Last Updated on January 4, 2025 by Chukwuemeka Maduka

Quick Answer: How Do I Get Into Tech as a Beginner?

Every tech professional you know today was once a beginner. So are many people reading this article.

I myself, even though I’m a tech professional today, was once a beginner

So, here are 10 practical steps that answers the question “How to get into tech” for complete beginners:

1. Choose a specific tech career path (e.g., web development, data analysis, UX design)
2. Learn fundamental technical skills through online courses
3. Take relevant certifications in your chosen field
4. Build a portfolio of practical projects
5. Network with tech professionals
6. Participate in tech communities and forums
7. Apply for internships or apprenticeships
8. Create an online presence (LinkedIn, Your website, GitHub)
9. Practice technical interview skills
10. Start applying for entry-level positions

What Does It Really Mean To Have A Career In Tech?

The tech world is not just about programmers and code anymore. It’s now a mix of many people with different skills all working to solve real problems.

Now, someone who was previously a marketer knows what users want and they can use that knowledge to perform better in product management.

Likewise, a teacher can use their knack for explaining tough stuff to do great works in technical writing or training jobs.

So, the tech field loves these different viewpoints as they help create better solutions for everyone.

Your tech career journey typically progresses through several stages.

You might start in quality assurance, testing applications to ensure they meet user needs.

Later, you could transition into development, creating features that impact millions of users, or move into leadership roles where you guide entire teams toward innovation.

The industry offers various specializations:

• Software Development: Building applications that solve business problems
• Data Analytics: Transforming raw data into actionable insights
• Cybersecurity: Protecting digital assets and user privacy
• UX/UI Design: Creating intuitive, accessible user experiences
• Cloud Computing: Managing and scaling digital infrastructure
• Product Management: Guiding product development from conception to launch

What sets successful tech professionals apart isn’t necessarily technical brilliance, but rather their ability to:

• Adapt to rapidly evolving technologies
• Collaborate across disciplines
• Think critically about problem-solving
• Maintain curiosity and continuous learning
• Understand user needs and business impact

While competitive compensation is a reality in tech (with entry-level salaries often ranging from £35,000-£45,000 in the UK), the real reward comes from creating solutions that meaningfully impact lives – whether it’s developing healthcare applications that improve patient care or building educational platforms that make learning accessible to everyone.

Why Is Tech Accessible To Everyone In 2025?

The technology sector has transformed into one of the most inclusive industries, driven by three key factors: diverse skill requirements, abundant learning resources, and strong market demand.

Here are major reasons why tech is accessible to everyone today:

1. Market Demand and Growth

The global tech industry, valued at $5.2 trillion as at 2024, maintains a consistent growth rate of 5-7% annually.

This expansion creates opportunities across various roles, from technical positions to hybrid roles that combine technology with other disciplines.

2. Key Industry Statistics:

• Many individuals transition from non-technical backgrounds into tech. [Source: Deloitte.wsj.com]
• Entry-level tech salaries average £35,000 in the UK. [Source: free-work.com]
• Significant growth in tech roles in 2023
• The technology sector had the highest share of remote workers globally in 2023, with over 67% of tech employees working remotely. [Source: Statista.com]

3. Democratized Learning

The barriers to entry have significantly decreased through:

• Professional coding bootcamps
• Industry-recognized certifications
• Free learning platforms (freeCodeCamp, The Odin Project)
• Structured online courses (LearnWithPride, Coursera, edX)
• Hands-on learning platforms (GitHub, Stack Overflow)

4. Skills in Demand Today

Technical Skills:

• Programming languages (Python, JavaScript)
• Data analysis
• Cloud computing
• Cybersecurity

Non-Technical Skills:

• Problem-solving
• Project management
• Communication
• Customer service
• Business analysis

5. Industry Support

The tech community actively supports newcomers through:

• Mentorship programs
• Open-source projects
• Professional networks
• Industry conferences
• Online communities

This combination of market demand, accessible learning resources, and community support makes tech one of the most viable career transition options, regardless of your current background or experience level.

