to start at an entry level role. Breaking into tech is the hardest part but, growing a career from there once you're in is much easier. For example, if you are in insurance sales and want to break into tech you'd likely start at an entry Sales Development Representative and work your way up from there.
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Madeleine’s Answer
Look up companies and roles that interest you on LinkedIn then message people for a coffee chat to learn about their journey and what they recommend you do to get your foot in the door. Great for networking and could lead to a referral down the road.
Another tip is to follow groups, listen to IT podcasts, and go to Tech events in your city to get surrounded by like-minded people who can point you in the right direction!
Don't be afraid about not having enough experience, depending on what you want to do in tech, just having a passion and a basic understanding of tech trends can be enough to get you in the door.
Another tip is to follow groups, listen to IT podcasts, and go to Tech events in your city to get surrounded by like-minded people who can point you in the right direction!
Don't be afraid about not having enough experience, depending on what you want to do in tech, just having a passion and a basic understanding of tech trends can be enough to get you in the door.
Updated
Megan’s Answer
Hi Mahaan!
The best way to get your foot in the door is with an internship. There are endless internship opportunities. You can talk to your college's career services office to get help with your resume and apply to internships.
I hope this helps!
The best way to get your foot in the door is with an internship. There are endless internship opportunities. You can talk to your college's career services office to get help with your resume and apply to internships.
I hope this helps!
Thank you so much for the advice.
Mahaan
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Brandon’s Answer
Depends on what you want to focus on in tech. First I would figure out what motivates you (FinTech, HealthTech, EdTech, etc). From there, I would reach out to recruiters at companies in the space you're interested in to start networking with them over LinkedIn. You could also ask members in the orgs who are doing the role you're interested in (i.e. Program Managers or Business Analysts) for mentorship or a simple coffee chat. Most people are more than willing to share knowledge and time to help someone out.
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Ricardo’s Answer
Hi Mahaan,
Breaking into the tech industry can be an exciting and rewarding journey. Here are some steps you can take as a college student to enter the tech industry:
1. Identify Your Interests: Explore different tech industry areas to identify your interests. Determine whether you're drawn to software development, data analytics, cybersecurity, UX/UI design, project management, or any other field within tech.
2. Gain Relevant Education: Pursue a degree or coursework that aligns with your chosen field of interest in tech. Focus on acquiring foundational knowledge and practical skills through computer science, engineering, information technology, or related programs.
3. Build a Strong Foundation: Develop a solid understanding of fundamental concepts, programming languages, algorithms, and data structures. These core skills will serve as a strong foundation for your tech career.
4. Gain Practical Experience: Seek internships, co-op programs, or part-time jobs in tech-related roles. Practical experience enhances your skills, provides valuable insights into the industry, and builds your professional network.
5. Work on Personal Projects: Undertake personal tech projects to apply your knowledge and showcase your abilities. Build websites, develop mobile apps, contribute to open-source projects, or create software solutions. These projects demonstrate your passion, creativity, and problem-solving skills to potential employers.
6. Attend Tech Events and Workshops: Participate in tech conferences, workshops, and meetups. Engage with industry professionals, learn about emerging technologies, and network with like-minded individuals. These events can provide valuable connections and insights into the tech industry.
7. Develop a Professional Online Presence: Create a strong online presence by showcasing your projects, skills, and achievements. Build a professional website, create a LinkedIn profile, and contribute to relevant online communities. Share your knowledge and engage with others to establish yourself as a credible and active tech community member.
8. Network: Connect with professionals in the tech industry through networking events, online platforms, and industry-specific forums. Attend career fairs, contact alums, and join professional organizations related to your field. Building relationships with professionals can lead to mentorship, job opportunities, and valuable industry insights.
9. Stay Updated: Stay abreast of the latest trends, technologies, and developments in the tech industry. Follow industry blogs, news sources, and influential figures in your chosen field. Demonstrating a passion for continuous learning and staying up-to-date shows employers your commitment to the industry.
10. Leverage Career Services: Utilize the resources and support provided by your college's career services department. They can assist with resume building, interview preparation, connecting with employers, and providing guidance specific to the tech industry.
Remember, this requires perseverance, continuous learning, and a proactive approach. Be open to new opportunities, embrace challenges, and demonstrate enthusiasm for the field.
With dedication and a solid foundation, you can pave your way into the dynamic and ever-evolving world of tech.
Breaking into the tech industry can be an exciting and rewarding journey. Here are some steps you can take as a college student to enter the tech industry:
1. Identify Your Interests: Explore different tech industry areas to identify your interests. Determine whether you're drawn to software development, data analytics, cybersecurity, UX/UI design, project management, or any other field within tech.
2. Gain Relevant Education: Pursue a degree or coursework that aligns with your chosen field of interest in tech. Focus on acquiring foundational knowledge and practical skills through computer science, engineering, information technology, or related programs.
