The tech industry is one of the fastest-growing sectors in the world. Tech roles consistently offer more competitive earnings, averaging $141,513 – $118,675/year for some software developers, depending on experience and specialization. Beyond the financial benefits, tech offers more flexibility, such as remote or hybrid roles, hence the appeal, influencing more people to choose this career path.
While the industry offers huge financial perks and flexibility, the most compelling reason many individuals are interested in Tech is its inclusivity. A tech career also allows enthusiasts to contribute to meaningful projects while solving problems, such as building scalable fintech solutions that improve how people make transactions.
While tech is lucrative and offers many opportunities for growth and flexibility, it also has challenges. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the steps to start a career in tech, whether you’re a student or want to switch career paths.
10 Practical Steps to Starting a Career in Tech
Starting a new career path comes with its share of trepidation and questions, one of which is, “How do I start?” This guide answers those questions and gives you practical steps to begin.
Each step examines why, how, and where to get the necessary resources and an estimated timeline.
1. Identify Your Tech Niche
- Introduction: Like any other industry, tech is a vast field covering everything from software development, data science, UI/UX design, and cybersecurity. If one isn’t careful, they might waste time deciding which field to focus on. Hence, the importance of identifying your niche, as it helps align your career with your interests and strengths.
- How:
- Start by analyzing yourself: what are your interests, strengths, etc.?
- If you like problem-solving, consider data analytics or cybersecurity, while more creatively inclined people can focus on UI/UX design.
- Take free courses or career quizzes (like Evolve with Tech’s career path) and check out roles that match your goals.
- After doing the above, to inform your niche selection decision, review platforms like Indeed, Jobberman, or LinkedIn jobs to understand which tech roles are in demand.
- Where:
- Career quizzes (e.g., “Evolve with Tech’s career path”).
- Platforms like Indeed, Jobberman, or LinkedIn jobs (for understanding which tech roles are in demand).
- When:
- This step usually takes about 1-2 weeks of proper research.
2. Learn Foundational Skills
Once you’ve identified your tech niche, the next step is learning the foundational skills needed to succeed. Learning foundational skills is non-negotiable, whether you aim to be a developer, data analyst, or digital marketer.
- How:
- There’s a popular saying, “A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step,” so don’t be afraid of starting small.
- Learn in-demand skills like Python, HTML/CSS, or SQL, depending on your niche choice.
- Take on real-world projects to help with your learning process.
- Where:
- Take advantage of beginner-friendly platforms like Evolve With Tech, with easy-to-understand programs tailored specifically for you.
- When:
- Allow 2-4 months at 10-15 hours per week to focus on learning the basics comfortably.
3. Build a Professional Network
According to a report by LinkedIn (2024), 85% of tech roles are filled through networking. Mentorship opportunities, referrals, and even internships are often a result of relationships one has built, rather than just applying.
- How: To do so, you should:
- Engage in discussions about tech on platforms like LinkedIn or X.
- Join Discord communities to meet fellow techies like yourself.
- When thought leaders post, read the post and respond intelligently—this will help them notice you quickly.
- Where:
- Platforms like LinkedIn or X.
- Discord communities.
- When:
- Also, consider dedicating at least an hour daily to focus on intentional networking.
4. Create a Portfolio
Having a portfolio is proof of expertise. GitHub (2024) reports that 70% of recruiters prefer hiring candidates with a portfolio over those with just certificates. So, while learning, create opportunities to build your portfolio.
- How:
- Focus on building 3-5 relevant projects or taking on volunteer roles.
- Where:
- Use GitHub for coding projects, Behance if your work is design-based (e.g., UI/UX), or launch your site.
- When:
- Usually, this step is taken alongside your learning process, for 1-2 months.
5. Gain Practical Experience
According to a NACE study (2024), interns are three times more likely to land a full-time position than non-interns. Don’t be averse to unpaid internship opportunities; they help build your experience handling real-world projects.
- How:
- Apply for internships, contribute to open-source projects, or offer your services to small businesses.
- Volunteering to build a website for them or automating their reports is a great way to start.
- Where:
- Search on platforms like Jobberman or LinkedIn jobs for entry-level roles and apply.
- Open-source projects.
- Small businesses.
- When:
- The duration of an internship depends mainly on which niche you specialize in; however, it’s typically 3-6 months long.
6. Earn Relevant Certifications
Having certificates signals your credibility, especially in a competitive job market. The stronger your certification, the more likely you will be considered for that role. CompTIA reports that 76% of hirers consider certifications a significant part of their hiring process.
- How:
- Your certification should be based on your niche choice and focus (e.g., if you’re a UI/UX designer, having a Google UX Design certificate should be your focus).
