Someone out there is probably conflicted about either transitioning into tech or debating on which aspect of tech to dive into. Thoughts like “I am confused about which aspect of tech to do” “I think I need career advice on what to choose” or in a scenario where you have actually decided on what to do but this thought pops in your head “oh, I do not know how to start or go about it”. If you find yourself in any of this category, move closer, I have got tips for you. Take it from someone that has been in your exact same shoes. Before we move further, breathe in, breathe out then we go one step at a time. The goal is not to overwhelm you, but to gently walk you through the process.
Steps to Help in Transitioning
1. Know What You Want
Before diving in, take a moment to ask yourself: What exactly do I want to do in tech? There are so many paths—product management, design, software development, data analysis… the list goes on. You don’t need all the answers at once, but having an idea of where you want to go gives your journey direction.
2. Know Your Strengths
Look within yourself. What are you already good at? Are you a problem-solver? Do you have great people skills? Then, I will tell you product and project management could work for you. Are you organized or creative? Design could be your calling if you are very creative. Do you love solving technical problems? building or developing stuff? You might want to check out software development. Your existing strengths can guide you toward the most suitable tech roles. You don’t need to start from zero—you’re bringing value already.
3. Do Your Research, Ask Questions
For me, I always thank God that I am a Gen Z because I believe technology and social media are being utilized in full swing during this era. So, leverage on these tools. Do not limit your research to only social media. Google is your best friend. YouTube? Even better. Dive into articles to learn about the basics of what each tech course is about, watch videos, ask people already in tech about their journeys. Join communities. Be curious. The more you know, the clearer your path becomes. You are on the road to seeking clarity!
4. Start Learning—And Don’t Stop
Once you’ve picked a path, start learning the ropes. There are loads of free and paid resources out there. Take it one step at a time. You don’t need to be an expert overnight. Just be consistent. Do not just be consistent. Be very consistent. Lock in! If you have the means, enroll in a paid course because that is where the real spice is. Take certifications very seriously also. See it as attending school all over again. We spend 4, 5, 6 years in University just so we can learn the major things in our field of study. Do not give up if it takes you about 2 years to fully transition. The few years of locking in, hardwork and learning would blossom richly and you would be proud!
5. Learn, Learn, Keep Learning
Now, I am mentioning this again because I know how it is. Learning is not a bed of roses. On the long run, you would feel exhausted, demotivated in fact. Take breaks but do not think of giving up. Giving up is not an option. Enroll in a course. Notice I said a course, not courses. Remember, a step at a time. Complete one before enrolling into another. Platforms like Coursera, Udemy, and even local tech communities offer great programs. A structured course can help you stay focused and teach you practical, in-demand skills.
6. Talk to More People, Meet More People
A secret recipe when transitioning into tech is networking and connecting with people in the space. Don’t walk this road alone. Talk to folks in tech, attend virtual meetups, join tech communities. And yes—learn how to sell yourself. Market your skills, even the ones that don’t look “techy” on the surface. Communication, teamwork, leadership—these matter too.
7. Use Social Media (and YouTube!)
When I say use social media, I mean you should constantly talk about what you do. Post your works if you are in to coding and designs. Be consistent with this also because this way, people get familiar with your page. Social media algorithm, automatically links you up with people doing the same thing as you. That is an avenue to connect! Twitter, LinkedIn, even Instagram—these platforms are great for staying in the loop and connecting with tech people. And don’t sleep on YouTube—there’s a tutorial for almost everything. Keep digging, keep learning.
8. Attend Tech Events (and Volunteer!)
Look out for tech conferences, webinars, and meetups happening around you. Better still, volunteer. This is another secret ingredient techies use to navigate their way when transitioning. Volunteering has helped and is still helping me and one thing I have learnt through this is, as you volunteer, in a way, you will be having fun! Do not go thinking tech is boring. Attending events, meeting people and volunteering makes it super fun. You might be wondering how to come across such events. Well, check point number 7 again. Social media helps in so many ways you cannot imagine.
9. Build a CV That Speaks For You
Even as a beginner, your CV can reflect the growth you’ve made. Include projects from your courses—whether it’s a website, a product case study, or data analysis. Keep it simple but solid. That is why I recommend taking a paid course the moment you have the means to. There are usually case projects to solve during the course. Those little projects you worked on, arrange them neatly in your CV. You don’t need a long CV, just one that shows you’re learning and serious.
10. Apply for Internships
Now it’s time to get your hands extra busy. Look for internships—paid or unpaid. This is where you get real-world experience, build confidence, and grow faster. It’s also your chance to prove what you’ve been learning.
The tech space is wide and welcoming. You don’t have to be perfect—you just need to be willing to learn, unlearn, and stay consistent. No matter your background, there’s room for you. Start small, stay curious, and don’t forget to celebrate your wins along the way!
