Tips for Pursuing a Technology Career

If you love taking things apart and figuring out how to put them together, programming or digging into the hardware of your computer, or working complex equations, you might want to pursue a career in technology. While many people think of a career focused on computers when they think of tech jobs, there are plenty of other kinds of technical careers. Of course, they will almost certainly involve using computers, but rather than creating software, you might want to design parts for robots that will explore Mars or design infrastructure in your city. The tips below can help you explore your options and get started in your career.

Research

Start now doing as much research as possible about what’s out there. There might be jobs you do not even know exist, and as fast-moving as tech is, within the decade there will probably be careers that do not currently exist. In addition to reading up on various careers and thinking about your aptitudes and interests, you should also think about how you want to spend your days. Would you prefer to be in an office, or do you want to get hands-on? Do you want to work with people, or do you prefer to work on your own?

Many people end up in jobs they are unhappy with because they have not thought about what their day-to-day duties would be like and if that fits with what they hope to do. If you are already in college, you are in a great position to find out more about possible career paths. You can talk to your professors and your school’s career center. You may also have access to an alumni network.

Getting Your Degree

Ideally, you’ll identify the path you want to pursue while working on your undergraduate degree, but if you aren’t sure, try to major in something versatile enough to allow you to go in a lot of different directions. You can always go back to school and get a graduate degree as well if you need to. If you are concerned about paying for school and you are not eligible for enough in federal aid, you can take out a loan from a private lender. A bachelor’s degree at minimum will be a requirement for most tech careers, and when you invest in higher education, you are increasing the likelihood that you will earn more money throughout your life.

Network

Networking can help you find mentors, internships and ultimately, jobs. Networking can be a big help when you are figuring out exactly what kind of job you want to pursue. It can also help you find the right workplace. Workplace culture can be an important part of being happy at your job. Do you want to work at a place where everyone spends a lot of time together outside of the workplace, or do you want to leave your job behind you when you walk out the door? Do you prefer a casual or more professional workplace? Do you hope to mostly work from home? Keeping questions like these in mind will help you accept the right tech job offer after you graduate.