Getting into Tech in 2023

Starting with a smiley face emoji (😀) might seem a bit informal, so let me start by saying congratulations on considering a career in tech. The tech industry is an exciting field that has experienced significant growth in the last five years. From Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning to new Software Development patterns and frameworks, there have been incredible innovations in robotics and beyond. However, with so many different branches and fields, it's understandable that beginners might feel overwhelmed and often struggle to choose a field of interest. I'd try to help with this post.

Firstly, I want to say that I respect your decision to transition into tech, regardless of your reasons. Whether you have a great interest in it, want to change your career, build a product, or make some money, your motivations are valid. While getting into tech might seem daunting at first, there are beginner-friendly steps you can take to make the process easier. With so many branches and fields in tech, I've listed a few below for you to explore. Take a look and see if any of them pique your interest.

1. Software development
2. Web development
3. Mobile app development
4. Game development
5. Artificial Intelligence (AI)
6. Machine Learning (ML)
7. Data Science
8. Cybersecurity
9. Cloud computing
10. Network engineering
11. UI/UX design
12. DevOps (Development and Operations)
13. Database management
14. Internet of Things (IoT)
15. Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR)
16. Blockchain
17. Digital Marketing
18. IT support and help desk
19. Project management
20. Technical writing

Although I won't be able to provide detailed explanations of each field, you may have come across some of them on the internet. Choosing a field that suits your interests and skills is important, and it's always recommended to choose something you're passionate about. For instance, if you have a knack for writing, technical writing could be a great choice. Or, if you have an artistic streak, you might enjoy UI/UX design. Or, if you want to build websites and applications, software development could be the field for you. I suggest you do research if you want to learn more about these fields but choose something you're passionate about at least.

What are the requirements?

As a newbie, you may have some questions about the requirements or qualifications needed to succeed. Some common questions people ask include whether a degree is necessary, how to get started without prior experience, or whether strong math skills are essential. While these concerns are understandable, it's important to remember that getting into tech is accessible to everyone. You don't need a degree or extensive experience to get started - what you need is a willingness to learn and the right resources. These resources can range from online courses and tutorials to bootcamps and mentorship programs. It's important to research and find resources that work for you and your goals in the tech industry.

Let me share my own experience of getting into tech.

From a young age, I've always been fascinated by technology and the potential it has to make our lives better. But it wasn't until I was almost done with high school that I decided to take action and pursue my interest in tech. At first, I experimented with building robots using everyday materials like plastics and broken electronics. But it wasn't until I discovered computer programming that I really found my passion. I started by learning PHP, watching countless tutorials on YouTube and taking online courses on Udemy. As I gained more experience, I started learning other programming languages and frameworks. Looking back, I realize that the most important thing I did was to keep learning and seeking out resources that would help me grow. So if you're thinking about getting into tech, my advice is to never stop learning and to find resources that work for you, whether it's online courses, mentorship programs or just experimenting on your own. In otherwords, the readiness to learn is actually the only requirement to get into tech.

Where can I find resources?

The internet is a vast treasure trove of free resources that can help you acquire the tech skills you need to succeed. One excellent place to start is YouTube, which has a wealth of videos that can provide you with an introduction to your field and take you further along your learning journey. Many content creators even offer courses on their channels that can help you build your knowledge and expertise.

Of course, while YouTube is an excellent resource, it may not provide the structure and depth of an online course. Enrolling in an online course can offer a more comprehensive learning experience with dedicated instructors, access to a community of like-minded learners and professionals, and opportunities to ask questions and receive thoughtful solutions to your problems. Take the time to explore your options and find the resources that best suit your interests and learning style. But online courses are usually paid for.

There are several online marketplaces for courses, and the best ones depend on the specific skills or areas of study that you're interested in. Some of the most popular marketplaces for online courses include:

1. Udemy: Udemy is one of the largest online course marketplaces with over 200,000 courses available. It offers courses on a wide range of topics from programming to photography, business, and personal development.

2. Coursera: Coursera partners with universities and organizations to offer online courses, specializations, and degrees. It has a focus on more academic topics, such as computer science, data science, and social sciences.

3. LinkedIn Learning: LinkedIn Learning, formerly known as Lynda.com, offers courses on a wide range of topics, including business, technology, and creative skills. It also offers personalized course recommendations based on your career goals and interests.

4. Skillshare: Skillshare is a community-based online learning platform that offers courses in creative fields like design, photography, and writing. It has a focus on project-based learning and offers a range of free and premium courses.

5. Udacity: Udacity offers courses and nanodegrees in technical fields such as programming, artificial intelligence, and machine learning. It has partnerships with leading tech companies and offers career services to help students find jobs in their field.

These are just a few of the many online course marketplaces available. When choosing a marketplace, consider factors such as the course content, instructor quality, pricing, and user reviews.

Another great option to get into tech is Bootcamps. They provide an immersive and intensive learning experience that can help you acquire the necessary skills quickly with lots of benefits.

1. Structured Learning: Bootcamps offer a structured learning experience that is designed to help students gain the skills they need in a short amount of time. This structure can be helpful for beginners who may not know where to start or what topics to focus on.

2. Hands-on Experience: Many bootcamps offer hands-on experience through projects and assignments, which can help students gain practical skills that are applicable to real-world scenarios.

3. Networking Opportunities: Bootcamps provide a great opportunity to connect with other students and instructors, as well as industry professionals, which can help beginners expand their network and get job opportunities.

It's important to mention that while bootcamps may be a great option, they can be expensive and not every bootcamp may provide a high-quality learning experience. They are also often intense and require a significant time commitment.

Do I need a mentor?

While there are numerous helpful resources available online for learning about tech, some individuals may find that having a mentor can be invaluable. For example, a mentor can provide guidance on how to navigate the industry and help you get your foot in the door. Successful mentor-mentee relationships in the tech industry can be seen in examples such as Bill Gates and Satya Nadella. Gates, the co-founder of Microsoft, mentored Nadella, who is now the CEO of Microsoft. Nadella has credited Gates with helping him develop his leadership skills and providing guidance throughout his career. However, it's important to note that while mentors can be valuable, they may not be necessary for everyone. Some individuals may prefer to rely solely on online resources, while others may find that mentoring is the best way for them to learn and grow in their chosen tech field. I myself like to coach and mentor. If you need help, I'd be happy to provide it.

Getting into Tech in 2023 can be exciting, but it's not without its challenges. The good news is that with consistency and determination, anyone can achieve their goals. One of the most common mistakes beginners make is trying to learn too much too fast. Instead, focus on mastering the basics and gradually building your knowledge. Another mistake to avoid is overlooking the importance of networking and building relationships with people in the industry. It's also important to keep in mind that failure is inevitable, but it's not the end. Be consistent. Learning a new skill takes time and effort, and it's important to commit to a regular routine of learning and practice. Even if you can only spare a few hours a week, consistently showing up and making progress will pay off in the long run. This is especially important in tech, where new tools and techniques are constantly emerging, and staying up to date requires ongoing learning. By committing to a regular routine of learning and practice, staying persistent in your efforts, and avoiding common mistakes, you can successfully transition into this dynamic and rewarding field.

Above all, remember that getting into tech is a journey, not a destination. Enjoy the process, stay curious, and never stop learning.

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