Skills Over Degrees - Is this the future of tech careers?
Adam Morton
Empowering businesses to harness the full potential of data | Best-Selling Author | Founder of Mastering Snowflake Program
Thank you for reading my latest article Skills Over Degrees - Is this the future of tech careers?
At Future Proof, I regularly explore the evolving landscape of next-generation tech jobs and emerging technology trends here on LinkedIn. To stay updated on our insights, join our network or click 'Follow.' You can also connect with us through our YouTube channel for more in-depth content.
This article is an excerpt from my upcoming book, Future-Proof: Navigating the Next Generation Tech Job Landscape , now available for pre-order on Amazon. While this is a condensed version of a chapter, it explores one of the key themes of the book—the shift towards skills-based hiring in the tech industry and the growing importance of alternative education paths.
Although layoffs from huge companies such as Meta, Google, and Amazon have hit the headlines recently, the tech industry has experienced growth over the past two decades with very low unemployment figures. The demand for top talent has never been higher.
Traditional educational routes have long been the established path to acquiring knowledge and skills for future careers. However, with the rapid advances in digital work, these traditional pathways may fall short in adequately preparing individuals for the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.
The challenges of traditional education
One significant limitation of traditional education is its often slow pace and adherence to established curriculum. Educational institutions tend to follow structured programs that may not keep pace with the dynamic nature of the tech industry. By the time students graduate, the knowledge and skills they've acquired during their studies may already be outdated.
Furthermore, traditional education can be expensive, both in terms of tuition fees and the opportunity cost of spending several years in school. Many tech-related jobs do not necessarily require a four-year degree, and the time spent pursuing one could be used more efficiently in gaining practical experience or pursuing alternative educational paths.
Alternative pathways
In contrast, alternative education routes, such as coding bootcamps , online courses, and self-directed learning, offer a more agile approach to acquiring tech skills. These programs often focus on teaching the most relevant and current technologies and tools used in the industry. They are designed to equip individuals with practical, job-ready skills in a shorter time frame, making them a valuable option for those looking to enter the tech workforce swiftly.
Moreover, alternative education is often more affordable than traditional higher education. Many online courses and bootcamps are cost-effective, and some are even available for free. This accessibility democratizes tech education, allowing a more diverse group of individuals to pursue careers in the field.
The tech industry values skills and practical knowledge over formal degrees, making alternative education pathways a viable route to employment. Employers are increasingly recognizing the value of candidates who can demonstrate their abilities through project portfolios and certifications rather than relying solely on traditional credentials.
Skills-based pathways are on the rise
In response to the increased demand for tech employees, organizations are now taking a more holistic approach when hiring people, which is shifting away from pure academic qualifications to skills-based hiring. Many postings now either do not include degree requirements or have added phrases like “or equivalent practical experience.”
Udemy and Code Academy are large online education platforms offering a broad variety of courses for different levels of experience at a range of prices to suit all budgets. Many universities also offer short or free courses for a certification with an emphasis on remote learning. However, if you know where your area of focus is, and you prefer some structure than coding bootcamps may be an option worth considering.
Bootcamps have become a huge market and provide a skills-based pathway into the tech industry. Bootcamps offer individuals a flexible, cheaper and accelerated way to secure a position in the tech world when compared to traditional degrees. Bootcamps are often designed in such a way that motivated working professionals can accommodate them into their busy schedules.?
These courses feature practical projects and plenty of hands-on exercise to help upskill students in a short space of time, whilst providing them with tangible, real-world skills. The value of this approach has been recognized by huge companies such as Google, Accenture and JP Morgan who employ thousands of bootcamp graduates annually*. With an average completion time of 20 weeks**, you can expect to finish a bootcamp course far faster than a traditional university degree. On this basis you can secure paid employment soon after completion. You stand to start earning earlier and have more time to progress in the workplace too. It’s well worth considering the ROI when weighing up which options might work best for you.
