Companies constantly seek unique individuals with technical and non-technical skills to strengthen their business as the industry grows. The tech industry is rapidly evolving, with analysts projecting that global IT spending will increase by 9.3% in 2025. You might be hesitant to transition into tech with no degree in Computer Science, but there are niches like tech support or UX design that require minimal prior knowledge.
Working in IT can offer various benefits, including increased fulfillment, better job security, and a higher salary. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the median annual wage for computer and information technology occupations is $97,430.
In this article, we break down the steps you need to take to make a career change into the tech field.
10 Practical Steps to Starting a Career in Tech with No Experience
Getting into tech might seem daunting initially, but it becomes easier to tackle with simplified steps. Below are ten practical steps to begin your tech career, in chronological order:
1. Explore Beginner-Friendly Tech Roles
Identify your niche: This is essential as the tech space is vast, and you need to focus your efforts on building expertise. High-demand tech roles requiring no prior experience include quality assurance (QA), UX design, digital marketing and tech support, and the demand for these roles is rising. According to Indeed, QA job postings have increased by 27% since 2023.
Research: Analyze your strengths to determine the role that suits you best. If you have strong leadership skills, consider becoming a project manager or team lead. You could also research with Evolve With Tech’s Career Tapestry to determine what suits you or watch YouTube “day-in-the-life” videos for roles like tech support. The average salary of a tech support professional is about $50,000 per year.
Timeline: You should take 1-2 weeks to research. Don’t rush this process; it is one of the core steps to beginning your career.
2. Learn Basic Tech Skills
Acquire Foundational Skills: This is a crucial step before starting anything else, as basic tech skills are accessible to beginners. 63% of hiring managers prioritize skills over experience, so learn just enough to get better job prospects. Remember, tech roles and requirements differ among organizations, so ensure you know enough to get you through the door. You can constantly upskill later.
Enroll in Beginner Courses: The Evolve With Tech platform offers beginner courses in data analytics, cybersecurity, digital marketing, and more. One of the best ways to learn anything is through constant practice, so prepare to build projects aligned with your niche. For instance, if you are taking a course in web development, work on creating a website. If you are taking a course in UI/UX, design an interactive dashboard.
Utilize Learning Platforms: Take courses in your niche on platforms like Evolve With Tech (which requires a $500 program fee), YouTube tutorials, or freeCodeCamp. Find one that best suits your interests and commit to it for viable results, even if it requires a small investment of your time and resources.
Timeline: 2-4 weeks, depending on the platform, your pace, or the course you are taking. Ensure you are dedicated and keep a healthy pace for the best results.
3. Build a Professional Network
Build Connections: Connections are vital in tech. Most recruiters prefer to employ those within their network and might give intel before posting jobs. Around 50% of individuals obtain or hear about jobs through their social networks. Maintaining a healthy relationship with industry professionals is bound to keep you at the top of their minds when they are hiring.
Engage with the Tech Community: You could attend virtual or in-person tech events using a tool like Meetup (meetup.com). Also, engage with tech leaders on X by replying to posts and joining Discord communities like Dev.to to connect with individuals in the tech space.
Constantly Search For Tech Events to Attend: On platforms like X, LinkedIn, Discord, or local tech hubs (e.g., in Silicon Valley or Austin), you can discover tech events that provide acute networking opportunities.
Timeline: This is an ongoing process. You could include 2-3 hours in your weekly schedule to network.
4. Create a Portfolio
Collate a standout portfolio: A portfolio showcases your skills to employers and is evidence of the work you’ve put in. Research shows that about 63% of recruiters prefer candidates who have project-based portfolios. It helps you learn, reflects your achievements, and offers employers a preview of your performance as a potential employee.
Include Practical Projects: Build 3-5 projects that focus on your key skills and are relevant to your tech role choice. If you are a UI/UX designer, choose your mobile app designs, a redesign of a popular website, or a new one. If you are a backend developer, include how you built a web server or a user authentication system you developed.
Showcase Your Work: Next, collate and host these projects on GitHub, Behance, or your website to showcase your work. Find a platform where recruiters or individuals needing your services would be, and market yourself.
Timeline: This might last 1-2 months, as it is an ongoing process that builds your skill.
5. Gain Practical Experience
Bridge Practice and Theory: Practical experience acts as a bridge between theory and practical knowledge. After building your portfolio, enhancing your problem-solving skills by tackling problems in a real-world setting is important. Research shows that 95% of employers agree that practical experience is essential when evaluating potential employees.
Apply for Internships/Freelance Roles: To gain practical experience, you would have to apply for internship roles in your chosen field. You could also hop on platforms like Upwork, Freelancer.com, Fiverr, Toptal, and Guru.com to discover freelance gigs to earn while you learn.
Timeline: Most internships typically last between 5 and 6 months, full or part-time.
6. Earn Relevant Certifications
Certifications Validate Skill: Earning certifications can significantly boost your career, as professional certifications demonstrate your expertise in a particular field and can lead to enhanced earnings and career opportunities. Today’s job market is fierce, and landing a job can be challenging. A certificate can help you position yourself above the pack.
