5 Must-Do's for Young Aspiring Techies: Laying the Foundation for Career Success

The technology industry is growing at an unprecedented pace, with breakthrough advancements and innovations emerging every day. According to the latest report by the International Data Corporation (IDC), the global technology industry employed 65.6 million people in 2021, representing a 6.8% increase from the previous year. This trend is projected to continue, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.8% through 2025. From self-driving cars and virtual reality to artificial intelligence and blockchain, the potential for growth and development seems nearly limitless.

It has become a hub for creativity, problem-solving, and pushing boundaries. With a wide range of opportunities, there is something for everyone, whether you are interested in software development, cybersecurity, data science, or any other tech-related field. Moreover, the industry offers competitive salaries, job security, and the chance to work on projects that can make a real impact in people's lives. Given these factors, it is no surprise that pursuing a career in tech has become a highly desirable option for those looking to turn their tech passion into a fulfilling career.

If you are a young aspiring techie passionate about seeking career success in the tech industry, this article is exactly what you need. Here, we will list and explain five necessary preliminary steps to ground yourself in order to build a solid foundation for future success. Pursuing a career in tech can be a challenging road, but with enough effort dedicated to the points below, you will be better equipped to navigate through and overcome almost anything that comes your way. Ready? Time to dive in and explore them one by one!

1. Get Certified:

With our first item on the list, we believe that to begin building a successful career, it is vitally important early on to establish the building blocks that will enable you to progress on an upward trajectory. Just like building a house, you want to make sure the foundation is solid before you start constructing the walls and adding the finishing touches. In the tech world, this means getting certified. Standardized certification helps by letting potential employers know that you probably have the discipline, dedication, and knowledge worth it for them to take a chance on you by offering a shot. It is like having a driver's license to operate a car, or a pilot's license to fly a plane. Without these certifications, it is difficult to demonstrate your expertise and stand out in a crowded job market.

In order to have any chance of achieving expert-level mastery and an advanced comprehension level to keep up with all relevant subject matter in the industry, one must first possess a solid understanding of basic core concepts and have a good grasp on executing certain key fundamental skills. Completing a tech-related degree such as Computer Science is a great way to achieve this, but not the only option. Similar to how home construction has various approaches but all share fundamental basic ideas, there are countless courses available online that also provide credible certification. Some of the best sources are even available for free, like open-source software such as the OpenJS Foundation, Linux Professional Institute, etc. However, back to the home construction analogy, choosing the right materials and tools is important to note as it ensures the end result is strong and long-lasting. What could then emerge would be a structure that could withstand impact from the strongest storms or quakes.

The right certification can open doors to exciting career opportunities and help you reach new heights, like having a key that unlocks a world of possibilities. For 2023 in particular, you can stay ahead of the game by learning this year’s top 5 most popular programming languages . That being said, even though certification is undoubtedly an important step in the beginning stages, it is equally as important to continue building on that foundation by acquiring new ones as you progress in your career. In fact, as technology continues to evolve and new advancements arise, it is critical for tech professionals to stay up-to-date with the latest skills and knowledge. So, whether you are just starting your tech career or looking to level up, do not underestimate the power of certification. After all, it is what will enable you to go far in the ever-evolving world of technology.

2. Seek out opportunities:

In addition to education, it is equally important to activate your knowledge by constantly practicing and perfecting your skills with hands-on experience because knowledge of theoretical concepts without any practical utility are as good as useless without any real-world implementation. Take swimming for example: If you want to prevent yourself from drowning, what good is a guide book without ever jumping into a pool to practice? Theoretical knowledge alone is not enough to save you. Like learning to ride a bike: you can read about its mechanics all day, but until you actually get on it and start pedaling, you will not make much progress. Similarly, in the tech industry, you need to get your hands dirty and gain practical experience to truly develop your skills.

Picture a chef who spends years studying recipes and cooking techniques, but never once stepped into a kitchen. They may have all the knowledge in the world, but without practical experience, how can we rely on them to cook us a high-quality meal? In the same way, tech professionals need to seek out opportunities to gain hands-on experience and apply their knowledge in real-world situations. There are countless opportunities out there waiting for you, but you need to have the initiative to pursue them. Think of it as a treasure hunt - the treasure is out there, but you need to actively seek it out. Whether participating in university projects, joining tech clubs, competing in open competitions, attending career seminars, participating in workshops, or taking part in internships, each opportunity is a chance to not only gain practical experience, but also to develop your interpersonal skills and even grow your network.

Carpenters hone their precision and creativity over time through hours of working on their craft. Likewise, the same applies to tech professionals who need to to stay relevant in the industry. By seeking out hands-on opportunities, not only will you develop your technical skills, but also your teamwork and networking abilities - both of which are significant in sustaining your career, leveling you up the software engineering hierarchy as time moves and experience grows.

3. Get professional advice:

Receiving credible, well-informed guidance in your tech career is like having a compass on a journey through uncharted territory. While your friends and family may have good intentions, they may not have the experience or knowledge to steer you through the complexities of the tech industry. Imagine being a sailor navigating through stormy waters for the first time - unless on board your ship, you have the counsel of an experienced veteran sailor, your ship will most likely go badly off-course or even worse, it might as well end up being your last sail. This analogy illustrates that when the future seems scary and uncertain, expert advice can help you reach your intended destination.

A career coach can help as a personal trainer for your career. They can help you identify your strengths and weaknesses, set goals, and develop a plan of action to achieve those goals. Just like how a personal trainer can help you reach your fitness goals, a career coach can help you reach your career goals. They can also provide constructive criticism on your resume, cover letters, and interview skills to help you stand out among other candidates. You can find numerous platforms online that offer paid and free services, such as BetterUp, The Muse, LinkedIn Learning, Work it Daily, and CareerBuilder among others, which provide courses and resources to help individuals develop their professional skills and advance their careers. Luckily for students, a similar service is available at no additional cost through consultations with your academic counselors to assist in preparing you to enter the job market.

