A career in tech offers numerous benefits. For starters, you don’t need to be in school for four years to bag an academic degree to venture into IT. Several organizations offer IT training programs for their non-technical graduates. Likewise, IT professionals are in high demand. This is because various business and governmental organizations are seeing the need for cyber security and digital transformation due to the increasing reliance on data sharing and technology. Besides, IT jobs permeate every industry, and their salaries are generous. Furthermore, IT jobs offer a good work-life balance and workplace flexibility. Suppose you’re a geek at heart or have a penchant for IT but have no prior experience. In that case, here are some lucrative entry-level tech jobs you can apply for.
Data analyst
Data analysts are responsible for gathering data to gain insight on specific topics. They probe the data to make forecasts, discover trends, and derive information to enable their organizational heads to make better business decisions. Indeed, data analysts are in top demand, as they are instrumental to organizational operation and future outlooks. Besides, their skills are highly sought after in various industries that operate on large data analysis. For instance, businesses in sectors like finance, health care, business intelligence, media, entertainment, etc., require the services of data analysts. As a result, the earning potential for this job is high, so keep this in mind.
While you can bag this job without prior experience, it’s important to be armed with the needed skills. For starters, you need to acquire problem-solving skills, technical competency, good communication skills, attention to detail, and numerical and analytical capabilities. Likewise, data visualization, R or Python-Statistical Programming, presentation skills, machine learning, Microsoft excel, Structured Query Language are crucial to a successful career, so keep this in mind. Fortunately, training services like STL can help you develop your excel skills for maximum efficiency.
Junior software developers
Software development is another lucrative tech job to consider. However, you’d have to start as a junior software developer if you are entry-level. Junior software developers assist the software development team with various aspects of coding and design. Their primary role often involves writing basic codes, fixing bugs, and attending design meetings. Also, they learn the codebase and help the development manager in design-related projects. Junior developers differ from senior developers in that the former isn’t experienced with developing straightforward codes, leading them to write fancy and complex ones. However, software developers can branch into mobile app development, game development, software engineering, etc.
Although a degree in computer science or a related field can get you the job, you can still pursue it without one. Besides, going the self-thought route can help you learn various skills and language combinations. Fortunately, several online courses, local code schools, and code boot camp programs can help you obtain the needed training. Likewise, sufficient knowledge of Python, Java, JavaScript, Ruby, and C# is crucial, so keep this in mind.
Web editor
Are you passionate about writing and editing? If yes, then web editing may be the job for you. Web editors usually work for single organizations or website marketing firms that simultaneously handle content for various websites. This level-entry job is ideal for non-techies, and with some tech skills, you can blaze the trail in this niche. Besides, web editors will hardly run out of tasks, as websites generate content daily, in the form of new product pages or blog posts. That said, they upload, format, and optimize web content for visitors. Likewise, they revise articles to ensure that they are correctly formatted for the readers.
You need to possess adequate knowledge of content management systems like WordPress and Squarespace to get started. Top-notch copywriting skills and SEO experience are important, so keep this in mind. You may be required to edit another writers’ article, so good editing and proofreading skills are also needed. Consequently, be abreast with online trends to ensure that you’re keeping website content up-to-date.
Digital project manager (DPM)
Digital project management involves managing online projects using a certain amount of resources and a specific budget from conception to completion. That said, digital project managers ensure that projects are completed and submitted punctually without exceeding the set budget. Beyond these, they also ensure that the projects align with business goals and that all processes are running efficiently. Digital project managers usually work for in-house creative and digital marketing teams, creative and digital agencies, etc. There are plenty of career options after majoring in marketing so even if you’re not interested in this particular role – you’ll find something you enjoy within the technology sector.
As an entry-level staff, you will likely be assigned the role of an associate project manager. Your role may be more inclined towards administrative tasks like scheduling, time-tracking, and reporting. You are also likely to assist senior digital project managers on a project. If you decide to be a DPM, you’d have to acquire hard skills like project process, risk management, SEO, digital analytics, content management systems, etc. Likewise, coding and programming languages like CSS and HTML are crucial, so keep this in mind. Soft skills to acquire include leadership, communication, problem-solving, flexibility, organization, etc.
Trainee cybersecurity analyst
Do you detest cybercrime? If yes, you can develop a career as a cybersecurity analyst. Cybersecurity analysts evaluate, plan and execute security measures to keep organizations safe from breaches. They achieve this by monitoring servers and networks to ensure safe and secure data in the event of a cyber attack. They also manage software, research security trends, develop security plans and test the security systems. Cybersecurity analysts can work in various economic sectors and are highly sought-after, seeing that most organizations have gone digital.
It’s crucial to obtain technical skills like operating systems and database management, networking, risk management, threat detection, etc. Likewise, soft skills like attention to detail, problem-solving, curiosity, communication, etc., are equally needed, so keep this in mind. It also helps to learn the fundamentals of cybersecurity and apply what you’ve learned to cybersecurity tasks. Fortunately, you can leverage online training labs that replicate the workplace for hands-on experience. You can also take a cybersecurity certificate course if you don’t have a technical background.
