Opinion

How to Change To a Career in Tech

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Changing careers can be daunting, but it doesn't have to be. For those considering a switch in career, there are many ways to explore new options and ultimately find the right path. One helpful way to gain insight and inspiration is to hear from those who have made successful transitions themselves.

At Northcoders, we've helped countless individuals make the leap from a traditional career to one in tech. We've had the pleasure of witnessing their journeys firsthand and hearing their stories. Here are just a few examples of Northcoders alumni who changed to a tech career, and how they did it:

Elena's Story

Elena had graduated university as a human biologist and was working in Morrisons but had always been fascinated by the world of technology. After a recommendation by her partner, she decided to take the plunge and enrol in Northcoders' bootcamp. Elena found the course to be challenging and intense, but incredibly rewarding. She credits the supportive Northcoders community and staff with helping her gain the confidence and skills necessary to launch her career in tech as a DevOps Engineer.

Aimee's Story

Aimee was a teacher for over a decade before deciding to change her career to data engineering. She was drawn to tech because of the endless opportunities for growth and development. After discovering Northcoders, Aimee enrolled in our Data Engineering bootcamp. Although she initially found the transition to be overwhelming, she persevered and ultimately thrived. Aimee now works as a Data Engineer and loves the constantly evolving nature of the field.

Matt's Story

Matt had been working as a graphic designer for years before feeling unfulfilled in his career. Upon discovering Northcoders, he realised that tech offered the perfect blend of creative problem-solving and technical skill. He joined Northcoders' coding bootcamp and quickly gained proficiency in multiple programming languages. Matt now works as a Software Developer and enjoys the challenges and creativity that come with the job.

Tips for Changing Your Career

If you're considering a change to career in tech, here are a few tips to help you get started:

  1. Do Your Research: Take the time to explore different roles and industries within tech. Read up on job descriptions and speak with people who work in the field. This will help you get a sense of what types of work you may be interested in pursuing.
  2. Get Educated: Consider enrolling in a coding or tech skills bootcamp like those offered at Northcoders. These focused programmes can provide you with the training and skills necessary to pursue a new career in tech.
  3. Network: Attend tech meetups and events to connect with others in the industry. Meeting people and building relationships can help you gain insight into specific roles or industries and may even lead to job opportunities.
  4. Be Patient: Changing careers takes time and effort. Be patient with yourself and trust the process. You may need to start with an entry-level role or gain experience through volunteering or freelancing. Keep your goals in mind and remain persistent.

Changing careers can be a daunting prospect, but with the right resources and mindset, it's possible to successfully navigate the transition. We hope that these stories from Northcoders alumni have provided you with inspiration and insight into what's possible! 

If you're ready to take the leap and begin your own career change, Northcoders is here to help. Visit our website to learn more about our coding and tech skills bootcamp options and read more success stories from our alumni.