Episode Overview
Starting a journey in tech can feel intimidating, but every expert was once a beginner. In this episode of the NexHer Podcast, we explore actionable steps to kick-start your tech career, complete with personal stories, practical tips, and resources to help you thrive.
Know Your Why
Finding your “why” is the cornerstone of any successful journey.
As Viktor Frankl famously said, “Life is never made unbearable by circumstances, but only by lack of meaning and purpose.”
Your reason for starting could be curiosity, a career pivot, or frustration—like our host, whose frustration with outsourcing ignited her journey into tech. Having a clear purpose keeps you motivated, even when the path gets tough.
Start With Your End Goal
Once you’ve identified your “why,” it’s time to define your destination. Clarity about your end goal ensures you stay focused amidst distractions.
For example:
- If you want to work in data analytics, focus on learning Python.
- Dream of building mobile apps? Start with Swift or Android development tools.
Don’t fall into the trap of trying to learn everything. Tailor your path based on where you want to go.
Pro Tip: Write down your goal and break it into smaller milestones. This makes the journey manageable and rewarding.
Do Your Research and Find Resources
With your goals clear, finding the right tools and resources is crucial. The right choices can save you time and energy.
Here are some recommended resources:
- Google Certifications and Azure Certifications: These programs cover in-demand skills like IT, UI design, and cybersecurity, boosting your resume.
- Angela Yu’s Courses on Udemy: Beginner-friendly and engaging, these courses on app development and web design are perfect for newcomers.
- GitHub: A must-use platform for hands-on practice. Contributing to open-source projects not only sharpens your skills but also showcases your work to potential employers.
- The Self-Taught Software Engineer by Cory Althoff: This book offers an approachable guide for anyone starting in tech, with interactive activities and relatable insights.
Pro Tip: Choose one resource and commit to it before exploring others.
Have an Inspiration Source
Inspiration fuels persistence. For our host, stories like Margaret Hamilton’s work on NASA’s Apollo missions served as a reminder that perseverance leads to extraordinary outcomes.
Margaret’s philosophy: “Failure is not something to be feared, but an opportunity to learn and grow,” is a powerful reminder to embrace challenges.
Pro Tip: Find your own source of inspiration, whether it’s a tech pioneer, mentor, or community. Their stories can keep you motivated when self-doubt creeps in.
Put Your Work Out There
No matter where you are on your journey, share your work. Perfection isn’t the goal—progress is. By putting your projects out into the world, you open doors for feedback, learning, and connection.
Platforms to showcase your work:
- GitHub: Contribute to open-source projects.
- Twitter or LinkedIn: Share milestones and lessons learned.
Pro Tip: The tech community is incredibly supportive—don’t hesitate to reach out or celebrate your wins!
Overcoming Fear and Uncertainty
Starting in tech isn’t easy. You’ll face challenges, frustrations, and the occasional error message marathon. But each mistake is a stepping stone toward growth.
Pro Tip: Give yourself permission to start messy. Progress is built through persistence, not perfection.
Recap of the 5 Steps
Here’s a quick recap of the five steps to kick-start your tech journey:
- Know Your Why: Identify what drives you.
- Define Your End Goal: Stay focused on your destination.
- Do Your Research: Find credible resources to guide your learning.
- Find Your Inspiration: Stay motivated with stories that inspire.
- Put Your Work Out There: Share your journey and grow through feedback.
Challenge: Take one small action today. Whether it’s signing up for a course, contributing to a GitHub project, or setting a concrete goal—just start.
Closing Thoughts
With that said, remember: starting is the hardest part, but every step you take builds momentum. Thank you for tuning into the NexHer Podcast. Be sure to check out the resources linked on our page.
