Tech focuses on research and development and is stuffed with profitable careers, which explains why many are diverting into them. Aside from being diverse, tech careers are evergreen and ever-evolving. This side of tech makes people dream of switching from an entirely different career. The only problem is, how?

Although launching a career in tech with no prior experience is challenging, it's possible. It would require dedication, the right skills, and connecting with gurus in your desired industry, but there's more. Here's your ultimate guide if you want to break into tech with zero experience.

1. Start With an Industry Similar to Your Current One

The easiest way to switch to tech is by starting in an industry similar to your current one. For example, switching to a career in fintech will be easier if you are currently working in the banking and finance sector. This way, you already understand the rules of the market and the corporate jargon used in that profession. There would be no need to start learning from scratch.

How about launching a career in education technology as a teacher, or real estate technology as a real estate advisor? Your foundation in these fields would help your smooth transition without prior tech experience.

2. Re-examine and Apply Your Past Experience

A man in thoughts while working in the office

Observe the skills and responsibilities of the new career you're switching to. Re-examine them through the lens of your current experience and apply your past ones to the new career. These include soft and hard skills that may fit your desired tech career.

Soft skills like communication and collaboration, networking, and time management are relevant if you're looking to work as a tech analyst. Also, these should be transferable skills, making it easy to switch to closely related roles.

It would help to list previous skills and include courses and training you took in your past working experience. Then, carefully analyze which can help bridge your current career and the new one.

For example, you can transfer your experience as a psychologist into UI/UX design because you'll need to understand users' thought patterns to create successful UI/UX design.

3. Be Open to Start From the Bottom

In addition to re-examining your past experiences, be open to starting from rock bottom. You're likely to tackle new problems and tasks in a new career. Be open to learning the basics, even if it means taking basic-level courses or applying for entry-level jobs in your new career.

You'll need to build experiences as you grow on your new career path, so attending boot camps and conferences and accepting general roles is important. After mastering the foundation, you can switch to more specialized areas in your chosen tech niche. So, your ability to rise the ladder depends on your willingness to learn.

4. Earn Certifications in Your New Tech Industry

A student with headphones writing in a document

Part of starting from scratch includes earning certifications and taking courses in your new niche. It's advisable to take a beginner's course and then apply for more advanced courses as you grow in your profession. Although a degree in your new niche sounds profitable, earning one would require 1-4 years.

Meanwhile, earning certifications in a new niche would only take a few weeks on a consistent self-study pattern. Start by taking certifications in your chosen niche, then branch out to certifications for career advancement. Some of the latter include project management and network certifications. This step will get you prepared for your big switch.

5. Revamp Your Resume and LinkedIn to Reflect Your Direction

Once you've gotten the necessary certifications, it's time to revamp your resume and LinkedIn to reflect your new direction in the tech niche. Since most recruiters use LinkedIn to find professionals, it's only ideal that you position yourself well in your desired niche.

On your resume, you can add recent skills and certifications. It would also help to add transferable skills that reflect your expertise in your new field. Although it's important to present relevant professional skills to recruiters, rebranding your transferable skills increases your qualifications and gives you an attractive profile.

You can also add volunteer positions and internships, removing all jargon related to your former industry. These steps will help boost your LinkedIn visibility and give you a rich resume.

6. Apply for Relevant Internships and Volunteer

A man wearing a T-shirt that says volunteer.

Speaking of revamping your resume, you don't necessarily need a full career experience on your resume. Having relevant internship roles and volunteer positions on your profile can also increase your chances and help your transition into tech.

One of the ways to do this is by applying online on the best websites to find internships or reaching out to recruiters for internship positions. The ability to apply for new grad internship programs is optional if you were far along in your previous career.

Adult internships are preferable for career changers like you who want to transition without the hassle of a graduate internship. In addition, volunteering for startups in tech will also give you hands-on experience in your desired niche.

Look for companies that align with your career goals and apply to volunteer with them. These experiences would also serve as a booster for both LinkedIn and your resume. If you already work in the creative arts industry, you can create UI designs or build websites for a fintech startup.

7. Network With Professionals

Make it a point to network with professionals in your desired niche, and you'll be shocked at how strong your connections are. Start by attending tech conferences, meetups, and fairs to network with the gurus in your niche.

Search for old colleagues who have transitioned into tech and companies that are hiring professionals in your niche. You can reach out to these connections for how they got roles in those positions. It would be even better if they transitioned.

Social media is a powerful tool for networking with professionals. You can connect with experts by building your professional network on LinkedIn, Facebook, or Twitter and effectively leverage those connections.

These professionals have grown in the tech space, so you'll need advice on what to do at different stages of your transition. Finally, you can increase your visibility by becoming a strong tech community member.

8. Start a Tech Project

A photo engineer working with a laptop at a table.

One of the signs showing you're ready for a transition into tech is getting your hands dirty with actual tech projects. These projects would be great add-ons to your portfolio. You can develop innovative designs to solve pain points in your desired tech niche.

Since you're just starting, you should collaborate with experts in your new niche. However, if you can pull it off on your own, go ahead. Tech projects like designing smart apps for tech startups would add some credibility to your name.

9. Apply for Jobs

Now you've got internships, volunteering experience, and a tech project. It's time to dive into tech. Apply for a job that aligns with your desired trajectory in tech and upgrade as you go. Some of the best ways to get tech jobs are by applying on LinkedIn and job boards.

You should always start by applying for cross-over positions with similar experience, or launch your desired career from the ground up. In addition, you should commit to learning to grow in your newly found niche.

Enjoy a Smooth Transition Into Tech

By understanding these basics of starting a tech career with no experience, you'll be able to navigate through this niche. By understanding your desired niche, you get direction on where to start. Finally, it's important to learn about peculiar problems you might face when starting a tech career and proactive steps to solve them.