Looking for a change of career? You’re not alone.
Since the start of the pandemic, Prospects found that 32% of people in the UK have considered a career change. The familiar feeling of dreading a Monday morning can be the sign that it’s time to make a move.
Whether you’re looking for a change of pace, a more flexible working life, or just a better salary, the number of options available can feel overwhelming. So, what’s the best way to start a new career, and learn to love Mondays?
Why IT Roles Motivate
The first thing to look at is what you want from your new role.
The most common reasons for leaving are feeling underpaid, unfulfilled or just wanting a complete change of industry. Once you know what your motivation is, you’ll know how to focus your job search accordingly.
IT is a strong choice for a career change, even in the wake of significant disruption across most industries. IT teams are finally getting the credit they deserve – which means that the teams are valued more, and will be getting the resources they need to continue to deliver.
The think tank Resolution Foundation found that workers have a better chance of getting a pay rise if they switch jobs rather than sticking with their employer. According to CWjobs, the Tech sector has an average salary of £62,500, which puts it well above the UK average salary (£27,600). So, if it’s an improved salary you’re after – the Tech sector could be the answer.
Whether your passion lies in technical support or solving problems with your own code, the Tech sector has been growing at a steady rate for years. Alongside a growing adoption of Tech in all aspects of business, and the explosion of fields like Cloud Solutions and Cyber Security, the UK is also home to a number of world leaders in fields like 5G Communication Artificial Intelligence, making it particularly attractive to investors. In 2019, the UK’s Tech industry grew by £3.1 Billion, or six times faster than any other industry in the UK.
If you’re looking for flexible working, then the contracting side of Development and Networking could be the solution. In a survey of 20,000 technology professionals, 71% of respondents said they feel their career allows for solid work/life balance.
IT roles also offer higher job security, particularly in the last year as most industries have rapidly adapted to the pandemic. While this has had some impact on hiring, experts are seeing signs that hiring for IT roles is returning to pre-pandemic levels.
Once you’ve got some experience in the industry and chosen speciality/focus, you’ll have the freedom to have a more flexible working schedule via contracting roles.
How to get Started in Tech
When you know what you want, you can begin your transition into a new career. But don’t be put off by lack of experience in your chosen field – there’s a number of solutions for that.
Online learning has been on the rise across the last year – people who were furloughed, or redundant were making the most of the time available to them by learning new skills.
If you’re interested in coding, our Developers Programme can get you job-ready in just 13 weeks. It will give you a foundation in all the essential languages, including JavaScript, HTML, C# and ASP.NET. As you develop your confidence, you’ll build a portfolio to showcase your skills to future employers.
If development isn’t your preferred industry, our Network Professional Programme contains all the must-have certifications to take the first step in your networking career – this includes all the industry sought certifications like CompTIA A+, Microsoft Windows 10 and Server 2016. Our two flagship training programmes have helped thousands of candidates to start successful careers – candidates like Charles, a graduate of the Network Professional Programme.
Both programmes come with the option to study remotely through our connected platform, meaning you can fit the learning around your current role, and make the transition into IT when you’re ready. Our Career Support team will advise you along the way, helping you to grow your confidence and interview skills ready for your first IT job.
To start your IT career with one of our Job-Guarantee backed training programmes, visit our training page.