So you want to get into tech but don’t know where to start. The good thing is there are so many options both paid and free. The bad thing is there are so many options…
Before you go down a rabbit hole, you will need to understand what is your reasoning for wanting to dive deep into this career. A lot of the time it’s FOR THE $$ 
– and I am not mad at that.
But,
what people don’t understand is that money usually comes with a lot of work and hours spent on learning. Companies aren’t paying big bucks for people to sit around and do nothing. If you want to make real money, you will need to become valuable enough and passionate enough to want to make a difference.
While it can be one motivating factor – (the money that is), you will also need to think about the other component, which is the ability to learn and keep learning. You need to be able to want to learn and love it. Tech isn’t a field where you “get a job and do nothing.” It requires effort, problem-solving, and thinking on your feet. You’ll spend a lot of time figuring things out based on your skills—or gaps in your skills.
And, as technology advances and companies shift to adapt to stay ahead of the game while also ensuring that they are doing what’s best at that point in time, you will need to understand that you will be a constant student.
The other misconception tech has is that it’s all about coding.
While having a background in it can be very beneficial it’s not required for every job.
I went ahead and made a list of careers that showcase the difference. If you want to check that out you can click here.
Either way, it will require some work but it’s worth it -trust me. Now that we have spoken about the elephant in the room, let’s talk about how to get started.
The best way to set yourself up for success in tech is to start with a self-assessment.
Here’s how:
Step 1. Identify What You Know
Take stock of your current skills:
- What are you good at right now?
- What do you still need to learn?
The easiest way to do this is by performing a job search at the companies you’re interested in. Pay close attention to the job descriptions. Look for roles that match your strengths, but also highlight the areas you need to grow to qualify for those roles. This gives you a clear target to aim for.
Step 2. Know Your Risk Tolerance
Your risk tolerance will shape how you approach your career.
- If you’re young and don’t have many responsibilities, you might be more willing to take risks, learn on the fly, and try roles that push you into new environments.
- If you have more responsibilities (family, financial commitments, etc.), your risk tolerance may look different—and that’s okay.
The key is to do what works best for you, but don’t shy away from growth. Find opportunities that stretch you, even if they feel a bit outside your comfort zone.
Step 3. Set your End Goal
Your end goal is your north star. It’s what will keep you focused when things get tough.
Ask yourself:
- Do I want to build a career in cloud security, architecture, or data privacy?
- What does “success” look like for me?
Having a clear destination helps you create a roadmap. It also prevents you from feeling stuck.
Here’s the truth: most jobs will show you within two years whether they’re a fit. If you’re not growing, or if you’ve tried to get more exposure without success, it might be time to pivot.
Step 4. Build Up those Skills
Once you’ve identified your skills and gaps (Step 1), focus on closing those gaps.
Start small:
- Earn associate-level certifications like Azure Fundamentals or GCP Associate Cloud Engineer.
- Then, work toward specialized certifications in cloud security or architecture to focus on a niche.
But here’s the thing—don’t just chase certifications. Employers want proof that you can apply what you’ve learned. Build projects to showcase your skills and share them on platforms like GitHub or LinkedIn.
Closing Thoughts
This is where you start. No fluff, no overthinking—just take it step by step. Use this as your guide to figure out where you’re at, what you need, and how to get there.
You don’t need to have everything perfect right now. The goal is to get moving, build your skills, and stay consistent. Keep this handy—it’s here to guide you when you need it. Let’s get to work.
