Written by: Libby on August 23, 2024
Breaking into the tech industry without a university degree might seem daunting, but it’s not impossible. The job world is constantly in motion. It’s changing every day, for example, skills and experience are strong factors that employees consider now, it’s not just degree-dependent anymore, and this blog will discuss how you can get a job in tech.
It’s important to take the time to say that this blog is not dismissing university or saying that it doesn’t matter, if that’s the route for you then take it!
We simply want to showcase the routes you can take, in case university isn’t your cup of tea.
So, want to turn your tech passion into a career? Then let’s get started!
InnovateHer has key resources that can support you in building towards a job in tech.
One of these resources is InnovateHer Online. InnovateHer Online is InnovateHer’s e-learning platform for 13-17-year-olds. It gives you the opportunity to learn and advance your STEM skills and learning via courses, various video series, and event recordings.
An example of how InnovateHer Online can support you in getting a job in tech is via our Quick Skills series. This series contains multiple informational videos covering various topics.
Videos cover:
And more….
The Quick Skills series is a huge support in getting a job in Tech, as it develops your professional skills and informs you on employability tips.
Alongside that are InnovateHer’s free, online courses, which are all built to be self-learner-led. This makes the set-up and running as easy for you as possible (you can do them from the comfort of your bed).
Did you know that 82% of UK jobs require digital skills? Using InnovateHer Online courses provides the opportunity for you to harness these digital skills. So that you’re ready for now and the future when looking for a job in tech.
These courses give you the opportunity to learn and develop your interest in various tech sectors, to give you as much knowledge as possible in what could be your future career!
Topics that the courses cover are:
These courses vary in run time- from 45 minutes (Coding) to 6 weeks (UX- Tech4Good).
Not only are the courses exciting (we’re not bias-promise), but they’re also impactful and develop your pre-existing skills OR introduce you to a new area you may be interested in but have never had the chance to explore before. You can take these courses whenever you want, whether it be during summer, on a weekend, or after school.
All of which build specific tech knowledge, but your wider tech knowledge too. Therefore, prepping you with a more extensive toolbelt, which is key when looking for a job. They exist to support you in becoming a future expert in your field.
Apprenticeships are a common route to take if university isn’t for you. They’re a blend of real work with training and education. They are a great route to a job in tech!
Choosing an apprenticeship over university for a job in tech can be a smart move, especially if you’re eager to dive straight into the industry.
Some of the benefits apprenticeships provide are:
Apprenticeships are unlike universities, where you might spend years studying before having real-life experience. Apprenticeships blend learning with doing, so you can build practical skills that employers value. Another perk is that you’ll often finish with less debt.
An apprenticeship can be a direct path to a job in tech because of the fact it’s all about learning by doing. You’re gaining experience and skills that tech companies would be looking for. Many apprenticeships are designed with employment in mind, so if you stand out during your time as an apprentice, there’s a chance you’ll be offered a job at the end. However, if that doesn’t happen, it’s not the end of the world, as the skills and experience you’ve gained make it easier to land a job in tech elsewhere.
Click here to learn more about apprenticeships.
Teaching yourself tech skills can be a beneficial way to land a job in the industry, especially if you’re self-motivated and curious.
The tech world is full of resources:
Many companies value real-world experience and problem-solving abilities, so if you can demonstrate your capability through self-taught skills and a strong portfolio, you could land a job in tech without a university degree.
InnovateHer Online can support you with self-taught skills, as our courses (listed at the start of the blog) give you introductions to that particular sector, and teach you basic skills that are invaluable and can be built on. So, be sure to check them out to help you land that job in tech!
We hope that this blog has shown you that there are various routes to getting a job in tech, that isn’t just the university route.
It’s important to know that you should choose the best path forward for you and not anyone else, it’s your career.
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