- Where:
- Evolve with Tech’s courses come with industry-relevant certifications that help boost your job chances.
- When:
- This step takes about 1-3 months, depending on the certificate.
7. Tailor Your Resume and LinkedIn Profile
Before pitching for any interview or job role, remember that your resume or LinkedIn profile is your online proof of expertise. LinkedIn’s 2024 talent trends show that 87% of tech recruiters use LinkedIn to look for talent.
- How:
- Tailor your resume to reflect relevant keywords regarding the job.
- Highlight your portfolio, certifications, and real-world projects you’ve worked on.
- Where:
- Use Canva to get resume templates, and optimize your LinkedIn for networking with other tech professionals.
- When:
- This takes about 1-2 weeks to set up initially, and then it needs to be consistently updated to reflect your current status.
8. Apply Strategically to Jobs
Just sending in your CV for any role you see and expecting it to work isn’t good enough. In a competitive job market where everyone’s sending in their CV, you should be intentional about sending yours.
- How:
- Instead, apply to 10-15 roles per week that are well-suited to the particular tech niche you’re exploring.
- Customize each resume/cover letter, making each different from the last one and optimized specifically for the role.
- Set up follow-up reminders one week after the application.
- Where:
- You can check out platforms like Indeed, Glassdoor etc. and apply for roles. Or you can browse through company career pages for open roles.
- When:
- Depends on many factors; however, most people find roles within 3-6 months of consistent searching.
9. Prepare for Interviews
After intentionally applying, the next step is preparing for interviews—how do you build upon your resume or portfolio? LeetCode (2024) reports that 60% of job applicants fail due to poor preparation.
- How:
- Depending on the role you’re applying for, you can practice coding challenges (e.g., HackerRank or LeetCode), rehearse using the STAR method to refine your behavioral responses, and do mock interviews.
- Where:
- You can prepare using platforms like Interviewing.io, Pramp, and YouTube.
- When:
- Continue this as long as your application process is ongoing.
10. Develop Essential Soft Skills
Having soft skills is as important as having technical ones. LinkedIn (2024) reports that 92% of tech recruiters value communication, collaboration, and adaptability as much as the technical aspects needed for the role when hiring.
- How:
- Use Toastmasters to improve your public speaking. The better you communicate, the easier it is for people to understand the unique perspective you bring to the table.
- You can also take soft-skills courses focused on teamwork and problem-solving.
- Participate in local hackathons.
- Where:
- Use LinkedIn Learning or join in-person Toastmasters clubs.
- You can also look for local hackathons.
- When:
- Usually lasts as long as the time needed to work on your technical skills, generally between 1 and 2 months.
Barriers to Tech and How to Overcome Them
While the above steps provide actionable insights into what you need to do if you’re considering starting a tech career, the transition isn’t without its share of difficulties.
Many aspiring techies struggle with internal doubts and limited resources that might look overwhelming and difficult to navigate. But the good news is that these challenges can be dealt with with proper understanding, tools, and support. Below, we’ve broken down the top five barriers with steps to overcome them.
| Barrier | How to Overcome |
| Lack of Formal Degree | Focus on skills-based learning. 45% of tech professionals don’t have a CS degree (Stack Overflow, 2024). |
| Fear that a CS degree is required. | Build core skills using freeCodeCamp, Codecademy, or LinkedIn Learning. Prove your competence by showcasing your work on GitHub or a personal website. |
| Imposter Syndrome | Normalize the feeling—you’re not alone—and then challenge it. Seventy percent of tech professionals report imposter syndrome (Blind, 2024). |
| Feeling unqualified or intimidated | Join beginner-friendly communities on X, Discord (e.g., Dev.to). Commit to small wins daily (like solving one coding challenge). Celebrate progress over perfection. |
| Financial Constraints | Leverage free and low-cost resources—platforms like Khan Academy and YouTube offer beginner-friendly tutorials. |
| Limited funds for courses or bootcamps | Apply for Evolve with Tech’s $500 programs. Prioritize self-paced, affordable learning paths. |
| Time Constraints | Adopt micro-learning habits. |
| Balancing learning with work or life | Study part-time (5–10 hours/week) and break learning into small chunks. Block fixed study time on Google Calendar and stay consistent, even 30 minutes/day adds up. |
| Lack of Tech Background | Start with roles that require minimal tech experience. |
| No prior experience in tech | Explore tech support or QA testing (avg. $55,000/year—Glassdoor, 2024). Take beginner courses like Harvard’s CS50 on edX. Highlight transferable skills like communication, problem-solving, or research. |
Misconceptions About Starting a Career in Tech
One of the significant challenges aspiring tech professionals face, aside from the barriers discussed earlier, lies in what they’ve been told tech is all about—misconceptions. And these misconceptions, mainly spoken of without context, can discourage people from taking the first step. This section will look at some common misconceptions, debunking them with cold, irrefutable facts.
