This article was originally published on TechParley
If you are among those who haven't quite figured out their ideal career path, fret not. Many of us don't possess the innate certainty of childhood dreams, where we declare our future professions and march unwaveringly towards them. Instead, some of us are wanderers, exploring multiple interests until we find the one that resonates. And that's okay.
Finding a balance between your interests and passions early in life is admirable, but it's equally acceptable to explore various avenues before discovering the one that truly clicks. This journey offers diverse experiences and exposure, enabling you to learn more about yourself and the world around you. Eventually, you'll identify where you thrive, what you enjoy, and what truly matters to you. As Gary Vaynerchuk, CEO of @Vaynermedia and Investor on Twitter, aptly puts it, "You are not gonna find anything if you keep dwelling on what got you to a lost spot."
Whether you're contemplating a career transition into the tech industry or starting afresh in the field, this article is tailored for you. As someone who has embarked on multiple career transitions, I have accumulated valuable experiences and insights.
Having worked as an Instrumentation Engineer for six years, a polytechnic lecturer for four years, and now serving as a Product Manager/Tech Lead for a software company, I offer guidance that may greatly benefit your tech career aspirations. For additional inspiration, check out this video [For All the 25-Year-Olds Starting From Zero].
Career transitioning is no simple feat—it can be quite intimidating. Thorough thought, planning, and research are essential to avoid getting stuck or jeopardizing your future endeavours. Now that you've decided to transition into tech, here are seven steps you can take:
Go easy on yourself: Transitioning to a new career often brings unsettling feelings of starting from scratch or being left behind. However, remember that you're building upon your existing skills and experiences. While there will be new technical skills to acquire, you possess numerous transferable soft skills such as communication, problem-solving, conflict resolution, organization, and analytical abilities. Leveraging your arsenal of experience will enable you to tackle challenges more efficiently. For instance, my background in reconfiguring instrument software prepared me for coding, and my expertise in technical report writing aided in creating documentation.
Conduct thorough research: Transitioning into a new career shouldn't be based solely on hearsay or the allure of learning tech skills in a few months and earning a high salary in dollars. It's crucial to conduct extensive research, explore various tech areas, and understand the skill sets required for entry-level positions in each domain.
Determine the learning resources, tools, and certifications needed to qualify for those roles: Remember, you don't need to learn everything before applying; focus on the fundamental skills and learn the rest on the job. Compare your existing skills with the requirements and focus on acquiring the missing ones. Consider Bootcamps, fellowships, or online courses with consistent practice to develop the necessary skills.
Connect with established professionals: Surrounding yourself with like-minded individuals fosters motivation and provides a broader perspective on possibilities. Leveraging social media platforms like LinkedIn and Twitter allows easy connections with professionals in your desired tech field. Search for relevant accounts and connect with them to observe their work and gain insights into expectations and required skills.
Embrace curiosity and ask questions: Merely knowing what you want to do is not enough; understanding how to achieve it is vital. Engaging in meaningful conversations with professionals in the field provides valuable guidance. Approach them respectfully, present your case concisely, and ask targeted questions. Tech communities on platforms like Twitter can be surprisingly helpful if approached professionally.
Don't waste their time with vague messages; clearly state your background, career transition goals, and specific questions you seek answers to.
Here is a sample message with a few questions you may consider asking:
"Hello,
My name is Yusuf Olanrewaju, and I have been working as an instrumentation engineer for six years. Currently, I am considering a career transition into backend web development. After reviewing your profile, I am confident that you would be the best person to provide me with advice and answer some of my questions. If you could spare a few minutes of your time, I would greatly appreciate it. Below are my questions:
i. If you were to start your career all over again, what would you have done differently to reach your current position?
ii. What do you believe is the most important knowledge or skills required to secure an entry-level role as a backend developer?
iii. How many projects should I aim to complete before I can confidently apply for job opportunities in this field?
Thank you for your consideration. I look forward to hearing from you.
Best regards”.
Maintain your current job for now: Learning new skills for your desired career isn't the most challenging part; staying focused and consistent throughout the learning process is. Financial stability plays a significant role in maintaining motivation. Avoid quitting your current job outright. Instead, allocate time during breaks or a few hours daily to dedicate to learning. Alternatively, save enough funds to sustain yourself for six months to a year while learning and searching for an entry-level position. I saved up before transitioning to tech, allowing me to commit fully until I secured a product manager role within 6-9 months.
Preserve professional relationships: Our future is shaped not only by our knowledge but also by the people we encounter—colleagues, collaborators, and mentors who can provide recommendations and open doors to bigger opportunities. When leaving your current job, do so amicably, maintaining positive relationships. This ensures that you can rely on them for recommendations or endorsements in the future. Even if you don't anticipate needing their assistance, maintaining good relationships is a reflection of professionalism and integrity.
Trust the process: Overwhelm can arise when attempting to grasp new skills or keeping up with rapidly evolving technologies. Avoid succumbing to the pressure of learning everything or following every trend. Focus on a technology stack that aligns with your interests and skill set, and steadily develop your knowledge from the basics. Don't rush into a never-ending race; instead, stay focused, master the fundamentals, and continue learning and upskilling on the job.
In conclusion, these insights are derived from my journey, and while they may resonate with you, remember that everyone's path is unique. You may achieve in six months what took me a year or even surpass those milestones. Embrace your journey, relish the experience, and document it through social media or blogging. Share your learnings, as it not only solidifies your knowledge but also inspires others. I wish you joy and success in your chosen career, and may you ultimately thank yourself for taking the leap of faith.
If you found this article beneficial, consider sharing it with your network and leaving a comment. Thank you for reading.
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