Platforms like LearnWithPride, Codecademy, Coursera, and Udemy offer affordable courses that cater to different learning styles and paces.

You Need To Assess Your Transferable Skills

To “Assess Your Transferable Skills” means identifying and evaluating the skills you’ve developed in your previous roles, education, or life experiences that can be applied to a new job or industry.

These are abilities not tied to a specific field but useful across various careers, such as communication, problem-solving, leadership, or project management.

First, identify what you’re already great at—skills you’ve developed in your current or previous career that can align with tech roles.

For example, communication is crucial in tech for collaborating with teams and articulating ideas clearly, whether in meetings or project documentation.

Problem-solving is another core skill and it’s invaluable for tackling challenges and finding creative solutions, whether you’re debugging code or optimizing processes.

Creativity plays a key role in innovation and design, helping you think outside the box to improve user experiences.

And if you have experience in project management, that’s a huge plus as it’s critical for planning, organizing, and delivering successful projects on time.

So, I recommend creating a personal skills inventory.

Sit down and make a list of your current skills and experiences, noting specific examples where you’ve applied them.

Then, think about how these might translate into tech roles that interest you.

For instance, if you’ve been in marketing, your data analysis and customer insights skills could make you a great candidate for roles in digital marketing or UX design.

Did you get my point?

Learn the Basics of Technology

When I talk about learning the basics of technology, I mean getting comfortable with the foundational skills that open the doors to various tech roles.

You can pick up beginner-friendly languages like Python or JavaScript if you want to start with programming as they are versatile and widely used.

For data, you can explore data handling through tools like Excel or SQL, which are great for managing and analyzing information.

Also, you might need to get a basic understanding of how websites work, which involves concepts like web architecture and development.

To help you get started, you can use free resources like Codecademy or Khan Academy for a solid introduction.

Or better still, if you want a bit more structure, platforms like LearnWithPride or Coursera offer affordable courses tailored to beginners.

You Need To Build Real-World Experience

Practical experience is crucial for transitioning into tech, and there are several structured approaches to gain this experience while learning.

Starting With Personal Projects

Begin by creating projects that solve real problems you’ve encountered. This approach serves two purposes:

• You’re more motivated to complete projects that matter to you
• You gain experience with the full development cycle from ideation to implementation
• You build a portfolio that demonstrates your problem-solving abilities

Freelancing and Volunteer Work

Start small with platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, or local community projects. Focus on:

Entry-Level Projects:

1. Website Development
   • Building simple business websites
   • Creating landing pages
   • Implementing website analytics
2. Data Analysis
   • Creating dashboards for small businesses
   • Analyzing social media metrics
   • Setting up tracking systems
3. Digital Marketing
   • Implementing SEO strategies
   • Managing social media campaigns
   • Creating content calendars
4. Technical Support
   • Providing IT consultation
   • Setting up business software
   • Training staff on new technologies

Building Through Open Source

Contributing to open-source projects offers invaluable experience:

• Learn from experienced developers
• Understand collaborative development
• Build a public work history on GitHub
• Network with the tech community

Structured Learning Programs

Take advantage of formal programs:

• Internships with tech companies [Even new tech companies]
• Apprenticeship programs
• Company-sponsored training programs
• Professional certification projects

Documenting Your Journey

Create a portfolio that showcases your growth:

1. Technical Blog
   • Document your learning process
   • Share solutions to problems you’ve solved
   • Demonstrate your understanding of concepts
2. Project Documentation
   • Include detailed README files
   • Explain your technical decisions
   • Show your problem-solving approach
3. Case Studies
   • Outline project objectives
   • Describe your methodology
   • Share results and learnings

Measuring Progress

Track your development through:

• GitHub contributions
• Project completion rates
• Client testimonials
• Technical assessments
• Skill certifications

Remember: Quality matters more than quantity!

