AFFICOACH
How to start a career in tech in 2024
for woman
Careers in tech are desirable in 2024. STEM occupations, especially in information tech, anticipate significant growth. Employment in STEM occupations is projected to grow by 11% from 2020 to 2030, well above average employment growth.

Although women make up only 25% of the workforce at large technology companies, this proportion is increasing, and we are seeing a gradual narrowing of the gender gap.

So, what does a woman need to do to break into the market? Let's figure it out!
women in IT
Technology jobs. All images are generated using a Midjourney
Overview of trends in the tech job market

What do you need to know when considering a career in tech? Let's start with the general trends in the market right now.

  1. STEM employment growth. Employment in STEM occupations (science, technology, engineering, and math) continues to grow. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment in STEM occupations has grown 79% over the past three decades and is expected to grow another 11% from 2020 to 2030.
  2. Demand for cybersecurity professionals. The increase in cybersecurity threats has contributed to the growing demand for cybersecurity professionals. Employment of information security analysts is projected to grow at a CAGR of 31.2%.
  3. Expansion of software development. Software developers continue to be among the most in-demand professionals in the market, with a projected employment growth of 21.5%.
  4. Expansion of the digital economy. The digital economy is becoming an increasingly significant driver of economic growth, contributing to the demand for information technology professionals. The U.S. digital economy was valued at $1.8 trillion in 2018, representing 9% of the country's GDP.

What follows? The techmarket is evolving so rapidly that the skills shortage will continue to grow. And this is your opportunity to find your dream job.
Growth companies and startups

There is an increased interest in software investment among high-growth companies, with three out of four of these companies planning to increase software spending in 2024 compared to 2023. This shows that the tech market continues to attract new ideas and projects, as well as investment to develop them.
Impact of an overheated market on labor supply and demand in IT

Choosing the right tech solutions can be challenging in the context of rapid growth and investment. More than 36% of high-growth companies cite the need to replace poorly selected software. This creates a high demand for qualified IT professionals capable of evaluating tech solutions and ensuring their effective integration into companies' business processes.

Is the market overheated? It strongly depends on the geography and specific sphere. But a good specialist will definitely not remain unemployed.
Why is now the right time to enter the industry, especially for women?

In the current tech marketplace, characterized by innovative growth and a need for new talent, there are significant opportunities for women looking to start a career in tech. This is especially true given that tech companies increasingly focus on creating diverse and inclusive work environments.
Practical steps to a career in IT for women

Any career usually starts with good training. There are a huge number of programming courses available in the market, including various programming languages, technologies, and development tools. With a variety of specializations, from web development to artificial intelligence and machine learning, it is important to choose a course that matches your interests and career goals.

If possible, take advantage of a trial period in training. Many educational products are on the market, and not all of them are quality. Pay attention to student reviews and make thoughtful choices.

However, even the best training is predominantly hard skills training. That's only half of your professionalism.
The importance of Soft Skills in tech

The myth that AI will replace live specialists in tech has been strongly propagated recently. At least those who haven't done creative work. This is alarming for people who want to work in tech. Could it be too late to learn? I could be replaced by AI tomorrow. Of course it's false.

First, AI still needs to be at the stage of development where it can work more efficiently than a human. Secondly, even the most developed AI will not gain its intelligence and creativity in the near future. It will still be a clever algorithm.

What distinguishes a human being from even the most ingenious machine? It has a human element. That's why employers pay so much attention to soft skills when hiring.
Key Soft Skills in IT

  • Communication Skills. Important for both oral and written communication, it helps in building effective relationships in a team and with clients.
  • Teamwork skills. Collaborating and achieving common goals is necessary in a fast-paced technical environment.
  • Critical thinking and problem-solving. It is crucial for analyzing complex situations and finding practical solutions.
  • Adaptability. Ability to adapt quickly to new technologies and changing work environments.
  • Ethical skills. With the increasing use of AI, ethics is becoming essential in resolving moral dilemmas and maintaining trust.
Crucial factors in hiring

Research shows that employers increasingly value emotional intelligence and problem-solving abilities among candidates. These skills allow for a better understanding and management of interpersonal relationships, contributing to a more effective and harmonious work environment.

It is also becoming evident that AI integration requires employees to have not only technical knowledge but also highly developed human skills to interact effectively with technology and other people.

Developing soft skills takes time and practice, but they can be a critical competitive advantage in the tech industry.
Conclusion

As the tech industry continues to evolve, driven by innovation and a relentless pursuit of efficiency, the blend of hard and soft skills will become increasingly crucial. Women equipped with technical prowess and emotional intelligence are poised to make significant contributions, shaping the future of technology and its application across various sectors.

Don't be afraid to try new things. And Affi is always ready to help you develop the right professional qualities.
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