3. Build a Strong Foundation: Develop a solid understanding of fundamental concepts, programming languages, algorithms, and data structures. These core skills will serve as a strong foundation for your tech career.
4. Gain Practical Experience: Seek internships, co-op programs, or part-time jobs in tech-related roles. Practical experience enhances your skills, provides valuable insights into the industry, and builds your professional network.
5. Work on Personal Projects: Undertake personal tech projects to apply your knowledge and showcase your abilities. Build websites, develop mobile apps, contribute to open-source projects, or create software solutions. These projects demonstrate your passion, creativity, and problem-solving skills to potential employers.
6. Attend Tech Events and Workshops: Participate in tech conferences, workshops, and meetups. Engage with industry professionals, learn about emerging technologies, and network with like-minded individuals. These events can provide valuable connections and insights into the tech industry.
7. Develop a Professional Online Presence: Create a strong online presence by showcasing your projects, skills, and achievements. Build a professional website, create a LinkedIn profile, and contribute to relevant online communities. Share your knowledge and engage with others to establish yourself as a credible and active tech community member.
8. Network: Connect with professionals in the tech industry through networking events, online platforms, and industry-specific forums. Attend career fairs, contact alums, and join professional organizations related to your field. Building relationships with professionals can lead to mentorship, job opportunities, and valuable industry insights.
9. Stay Updated: Stay abreast of the latest trends, technologies, and developments in the tech industry. Follow industry blogs, news sources, and influential figures in your chosen field. Demonstrating a passion for continuous learning and staying up-to-date shows employers your commitment to the industry.
10. Leverage Career Services: Utilize the resources and support provided by your college's career services department. They can assist with resume building, interview preparation, connecting with employers, and providing guidance specific to the tech industry.
Remember, this requires perseverance, continuous learning, and a proactive approach. Be open to new opportunities, embrace challenges, and demonstrate enthusiasm for the field.
With dedication and a solid foundation, you can pave your way into the dynamic and ever-evolving world of tech.
Updated
Maddy’s Answer
Begin making connections in the technology field and strive to discover a company whose ambitions align with yours! It's an exciting journey, so dive in!
Updated
Dr. Alice’s Answer
Hi Mahaan,
Options to secure internship are to attend local job fairs in your area and on your campus. Also, city, state, and local agencies are always posting for internship opportunities on their websites.
Best of luck in your search.
Options to secure internship are to attend local job fairs in your area and on your campus. Also, city, state, and local agencies are always posting for internship opportunities on their websites.
Best of luck in your search.
Thank you!
Mahaan
Updated
Regie’s Answer
Hi Mahaan,
Here are my suggestions.
Join professional meetups that focus into technology. In this way you could gain ideas on how people get into their career; at the same time, you will learn some new tools and technologies. Professional networks are good not only into your career but into personal development as well.
Search for some freelance/volunteering work related into technology. This kind of experience will give you an advantage as you have something to discuss with an employer. Gaining exposure whether big or small, will help you understand the career you want to take into and as you go along into the job, it will help you prepare and learn quickly as you adopt to the new tools and processes.
Hope this could help.
Here are my suggestions.
Join professional meetups that focus into technology. In this way you could gain ideas on how people get into their career; at the same time, you will learn some new tools and technologies. Professional networks are good not only into your career but into personal development as well.
Search for some freelance/volunteering work related into technology. This kind of experience will give you an advantage as you have something to discuss with an employer. Gaining exposure whether big or small, will help you understand the career you want to take into and as you go along into the job, it will help you prepare and learn quickly as you adopt to the new tools and processes.
Hope this could help.
Updated
Sarah M.’s Answer
I would encourage anyone interested in tech to find ways to expand and demonstrate their curiosity, and desire for learning new things. Tech is fast moving, and as a business or solutions analyst for a big tech company, I work with developers who are now using tools and technologies that didn't exist when they were at school or getting qualified.
Volunteering for tech charities, or offering support to other groups you might work with, such as social clubs for groups that might have a website, or database, or need other tech-y support. Get confidence, and figure out if it's really what drives you.
Learn about the different opportunities in tech - there are many more than coding - and how they work together. Understand agile methodologies, and how teams work together in technology.
Think about joining tech type meetup groups, forums and getting involved in open source projects - these all offer networking and development opportunities, and often ways to demonstrate skills to future employers.
Volunteering for tech charities, or offering support to other groups you might work with, such as social clubs for groups that might have a website, or database, or need other tech-y support. Get confidence, and figure out if it's really what drives you.
Learn about the different opportunities in tech - there are many more than coding - and how they work together. Understand agile methodologies, and how teams work together in technology.
Think about joining tech type meetup groups, forums and getting involved in open source projects - these all offer networking and development opportunities, and often ways to demonstrate skills to future employers.