Would you like to change careers into tech (a field with more and better-paying job opportunities)? There are five key steps.

In recent years, digital transformation has drastically changed many types of jobs, leading to the loss of certain jobs and the creation of entirely new ones. For this reason, there is an increasing number of professionals looking to follow a new career path, especially in the tech field. 

Paulo Martins, Head of Learning & Development at Rumos Training, a Portuguese company specializing in IT training, shares five tips that can facilitate the professional transition into the IT field:

1. Do your research on the work areas that spark your interest
It is crucial to research the work area you want to enter. Having in-depth knowledge of the IT world helps to plan a viable strategy to (re)enter the labor market that focuses not only on the wide range of opportunities available but also on personal fulfillment.

It is important to start by analyzing the areas with the most job opportunities available. In the IT field, there is a huge shortage of talent in a variety of areas, from the most technical, such as System Architecture, Cloud, or Cybersecurity, to those related to data like Business Intelligence, or Data Science, as well as in the Software Development area, and even in business-related areas, namely Project Management, Functional Analysis, Quality Assurance, or Process Automation. 

It is up to the candidate to determine which of these areas best matches his personal and professional qualities and experience, even if it is not in this particular area. 

2. (Re)connect with people in your network and try to expand it 
Interacting with experienced people in the IT field is essential to leverage professional development. Searching among family, personal, or professional contacts for people who already work in these areas and learning about their experience, sharing ideas and information, asking for help, and listening to their advice can be crucial to a successful career path. 

Furthermore, attending events and conferences, or simply contacting associations or communities of professionals in the sector, is also a good way to expand your network of contacts.

3. Invest in training and certification 
When one already has a preferred field in mind, it is time to invest in the acquisition of the technical skills required by employers. It is important to invest in quality training that prepares both theoretically and practically, and in recognized entities in the market that open doors to the labor market more easily. This is also a good time to expand the network of contacts, both with trainers, who are usually experienced professionals in the field, and with those who are also pursuing their certifications. 

With the rise of remote work and the global expansion of recruitment, it is important to invest in technical certifications that not only help solidify skills and professional performance but also provide international proof of those skills internationally and enhance employability potential. 

4. Develop a job transition plan and dedicate time to it
Developing a job transition plan takes time and investment. The greater the involvement and the commitment to the planning process, the easier it will be to successfully enter the new area of work, especially in areas as specific as those within the IT field. It is important to develop a concrete plan, think about short, medium, and long-term objectives, and seek to acquire the right tools to improve skills, professional performance, and employability. 

5. Develop a personal brand
The personal brand defines the unique characteristics of each professional and what can make them stand out from the rest. In this regard, it is necessary to show potential recruiters all the effort and investment that is being put into the career transition process. Investing in platforms like LinkedIn, using it as a digital business card for the job market, and keeping it up-to-date, along with your Curriculum Vitae, with the latest training, certifications, and event and conference attendances, among other activities, is a way to demonstrate proactivity and commitment to the field of interest.

Article published on HR Portugal on January 11, 2023.