So, focus on completing projects thoroughly and documenting your process rather than rushing through multiple superficial projects.

Pro Tip: When building your portfolio, prioritize projects that demonstrate your ability to solve business problems rather than just showcasing technical skills. Employers value candidates who can connect technical solutions to business outcomes.

This structured approach to gaining experience will help you build a solid foundation for your tech career while creating tangible evidence of your capabilities for potential employers.

Certifications and Online Courses

If you’re serious about transitioning into tech, certifications and online courses can validate your skills and give you a competitive edge. Here are some globally recognized credentials you can start with;

• Google IT Support Certificate
• AWS Cloud Practitioner
• CompTIA A+
• Microsoft Certified: Azure Fundamentals
• Certified ScrumMaster (CSM)
• Google Data Analytics Professional Certificate
• Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA)
• Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)

For more specialized paths, you can also consider certifications such as Tableau for data visualization, WordPress for web design, or Salesforce Administrator for CRM expertise.

LearnWithPride also offers CPD- and ACTD-accredited programs tailored for beginners, providing a hands-on approach to skills like project management, data analysis, and software testing.

How to Get into Tech Without a Degree

Getting into tech without a degree is absolutely possible if you can demonstrate your skills and experience through various means.

The tech industry is vast, and many employers are more interested in what you can do than where you went to school.

In fact, in my 6 years of working for companies in tech, just very few people actually cared where I went to schoool!

So, gain relevant experience first, and go through internships, volunteer work, or entry-level positions that allow you to develop your skills.

Then, check out roles in tech sales, SEO writing or technical writing as a way to get your foot in the door.

Next, Build a strong portfolio to showcase your abilities and projects to potential employers.

Additionally, enroll in boot camps to provide you with the specific skills needed for the job you want, often in a shorter timeframe and at a lower cost than traditional degrees.

Steps to Get Into Tech Without a Degree:

• Gain relevant tech experience through internships, volunteer work, or entry-level roles.
• Enroll in tailored boot camps for hands-on, project-based learning.
• Earn certifications like AWS Certified Developer or CompTIA A+.
• Build a portfolio to showcase your projects and skills.
• Apply for entry-level positions such as data analyst or junior developer.
• Network through events, online meetups, and tech communities.
• Seek out companies that prioritize skills over formal education.
• Explore non-technical roles like tech sales or technical writing to get your foot in the door.
• Stay consistent with learning and adapt your resume for specific roles.

Some Entry-Level Tech Roles That Don’t Require A Degree. 

If you don’t have a degree but have the right certifications, experience, and skills, there are plenty of entry-level roles in tech you can aim for.

Many of these positions focus more on your skills and experience than on formal education.

Here’s a list of potential positions to get you started:

• Data Analyst
• Junior Developer
• Web Designer
• Digital Marketing Specialist
• Technical Writer
• Computer Programmer
• Help Desk Analyst
• IT Support Specialist
• Computer Network Technician
• Tech Sales Agent
• Social Media Manager
• QA Tester (Quality Assurance)
• Customer Success Associate in Tech
• Cloud Support Associate
• UX/UI Designer

These roles often prioritize skills and experience over formal education, giving you a great opportunity to break into the tech industry.

Global Tech Industry Market (2025)

The technology sector continues to evolve rapidly, creating diverse opportunities across different regions.

Here’s a comprehensive breakdown of the global tech ecosystem:

Regional Market Analysis

North America

• Annual Growth: 24% year-over-year
• Entry-Level Salary Range: $65,000 – $90,000
• High-Demand Roles:
  • Cloud Solutions Architects
  • Full-Stack Developers
  • Data Scientists
  • DevOps Engineers
• Key Trend: Continued emphasis on remote work and hybrid models.

Europe

• Annual Growth: 20% year-over-year
• Entry-Level Salary Range: €45,000 – €60,000
• High-Demand Roles:
  • Cloud Engineers
  • Software Developers
  • Cybersecurity Specialists
  • AI/ML Engineers
• Key Trend: Enhanced focus on data privacy and compliance with GDPR.

