Transitioning careers can be daunting yet rewarding, especially in the tech world. Many professionals find themselves contemplating a change, driven by a desire for a more fulfilling professional life or to pursue their childhood passion that wasn’t tech-related. While the path to a satisfying tech career may seem challenging, a career transition is undoubtedly attainable.

Understanding the key steps in transitioning roles or industries can significantly enhance your chances of success. Here are eight crucial steps for professionals embarking on a career within or transitioning to tech.

1. Align Your Career Goals

Reflecting on career satisfaction is an important initial step in any career transition. Notably, only 10% of adults work in their childhood dream career. This statistic highlights the disparity between early aspirations and adult realities, which often occurs due to evolving interests, changing market demands, and the practicalities of life. Understanding why you’re dissatisfied with your current role can offer valuable insights into what you seek in a career.

Tech is a broad field, covering tasks from front-end development to managing cyber threats. To start, you need to determine your interests in this landscape. Consider your passion, talent, and the types of roles you can see yourself working hard in. Are you intrigued by the algorithmic challenges of coding or more interested in the strategic oversight of project management? Is it the lack of growth opportunities, an insufficient work-life balance, or a misalignment with your values that concerns you?

For many, a fulfilling career allows for personal time and reduces stress, which is why 68% of respondents in the FlexJobs survey would consider changing careers for better balance. Identifying these pain points will help you pinpoint your needs in your next role to achieve greater satisfaction.

2. Understand the Challenges

71% of individuals recognize that updating skills can be challenging, especially as you age. It’s important to approach this with dedication. If you’re considering a career change after working for decades in one industry, you’ll need to showcase your experience in a new way. Developing a mindset focused on learning is key. Pursue relevant courses or certifications that align with your new career path and demonstrate your commitment to education in this field.

3. Gain In-Demand Skills

The tech industry values hands-on skills and real-world knowledge. From learning to code to gaining expertise in cloud computing, these skills will prove your ability to adapt and progress in a new job.

Once you’ve identified the needed skills, explore various learning resources to bridge the gap. Online courses, boot camps, and certifications are great options for acquiring new skills. Platforms such as Coursera, Udemy, and edX provide a wide range of tech courses, often instructed by industry experts. Take advantage of free or affordable online courses and consider attending a business school specializing in tech-related programs.

4. Build a Strong Network

Connecting with the right community can be as essential as any formal training. Leveraging platforms to contact peers, joining tech-focused marketing events, or attending webinars can open doors to valuable advice and insights. Talk to people who’ve made similar moves in the IT world, and don’t hesitate to ask for introductions to managers or recruiters involved in the tech job market.

Connecting with industry professionals and mentors can provide guidance and support during your transition. They can offer advice on navigating the job market, recommend resources for learning, and even refer you to job openings. Networking helps you stay informed about industry trends and builds relationships that can be invaluable throughout your career.

5. Update Your Resume and Online Profiles

Switching sectors can be challenging, but it’s a typical move. In 2021, 50% of workers who changed occupations moved to a different sector. To successfully transition to a new industry, leverage your transferable skills and demonstrate your adaptability.

Your resume may reflect experience in a different field. Still, the key is to emphasize transferable skills from your previous experience to demonstrate readiness for a career change into the tech industry. Emphasize transferable skills like problem-solving and project management, and customize your resume for the tech industry. This approach should apply to your LinkedIn and other professional platforms profiles – ensure they highlight your most recent accomplishments, qualifications, and interests.

6. Prepare for Interviews

Preparing for an interview involves more than just knowing your resume. You should be prepared for technical questions and have specific examples ready to showcase your relevant experience. Confidence during interviews comes from knowing your worth and expressing your enthusiasm for the new industry. Remember that a positive attitude can help you stand out from other candidates.

7. Consider Location and Lifestyle Changes

Consider moving to a city with a thriving tech community to find more job opportunities. Additionally, keep in mind that tech careers can differ significantly in terms of work-life balance, so evaluate how any potential changes may align with your lifestyle and the jobs you are interested in.

8. Stay Resilient

Pursuing a career transition isn’t complete without recognizing the mental and emotional undertaking. It’s a journey that entails risk and may involve a period of lower income or starting in a position that’s junior to your past roles. Support from friends, family, and mentors can help mitigate challenges and keep you focused.

To follow your dreams costs you nothing, but not trying could cost your future fulfillment. Whether your previous experiences in a different department or country have prepared you for this shift or you are starting anew, the tech industry is vast, rich with opportunities, and waiting for the curious mind to serve its next wave of clientele.

Ready, Set, Go

Transitioning into a tech career requires more than just finishing your homework. It involves actively exploring every aspect—from gaining knowledge to preparing for logistical shifts. Invest your time, engage in meaningful conversations, and develop your expertise. You may discover a fulfilling second act in your professional path, where challenges are simply a part of the process.