It’s the last month of the year, and it’s time to do two crucial things – reflect on the ending year and plan for the incoming one. There’s a lot to unpack from 2021 but let’s leave that for another article; let’s focus on your plan for 2022 here.
So you’ve been hearing about all those tech jobs, and you want in but don’t know how. You have probably heard that you need to be able to code, be a computer science graduate, to be a tech bro (sis). Lies!
Maybe we should start with the lies. What are the myths associated with tech jobs?
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Contents
Tech job myths
- You need to be a computer science graduate
Lmao! This has to be the funniest of them all. Just like saying you need to be a Mass Communication graduate to be a successful broadcaster. Guess what? Some of the biggest and most successful newscasters and broadcasters across the globe didn’t study communication as an undergraduate. Similarly, you do not need to be a computer science graduate to get into tech. In fact, as you will find later, you don’t always need a degree.
- You need to be very good at mathematics or science
I remember when this used to be my fear about Tech. I’m a typical Nigerian student – I don’t like mathematics and most science subjects. So I bought the lie that I needed to embrace my enemy (Mathematics) to make it in Tech, which made me keep my distance for a while.
I eventually found later that there are several roles in Tech, and only a tiny percentage of those roles require mathematical skills – roles in data and some programming. And there are tools out there, so mathematics shouldn’t deter anyone from even these so-called technical roles.
- You need a university degree
While this may be up for debate as some organisations may still insist you present your degree, the fact remains that your academic qualification typically doesn’t matter. Most companies in tech only care about two things –
- What can you do? (Your CV)
- What have you done? (Your portfolio)
Prove these two to any employer in the tech space, and you are getting the job without any question about your academic qualification or the school you attended.
That said, I will still recommend that you get the academic qualification because of the edge it may give you in certain unique circumstances.
- You need to be able to code
I cannot overemphasise how this is so not true. Well, yeah, there are roles in tech that you can’t except you can code. However, there are tonnes of other roles in tech that do not require any coding skill whatsoever. Keep reading for more on these roles and how you can get in.
- You need to be a “bro”
Let’s just say I’m the one adding this based on my observation. While the number of women in tech is increasing rapidly, it’s still a widely dominated male industry. You hardly hear of “tech sis” as you would hear of “tech bro”. Even Odun Eweniyi (Piggyvest CEO), has “tech bro” on her Twitter profile name, most likely for the fun of it.
So, all of these may be the reasons why some ladies would rather stay of tech, thinking it’s only for men. But the Odun Eweniyi example demonstrates, this is not true, and there are a lot of women doing excellently well in the tech space today, and there is space for even more women.
List of tech jobs that don’t require coding
The truth is coding is hard and complicated. All those communicating with computers using binaries is not for everybody, and that’s fine. Some of us prefer to carry out our daily activities in English, not those funny looking writings called codes.
So, if you’re like me; you’re interested in tech but don’t have anything to do with coding, here are 15 tech roles you can consider:
- Product Management
- UI/UX Design
- Project Management
- Writing/Communications
- Digital Marketing
- SEO/SEM
- Business Analyses
- Operations Management
- Human Resources
- Customer Experience Management
- System Administration
- Social Media Management
- Sales and Marketing
- Software Testing
- Tech Journalism
There are several others outside this list.
Now, how do you land these jobs without any experience? By experience, I mean either you’re a fresh graduate with no professional experience, or you have some years of experience but none in tech. Whichever category you fall, this promises to be helpful.
NB: I’m not a human resources professional, so I’m not necessarily an expert on this topic. However, having worked in the tech space for over three years now and observed how things work, coupled with the research I conducted while preparing this, I believe you will find what I’m about to share quite resourceful.
Getting a tech job with no experience
Here are specific steps you can take to land your first tech job with no experience.
I read a book last year on social media. A lot to unpack from the book, but one of my favourite attributes of the book is its title – Social Media is Your New CV (by Yemisi Ajeojo). You see, that title sums up everything I need to say here.
Social media has provided an equal opportunity platform for everybody to sell themselves. Like every other person, recruiters, CEOs, and other decision-makers spend time on social media, and except you market yourself correctly, these guys may not notice you. That’s even better than for them to notice you and have a negative impression of you.
That’s why you must be cautious of all you do on social media. There have been several stories of people who have lost their jobs and other exciting opportunities due to their behaviour on social media. Mind what you post and engage with on social media. It’s not “just social media”; it’s your new CV.
Improve your Networking skill
No man is an Island (I tried not to say this cliche, but here we are). As a who wants to go into tech, a field you’re not entirely familiar with, you’re going to need to network with people who are ready within the space to provide a soft-landing for yourself.
But how do you meet these people? By going out and interacting with people in your future industry. Attend seminars and lectures, attend social gatherings, and interact with people.
However, it’s important to note that you don’t meet people and start stressing about your problems. You don’t want to come across as needy. Instead, think of ways you can help and offer to help.
Expand your skillset
Never overlook an opportunity to improve your tech skills regardless of how good you think they are.
Most tech companies are startups with limited resources, so they are often looking for people with multiple talents. “Yeah, you can write, but you know a thing or two about social media management?” Sometimes, the aim of questions like these is not to overwork you, but for times when someone is needed to step up if the right person is, maybe, indisposed.
By adding another string to your bow, you make yourself more versatile and ensure that you remain in high demand – making you a worthwhile hire.
Manage your expectations
You know the Drake song “we started from the bottom now we’re here”? That’s the story of almost everybody that has succeeded at anything.
Are you having trouble finding the right role? Maybe you have too high an expectation.
Nobody is suggesting you undervalue your skills. Nonetheless, if you don’t have much experience in a tech-based role, there are several entry-level positions available to help you get your foot in the door, as well as internships and apprenticeships. These roles are not only easier to get, but they also offer excellent progression prospects.
Thus, you will be able to move up the ladder even if you desire a more lucrative position.
Tailor your CV and application for each role
When writing your application, how long do you spend? Chances are, you probably don’t spend enough time on it.
In reality, you are selling yourself short by not tailoring your CV to the role you are applying for. Especially since the recruiting company has already stated what type of candidate they are searching for in the job description.
Therefore, you should take what they have written and build on it and demonstrate their desired skills in your CV.
Remember: sending the same CV repeatedly will only lead to failure.
Prepare for your interview
Okay, so your CV is top-notch. Congratulations on completing half the challenge.
Your interview preparation should be on point if you want to increase your chances of success. You need to do more than just get your outfit and introduce yourself.
Think about some of the possible questions you might encounter. The tech interview will usually focus on your skills and mindset and how relevant your knowledge is to the industry.
If you are not sure what they might ask, don’t panic. Several guides are available to help with the technical interview questions that might come up.
Google is an excellent place to start.
Conclusion
Tech or no tech, looking for a job is a full-time job on its own. Therefore, it needs some level of commitment to get the desired result. Treat every application like it will be the last. In other words, edit and optimise your CV for each application.
