Job Market Hack: How to Break into the Tech Sector
If you’ve been intrigued by the allure of the technology field, you’re not alone. Do you remember the cool science experiments that used to capture our attention in school? Tech is kind of like that, only with artificial intelligence and automation instead of volcanoes.
But jobs in tech aren’t just cool—they’re also practical. If you want a future-proof career, technology is the way to go, and there are plenty of in-demand jobs to explore. Any number of paths will find you creating amazing solutions to real-world problems. Chief among them is the software developer, one of several technical jobs in demand.
How in demand are we talking? According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), demand for this role is projected to grow 22 percent over the next decade. Considering that BLS data also indicates the average growth rate for all occupations is only eight percent, it’s clear the software developer is a winning role among in-demand tech jobs.
Is coding the right fit for you?
Software development may be one of the fastest-growing jobs, but its popularity doesn’t mean it’s the right fit for everyone. Coding is a key task of the role, and it can take both talent and skill-building to master. It’s a challenge that some people simply can’t overcome. And not for a lack of trying—some people just aren’t suited for coding.
So how do you know if you’re suited for the software development life? Enter aptitude testing. By far, an aptitude test is one of the best tools to gauge whether you’re fit to code. This type of test accurately predicts the likelihood of success with not only grasping the material, but also applying it accordingly.
Now that you know how to determine your suitability for coding, let’s get into the job market hack you can use to secure a role in tech—without having to wait four years to finish a traditional education program.
Your Backdoor into the Tech World: Coding Bootcamps
If you want to land in-demand tech jobs without a degree, there’s only one proven way. No, it’s not going back to college. While useful, even tech-focused degrees provide no guarantee of employment in the field. Your best chance at securing a tech role is to attend a coding bootcamp.
Rising in popularity over the past decade in North America, coding bootcamps have gone from an estimated 2,000 graduates per year to 25,000— a number that’s expected to increase significantly in the coming years. This rise should come as no surprise given the labor demand for software developers we noted previously.
Many professionals take the bootcamp route to find tech jobs without a degree requirement because:
- They don’t have a degree
- Their degree isn’t in any tech-related field
- They didn’t build skills employers actually pay for during their degree program
Whatever the case, these professionals don’t want to spend four—or more—years to (hopefully) land a job in tech. With the speed that technology evolves, it’s likely what they learn in school will be much less relevant by the time they finish. Meanwhile, those who choose the bootcamp route can often find in-demand tech jobs in less than a year. Further, while on the job, bootcamp graduates continue to build their skills and gain experience to retain their marketability with employers.
Types of Coding Bootcamps
You have a few options when it comes to coding bootcamps:
- Full time. If you’re ready for a career change in the near term and can fully commit, a full-time bootcamp may be a good option. It gives you the shortest bootcamp-to-job timeline, though you should expect the program to be intense.
- Part time. If you want to make a more measured career transition, a part-time bootcamp would probably be more your speed. These programs typically offer classes on evenings and weekends, allowing you the flexibility to keep your full-time job. Keep in mind that, while not as intense, part-time programs still require a strong commitment.
- Online. For ultimate flexibility, many coding bootcamps offer a remote learning option. Some bootcamps operate as more self-paced, while others retain the intensity and structure of their on-campus versions. This option is perfect for professionals who want to attend a bootcamp that’s too far to feasibly attend in person.
- In Person. Many bootcamps have switched to online learning modalities due to the pandemic. However, with time, in-person learning will come back. Make sure that the bootcamp you choose offers the same learning experience regardless of whether it’s in person or online.
Finding a Coding Bootcamp
Of course, not every coding bootcamp is built equally. One of the most important indicators of a great program is whether students are hirable. Students should be placed at a high rate after graduation. For example, Tech Elevator’s 180-day job placement rate is an industry-leading 90%.
Ready to start programming?
If you’re looking to make a career change and appreciate a challenge, our coding bootcamp may be just what you need. Join over 2,500 successful graduates making waves in tech. Take our free Aptitude Test to see if a career in coding is a fit for you!
Written by Kalyn Breneman, Tech Elevator’s Director of Admissions