Breaking into Tech
Changing industries is a daunting idea. Going into a new space, completely unknown, without help or guidance can seem scary. But is it really so bad?
Tech is the new hot industry. Every third linked-in notification or Instagram reel is someone telling you all the opportunities are in tech. Videos called 'just learn to code, and you could make six figures and 'easy ways to get hired at google' litter the timeline. These influencers promise to deliver a sparkly new tech career with only a class or a webinar. It's safe to say there are a lot of tech charlatans trying to sell the dream of the perfect industry, along with their online coding course to get you there.
It sounds exciting, but is it true? At Misulis Group, we decided to find out what is all the hype with tech. I met up with Jahni, an artist/teacher turned Junior Product Designer, to learn about her experience navigating the industry change without a background in tech. I wanted to know what she was doing that led her to her new career and why she decided to change course and pursue tech.
I had to know more about her new position. What kind of product does she design and for what? Jahni doesn't work at a large tech company like Google or Facebook. Instead, she works for a health organization, using her skills to serve the community.
MG: Could you describe your current job?
Jahni: I am a Junior Product Designer at Public Good Projects, a public health agency that works to solve public health crises by targeting specific demographics and building tailored solutions for each demographic."
I asked her to expand on her role and walk me through a typical project.
Jahni: As a Junior Product designer, I work from the start of an idea all the way to the production of the final product and maintenance. We start our design process by interviewing people who meet the criteria of the problem we are trying to solve. For example, we are trying to help elderly adults combat social isolation and loneliness, so I reached out to many adults 65+ to interview them about how they feel and what they think could help.
After interviewing, we begin brainstorming solutions. This is an in-depth process with the full team and is also a time when we align on our goals and get excited about the project.
Next, I begin sketching website or application designs. Once we get an idea of what we would like to feature, I create high-fidelity prototypes in a program called Figma. High-fidelity prototypes look exactly like a mobile or desktop screen and function exactly like one. Once these are approved, we send the designs to the development team to implement.
Finally, we review the developed site to make sure everything is aligned with the designs, test it with the users, and monitor results.
While Jahni's current tech-heavy job requires special skills, she doesn't have a computer science or technology background. The most exciting thing about the technology sector is that things are advancing so quickly that anyone can learn the skills they need without returning to school.
MG: What were you doing before this, and why did you end that position?
Jahni: I was teaching English to private students abroad. I ended this position because I felt like I had outgrown it. I wasn't being challenged or enjoying the work, so it was time to make a change.
Like many others, Jahni turned towards the tech field because of all the exciting opportunities. There are hundreds of jobs waiting to be filled by people with skills and knowledge, but where can you get those skills? Teaching doesn't provide a straight path to the tech sector, so Jahni had to take proactive steps to prepare for her industry transition.
MG: What steps did you take to find a new position?
Jahni: I took online classes to learn new skills, built an online portfolio website, and started following UI/UX groups on linked in. I joined Women in UX on Facebook and frequently asked questions for guidance, portfolio reviews, and advice.
Transitioning to tech isn't a cakewalk. While anyone can do it, you must dedicate time to learning if you want to participate. There are tons of free and paid courses online that can teach you the basics of coding, developing, and UI/UX, but it's up to you to keep learning. The industry is rapidly hurtling forward, so there is always more to learn.
MG: What was the most beneficial thing for you about changing industries?
Jahni: I love that I am learning and growing so much so quickly. The industry is very new, and everyone is learning new things. I start my morning by reading Medium Daily Digests, attending live lectures hosted by Figma, watching tutorials, and reading a chapter a day from a book related to my field.
Continued education is required in many fields, but especially so here. Anyone who wants to be involved must constantly study and increase their knowledge. If you love learning and are always looking for ways to improve, tech may be your field.
However, accessible and easy are not synonymous. If you choose to go the independent route and learn on your own, it may take a while for a company to bite.
MG: What did the job search look like for you? How long did you look/how many jobs did you apply for/how many interviews did you get before landing a role?
Jahni: The job search was intense. Since I was new to the field and it's a competitive one, I knew I would need to apply to a lot of places to get an interview. I kept a spreadsheet of where I applied, when, who I contacted, and if I heard back. I mostly got "no's" and had to remind myself that I only needed one Yes. I applied to over 500 positions. For most of these, I whacked the "instant apply" in indeed or LinkedIn. A few (about 50) I wrote cover letters and resumes specifically tailored to the position. I only received one interview, and I think it's because of my previous experience in the Peace Corps. The hiring manager's parents met in the Peace Corps, and she did Americorps.
Most online courses offer a certificate, but it's hard to compete with someone's industry experience. Don't forget that your application can be trashed for a myriad of reasons, like editing mistakes, not enough detail, or the wrong keywords. Even though it is a job-seekers market, many people looking to jump into tech and entry-level positions can be competitive.
MG: What was your biggest hindrance when applying for jobs? And if you were applying now, what would you do differently?
Jahni: I was so new, without experience, and struggled to get an initial interview. If I had to do it again, I would have watched a lot more tutorials, read more articles, and made my website sleek to get the hiring manager's attention. I would also include a heuristic evaluation (competitive analysis) in my application material for the hiring manager to show where their website could currently improve and what their competitors' strengths and weaknesses are. I would go the extra mile to get noticed by the hiring manager for fewer positions that I am really interested in. When I leave my current position, I'll look for more gender equality/ girl power companies to work for because that's where my passions lie.
Another thing Jahni attributed her success to was the Women in UI Facebook group. Having a collection of experienced women who could offer advice and guidance was a big part of her initial success in the field. If you are considering an industry change, look for a community. Groups are all over Facebook, Reddit, and other social media sites. They can give you insight and realistic advice.
MG: What advice do you have for people currently applying for positions?
Jahni: If you aren't getting bites on your resume, ask professionals in the field to review your work and advise you on how to improve your resume. Take classes, watch tutorials, and don't give up. You only need one job, so don't stress if you get a lot of no's first.
If you want to break into tech, take a course online to learn a new skill. Practice and get feedback and advice from professionals in the field. Put yourself out there, and don't be afraid of a bit of rejection. You only need one Yes to get a new job.
