Are any of these hoary myths scaring you away from a successful tech career?
The tech industry is expanding 2.6 times faster than the UK economy as a whole, according to figures from Tech Nation. This has led to a tech jobs boom, with tech employment in the UK growing by 40% between 2017 and 2019, and tech jobs around 20 times more in demand than creative roles.
This means the industry is suffering from a talent drought and desperate for fresh talent, so there’s never been a better time to start working in tech.
However, five widespread misconceptions are driving away many potential tech stars. Let’s bust these myths.
Myth 1: You need a degree
Not only do you not need a computer science degree, you don’t even need to have been to university. You just need to be able to demonstrate that you have the skills to succeed in the role. A coding bootcamp or other adult education course can provide you with those skills, together with the knowledge you need to secure your first role.
Myth 2: You’ll get stuck on one career path
In tech, career paths are endless, and you’re almost certain to find something to your liking. What’s more, many roles have similar skills requirements, so if you have a good grasp of the basics and are willing to learn, you’ll find it relatively easy to switch roles.
Myth 3: You have to be a maths genius
Some tech roles are maths-heavy, but others, like programming in JavaScript, are more about logic and problem-solving or even artistic skills.
Myth 4: There’s no room for creativity
Many tech roles are actually very creative. From front-end development to web design, you’ll find plenty of opportunities to use your imagination and flair for coming up with new ideas.
Myth 5: It’s hard to get a tech job as a woman
While it’s true that only 17% of Britain’s tech workers are women, this isn’t because it’s hard to get hired; there’s simply a shortage of applicants. Surveys have found that many women are interested in tech and would like to pursue a career in it, but lack confidence that a tech career is for them. In fact, the industry is practically begging more women to apply for tech jobs, and many organisations are running youth initiatives to get girls interested in tech careers.
Now that we’ve busted these myths, if your interest is piqued, get in touch with us today to find out how we can help you take the first steps towards your ideal tech career.