Reasons to switch to a career in tech and where to start.

In today's rapidly evolving world, technology has become an integral part of our daily lives, revolutionising industries, and reshaping the way we work. If you are contemplating a career change or seeking new opportunities, venturing into the tech industry can open doors to a dynamic and rewarding career.

According to a report by PageInsights, 86% of all employees are open to new opportunities, and 50% of those are “active job seekers”, meaning they are looking for new jobs or plan to within the next 6 months.

The tech industry is a great industry to consider as not only is the demand for tech professionals soaring, but the field offers many benefits and avenues for growth. In this article, we will explore the many reasons why you should consider making the switch to a career in tech, along with some entry-level IT and tech jobs that can serve as an excellent starting point for your new career path.

High demand

The tech industry is booming, and there is a constant need for skilled professionals. The UK is currently facing a skills shortage and many of the IT and tech skills fall within this shortage. Some of the roles facing a shortage include engineering jobs, software development jobs, web design jobs and cyber security jobs. Due to the high demand, many of the roles offer job security and a wide range of employment opportunities in various sectors, making it easier to find exciting and rewarding positions.

Competitive salaries

Tech jobs often come with competitive salaries and excellent benefits. As the demand for tech talent increases, employers are willing to offer attractive compensation packages to attract and retain skilled professionals. Some of the top paid IT jobs include:

• Software Engineer (£40,000 to £110,000)
• Data Architect (£55,000 to £120,000)
• Cyber Security Architect (£55,000 to £112,000)
• Cloud Developer (£45,000 to £116,000)

Constant innovation

The tech industry is at the forefront of innovation and driving advancements in various fields. Working in tech allows you to be part of this dynamic environment, where you can contribute to ground-breaking technologies, which will shape the future.

Flexibility and remote work opportunities

Many tech roles offer flexible work arrangements, including the option to work remotely or even in a hybrid environment. This flexibility allows for a better work-life balance and the ability to work from anywhere, providing freedom and autonomy.

Career progression

The tech industry offers a clear career path with opportunities for growth and advancement. Continuous learning is encouraged, and there are endless resources available to upskill and stay up to date with the latest technologies.

Entry-level IT and tech jobs to consider when switching careers

When considering where to start in the tech industry, it's essential to choose a path that aligns with your skills, interests, and long-term goals. Here are some entry-level IT and tech jobs that can serve as a good starting point:

Software Developer

This role involves designing, coding, and testing software applications. It's a broad field with various specialisations, such as web development or mobile app development. It can be useful to start off by building a strong foundation in programming languages like Python, JavaScript, or Java. You can also gain various developer certifications and qualifications to help you take the step in your career pathway.

Discover career progression opportunities for developers here.

Data Analyst

Data Analysts collect, interpret, and analyse large sets of data to identify trends, patterns, and insights. Proficiency in statistical analysis, data visualisation, and tools like SQL and Excel is valuable for this role. If you have strong communication and critical thinking skills, you could be well suited to a career in data.

Discover career progression opportunities for data professionals here.

IT Support Specialist

As an IT Support Specialist, you would assist users with technical issues, troubleshoot hardware and software problems, and provide general technical support. Strong problem-solving skills and knowledge of operating systems and networking concepts are essential. There are many different IT support certifications and qualifications you can take to the first steps in your career.

Discover career progression opportunities for IT support professionals here.

Cyber Security Analyst

With the growing concern for online security, cyber security professionals are in high demand. This role involves monitoring and analysing systems for vulnerabilities, implementing security measures, and responding to security incidents. Start off by developing your knowledge in network security, ethical hacking, and security frameworks. There are a range of certifications that can help you step into a cyber security role.

Discover career progression opportunities for cyber security professionals here.

Web Developer

Web Developers have a similar job to software developers; however, they specialise in creating websites. Many Web Developers start from scratch by teaching themselves to code using a variety of online courses and resources. If you are looking to start out it would be good to start off by looking at learning about HTML, CSS, FTP, JavaScript and WordPress.

Remember, this is just a starting point, and the tech industry offers a wide range of roles and specialisms. Researching and exploring different paths will help you find the one that suits you best.