Starting A Career In Tech

This article is for the individual who wants to begin a tech career. A large number of people want to shift into the tech ecosystem but are overwhelmed with many careers, and what programming language they should learn. This leaves them confused, they don't even know where to start. In this article, we will discuss how to kickstart a career in tech and different tech careers and the stacks involved.

If you are ready let's, get into it!!

WHY DO YOU WANT TO CODE?

This question has a primary answer from everyone coming into this industry, "to make money", you don't need to answer that I just did for you. Nobody is coming into tech to become broke, that's a fact, however, it is important to know that tech is never a quick rich scheme a lot of sacrifices, time, energy, and sometimes peace of mind will be at stake. Venturing into tech is not for the weak or faint-hearted as more people are moving into this industry in real time there's high competition and having a great mastery of your skill is important which takes a lot of time not overnight.

You must understand that coding is a problem-solving profession, you just code to solve a particular problem. You might not have a problem-solving idea as a beginner but as you harness your skills and discover more in the tech arena, you would find out your primary role is to solve problems not make money.

PICK A CAREER/PATH

This is where the proliferation of careers sets in, you don't know what to do, what career in tech to choose from, or what programming language you should start with. Tech is a wide industry, new roles, and careers keep coming every time. Here is a list of a few tech careers and their stacks. You can also check Google for more information on tech professions:

There are numerous careers in the tech industry, each with its own specific skill sets and technology stacks. Here is a list of some of the most common tech careers and the stacks associated with them:

Front-End Developer: Front-end developers are responsible for the visual and interactive aspects of a website or application. They use HTML, CSS, and JavaScript to create responsive and user-friendly interfaces. Some popular front-end stacks include React, Angular, and Vue.

Back-End Developer: Back-end developers build the server side of a website or application.

They use languages such as Python, Ruby, or PHP, along with databases such as MySQL or PostgreSQL. Some popular back-end stacks include Node.js, Django, and Ruby on Rails.

Full-Stack Developer: Full-stack developers are responsible for both the front-end and back-end of an application. They need to know multiple programming languages and stacks, including HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and back-end languages such as Java, Python, or Ruby.

Data Scientist: Data scientists use data to help organizations make informed decisions. They use programming languages such as Python or R, along with data analysis tools such as SQL or Tableau. Some popular data science stacks include TensorFlow, PyTorch, and Scikit-learn.

DevOps Engineer: DevOps engineers are responsible for the deployment and management of software applications. They use tools such as Docker, Kubernetes, and Jenkins to automate software delivery and testing.

**Cybersecurity Specialist:**Cybersecurity specialists protect computer networks and systems from cyber-attacks.

They use tools such as firewalls, antivirus software, and intrusion detection systems to secure computer networks. They also need to be familiar with programming languages such as Python or Java.

UI/UX Designer: UI/UX designers create visually appealing and intuitive interfaces for websites and applications. They use tools such as Sketch, Figma, or Adobe XD to design user interfaces and create wireframes.

Cloud Architect: Cloud architects design and manage cloud computing infrastructure for organizations. They need to be familiar with cloud platforms such as AWS, Microsoft Azure, or Google Cloud Platform.

Mobile Developer: Mobile developers create applications for mobile devices using programming languages such as Java or Swift. Some popular mobile development stacks include React Native, Xamarin, and Flutter.

These are just a few of the many careers in the tech industry, each with its own unique set of skills and technology stacks. As the tech industry continues to evolve, new careers and technology stacks will undoubtedly emerge.

Getting a Coding device / Laptop

To learn how to code, a beginner doesn't need a high-end computer with the latest specifications. However, you should have a computer that is capable of running basic programming tools and applications without any performance issues. Here are some minimum requirements for a beginner's PC to start coding:

Processor: A modern dual-core processor (Intel Core i3 or AMD Ryzen 3) is sufficient for most programming needs. However, a quad-core processor is recommended for more complex programming tasks.

RAM: A minimum of 8GB RAM is recommended for running programming tools and applications. Having more RAM is always better, as it allows for smoother multitasking and faster performance.

Storage: At least 256GB of storage is recommended to store programming tools and applications, as well as code files. A solid-state drive (SSD) is recommended for faster boot times and program loading.

Graphics Card: A dedicated graphics card is not necessary for programming, but having one can help with more demanding tasks such as game development or data visualization.

Operating System: Most programming tools and applications are compatible with Windows, macOS, and Linux operating systems. Choosing an operating system will depend on personal preference and the type of programming the beginner wants to learn.

In addition to the above hardware requirements, a beginner will need a comfortable keyboard and mouse, a high-resolution display (1080p or higher), and a reliable internet connection. It's also important to have a backup system in place, such as an external hard drive or cloud storage, to avoid losing any code or data in case of a computer failure.

Overall, a basic mid-range computer with decent hardware specifications and a comfortable setup is enough for a beginner to start learning how to code. As they advance in their skills and work on more demanding projects, they may need to upgrade their hardware accordingly.

JOINING A TECH COMMUNITY

For beginners in tech, joining a tech community can be one of the most beneficial things they can do.

A tech community is a group of people who share common interests in technology and come together to learn, collaborate, and support each other. Here are some reasons why joining a tech community is important for beginners:

Learning opportunities: A tech community is a great place to learn new skills and stay up to date on the latest trends and technologies. Members of the community often share their knowledge and expertise through workshops, meetups, and online forums. Beginners can ask questions and get advice from more experienced members of the community.

Networking: Joining a tech community can also help beginners make valuable connections in the industry. They can meet other professionals who share their interests, make contacts that could lead to job opportunities, and get involved in projects or events that can help them build their portfolios.

Support: Tech communities can provide a supportive environment for beginners who may feel overwhelmed or intimidated by the industry. Members of the community can offer encouragement and advice, share their own experiences, and help beginners navigate the challenges of starting in tech.

Collaboration: Working on tech projects can be a complex process that requires collaboration and teamwork. A tech community can provide a space for beginners to connect with others who share their interests and work on projects together. Collaborating with others can help beginners develop their skills and gain valuable experience.

Inspiration: Being a part of a tech community can be inspiring for beginners. They can see the work that others are doing and be motivated to try new things and explore different areas of technology. Seeing the accomplishments of others in the community can also help beginners set goals and work towards achieving them.

Joining a tech community can be a valuable experience for beginners in the industry. It provides opportunities for learning, networking, support, collaboration, and inspiration that can help beginners develop their skills, build their portfolios, and establish themselves in the tech industry.