Breaking into Tech: How to Transition with Confidence and Leverage Your Skills

accelerating income career advancement career coaching soft skills tech advancements Oct 03, 2024

confidence to leverage your skills with Black Heights

Making a transition into tech can feel daunting. I get it. There’s a lot of hype around learning to code or becoming a data whiz, and that can make folks feel like if they don’t have a programming background, they’ll never make it. But that’s not the case at all! If you’re interested in getting into tech, you’ve probably got more relevant skills than you think. The challenge is figuring out how to package them so that tech employers see the value you bring to the table.

Rethinking “Essential” Skills

I want to clear up something about so-called “essential” skills. A lot of people—especially those who come from underrepresented communities—get hung up on feeling like they have to meet every single requirement before they even consider applying for a job. We tend to underestimate ourselves because we’re worried about rejection, and we don’t want to feel like imposters.

Here’s the deal: Studies show that women often apply for jobs only when they meet 90% of the qualifications. Men? They’ll throw their hat in the ring if they meet just 50%. It’s not about faking it ‘til you make it; it’s about recognizing that many skills are transferable. Maybe you’re a project manager outside of tech—guess what? You’re probably already a pro at managing deadlines, handling complex projects, and communicating with diverse stakeholders. Those are skills tech teams need!

Instead of counting yourself out, count yourself in. Take a look at what you’ve accomplished, get feedback from colleagues or mentors, and start reframing your experience. You’ll be surprised by how much you’re already bringing to the table.

Soft Skills are Your Secret Weapon

Let me hit you with something you might not expect: Soft skills are often what make the difference between getting the job and getting passed over. It’s not just about knowing how to code or working with databases. Employers are looking for people who can adapt, communicate, and thrive under pressure.

Here are a few soft skills you should work on:

Resilience: Tech is fast-paced, and things will break. How you respond when the going gets tough is crucial.
Effective Communication: You’ll be working cross-functionally—whether it’s with engineering, sales, or customer success—so being able to articulate your ideas is key.
Confidence: Believe that you belong in the room. Trust in what you know, speak up when it matters, and don’t let anyone make you feel less than.

These soft skills are often more difficult to teach than hard skills like coding. That’s why they’re highly valued in the industry. So don’t overlook them as part of your tech toolkit.

Addressing the Real Challenges

One of the biggest hurdles for people making a move into tech—especially for women and folks from underrepresented backgrounds—is dealing with the feeling of isolation. It’s not easy being the only one who looks like you in a meeting or team. That feeling of being “different” can be discouraging.

At Black Heights, we understand that struggle because we’ve been there. That’s why we emphasize the importance of community and networking. Being part of Employee Business Resource Groups (EBRGs) or even joining external networks can give you a space to share experiences, learn from others, and build a support system. It’s about finding people who “get it” and who can remind you that you do belong in tech.

Leveraging Non-Tech Experience

If you’re worried that your previous experience doesn’t stack up, think again. Tech roles often require a blend of hard and soft skills, and your non-tech experience might just be your greatest asset.

Think about it like this:

Project Management: If you’ve led a team or managed projects, you already know how to prioritize, delegate, and see things through to the end. That’s critical for roles like product management or program management in tech.
Customer-Facing Experience: Tech companies are constantly looking for people who understand customer needs. If you’ve worked in sales or support, you’re already ahead when it comes to engaging with clients and resolving their issues.
Problem Solving: Whether you were troubleshooting a broken process in a previous role or diffusing a heated client situation, these experiences translate well into tech environments where problem-solving is the name of the game.

It’s all about translating your past experience into tech language. Focus on the results you achieved and how they align with the outcomes tech companies are looking for.

Emerging Tech Fields to Consider

The future of tech is wide open, and we’re seeing new opportunities pop up in areas like AI, cloud computing, and cybersecurity. Here’s what’s exciting about these fields: They need a diverse workforce to thrive. Diverse teams create better products, solve problems faster, and have a better understanding of customer needs.

Don’t let the old stereotypes fool you. Tech isn’t just for coding geeks anymore. There are roles in data analysis, project management, and customer experience that don’t require you to be a technical guru. Find what excites you and start building the right skills for that area.

Ready to Make the Move?

Don’t let self-doubt or fear hold you back from pursuing a career in tech. You’ve got what it takes, and you don’t have to go it alone. At Black Heights, we’re here to guide you through the transition, connect you with resources, and empower you to succeed in the industry.

It’s time to unlock new opportunities and take your career to the next level. Join our network, become a partner, and let’s make your transition into tech a game-changer. If you’re ready to get started, reach out today!

ARE YOU A PROFESSIONAL READY TO BREAK INTO OR ADVANCE IN TECH?

Get professional career coaching by scheduling a Career Empowerment Consultation. Take your career to the next level with the skills, insights, and mentorship you need to thrive in emerging tech fields.