Choose Role-Specific Certifications: Most industries have some form of certification that will likely increase your chances of higher pay, better job prospects, and new career opportunities. There are various certifications for different niches, so ensure you choose a relevant one from a credible source.
Credible certification sources: A few credible certification sources include:
| Certification | Typical Roles Using the Certification | Description / Focus Area |
| AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate | Cloud Solution Architect, Cloud Engineer, Project Manager, Developer | Designing and deploying scalable cloud solutions on AWS |
| Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) | Security Analyst, Penetration Tester, Ethical Hacker | Identifying and exploiting vulnerabilities ethically |
| Certified ScrumMaster (CSM) | Scrum Master, Agile Project Manager | Agile project management and Scrum framework |
| Google Professional Cloud Architect | Cloud Architect, Cloud Engineer | Designing and managing Google Cloud solutions |
| Project Management Professional (PMP) | IT Project Manager, Team Lead | Project planning, execution, and stakeholder management |
Timeline: This depends on the certification course you are taking.
7. Optimize Your Resume and LinkedIn
Gain visibility online: Tailoring your CV to a role shows how you would fit the position you are applying for. Your LinkedIn profile is equally as important as your resume, as recruiters and employers often check both before deciding whom to hire. 87% of recruiters use LinkedIn to vet candidates for job listings.
Highlight Projects, Certifications, and Skills: The best way to get noticed among hundreds of job applications is to tailor your resume to the employer’s job description. You can read more on how to tailor your resume.
Get Honest feedback: Actively seek feedback on your efforts from mentors or community members, be open to constructive criticism, and make relevant changes based on their observations.
Timeline: This is an ongoing process, as your profile needs to be updated regularly.
8. Apply Strategically to Jobs
Focus on Targeted Applications: Targeted applications yield better results because employers need to know you are the best fit for the role. They also help you save time, as a job target would focus your search, and you get to respond to the specific needs of a specific company or organization. Recruiters spend only 6-8 seconds reviewing a CV, and 98% of large companies use automated systems to screen applications.
Apply for Relevant Roles: Schedule time to apply for 10-15 roles that match your skills every week. Customize your cover letter and follow up with any company or hiring team member you know after a week. Always tailor your CV to the job description to improve your chances of advancing to the next stage.
Utilize Job Boards: To enhance your chances of finding a suitable role, utilize job boards like Indeed or Glassdoor, company career pages, or X job postings. These places offer various job opportunities and usually provide resources that help you with resume building and career advice from professionals and recruiters.
Timeline: This can range from 2 to 4 months, depending on your market and niche.
9. Prepare for Interviews
Prepare Extensively: Interviews allow employers to determine whether you would fit within their company culture. Preparing for interviews enables you to showcase how knowledgeable you are about the skills you possess. 90% of hiring managers believe job interview preparation is key to a candidate’s success. Tech interviews assess your soft and technical skills, so ensure you are covered.
Practice Interview Questions: Stage mock interviews, as they are valuable for job seekers in today’s competitive market. They provide an opportunity to practice and refine your interview skills and gain valuable feedback and insight into how to improve. Practice coding on LeetCode, behavioural questions, and mock interviews on Pramp. A few questions to practice include:
- Describe how you’ve collaborated with team members in different locations or time zones.
- How do you prioritize competing deadlines in a project?
- How do you debug an update or troubleshoot a technical problem?
- What are some limitations of your favorite programming language?
Utilize interview tools: You can use online platforms such as:
| Tool | Use |
| LeetCode | For technical interviews |
| LinkedIn Learning | For interview techniques and soft skills |
| Glassdoor | To gain company insights |
| Interview Buddy | For mock interviews |
10. Develop Essential Soft Skills
Soft skills – communication, problem-solving, teamwork, and critical thinking – complement your technical skills in the tech space. As we navigate this digital age, the importance of soft skills is growing and becoming necessary for individuals and organizations. While technical expertise and knowledge are still needed, possessing an impressive set of soft skills is equally essential for career success.
Develop Soft Skills: Below are a few practical methods to develop your soft skills:
| Soft Skill | Method |
| Communication | Practice active listening; lead meetings or presentations; ask open-ended questions; seek feedback on clarity. |
| Teamwork | Participate in group projects; collaborate on cross-functional tasks; engage in team-building exercises and role-plays. |
| Problem-Solving | Work on case studies or real-world scenarios; break problems into smaller parts; brainstorm multiple solutions. |
| Time Management | Use prioritization tools like the Eisenhower Matrix, set realistic goals, and track and reflect on your time use. |
| Public Speaking | Join groups like Toastmasters; practice speaking in small meetings; record and review your presentations. |
Places to Practice: You could utilize resources like Toastmasters, LinkedIn Learning, or participate in hackathons to practice these skills in real time. On these platforms, you get to engage with real people in an actual environment, so be open to receiving constructive feedback.
