Hello
Glad you click on this. Today we will be looking at how to find a technology niche. Yes, technology is also known as the tech. Thinking of starting a career in tech this article is for you. To the experienced folks in the tech space, feel free to drop comments/tell beginners how to navigate the space.
Let us get started.
Technology
There are several definitions of Technology. However, the easiest definition of Technology is that it is the application of scientific knowledge to solve a problem in human life stemming from accumulated knowledge and the application of skills, methods, and processes. Technology breeds innovation.
From the brief definition, one would recognize that the rudiment of technology is to solve a problem using scientific knowledge. Sounds like a contradictory statement as the industry currently encourages individuals from non-scientific backgrounds to join the sector.
However, the core of technology has never changed as it is centered on solving a problem in the environment irrespective of one background do not feel discouraged as it is not monolithic. Everyone is welcome. The goal is to solve a problem for humanity. Another thing, not everyone is cut off from the tech sector, and it is fine.
For people interested in carving a niche, here are some of the ways that would help the journey.
RESEARCH: — The importance of research can never be over-emphasized. The research is important. Research serves as a guide.
Benefits of research include:-
Knowledge expansion:-There’s always more to learn about a topic, even if you are already well-versed in it. If you aren’t, research allows you to build on any personal experience you had with the subject. The process of research opens up new opportunities for learning and growth.
Research builds your credibility:- Doing research gives you a solid foundation on which you can build your ideas and opinions. Research teaches you better discernment of information.
Doing a lot of research helps you sift through low-quality and high-quality information:-the more research you do on a topic, the better you’ll get at discerning what’s accurate and what’s not.
Research introduces you to new ideas It encourages you to entertain new ideas and perhaps take a closer look at yours
Research encourages curiosity:- Having curiosity and a love of learning take you far in life. It opens you up to different opinions and new ideas. It also builds discerning and analytical skills. The research process rewards curiosity. When you’re committed to learning, you’re always in a place of growth. Curiosity is also good for your health. Studies show curiosity is associated with higher levels of positivity, better satisfaction with life, and lower anxiety. One of the easiest ways to research is to use the search browser(Google, Safari, DuckDuckgo, etc) and type ”Careers in tech.” It would display several options from where to start. Be in text or visuals options. If you already have a career of interest, assume technical writing, and search for “how to begin a career in technical writing.” Several articles and videos will appear. Click on the options that work for you. Always remember that good research takes time because it is a continuous process.
DECIDE HOW YOU WANT TO LEARN: — At this point, you have a career of interest and have done quality research. The next phase of navigation is how to learn. From my experience and several kinds of research, there are three popular types of learning a tech skill:-
- Self-taught method.
- Training/Scholarship method.
- Learn for free and the Pay Later method.
SELF-TAUGHT METHOD: — As the name implies, it is where an individual decides to train themselves in the process of learning skills. The individual serves as their guide, instructor, and auditor of progress and other things it entails, it is less expensive, time constraints ( as the individual can decide to learn on their own as long as they want), however, it is easy to lose focus as it is based on the pace and willingness of the individual to learn. Its pros outweigh its cons. If you are working on a budget, it is a good option to work with it for starters.
TRAINING/SCHOLARSHIP METHOD: — This type of learning is becoming popular in recent times. It is a process whereby a group creates a platform for individuals to learn a specific type of tech skills by teaching with instructor-type videos, and giving daily or weekly tasks and projects to build at the end of the program.
One benefit of this learning option is it helps with networking with like-minds as everyone on the program is solving a similar goal and also collaborating on building projects. For example, Google African Developers Scholarship (GADS), and Zuri are centered on helping beginners find their path in designing, developing, and clout-computing in other to become experts while HNG is centered on advanced development.
Another great thing about this method is the level of job opportunities and internships shared on the platforms. Some of its cons: — it requires a lot of fast pace learning. If one learns at a slow pace, it isn’t quick revenue immediately, as there are time- specifications for every task. And the higher you move, the time allocation becomes shorter.
LEARN FOR FREE AND PAY LATER METHOD:- In this method an individual could sign up for a program and learn for free, once they are done and have a job, they pay a certain percentage of their income to the website as their learning fee. The beauty of this method is the website assists one in their job search stages, helping with your resume/cv build-up. MasterSchool operates in this pattern however, theirs is restricted to get in. This method is relatively popular. It balls down on you to decide the one you would love to work it and choose.
TIME TO PRACTICE: — This is so vital for your progress. To become an expert, you have got to practice. Practice requires time and you need to put in the work in doing this. The interesting thing about learning a tech skill is not just a tech one any skill in general till you practice the skill on your own, it isn’t in your head. Yes, you might remember the process but if you don’t put it into practice, you haven’t learned anything. So, set out time to practice.
JOIN COMMUNITIES: — The work of Communities cannot overstate the aspect of learning tech. Communities are safe spaces. For beginners, you meet people who are just beginning their careers, and experts that are willing to give good advice on the trajectory from their experience, mistakes, and leap points. Some communities organize programs on a different path for the growth of community members. For instance, if you are still an undergraduate, you can find a Google Students Developer Circle (GSDC) in your institution and join. Don’t let the name make you think the circle is for only developers alone. It is for everyone who is interested in learning a tech skill and is a student. It is important to note that communities serve various reasons for different people. Find the community that suits an interest that aligns with yours for the long run.
DATA: — Yes , data. Get ready to spend heavily on data. All information you will need for your journey requires a lot of data as most materials are in visual form. Do not be discouraged. If you are on a budget, look for a data plan that you afford be it in the early or the late hours of the day.
Remember, learning requires a lot of practice, smart work, and consistency. No two people’s journey is the same. Don’t compare your process. Put in the efforts and see how it grows.
Till next time when discussing something different from this topic. See you soon.
Source:- theimportantsite.com/10-reasons