Starting the Job Search in Tech

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Discover Your Dream Job in STEM

In this article, we discuss how you can get started on the path to find your dream job in STEM-related and tech fields. Whether you’re a student looking for advice on the best way forward or someone looking for a professional change, there are resources out there designed to funnel more people into tech fields. Companies are desperate to find workers with tech skills and there is a demand for women in technology. If you choose a career in high demand, they will pay you an exceptional salary to get you to come on board.

Students Looking for Advice

If you’re currently a student and you’re not sure what the right educational path is for gaining a job in tech, it can be difficult to get started. It’s best to start planning as early as possible so that you can be prepared for the steps you will need to take along your career journey. The more prepared you are, the easier the process will be and the less debt to get sapped from your future salary.

Preparation Before Post-secondary Education

For students still in high school, talking to your guidance counselor is a great way to start your journey. A guidance counselor can discuss educational requirements, programs of study, or whether a college or a trade school is the fastest and most cost-effective way toward your dream job. Post-secondary education can be expensive, so pay attention to the associated costs during your research.

For those that have already finished high school, there are a few things to consider. First, do you want to stay in your current industry, but change your skill set? If so, this may be the easiest switch as you will bring your industry knowledge with you when you change. A related industry may also be welcoming, but an unrelated industry may be harder to break into. Fortunately, in most cases, jobs in technology and coding fields are highly transferable among unrelated industries. Keep this in mind as you brainstorm your new career path and research occupations that could be a good match. As long as you have the time, the funding, and the enthusiasm to make the switch, you should be successful.

Post-secondary and Certificate Programs

If you will need additional education to make your job switch, you’ll need to figure out how to pay for it. Perhaps you have money in savings to use, can work and study at the same time, or are eligible for grants and student loans. Each of these will get you to your goal, but it’s important to consider wisely how to choose to go forward.

Grants are free money, but they don’t always pay for the total costs associated with full-time stud y. There are a host of scholarships available to help cover costs, but the application process can be competitive. Student loans are a great way to make up any gaps in cost, but interest on these loans can be high and you’ll start your career off with entry level pay while saddled with loads of debt. Community Colleges and trade schools can be a much quicker and cheaper solution for many students. You’ll gain all the skills and knowledge you need at a fraction of the time and/or cost. Walk away with a certificate from a credible education program to gain an entry level position or straight into your dream job!

Testing Out the Right Career Path

Before you make a final decision on your career track, it’s best to test the waters a bit to be sure that you fit the job and the job fits you. Check around to see if there is a coding camp or STEM club in your area. You can get exposure to many different facets of STEM careers which will help you determine what aspect you may be most passionate about. You can learn software and developing skills, test out programming, web design, photography, AI, or even robotics!

Start Networking – It’s for Everybody!

It’s never too early to start networking – as a student or a professional. Companies are always on the lookout for people to fit their objectives. Once you are sure of your desired path, start reaching out to companies in that sector. Ask to talk to someone in Human Resources (HR) who could give you some advice about what education and skills requirements would be best to pursue. They may refer you to hiring managers in their firm that can give you a realistic view of what it takes to make it in that industry. They may also have helpful hints to save you from mistakes they have encountered!

There may also be free job fairs in your area that you can attend. Job fairs are great because many different companies come together in one space and announce what positions they want to hire. Don’t be shy! Walk around and ask others why they are there and if they have any advice for you. This will give you a lot of information which will set you up with a clear understanding of what you’ll need to do to achieve your dream job in the future.

Currently Employed and Looking for a Career Change?

Complacency is an easy rut to get stuck in. Have you been in the same position for too long and just need a change? Your current skill set may be a very useful bag of tricks for a new job title with your current or a new employer. Start by doing a search for jobs that you think you might be interested in – platforms like Indeed and LinkedIn are great for this purpose. Read through the job descriptions, the education requirements, and preferred skills list. Jot down some notes about what you might need to do to fill in any gaps in those categories. Don’t get discouraged! Some employers have on the job training or apprenticeship programs. You can call around to the HR departments of companies you are interested in and ask whether they would accept certificate programs in the place of traditional education requirements. You may notice that most education requirement statements are somewhat vague or offer an equivalency statement for non-traditional applicants.

3 Job Fairs to Find Your Career in Technology

1. Tech Jobs Fair
   1. Location: Multiple
   1. Date(s): Multiple
   1. Description: This career fair offers virtual job fairs and in-person job fairs focused on key regions worldwide
2. Power to Fly Virtual Job Fair
   1. Location: Multiple
   1. Date(s): Multiple
   1. Description: This job fair is geared toward connecting hiring managers interested in diversity and inclusion
3. Women in Technology Job Fairs
   1. Location: Washington D.C. area
   1. Date(s): Spring and Fall dates
   1. Description: This job fair pairs employers with qualified job applicants, including technology professionals of all levels and skilled business candidates interested in the tech sector.