How to Start a Career in Tech With No Experience?

Starting a career in tech might seem out of reach if you don't have prior experience, but the reality is different. You don’t need a traditional background or degree to break into tech and land your dream job.

You can build a fulfilling career in tech with the right approach, dedication, and guidance.

This guide will outline the steps you need to follow to kickstart your tech career. We'll also discuss the different types of tech jobs, interview tips, and the benefits of being a tech professional.

Why Is Tech a Great Career Choice for Beginners?

A tech career is enticing for many reasons. One of the biggest draws to tech is the high demand for experts.

Companies across all industries are constantly on the lookout for tech professionals who can help them adapt to new technologies and solve complex problems. This demand creates job security and opens doors to various roles, even for beginners.

The tech job market is also known for offering highly competitive salaries. The average salary ranges can vary significantly depending on factors such as job title, experience level, location, and the specific industry sector.

For example, a software engineer can expect an annual salary of around $93,000 to $144,000. Cybersecurity professionals, who are highly sought-after, can earn between $125,000 and $205,000. Meanwhile, the average account executive salary is $76,000, which can go as high as $275,000 with bonuses and sales commissions.

Lastly, the tech field encourages continuous learning and professional growth opportunities. Moving up the career ladder is achievable as long as you develop new skills and gain experience.

You can specialize in a niche, such as tech sales, or transition into a leadership role. Plus, you never run out of things to explore because the tech world is constantly expanding.

A Complete Guide to Starting a Tech Career Without Experience

Starting a career in tech without any experience may seem intimidating, but breaking it down into actionable steps makes the process much more manageable.

Here's how you can begin your tech journey:

1. Assess Your Skills and Interests

Tech is a broad field with countless roles. It can be difficult to enter the tech job market if you don't know where to start.

It’s important to take a step back and evaluate your existing skills and passions.

Think about your natural abilities.

Are you more of a problem solver who enjoys logic and puzzles? If so, you might excel in data analytics.

Or do you have strong communication and negotiation skills? You may find tech sales roles interesting.

But if you're someone who thrives in visual or design work, consider a job in user experience (UX) and interface (UI).

You can also use tools like a career quiz to help you determine which tech role is best for you. You simply have to answer questions related to your interests and personality.

Don’t worry if you don’t have hard tech skills yet; you should focus on your transferable skills. Communication, teamwork, and critical thinking are just as valuable in tech as they are in other industries.

2. Research Different Tech Career Paths

The tech industry offers many types of tech careers to suit different interests and skill sets. Once you’ve identified your strengths, you can explore these various career paths to see which one is the perfect fit.

• Software engineering and development: Software engineers develop, test, and maintain software applications, systems, and websites. They can specialize in different niches, such as web development, mobile app development, and software architecture. 
• Data analytics or data science: Data analysts or scientists extract insights from vast amounts of data to make informed decisions. They deal with statistical analysis, machine learning, and data visualization. 
• Cybersecurity: These tech professionals protect digital assets, networks, and systems from threats to ensure data privacy. 
• Tech sales: They use their industry knowledge and negotiation skills to sell products and services to clients. Sales roles in the tech industry can range from account executives to solutions consultants and business development representatives.

You can also discover other emerging tech career options, such as artificial intelligence (AI), blockchain, virtual reality (VR), and Internet of Things (IoT).

Each of these paths has its own requirements, so take the time to research to find one that excites you the most.

3. Identify In-Demand Tech Skills and Learning Resources

After researching different tech jobs, you can start focusing on building technical skills. These prove to recruiters that you have what it takes to excel in a tech role.

Below are some tech skills that are highly sought-after in today’s tech job market:

• Programming languages: Knowing languages like Python, JavaScript, or Java can open doors to software development and data roles.
• Data analysis: Learning tools like Excel, SQL, and Python for data manipulation will help you get started in data-related roles.
• Cloud computing: Skills in platforms like AWS, Google Cloud, and Azure are in high demand as tech companies move their infrastructure to the cloud.
• Cybersecurity: Understanding network security, encryption, and ethical hacking can lead to roles in cybersecurity.

You can use different resources, tutorials, and educational platforms to help you build these skills. For example, LinkedIn Learning, Coursera, and Udemy all provide online courses related to technology.

4. Develop Soft Skills

Besides tech courses, you should also prioritize courses that help you improve your soft skills.

These refer to the personal attributes and abilities that help you work effectively with others. Many employers value soft skills just as much as technical expertise.

Here are some soft skills that can boost your success in landing a tech job:

• Communication: Tech roles often require explaining complex ideas to non-technical team members. Having clear communication skills helps bridge that gap.
• Problem-solving: You’ll frequently encounter challenges that require creative solutions in tech. You must be able to think critically and tackle issues head-on.
• Adaptability: The tech industry is always changing. Being open to learning new tools and approaches helps you stay relevant.
• Collaboration: You’ll often work in teams, whether it’s with developers, designers, or clients. Strong collaboration skills can keep projects running smoothly.
• Time management: Juggling multiple projects or tasks is common in tech. You must manage your time well to meet deadlines without stress.

5. Subscribe to Industry Newsletters

You should also stay up to date with the latest trends and technologies dominating the tech industry.

Subscribing to industry newsletters is an easy way to keep up with all the recent developments. You can receive valuable insights straight to your inbox. This way, you no longer need to visit every news site for updates.

TechCrunch, Hacker News, and Bizarro Devs are just a few great newsletters to consider.

