Choosing the Best Tech Career for You: How to Choose a Career in Tech, What to Consider, Pay, Skills

Several remote job opportunities are being posted every day in the IT space. You’ve probably come across roles related to cloud computing, cybersecurity, data science, digital marketing, and more. If you’re wondering how to get started on a path that leads to securing one of these remote roles, then this video is for you.

Yes, remote roles often come with attractive pay packages, and you want to know how to get started. Make sure to stay until the end of this video because I’ll be sharing five actionable steps you can take to effectively start your journey toward securing a remote job this year.

Step 1: Pick a Skill

The first tip is to choose a skill. If you’re wondering which particular skill is best for you, take some time to research different opportunities. Do you want to focus on cybersecurity, data science, data analytics, database administration, cloud computing, or DevOps? Perhaps you’re interested in machine learning, software development, UI/UX design, or graphic design.

Choosing an IT skill doesn’t mean you need prior experience. You can start learning a career path like cybersecurity, DevOps, or cloud computing even if you don’t have an engineering or mathematics background. The key is to identify one skill and focus on it. Research the skill you choose—understand what it entails and why it aligns with your career goals.

Step 2: Gain Hands-On Experience

Once you’ve picked a skill, the next step is to gain hands-on experience. For example, if you’re learning Amazon Web Services (AWS), familiarize yourself with the platform by working on key services. Understand what each service does, how to provision it, and how to integrate it with other services.

Similarly, if you’re learning cybersecurity, explore areas like threat detection, vulnerability scanning, or ethical hacking. Build your expertise by working on practical projects. You can find documentation or runbooks that guide you step by step through tasks like provisioning resources, securing environments, or automating workflows.

Spending time on hands-on projects will help you build the necessary skills to stand out. Remember, competition in the job market is tough, so practical experience is essential.

Step 3: Build Your Portfolio

After gaining hands-on experience, the next step is to create a project portfolio. A portfolio documents the projects you’ve worked on, showcasing your experience with a particular skill. For instance, if you’re in DevOps, you may have completed projects related to continuous integration, infrastructure automation, orchestration, or cloud provisioning.

You can use platforms like GitHub to store and share your projects or create a profile on platforms like LinkedIn. Having a well-organized portfolio helps you present your expertise to potential employers or recruiters.

Documenting your work not only highlights your technical skills but also shows your commitment to learning and growth. Ensure your portfolio is detailed and updated with relevant projects.

Step 4: Build Your Social Presence

Having a strong social presence is crucial when searching for remote jobs. Platforms like LinkedIn are powerful tools for networking. Create a LinkedIn account, optimize your profile, and connect with professionals in your field, such as software developers, DevOps engineers, or cybersecurity experts.

Networking can help you get noticed by recruiters. Many people in IT have secured jobs after being contacted by recruiters on platforms like LinkedIn, Indeed, or other job search websites. Use your project portfolio as a way to showcase your work and make meaningful connections in your industry.

Step 5: Create a Compelling Resume

Once you’ve built your skills, gained experience, created a portfolio, and established your network, the next step is to create a compelling resume. Your resume should list your skills, the length of time you’ve used them, and details about your responsibilities in various projects or roles.

A well-crafted resume highlights your expertise and makes it easier for recruiters to understand your capabilities. Ensure your resume is tailored to the roles you’re applying for and includes measurable achievements.

The journey doesn’t end with building skills and applying for jobs. You must embrace continuous learning. The IT industry evolves rapidly, with new tools and technologies being introduced frequently. Stay updated by exploring new concepts and refining your skills to remain relevant in the job market.

For instance, if you’re learning about Kubernetes, dive deeper into how it works in production-grade environments. Similarly, if you’re working with AWS, explore advanced services and tools to broaden your expertise.

To summarize, here are the key steps to secure a remote job this year:

1. Pick a skill that aligns with your career goals.
2. Gain hands-on experience by working on practical projects.
3. Create a detailed project portfolio to showcase your work.
4. Build a strong social presence on platforms like LinkedIn.
5. Craft a compelling resume tailored to your target roles.