Wisdom comes from experience, and seeking guidance from experienced experts can help us make informed decisions down the line. Networking with working professionals is like having a map to guide you on your journey. They can provide valuable insights into the tech industry, including what skills are in demand, what types of jobs are available, and what it takes to succeed in the industry. You might even discover the mindset behind billion-dollar companies ! Like a seasoned traveler who has navigated through unfamiliar terrain, working professionals can provide valuable advice on how to avoid pitfalls and make the most of your opportunities. With their wisdom, you will be more able to develop a roadmap that could sustain your career for the long haul.

4. Develop human skills:

In the tech industry, technical skills are like the engine of a car - they are the driving force that propels you forward. However, just like how a car needs wheels to steer and brakes to stop, tech professionals need more than just technical skills to succeed. This is where soft skills come into play, or "human skills" as Simon Sinek, a leadership expert, more accurately put it because they are not just "soft" or less important as the name somewhat implies. In fact, they are fundamental to our human nature and essential for success in any field. It recognizes the importance of empathy, emotional intelligence, and other qualities that make us uniquely human and enable us to connect with others on a deeper level.

Visualize the skills as a car that can help you navigate through the twists and turns of the industry - Communication is like the steering wheel, helping you guide your team and collaborate effectively. Leadership is like the gas pedal, propelling you forward and motivating your team to achieve their goals. Problem-solving is like the brakes, helping you to evaluate obstacles and avoid collisions. And of course, just as a car needs wheels to move smoothly over different terrains, tech professionals need adaptability to adjust to new situations and environments, staying agile enough to maneuver through changing circumstances with ease. Soft skills are what allow you to work effectively with others, build strong relationships, and grow both personally and professionally. Without them, a tech professional would be like a car with only an engine and no wheels, steering, or brakes: not very useful!

Think of it like a puzzle - technical skills are just one piece of the puzzle, but soft skills are what hold all the pieces together and create a complete picture. By focusing on developing them, you can become a more well-rounded professional who not only excels in technical aspects but thrives in human relations as well. Integrated, they create a powerful combination that could benefit you in areas such as mastering salary negotiations and more. At the end of the day, we are not robots. We are human beings with emotions, relationships, and a desire for connection. How we treat and work with people matters more than just being able to perform tasks individually. Sure, technical skills and knowledge are indeed essential, but they are not the only factors that determine success. The ability to communicate effectively, build relationships, and work collaboratively with others complements your technical abilities and can make all the difference in achieving individual and organizational goals.

5. Know your why:

Finally, we saved the best for last. Above all else, it is important to know deep down what exactly is the driving force behind you going down this path. Think about what inspired you in the first place, and develop a real understanding of why you ever wanted to pursue tech. This will help you lay a strong foundation for a long and successful career. Knowing your why can be analogized as having a blueprint for building construction. Just as a blueprint outlines the purpose, design, and structure of the building, knowing your why provides a clear understanding of the same things for your career. It helps identify necessary steps to achieve your desired outcome and ensures all efforts are aligned with your ultimate goal. Without a blueprint, a building can be constructed haphazardly, leading to structural issues and other problems. Similarly, without “Knowing your Why”, your tech career may lack direction, purpose, and focus, making it difficult to achieve your desired success. In the words of Simon Sinek, author of “Start with Why”, "People don't buy what you do, they buy why you do it." This means that understanding your why is crucial not only for your personal fulfillment but also for your professional success.

Think of marathon running - you may have the best shoes, the latest gear, and the most advanced technology to track your progress, but without a clear understanding of why you are in it, chances are, you may end up not being able to cross the finish line. This is why charity runs are so popular, they provide a sense of purpose beyond personal achievement, allowing individuals to make a difference in the world by supporting a cause they care about. Knowing that their efforts will benefit others can be a powerful source of inspiration and motivation, especially during the grueling and exhausting process of conquering the entire 42.195 km. The thought of helping others can provide a mental boost when the individual feels tired or discouraged, reminding them of the greater purpose behind their efforts. Your why is what keeps you motivated when the going gets tough, and helps you stay focused on your goals despite any obstacles.

“Knowing your Why” is equivalent to having a mission statement for your career, it helps you define your purpose, set meaningful goals, and make decisions that align with your values and beliefs, similar to how a company's mission statement guides its decisions and actions toward its larger vision. Essentially, understanding what drives you is indispensable in building a solid foundation for a long and successful tech career, empowering you to keep moving forward, make meaningful decisions, and ultimately achieve the fulfillment and success you so seriously desire. Who knows how far you can go? One day, you might even attain the prestigious position of becoming a tech lead !

Conclusion

In conclusion, pursuing a career in the ever-evolving world of technology can be a challenging, yet rewarding journey. Early on, you as a young aspiring techie, must lay a solid foundation by getting certified, gaining hands-on experience, seeking professional advice, developing human skills, and most importantly, knowing your why. With dedication and hard work, the sky's the limit in the tech industry. As the famous quote by Steve Jobs goes, "Your work is going to fill a large part of your life, and the only way to be truly satisfied is to do what you believe is great work. And the only way to do great work is to love what you do." So, ignite your passion, commit to never-ending personal development, know your why, and let it guide you on course to a fulfilling and successful career in technology. Good luck!

About HeyDevs

HeyDevs is a revolutionary new platform that empowers developers to take control of their careers, connect with other developers and find job opportunities that align with their goals and interests, without ever needing to apply for a single job! With HeyDevs, companies compete for you, not the other way around.

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