It’s no secret that the tech sector has been booming globally with tech firms growing and creating value at an unbelievable pace. According to the latest Monster Employment Index, the IT sector in Malaysia recorded a whopping 52% year-on-year increase in online recruitment.
With the industry having a wide range of roles and required technical skills, breaking into the tech sector will require a little more than just sending out a couple CVs. If you are looking to make a switch to the tech industry, here are some tips to find the right opportunities:
Build your portfolio
For those with little or no experience, it is essential to dive in and get your hands dirty – while classes may help, nothing beats learning through doing. Whether you are interested in coding or design, look at working on side projects in your free time to expose yourself to the field and gain perspectives. Gaining solid experience through a variety of projects is the best way to build your portfolio and helps to start building your network of contacts.
Attend tech courses and workshops
As the IT sector continues to evolve rapidly, it’s essential to keep up-to-date with the industry by ensuring your skills stay polished. If you’re interested in a specific type of role in a tech firm, but lack the relevant skills, consider looking at online courses that offer short-term workshops to get you the right skill sets. These online schools offer more than conventional courses, as they involve mentoring and provide access to live sessions with experts to prepare you for the eventual role. After taking such a workshop, it’s great to boost your resume which may give you that slight advantage to increase your chances of getting hired.
Network, network, network
An easy way to get into the tech industry is by meeting people. Take time to participate in industry events that will not only broaden your knowledge but also allow you to immerse yourself in the industry and network with other like-minded individuals. Look out for tech conferences happening in your area or follow events happening at creativity centres such as MaGIC in Malaysia. Remember that a high percentage of successful hires come through referrals!
Never stop pitching
Build an online portfolio and make sure to nurture a public persona online that shows that you are interested and savvy in the tech industry. Keep your social and professional profiles updated to present yourself in the best possible way and remember that it’s also a great way to showcase your work or projects online. After all, you never know who checking your profile and work.
