In the technology industry we often refer to the phrase “confidence gap.” It refers to people that are interested in technology as a career but lack the confidence to pursue the training they need to get a tech job. This is often overlooked, but more common than you may think. In fact, according to CompTIA research, 7 in 10 of individuals aged 18 to 34 cite confidence as a factor that contributes to discouragement, which may hinder or thwart altogether someone taking the first step towards a career in technology.
You may have experienced this lack of confidence in other areas of your life before. It’s usually an internal conversation you have with yourself that goes something like this:
- “Wow, that looks really interesting.”
- “But I don’t know anything about it.”
- “I think I could be good at it.”
- “I don’t have the right experience or background. Where would I even start?”
- “Never mind, I wouldn’t be good at it anyway.”
This internal conversation can happen in your head in a matter of seconds—and it could preclude you from pursuing a career that you could be really good at—and even enjoy. If you’ve ever thought about working in technology, here are three ways you can harness that curiosity to fast track your training and start working in a rewarding, in-demand and lucrative industry.
Take Skill Development into Your Own Hands
We’ve been taught that in order to launch a successful professional career, we need a traditional four-year college degree. While in some cases that still holds true, the technology industry is shifting. The truth is that tech evolves so quickly that what students are learning in year one of their degree program could very well be outdated by the time they graduate.
That’s why alternative pathways to information technology (IT) jobs are quickly gaining ground. Employers looking to fill in-demand technology roles are looking for candidates that hold recognized IT certifications. Why? Completion of certifications, and the like, validate a specific set of up-to-date technology skills.
What does this mean for you? It means that if you don’t have prior experience in technology, you can still get it. It’s not necessary to go back to school and put the time and money into getting a degree.
What’s next? Do your research, identify the job you want and the skills you need to become a viable applicant—and then match those skills to online courses and training programs that fit your schedule and budget.
Related Content: The CompTIA Your Next Move series outlines different technology roles.
Get Outside Your Comfort Zone
Doing some research into entry-level tech roles is a fantastic first step, but it doesn’t launch you over that confidence gap just yet. Taking action toward your goal is what will get you out of your head and into a new career. You know what they say: “A dream without a plan is just a wish.” If you want to make a change, create a plan and dedicate yourself to progress.
Sign up for that online course or start training for the IT certification you need—and give it your all. Be specific about how much time you will put into your studies, daily or weekly. Put yourself in a position to succeed by tailoring your training to how you learn best—be it online, in-person, self-study or instructor-led. Commit yourself to doing hard things knowing that the payoff could be life changing.
What does this mean for you? It means that with a plan you can achieve anything. So get out of your comfort zone and take steps to start learning the skills you need to make your career change.
What’s next? Take action! Sign up for a class, decide to start training for a certification—do something to advance your skills.
Related Content: CompTIA offers a free study plan worksheet to help you meet your goals.
Keep Looking Ahead at What’s Next
Keeping your eye on the prize is key. Once you’ve started training and learning new skills you can (and should) start exploring job descriptions for the position you want. Start working on your resume, build a portfolio, practice your interview skills or chat with people who already work in similar roles. You can do this all while you’re still learning.
You can also apply for positions while still taking classes and training. You don’t need to meet 100% of the qualifications or experience listed in the job description. Simply note what skills you have and what you are working toward. Hiring managers like to see people take initiative and commit themselves to professional development.
What does this mean for you? It means that a career change doesn’t have to be a linear process. You can learn new skills while taking steps to get a job simultaneously—fast tracking your new career.
What’s next? Don’t wait until you have a “complete” resume to apply for jobs. Start applying, keep building new skills and you’ll quickly advance in the tech industry.
Related Content: CompTIA Career Change content offers tips on how to make the switch.
CompTIA and Coursera Team Up to Fast Track Your Tech Career
CompTIA has released two new technology training programs available through Coursera, one of the world’s largest online learning platforms, to help fast track your tech career. The two programs, CompTIA a+ _ network and CompTIA a+ _ cyber are now available as Coursera Course Certificates.
If CompTIA Network+ and/or CompTIA Security+ are part of your professional development plan, these courses will get you up to speed on everything you need to know to confidently begin training for the certifications. These courses build on the global recognition of the CompTIA A+ certification and fast track learners to pursue professional training in areas like cybersecurity and networking.
If you’re not familiar with CompTIA A+, it is widely recognized as the industry standard certification for launching an IT career in today’s digital world. CompTIA A+ is a great option for individuals who want to pursue a career in IT support or technology in general, but may not know exactly what they want to do yet. If you have a strong interest in networking or cybersecurity, these courses catch you up with the skills you need to be successful in CompTIA Network+ or CompTIA Security+ training.
Once enrolled, you’ll have access to informative videos, practice questions and a hands-on environment to practice technology skills. Each of the two programs can be completed in approximately 25 hours.
What You’ll Learn from CompTIA a+ Cyber
When you enroll in CompTIA a+ Cyber, you'll be introduced to security support fundamentals across nine modules, focusing on the main topics of computers, networks, and applications. No prior technology experience is required. You’ll discover the challenges and opportunities that an entry-level career as a cybersecurity support specialist offers. This course equips you with the fundamentals of cybersecurity and prepares you to start training for the CompTIA Security+ certification.
What You’ll Learn from CompTIA a+ Network
When you enroll in CompTIA a+ Network, you'll gain foundational knowledge through nine comprehensive modules, covering network installation, network support, and application security support. Again, no prior tech experience is necessary. You’ll learn the fundamentals of network technology with this course and prepare to begin training for CompTIA Network+ certification.
Ready to fast track your tech career? Access these new programs for free with a 7-day trial or Coursera Plus Subscription.