Advice for tech professionals
It’s worthwhile considering which educational path aligns best with your career goals as well as identifying your learning style. This will help you determine whether you learn best through structured programs or self-directed study steering you between traditional education, bootcamps, or online courses.
领英推荐
I like the idea of visualizing how you’d like your resume to look in 12 months time and printing it out along with your current resume. There’s something powerful about writing out your future resume and comparing it side-by-side to your current one. It helps you easily spot the gaps between where you are today and where you’d like to get to. Using these gaps allows you to set clear, achievable goals for your learning journey. Break down your learning objectives into manageable steps, and allocate specific time slots for study and practice each week.
Another recommendation to consider is to engage with the community. Join forums, attend industry conferences, user groups and social media groups related to your field of interest. Engaging with others can provide support, motivation, and networking opportunities.
Although they are no substitute for on-the-job experience, certifications will always add value to your marketability. AWS, Google, and Microsoft offer certifications that validate your skills and knowledge in cloud computing and AI. Dedicate time to study for these certifications and utilize practice exams to gauge your readiness. Earning certifications can significantly boost your resume and open the door to new career opportunities.
The tech industry is constantly evolving, so it's crucial to stay updated with the latest trends and technologies. Follow industry news, subscribe to relevant newsletters, and attend webinars and conferences, or listen to industry podcasts and read or borrow books on tech. Be adaptable and open to learning new tools and languages. Flexibility and a willingness to learn will keep you relevant and competitive in the tech job market.
Finally, look out for the opportunity to participate in hackathons, coding competitions, and open-source projects. These activities not only enhance your skills but also demonstrate your commitment and ability to work collaboratively.
Summary
In conclusion, while traditional education has its merits, it may not be the most suitable or efficient path for everyone aspiring to thrive in the digital work landscape. Alternative education routes provide more agile, cost-effective, and practical options for acquiring the skills needed to succeed in the ever-changing tech industry. As the digital world continues to evolve, individuals must consider these alternative pathways to remain competitive and adaptable in their tech careers.
Lifelong learning and upskilling are essential in the tech industry due to rapid technological advancements. Traditional education may provide a solid foundation, but it often falls short in keeping up with the latest developments. To stay competitive and adaptable, tech professionals need to actively seek opportunities for continuous learning. This includes enrolling in online courses, pursuing relevant certifications, and engaging in self-directed learning. Lifelong learning not only helps individuals remain current with emerging technologies but also fosters problem-solving skills, innovation, and career growth. In the ever-evolving tech landscape, the commitment to ongoing education is a crucial factor in professional success.
If you liked this short excerpt and want to read more, than please head over to Amazon and pre-order your copy of my upcoming book, Future-Proof: Navigating the Next Generation Tech Job Landscape .
To stay up to date with the latest business and tech trends in data and analytics, make sure to subscribe to my newsletter , follow me on LinkedIn , and YouTube , and, if you’re interested, stay ahead in the tech job market with my latest book, Future-Proof: Navigating the Next Generation Tech Job Landscape. I break down how emerging technologies like quantum computing and AI will reshape the industry. Get your copy here on Amazon.
About Adam Morton
Adam Morton is an experienced data leader and author in the field of data and analytics with a passion for delivering tangible business value. Over the past two decades Adam has accumulated a wealth of valuable, real-world experiences designing and implementing enterprise-wide data strategies, advanced data and analytics solutions as well as building high-performing data teams across the UK, Europe, and Australia.?
Adam’s continued commitment to the data and analytics community has seen him formally recognised as an international leader in his field when he was awarded a Global Talent Visa by the Australian Government in 2019.
Today, Adam is dedicated to helping his clients to overcome challenges with data while extracting the most value from their data and analytics implementations. You can find out more information by visiting his website here .
He has also developed a signature training program that includes an intensive online curriculum, weekly live consulting Q&A calls with Adam, and an exclusive mastermind of supportive data and analytics professionals helping you to become an expert in Snowflake. If you’re interested in finding out more, check out the latest Mastering Snowflake details .