Asia-Pacific

• Annual Growth: 32% year-over-year
• Entry-Level Salary Range: $35,000 – $50,000
• High-Demand Roles:
  • Mobile Developers
  • Full-Stack Engineers
  • Data Analysts
  • UX/UI Designers
• Key Trend: Accelerated digital transformation across various sectors.

Emerging Markets (Latin America & Africa)

• Combined Growth: 30% year-over-year
• Entry-Level Salary Range: $25,000 – $40,000
• High-Demand Roles:
  • Web Developers
  • QA Engineers
  • Technical Support
  • Digital Marketing Specialists
• Key Trend: Expansion of startup ecosystems and tech hubs.

Industry-Wide Trends

Workforce Dynamics:

• 85% of companies report technical talent shortages.
• 67% of tech roles do not require traditional computer science degrees.
• 45% of professionals transitioned from non-tech backgrounds.
• 80% increase in remote job opportunities.

Market Value:

• Global tech industry value: $5.74 trillion.
• Expected CAGR: 9.3% (2025-2028).
• Startup funding: $270 billion annually.
• Enterprise tech spending: $4 trillion.

Skills in Highest Demand:

• Cloud Computing
• Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning
• Cybersecurity
• Data Analytics
• DevOps

Growth Sectors:

This data reflects the dynamic nature of the tech industry and highlights the growing opportunities across different regions and specializations.

The variations in growth rates and salary ranges demonstrate both the global reach of tech careers and the importance of considering regional factors when planning your career path.

Networking Strategies

Probably, networking has been one of the most transformational things in my journey with tech.

When I started, I actually had no idea just how much of a difference it would make.

I realized it’s value when I started attending meetups and conferences, reaching out to professionals on LinkedIn, or joining GitHub and Stack Overflow online communities.

These are hubs for learning, connection among people who understand the industry, sharing of opportunities, and advising me through it all.

Networking isn’t just about finding a job; it is about relationships to be built, ideas shared, and growing with people who show passion for tech.

But what did resonate was how much more approachable networking could be if it were done right.

Instead of thinking “What can I get?”, flipping this to “How can I contribute?” every time it came across my mind really helped me build relations: be it in the developer’s slack community, volunteering for tech events, or just leaving encouraging comments on some post someone put on LinkedIn.

Surprisingly, it was frequency over scale that was making a great deal of difference.

Over time, these connections opened up opportunities for collaboration and jobs I couldn’t previously access.

Networking is not a one-night stand; it’s a marathon where the more consistent and valuable you are, the more rewards it yields.

How To Prepare For Tech Interviews

Tech interview preparation might be overwhelming, but with the right mindset, you’re going to develop confidence for acing them.

The first thing I would recommend is to get used to some common interview questions in tech.

Also, questions like “Describe any technical project you’ve worked on” and “How would you go about problem-solving in a team?” are not out of the ordinary; therefore, practicing out loud would be the difference between babbling your way through your answer versus an articulate thought in an actual interview.

Moreover, technical preparation, which often includes coding challenges and system design interviews, should also be prepared for.

It provides practice with problems from LeetCode or HackerRank to whet your skills and goes on to read case studies of successful projects that better your understanding of the system design principle.

Utilizing platforms like LeetCode or HackerRank to practice coding problems will sharpen your skills, while studying case studies of successful projects can deepen your understanding of system design principles.

Here are some key preparation strategies for tech interviews:

• Familiarize yourself with common interview questions.
• Practice answering questions aloud to build confidence.
• Prepare for coding challenges on platforms like LeetCode or HackerRank.
• Study system design principles through case studies.
• Review the job description and align your skills with the requirements.
• Conduct mock interviews with friends or mentors to simulate the experience.
• Research the company’s culture and recent projects to tailor your responses.

Negotiating Job Offers

When it comes to negotiating job offers in tech, the first step is understanding your worth.

