The idea of switching to a career in software development in your 30s, 40s, or even 50s might feel daunting. Maybe you’ve spent years in a different industry, and the thought of starting over seems overwhelming. If you’re thinking about getting into tech later in life, you’re not alone—and you’re not too late. Software development is a broad and dynamic field that attracts a wide range of people interested in innovation, problem-solving, and a fulfilling career. 

According to StandOutCV, the most common age to make a career change is 31. But whether you’re 31 or 51, you might be part of the one in five Brits who lack the confidence to make a career change. Here’s how you can successfully transition into the tech industry, no matter your age.  

Step 1: What Do You Like?

Software developers write code to build applications, software, or websites. It’s a broad field, and considering what you’d like to do more specifically can be helpful. Your preferences can then shape which skills, training, and job roles to consider. 

For example, if you’re interested in creating websites, JavaScript is the ideal programming language to learn. If you are a visual person with an eye for design, front-end development might align well with your interests. Or if you are more analytical and enjoy solving puzzles, you might feel drawn to back-end and data engineering.

If you’re unsure or want to get a good overview of everything, learning to be a full-stack developer can give you well-rounded knowledge of both back-end and front-end development. 

Similarly, having a specific goal in mind (like creating an app, getting a hybrid role, or learning the basics of Python) can help you stay motivated. 

Step 2: Learn Tech Skills

You don’t need a computer science degree to get into tech. There are many ways to gain the experience you need to start your new career. 

• Courses and bootcamps: Bootcamps like Northcoders are perfect for those looking to build a comprehensive set of skills and become job ready in just a few weeks. Northcoders offers a tailored curriculum, refined over the years based on graduate and employer feedback, with a strong focus on practical projects that you can share with future employers.
• Self-learning: You can find a wealth of free resources online to learn at your own pace, such as videos on YouTube or lessons on freeCodeCamp. 
• Certifications: Certifications like those from Google or AWS are ideal to have alongside your bootcamp or self-learning. They can help you refine specific skills, broaden your expertise, and add legitimacy to your CV.

Whichever way you choose to learn, building a portfolio of practical projects is key. These projects can be done during your bootcamp, as volunteering opportunities, or fully self-led. This portfolio will allow you to showcase the skills you have learned and help you secure a job in tech. 

Step 3: Networking and Job Searching

To leverage your new coding skills to find a software development role, it helps to become more familiar with the industry and create some connections. 

• Join tech communities: Connect with your bootcamp community, join tech groups, or participate in forums. 
• Attend events: Meetups and conferences are great opportunities to network and learn from talks and shared experiences.
• Update your LinkedIn: Share your learning journey, connect with people, and follow tech leaders.
• Use career services: A bootcamp like Northcoders offers career support tailored to the tech industry. Their resources and support can help you navigate job applications, improve your CV, and prepare for interviews.
• Highlight your strengths: As a career changer, you will have many transferable skills, such as previous experience with teamwork, management, or problem solving. 

Switching to a tech career later in life isn’t about starting over, but rather about building on what you already know. Your past experiences bring a unique perspective that many employers value. With the right mindset, learning plan, and network, you can successfully transition into tech and enjoy a fulfilling new career.

It’s never too late to take the first step. To become a junior software developer in as little as 13 weeks, a Northcoders bootcamp can help you kickstart a new career.