A career switch in your forties sounds daunting. You may feel even more overwhelmed if you decide to move to the tech landscape after more than a decade in another industry.
But the move is worthwhile as it opens up immense opportunities. You can earn, learn, and grow beyond imagination, so the risk is worth taking. The good thing is that a little effort is enough to make it big with this career switch.
Here are some expert-backed tips to make your transition a smooth one
Be mentally prepared
Before diving in, you must be mentally ready for the switch. A career move is a major change for any professional. But the jump from a non-tech to a tech industry can be drastic. It requires mental preparation for the challenges you may face during the journey.
Expect them to come, but be motivated enough to jump the hoops and reach your goals. Mental readiness keeps you committed to the mission, no matter how difficult things get.
Network as much as possible
A career transition requires good networking, whether you are in your twenties or forties. Connecting with like-minded people enables you to get insights that can help in creating a realistic roadmap.
Moreover, you can get inspiration from people already showing the courage to make a challenging professional move. You can tap into their personal experience to find easy ways to do things.
Invest in learning
You cannot expect to go back to school at forty, but learning is essential to embrace a new role in the tech field. The best way to ease learning is by enrolling in an IT training program for the short term.
Even better, look for one you can complete online without disrupting your current career and job. You will not need to worry about an income gap as you get ready for a new role.
Pick a project
Formal IT training gives you a good start for a tech career transition in your forties. But hands-on experience is something you must get to boost your confidence in the new domain. Experts recommend looking for side projects in the chosen niche.
Start with a simple one and avoid going overboard only because of your enthusiasm. You can try a short-term gig on a freelance portal while pursuing your program. It enables you to test the new skills and add value to your profile.
Rework your resume and portfolio
Reworking your resume and portfolio is another factor to make a smooth career transition to the tech field. Creating a new profile at forty sounds daunting, but you must make the effort. Ensure that your resume showcases the new skills prominently, and do not miss out on hands-on projects you may have picked.
Building an online presence with a refresh for your Linkedin page is a good idea. Both ways, you can present your expertise and get opportunities in the new role.
Starting a new IT career in your forties is easier than you imagine. You only need courage and passion to take the first step. Following these steps will help you reach your new professional goals.
