Starting Strong in Tech 2.0; Here are Some Tips to Help You Get Started

By Adejuwon Adefioye ?

Introduction

The tech industry is becoming increasingly popular with new innovations launching every day and with other industries adopting tech solutions. It is safe to say that there is space for everyone, so if you are just getting started or relatively new in the tech space, accepting a lifelong learning interest and cultivating a mindset that embraces the rapid innovations of the landscape were some of the top level tips discussed in the prequel of this write-up.?From artificial intelligence revolutionizing industries to blockchain redefining financial systems, the parameters of what's possible continue to expand exponentially.?

In this sequel, we will discuss a few tips that have proven effective over time as very important considerations that will set you in the right direction for success.

Define Clear and SMART Goals

It's important to have a clear understanding of the "why" behind your pursuits and why you are choosing the career path. Either as a newbie or you’re pivoting from another profession, a strong motivation backed by the reason you started the journey will always be a fortress to fall back on, especially when things get wavy. And it does get wavy more often than it seems from the stellar LinkedIn “About” and “I’m happy to share that…” posts. Developing a strong foundation and embracing a mindset for? lifelong learning are critical, but having a deeper purpose and clarity of intent can significantly enhance your journey

Set short-term and long-term goals that align with your aspirations. Adopt the SMART framework (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound) to achieve this. This clarity of purpose will focus your efforts and keep you motivated throughout your journey.?

Master the Fundamentals

Invest time in learning the core concepts, and foundational principles of technology. This strong grasp of the basics will lay a solid groundwork for your future growth. This is probably anti-become a software developer in 4 weeks posts you come across most times but you should know that for you to become a thought leader in any of your chosen domains, you would need to do the grunt work and embrace the journey. Get mentored by professionals who encourage you to do so or enroll in an academy that is very beginner-friendly and has tailored programs for newbies. The CIL Academy Zero to Techie program is a great option in this context. They have a beginner-friendly curriculum that takes folks from zero knowledge and experience through hands-on, self-paced, and instructor-led training to become as confident and skilled to acquire different professional certifications such as the AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner certification and so on. They have programs across all popular domains in tech (Engineering, Product, Business Analysis, etc.).

Regardless of where you are along your career journey, subscribing to programs that can help you build a strong foundation.?

Network and Collaborate

Engage actively with the tech communities through online platforms, meetups, and conferences. Building a robust network of like-minded individuals opens doors for collaboration, knowledge sharing, and career growth.

There are several communities specifically created for these purposes. Check CIL Academy Slack community. Alongside their rigorous curriculum, they have a vibrant community of students with similar interests. If you are in a product-related field, here are some communities you should consider joining; people-in-product, productmanagerafrica, product-school, productled growth, productdive, etc.

Embrace Continuous Learning

We have seen a strong wind of layoffs by companies of all sizes in 2023. While some reasons behind this might be the hiring binge during the pandemic, changes in business directions, the need to reduce running costs, global recession, etc., some reasons have also been researched to be caused by job replacement due to the increase in AI tools adoption. This might be seen as a scary outcome for the trendy tech, but it should be a call to action for deeper learning. There will always be changes due to innovations. Just as some skills that were seen as so important some years back such as typewriting etc. are now seen as mundane skills to carry our more strategic responsibilities. In the same light, some of the current roles or skill sets in tech will either become obsolete or non-existent. This is a reminder to stay ahead of the curve by staying hungry in your endeavor.

Take on Projects and Challenges

Getting technical knowledge is an important foundation but gaining hands-on experience solidifies your place in the industry. Apply your knowledge by working on projects, participating in hackathons, or contributing to open-source initiatives. If you’re just starting and would be joining an academy for this purpose, subscribe to ones that have hands-on programs and will get you working on real-life problems. This will give you practical experience, reinforce learning, and showcase your abilities to potential employers.

Conclusion

Starting right is a very important decision and it requires so much intentionality. It sets the stage for a rewarding and impactful career. By following the guides stated in both parts of this article (insert part 1 link), you can certainly secure a bright future. Remember this, success in tech just as every other career path is a journey. I wish you well and I hope you enjoy the ride!