- You need to be a math genius. Only 15% of tech roles require advanced math (BLS, 2024). Most roles—like web development—lean on logical thinking, not calculus. Free resources like Khan Academy and freeCodeCamp focus on logic-based coding, ideal for beginners without strong math backgrounds.
- Tech is only for young people. 20% of tech professionals are over 45 (Indeed, 2024), and career switchers are increasingly in demand. Many roles—like product management or tech consulting—benefit from prior industry experience, making them perfect for mid-career transitions.
- You need years to learn tech skills. With focused learning, entry-level tech roles can be reached in 3–6 months (Course Report, 2024). Programs like Evolve with Tech’s 12-week mentorship courses provide accelerated paths with real-world projects and guidance.
- Tech jobs are only in Silicon Valley. 68% of tech roles offer remote or hybrid options (LinkedIn, 2024). You can apply to global roles via job boards like Indeed, LinkedIn, and even X (formerly Twitter). The tech world is borderless.
Cost of Starting a Career in Tech
Now that we’ve discussed and debunked the most common myths, the next question individuals ask “How much does it cost to get started?” While the tech space is one of the most inclusive for beginners, it’s essential to know the financial commitment involved, whether using free resources or paying for courses.
In this section, we’ll break the cost down so you can make an informed decision based on your objectives and budget.
| Learning Option | Cost | Pros | Cons |
| Evolve with Tech ($500 Courses) | $500 | Affordable, structured 12-week programs with mentorship. Job placement support (80% placement rate, internal data). Tailored for beginners and career switchers. | Requires upfront investment, but far less than bootcamps. |
| Free Resources | $0 | No cost (e.g., freeCodeCamp, YouTube). Flexible pacing. | No mentorship or structure. High dropout rate (70%, edX, 2024). Limited job placement help. |
| Bootcamps | $10,000-$20,000 | Intensive, job-focused (75% placement rate, Course Report, 2024). Networking opportunities. | Expensive, often requiring loans. High time commitment (12-16 weeks full-time). Risk of burnout. |
Why Should You Choose Evolve with Tech?
Evolve with Tech strikes the perfect balance between affordability, mentorship, and job support. For just $500, you gain access to structured courses, personalized feedback, and hands-on career coaching—benefits that free platforms often lack and traditional boot camps charge thousands for. It’s not just about learning; it’s about learning with guidance, clarity, and a roadmap to getting hired.
Stay Motivated and Measure Progress
It doesn’t end at understanding the costs involved and starting; completing what you’ve started is the most important part. Many aspiring tech professionals drop off not because they don’t know what they want or that the field is too hard, but because they’ve lost their momentum. Here’s how to keep on going even when it gets hard:
- Set Milestones: Break your learning journey into small, achievable goals, like building one project per month. Use tools like Trello or Notion to track your weekly progress and avoid getting overwhelmed.
- Join Accountability Groups: Surround yourself with others pursuing the same tech niche. You can join tech communities on Discord or X, or find a study partner who checks in weekly.
- Celebrate Wins: Don’t wait until you get a job to celebrate—share each milestone. Posting updates like “Built my first app!” on LinkedIn or X builds public accountability and boosts your motivation to achieve more.
- Visualize Your Goals: Create a vision board with photos and affirmations of your chosen tech job or field. Seeing your goals daily helps reinforce your ‘why’, which pushes you to keep showing up.
- Use Tools That Gamify Progress: Track habits and goals using Habitica (which turns tasks into a game) or Google Sheets for a structured view of your growth over time.
Conclusion
Starting a tech career is possible; you only need to be intentional, take the proper steps, and stay consistent. From identifying your tech niche to building necessary skills, networking, creating a portfolio, and staying motivated, this guide has provided actionable steps to follow while deciding on your career path in tech. We also discussed the barriers, debunked common myths, and looked at the costs involved, all so you have a clear picture of what you’re stepping into.
Tech isn’t just another career—boring, monotonous, and unfulfilling—but rather a chance to shape the future, to change the narrative. Whether you’re into mobile app development and build apps for smaller-scale businesses or contribute to projects that impact the lives of 3.9 billion internet users, your work can make a difference and inspire someone to take the right step.
If you’re looking for a structured, affordable path with real mentorship and job support, Evolve with Tech’s $500 guided courses are built specifically for learners like yourself who are interested in starting a career in tech. With expertly designed content just for you and a hands-on approach, they offer the perfect opportunity to build in-demand skills quickly.
The best time to start? Start today.