Barriers to Starting a Tech Career With No Experience and How to Overcome Them
Now you know how to get into tech, there might be some things hindering you from taking the leap. Barriers that most individuals encounter regularly are:
| Barrier | Solution |
| Lack of Tech Background | Begin with entry-level roles like tech support and earn an average of $52,440 annually. Take free intro courses like CS50 on edX. Leverage your transferable skills from any prior job. |
| Impostor Syndrome | Join beginner X communities like #LearnToCode. Track and celebrate your small wins, like completing a tutorial per day. Understand that you are not alone; research shows that about 58% of tech workers feel like impostors occasionally. |
| Financial Limitations | To begin, use free resources like freeCodeCamp and YouTube tutorials. Apply for financial aid from benefactors that issue grants near you. Enroll with $500 at Evolve With Tech to access affordable, guided learning. |
| Time Constraints | Study part-time and dedicate 5-8 hours every week. Use micro-learning methods like 15-minute tutorials. Create a routine and schedule learning time in Google Calendar. |
| Fear of Failure | Focus on high-demand entry roles like QA testing. Practice with Pramp.com for mock interviews.Reframe mistakes and failure as learning instead. |
Misconceptions About Starting a Career in Tech with No Experience
Now that you know how to address tech newbies’ barriers, let’s clear up some grossly wrong misconceptions about tech. Below are a few tech myths that most people have come to take as fact:
- Myth: “You need coding experience to start.”
Fact: The demand for no-code tech careers is rising rapidly as startups recognize the need for a well-rounded workforce. Begin with non-coding roles or learn coding basics in two months with freeCodeCamp.
- Myth: “Tech is too hard for non-techies.”
Fact: Business and data analysis roles are projected to grow by 36% between 2022 and 2032, driven by the need for data-driven decision-making. Research and take beginner courses like Google IT Support, which is designed for people with zero experience.
- Myth: “It takes years to break in.”
Fact: The U.S. Bureau of Labour Statistics projects tech jobs to grow at twice the rate of the overall workforce over the next decade, with an annual addition of 20,000 jobs nationwide. At Evolve With Tech our entry level courses lasts for 10 weeks.
- Myth: “You need a tech network to get hired.”
Fact: Employers increasingly shift toward skills-based hiring, prioritizing demonstrated competencies over who you know.
Also Read: How to Start a Career in Tech
Cost of Starting a Career in Tech
Now that we have debunked tech myths, you can begin your journey in tech. Here are three options you could start with:
| Learning Option | Cost | Pros | Cons |
| Evolve with Tech ($500 Courses) | $500 | Career Tapestry to guide you on tech role choice. Affordable, 10-week beginner-focused courses with mentorship. 80% job placement rate (internal data). Assistance with resume and interview preparation. | A little upfront cost that is far cheaper than boot camps. |
| Free Resources | $0 | No outstanding cost on platforms like YouTube or freeCodeCamp. Self-paced learning process. | No personalised guidance or mentorship. No job placement support. High drop-out rate of 40-80%. |
| Bootcamps | $10,000-$20,000 | Intensive programs with networking opportunities. | High enrollment costs often require loans. Overwhelming experience for beginners. Requires commitment of 12-16 weeks full-time. |
Why Evolve With Tech?
Our Career Tapestry Snapshot software analyzes your strengths and interests using SWOT insights to create a personalized career roadmap for your tech journey. Here, you get to learn from industry experts with interactive one-on-one lessons, hands-on projects, and quizzes designed to solidify your skills.
At EvolveWithTech, you will gain real-world experiences to enhance your portfolio by interning with industry partners and joining a supportive community of tech learners to accelerate your growth.
Stay Motivated and Measure Progress
It is essential to stay motivated and see your first steps through. As most people who start their tech journey rarely complete it, make sure you measure your progress and complete the journey. Motivation is a critical part of your journey, but consistency and dedication will take you where it cannot. A few strategies to use at this point are:
- Set Small Measurable Goals: Complete one tutorial every week or a project every month. Use Trello or Google Sheets to record and track your progress.
- Join Tech Communities: Engage in X’s #100DaysofCode or freeCodeCamp on Discord, and pair with a learning buddy for accountability.
- Share Your Progress: Post your milestones on X or LinkedIn with captions like, “Built my first webpage!”.
- Reward Yourself: Celebrate milestones crossed with a day off or buy yourself a treat like coffee or a new course. This gives you something to look forward to when you complete a goal.
- A few tools you can use to track your progress include Google Sheets for goal logs or Habitica for gamified tracking. You could also set aside 1-2 hours per week for motivation tasks.
Conclusion
In this article, we have discussed the 10 practical steps to begin your tech career, barriers and how to overcome them, misconceptions about starting your tech career, the cost of starting a tech career, and methods to stay motivated and measure progress. The ITU states that the total number of connected people in the world is 5.5 billion, and they are impacted by tech in one way or another.
Evolve With Tech is a top-ranked immersive platform for tech training with tools like Career Tapestry, one-on-one mentorship, and beginner-friendly courses. With a $500 upfront payment, we offer comprehensive training opportunities and prepare students with the tech skills they need to launch fulfilling careers.
Explore a role and contact us today at Evolve With Tech for guided support.