I can’t stress enough how important it is to research industry standards and salary ranges for your specific role, location, and level of experience.

The knowledge will not only form a good platform for entering those discussions but will also equip you by empowering you to speak for yourself in your salary negotiation.

Knowing what people just like you in the position make will give you confidence when compensation arises so you are not low-selling yourself.

Once you truly have identified your worth, the next process necessarily involves developing effective negotiation techniques.

This is followed by strategies to articulate yourself effectively.

Your ability to communicate your worth with respect to your skill, experience, and contribution will really help in the interviews.

Prepare to give specific examples of adding value to either work or projects because it will strengthen your position.

Finally, keep in mind that negotiations go both ways; it is much better to enter the conversation on an equal footing, where both you and the employer can find a common ground.

Conclusion

Your journey into tech is entirely yours to shape, and it starts with small, deliberate steps.

Knowing the technology industry, capitalizing on your transferable skills, and dedicating yourself to securing key technical competencies already form a strong basis.

Then, acquire real-world experience, earn valuable certifications, and leverage networking to strenghten your foundation.

As you prepare for interviews and confidently negotiate job offers, remember that challenges are part of the process, and overcoming them is what makes your success meaningful.

So, prepare and take the neccesary action required

If you are looking for the best tech learning platform with affordable courses, LearnWithPride is your sure plug!

FAQs

1. How do I start a career in tech?

You can start a career in tech by identifying a field that interests you, such as software development, data analysis, or digital marketing. Then, acquire foundational skills through free resources, online courses, or boot camps. After that, build hands-on experience by contributing to open-source projects, freelancing, or creating a personal portfolio and don’t forget to network with inductry professionals in your niche.

2. What is the easiest tech job to get?

Entry-level roles like technical support specialist, junior web developer, or digital marketing assistant are considered easier to break into as they often require minimal prior experience and focus on skills that can be self-taught or learned through short courses.

3. Is 30 too late to get into tech?

No, 30 is not too late to start a tech career. Many people successfully transition into tech in their 30s and beyond. With determination, the right training, and a focus on transferable skills, you can build a thriving career regardless of your age.

4. How do I start my journey into tech?

Start your journey into tech by researching different roles and identifying what excites you most. Gain foundational skills through online courses or certifications, network with industry professionals, and seek out volunteer or freelance opportunities to build experience.

5. Is it hard to break into tech?

Breaking into tech can be challenging but is achievable with the right approach. The industry values skills and experience, even more than formal education in many cases.

6. How do I land my first job in tech?

Build a great portfolio of your projects and skills. Adapt your resume with relevant experiences and certifications. Get ready to interview; practice your responses to technical and behavioral questions alike. Network and apply to entry-level positions, internships, and apprenticeships.

7. Is 40 too old for tech?

Not at all! Many people switch to tech careers in their 40s and beyond. Age can bring valuable transferable skills like problem-solving, communication, and leadership, which are highly sought after in tech.

8. Is 35 too old to start engineering?

No, 35 is not too old to start an engineering career. Fields like software, systems, and data engineering welcome individuals with diverse experiences and backgrounds. With focused training and certifications, you can successfully transition at any age.

9. Which field is best at the age of 30?

Fields like data analysis, UX/UI design, cybersecurity, and digital marketing are excellent choices at 30 due to their high demand and relatively low entry barriers. These roles often value transferable skills and are accessible through short-term training programs.

10. What tech job is best for introverts?

Roles like data analyst, software developer, web designer, and quality assurance (QA) tester are well-suited for introverts, as they emphasize technical expertise and independent work over extensive interpersonal interaction.

11. What is the highest paying job with no experience?

Roles like entry-level software developer, cybersecurity analyst, or cloud support associate often have high earning potential even with minimal experience, provided you have relevant skills or certifications.

12. What tech pays the most?

High-paying tech roles include artificial intelligence engineer, cloud solutions architect, data scientist, and blockchain developer. These positions often require advanced technical expertise but offer significant earning potential.