[Part 2] A Practical Guide to Exploring Unconventional Paths
Read Part 1 of the Transitioning into Tech Guide here if you haven’t read it yet or need a refresher.
In this final part, I’ll share tips and best practices to help you have a smooth transition into tech — even without a traditional tech background.
1. Take Ownership of Your Journey
Understand that you’re the ultimate driver of your transition into the tech space. So take responsibility and put in the effort to achieve your goal.
In the NoCode Techies Slack community chat on Ownership, I mentioned that research is one of the best things you can ever do for yourself. This is because when you read about the space you’re trying to enter, it opens up a whole new world to you.
You can reach out to others for guidance — but ultimately, it’s your journey and you need to be the one in the driving seat.
2. Identify Transferable Skills
These are skills that are relevant across industries. You can leverage transferable skills to show that you can do the work.
It’s good to highlight these skills and show how you used them in previous roles to drive impact, as well as how you can use them in your target role.
Transferable skills are usually soft skills like communication, problem-solving, adaptability, leadership etc. However, some hard skills like project management, data analysis and customer service are also transferable.
Note: Take note of tools and software you’re using in your current role that may be relevant to your target role.
3. Research and Find which Roles Suit Your Interests and Skills
Transitioning into tech as a NoCode Techie is like research work. Once you identify your interests and skills you can leverage to break in, research and dig into the field you’re pivoting into and gather information. Stalk professional profiles and study their journeys and how theirs can inform yours.
4. Let Job Descriptions be Your Friend
JDs should be one of your sources of truth for your transition. It’s where you’ll find the skills and experiences that are sought after in the field you want to break into. Knowing how to dissect job descriptions will help you know where to start — what to learn, which roles to target etc.
5. Embrace Continuous Learning
The tech industry is always evolving. Always be ready and willing to learn to improve your skills and remain relevant in the industry. Read industry reports, articles, newsletters, and books from experts. Also, listen to podcasts and watch videos. If it’s a degree or certification you need, go for it.
6. Network and Build Connections
There’s so much you can do and be when you have people in your corner supporting you, teaching you and showing you the way. So join relevant communities in your field to network and learn, or use social media platforms like LinkedIn and Twitter.
7. Conduct Informational Interviews and Ask Questions
Use platforms like LinkedIn, Twitter, and the NoCode Techies Slack community or tech sector-specific communities to reach out to people in your target field.
Ask them what they did to get to where they are now. Most people would be happy to assist you and share their journeys and resources that helped.
⚠️ Treat informational interviews as interviews for a role you’re applying for — just that you are the interviewer now. So research before reaching out to someone. First, make sure they’re the right person and be specific about your request. Also, do not ask questions that you can find by a simple Google search.
Next Steps
One word that appeared in almost every section of this article and the first part of the Transitioning into Tech Guide is Research. It shows how relevant it is for you to always be on the lookout for information to help in your transition into tech.
It’s a new industry you want to explore and your path isn’t traditional- it’s nonlinear and unconventional. So research, talk to industry professionals, and find out if your current skills and experiences can get you in or if you need to learn something new altogether.
The opportunities in the technology industry abound, but you won’t know if you don’t find out. Research.
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