6. Obtain Relevant Certifications

Getting relevant certifications can give you an advantage when starting a tech career, especially without prior experience.

These certifications show employers that you’ve acquired a specific skill set and are committed to learning.

The good news is that many certification programs are affordable and can be completed online at your own pace.

For example, the CompTIA A+ certification is ideal for beginners. It covers foundational IT knowledge, such as troubleshooting, networking, and security.

If you're interested in cloud computing, you can obtain the AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner certification. It teaches you the basics of the Amazon Web Services cloud and terminology.

7. Create a Portfolio

A portfolio showcasing your projects and accomplishments is a powerful tool in the tech industry.

You can create projects that highlight the skills you’re learning. For example, if you’re into web development, you could create a personal website or build small web applications.

If data analytics is your focus, showcase your ability to analyze and visualize data using tools like Python or Excel.

Make sure to add a brief description for each project, explaining what you did, the technologies used, and the challenges you overcame.

By having a well-organized portfolio, you give potential employers a clear picture of your abilities, making it easier for them to envision you in a role.

8. Gain Hands-On Experience

In addition to your portfolio, employers also value practical experience.

Fortunately, there are several ways to build it, even without formal job experience.

• Internships: Many tech companies offer internships for beginners, which can help you get real-world experience while learning on the job. Some internships are even remote, making them accessible no matter where you are.
• Volunteering: Consider offering your tech skills to nonprofits or small businesses. Whether it's building a website or troubleshooting IT issues, you’ll gain valuable experience and make meaningful contributions.
• Open-Source Projects: Contributing to open-source projects is a great way to improve your skills and collaborate with experienced developers. Platforms like GitHub allow you to join projects that interest you while showcasing your work.
• Freelancing: This lets you take on small projects for clients and earn some income while gaining tech experience. Upwork and Fiverr are good places to start your freelancing journey.

9. Build a Strong Network

Networking plays an important role in breaking into the tech industry.

You should attend industry events, join online communities, and engage with professionals in your desired field.

You can also use your network to seek mentorship opportunities. Doing so helps you gain valuable insights and guidance you wouldn't usually get from tech courses.

10. Master the Tech Job Search

Mastering the tech job search takes strategy and persistence.

You should tailor your resume for each role. Make sure to highlight relevant technical skills, certifications, projects, and experiences.

You must also improve your LinkedIn profile by showcasing your achievements and abilities. Connect with professionals in your desired industry and participate in relevant tech groups and discussions. 

Then, use job boards like Indeed and LinkedIn to search for new job opportunities. You can even set up alerts to receive job listings directly in your inbox.

How to Prepare for the Tech Interview?

Now that you’ve followed the steps to start your tech career, it’s time to focus on landing the job. You must prepare well for the interview to impress recruiters and receive a job offer.

Below are some tips for tech professionals:

Research the Company

Before any tech interview, it's important to research the company and the specific role you're applying for.

Take time to understand the company's mission, values, and products or services. You should also familiarize yourself with the job description and identify key skills and requirements.

Practice Technical Assessments

Many tech interviews include technical assessments, so practicing beforehand is essential.

If you’re applying for a coding position, use platforms like LeetCode or HackerRank to sharpen your coding skills.

For data roles, practice SQL queries or data analysis tasks. Regular practice will help you perform better under pressure.

Conduct Mock Interviews 

Practice mock interviews to become more comfortable and confident in your responses. Seek out sample interview questions and prepare thoughtful answers.

You must also focus on behavioral questions that assess your soft skills and how you handle different situations.

Prepare Questions for the Interviewer

The tech interview is a two-way street, so come prepared with a few thoughtful questions to ask the interviewer.

Ask about the company’s projects, team dynamics, or growth opportunities. Doing so shows that you’re genuinely interested in the role.

Let BetterCareer Help You Land Your Dream Tech Job

Need help breaking into tech, specifically tech sales? Here's how Better Career can assist you:

• Job Accelerator Program: Follow our step-by-step guide to land a tech sales job quickly and efficiently. Whether you want to be a Sales Engineer, Customer Success Professional, or Project Manager, our mentorship program is designed to accelerate your tech career. Say goodbye to the frustration and guesswork of a typical job search.
• 1-on-1 Career Coaching: Work closely with former tech leaders turned career coaches to land your next Sales or Sales Engineering role, or advance your career. We'll customize the program to meet your unique goals and needs.
• B2B Tech Job Board: Connect directly with key people at hiring companies through our curated job board for B2B tech positions. This includes direct LinkedIn profiles and posts for each listing.

Haven't found what you're looking for? Fill out our contact form, and we'll get in touch with you soon!

FAQs About How to Start a Career in Tech

Can I break into the tech world without a relevant degree?

Yes, you can. Many individuals start a career in tech without a computer science degree or other relevant course.

You can focus on gaining practical skills through online courses, certifications, and hands-on projects. After all, employers value what you can do over formal education.

Is it too late to start my tech journey?

No, it’s never too late! The tech world welcomes people from all backgrounds and ages. As long as you're willing to learn and adapt, you can begin your tech career at any time.

How do I know which tech career is right for me?

Start by exploring different tech roles and identifying what aligns with your interests and strengths. You should also research different career paths to find the best fit.

What are the best entry-level positions in a tech company?

Common entry-level roles include help desk support, junior developer, and tech sales representative. These roles offer a solid foundation and help you improve your skills as you advance your tech career.