Curious about a career in tech?
If you've been considering a career change into tech but have been feeling some doubts, we're here to help debunk some common misconceptions and myths surrounding the tech industry!
Myth #1: It's a bad time to get into tech
Big tech layoffs have been all over the news — and while the headlines seem daunting, reports from Forbes and Business Insider illustrate the bigger picture of the tech industry, which is still one of growth and even higher headcounts than pre-pandemic hiring sprees.
And as KDnuggets, ComTIA, and The Globe & Mail report, many of these have primarily impacted impacted non-tech workers in sales, marketing, HR, and recruiting.
In fact, while tech hiring has dipped, ComTIA reports that tech unemployment rates have actually decreased, and salaries have significantly increased. In other words, many of these layoffs are adjustments to normalized numbers, pre-pandemic growth spurt. CNBC calls it a ripple, not a wave.
Myth #2: You need a Computer Science degree
Many people who are thinking about pursuing a career in tech are often told they need a computer science or related tech-focused degree in order to land a good job.
While a university or a college degree often opens doors to job opportunities, not all jobs in the tech industry require one. In certain roles, it's becoming increasingly popular to take other factors into consideration, such as transferable skills, background knowledge and experience, and the willingness to learn on the job.
With the tech and education landscapes transforming, many aspiring tech workers turn to Bootcamps or specialized courses to learn the skills they need to succeed in the field.
Myth #3: You need to be a math and science wiz
We’ve all seen movies where a programmer is solving a complex issue using equations that seem nonsensical and hard to follow. While you may think the same processes apply in real life, it’s time to remind yourself that these scenes are purely fictional!
Remember that the tech industry is filled with a large number of different types of jobs, all which require different skillsets. Many employers are seeking “soft skills” such as your ability to effectively problem solve, communicate, and your analytical abilities.
A 2021 survey of over 500 workers in software communications listed analytics, databases, and coding as the top three most valuable skills in their position — all of which can be executed without being a total math wiz. A fresh perspective, positive attitude, and willingness to learn are always of the utmost importance. If you bring this to the table, your abilities in math will be secondary.
Myth #4: You need to fit a certain mold
At Juno, we're on a mission to transform the tech landscape and make it more accessible to everyone — especially those from communities who are underrepresented in the industry like women, the Black community, the LGBTQ2+ community, and more. It's time to erase any preconceived notion we have of the "typical" tech worker!
Every tech company has a different demographic makeup, but the industry as a whole has become increasingly diverse and companies are working hard to ensure their workforce represents the general population as a whole. In 2016, The Wall Street Journal found that tech giants such as Google and Yahoo! had, in some cases, a workforce where over 50% identified as a visible minority. In addition, the study showed that women were gaining more ground being hired in leadership roles within the industry.
Myth #5: You can’t be creative
Creativity in the tech industry is more important and valued than ever! Many jobs in web development require workers to flex their creative problem-solving skills, while more creative and artistic tech jobs such as web designers or social media managers are becoming increasingly in-demand.
Myth 6: You need to live in a big city
The last few years have taught us that as long you have access to a computer and an internet connection, you can truly work from anywhere in the world. Many companies are realizing the benefits of remote work, which include access to a global talent pool. A 2022 study found that 16% of companies are now fully remote, while 62% of workers work remotely “at least occasionally.”
So while you may live in a smaller center, don’t let the “big city, more opportunity” myth detour you from tackling the tech world!
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