Pivoting to Tech
Considering a pivot to tech? Here’s your guide.
Upskilling for technology jobs might be easier than you think with these tips for candidates.
We’re coming to you with some good news for potential technology candidates. Australia’s tech industry is on a huge growth trajectory!
The national tech workforce has grown by 8% in the past 12 months – according to the Tech Council of Australia. That means Australia is on track to achieve the Government’s goal of 1.2 million tech-related jobs by 2030.
And here’s some more good news. If you’re wanting to pivot into this industry, we’ve got hacks to help you reach your goals – including some non-traditional pathways.
Here you’ll find strategies to leverage your current skills background to launch a career in tech. So let’s get started! 👏
Technology jobs on the rise
Here are some key stats for technology job seekers thinking of making the shift:
📈The national tech workforce has grown by 8% in the past year
📈That’s 70,000 new tech jobs in 12 months
📈Australia is on track to achieve 1.2 million technology jobs by 2030
📈Almost 10% of all students in fee-free TAFE and vocational education are studying tech or digital course.
In-demand tech jobs include:
- Software Developers
- Data Analysts
- Cyber Security jobs.
Tech jobs are particularly on the rise in these industries:
- Banks
- Supermarkets
- Online businesses.
How Australia’s keeping up
The government is super onto it with addressing the rising demand for technology jobs with the creation of new career pathways. They’re collaborating with industry to train up more Australians in the field.
If you’re looking to shift gears, you may be eligible for a Fee-Free TAFE and vocational education program.
This government initiative aims to quickly develop essential skills and increase the number of qualified tech professionals.
These programs are seeing a huge increase in enrolments. Currently more than 14,500 of 146,000 of students in these programs are focusing on technology and digital courses. That’s 10% of all those students.
What skills are transferable?
So where should you start? Here’s how to assess your transferable skills.
Transferable skills are a mix of ‘hard’ and ‘soft’ skills that can be used for different job roles. This is sometimes called ‘cross-skilling’.
Hard skills in demand
Sure, the tech industry is looking for concrete skills and qualifications. According to indeed.com these include:
- Programmer languages such as HTML, JavaScript and C++
- Online platforms and content management systems like Wordpress
- Graphic user interfaces and application programming interfaces
- Software revision control systems
- Cloud computing
- Artificial intelligence (AI)
- Systems implementation
- Blockchain.
But the tech industry also needs soft skills
Soft skills can be harder to pinpoint, but skills like these are essential:
⭐Integrity
⭐Dependability
⭐Effective communication
⭐Open-mindedness
⭐Teamwork
⭐Creativity
⭐Problem-solving.
Here’s what Helena Turpin, Co-Founder and CEO of GoFigr had to say on the topic.
“Think about the times when you’ve enjoyed or felt satisfied by the work you were doing,” Helena advises. “What skills were you using in those situations?”
Helena’s tips for identifying your soft skills
➡️ Think about what other people come to you for help with.
➡️ Maybe it was a big project you were involved in or something you just do daily.
➡️ What skills do you find easy that you can help others with?
➡️ Read your past performance reviews. Notice any recurring patterns or themes?
➡️ Or think about other professional feedback you’ve received in the past.
➡️ What strengths do people usually mention about you?
Helena also recommends taking an online strengths test, like the Clifton Strengths Finder.
Quals worth investing in
Seek.com.au released research into some of the most in-demand credentials for technology candidates.
These quals could help you secure a role and negotiate higher salaries:
- CompTIA A+
- CompTIA Network+
- AWS Cloud Practitioner
- GIAC GISF
- Certified ScrumMaster (CSM)
- PMI CAPM.
General Assembly also offers a range of part-time boot camps to help you build in-demand skills and make connections for your next role. They offer upskilling instruction in:
- Software engineering
- UX design
- Data analytics.
You can also check out the Fee-free and Low-Fee courses offered by TAFE, like this one in Victoria.
Consider kicking things off with a contract role
There are benefits to taking contract roles in the technology industry if you have hard or soft skills to offer.
Generally speaking, contract roles are temporary. Businesses can take on skilled contractors for specific projects.
Some of the benefits of contracting include:
- Exposure to other areas of a business
- Expanding your skills with exposure to larger-scale projects
- Making connections and relationships within a business
- Exposure to more opportunities
- Contracting sometimes leads to permanent roles.
Start at entry-Level, then leverage your background
Another way to leapfrog into the technology industry is by starting off in an entry level job like sales. You don’t need any experience and credentials but have an ability to learn on the job.
Roles in Marketing, Project Management and UX are other examples of great transition roles. You can develop in a role in another space then make the move into tech and build your career pathways.
Remember your skills and knowledge from academic or previous professional experiences can be used to:
- Solve real-world problems
- Streamline processes
- Contribute to innovative projects.
Bringing it all together
Tech is a popular career pathway for both graduates and career changers alike – and for good reason.
With businesses relying more on data, there's a growing need for skilled professionals like:
- Data analysts
- AI specialists.
- Roles in designing, developing, and supporting IT systems.
We reckon Conor Kemp, Associate Director of Technology, Data & Transformation at Talenza said it best.
“As the world turns digital, the opportunities to contribute to projects that positively impact the community are growing exponentially, across all industries,” he said.
“The supply cannot meet demand… salaries are high, perks are plenty and technology communities are built to share ideas.”
With the industry on the grow, this is your perfect chance for upskilling or cross-skilling your way to a technology job.
Thinking of pivoting to a tech role?
Download a copy of our 2024 Salary Guide here.