Jobs in the technology sector are well compensated and the barrier of entry can be low if you know what you are doing. If you are unhappy in your current career, moving into the computer and technology field can be rewarding.
Go Back to School
The easiest way to make a move into the technology sector is to earn a degree in computer science, statistics, or a related field. This positions you to be an attractive applicant when it is time to apply for jobs in the field. If you want to continue working while earning your degree, look to the many colleges that offer online options for their degree programs. Many traditional bricks and mortar institutions offer a wide range of online options. Continuing to work while earning your degree allows you to minimize your debt.
Taking out student loans to pay your tuition will allow you to earn your degree without sacrificing your lifestyle. If you have a family, you may feel that returning to school is a luxury you cannot afford. By taking out loans to cover college expenses, you can maintain your family’s lifestyle. Once you enter your new field, you will be able to pay off the loans, which have favorable repayment terms.
Attend a Boot Camp
A boot camp can be a good way to make the dive into programming. Boot camp programs are intense and require a great deal of time and focus. They aim to teach you enough programming to become employable in a short period, such as three or six months. As you can imagine, this requires a great deal of time and dedication on your part. Boot camps can be a great choice if you are currently unemployed, as they teach you skills to become employed in a short amount of time, not to mention important networking in the process. Attending a boot camp can be a challenge, if not impossible if you have a current job. Many expect you to complete about 8 hours of work each day. Ask about scheduling and time commitments before you sign up.
Self-Learn
Learning coding on your own can be an effective way to pivot into a career in technology. Tech careers are often open to those without formal degrees, as long as you can prove you know what you are doing. If you have no formal training in computer science, teaching yourself coding can be an uphill climb, but it is possible. The most realistic choice is to start the self-learning process, using the many free resources available, before you return to school or begin a boot camp. This gets you into the habit of learning again and introduces you to the subject matter in stress and commitment-free way.
Entering the technology field is a great way to ensure job security moving forward. As long as you stay up to date on new technologies, you should have no trouble staying employed. The initial step to learn what you need to know may seem huge, but many people have done it before and it is possible, regardless of your age. If you are ready to make an investment in your future, entering the technology field is an excellent choice.