The tech industry can seem intimidating when standing at the starting line, especially without years of experience or a traditional degree in computer science. Most people don’t know that the tech world rewards skill, curiosity, and grit more than polished resumes.
To land your first role as a beginner, follow the steps below:
- Pick a path
Tech is broad and you don’t have to do everything at once. There’s software engineering, UI/UX design, data analysis, DevOps, and a whole lot more. Before anything else, identify a niche that aligns with your strengths. If you are not sure where to begin, explore free resources in different fields on platforms like freeCodeCamp, Coursera, or YouTube and see what interests you. - Learn and Apply the Basics
Online courses are great but your portfolio speaks louder than your certificates. Show proof of work by building a personal website, cloning an app, analyzing a dataset, or redesigning an existing product. Even one or two solid projects can make a difference. - Be visible in the right places
LinkedIn, GitHub, Twitter (now X), and even personal blogs are powerful platforms to showcase your work. Share your learning process, write threads or posts about what you are building, and connect with people already in the field. Visibility builds credibility. - Get experience without a job title
You don’t need a job to gain experience. Volunteer for nonprofits, contribute to open-source projects, or offer help to small businesses. These experiences build real-world skills and they count. Plus, they are a great way to build references and recommendations. - Apply smarter, not harder
Track rejections, tweak your resume, and keep going. Most people wait until they “feel ready” before applying but is anyone ever fully ready? Don’t just fire off the same CV to 100 companies. Tailor your résumé and portfolio for the specific role. And don’t underestimate the power of a thoughtful cold email or LinkedIn message to a hiring manager. Sometimes, doors open where you knock.
There is more to Tech than coding. It involves problem-solving, curiosity, and hunger to thrive. Everyone starts somewhere. Your first step doesn’t need to be perfect. Take that bold step today.
