We live in a world where technology touches everything we do, consume, see, and use to communicate. Try running an errand without crossing paths with some form of technology. It’s virtually impossible in the modern world! And as you interface with technology every day, think about the many, many jobs that exist to make this technology work.

If you enjoy technology, innovation, and creating tools and resources that impact the world, a job in IT could be a fulfilling and rewarding career path. Right now is the prime time to explore the opportunities that exist, as jobs are in high-demand and there aren’t enough people to fill them. Technology is growing faster than enough people can be trained, and while many things technology aims to involve automation, there will always be a need for hands-on talent to bring it to life. And you can be a part of that!

Even if you have little or no experience or are merely curious about what a career in technology might look like, getting started is as simple as equipping yourself with information like what you’ll read in this article. All it takes is a desire to learn and build a career in technology to get your foot in the door at a great company with limitless potential. Keep reading to explore how hiring is evolving for the IT field, and how you can use this to your advantage to break in.

A Shift in Approach to Hiring Tech Talent

Across the nation, and around the globe, tech companies are facing talent shortages which have forced a new approach to HR and hiring. Businesses are responding by taking proactive measures to retain employees through internal training, recruiting in non-conventional ways, and eliminating the paper ceiling and degree barriers. Let’s dive deeper into each of these issues to learn more about how the changes taking place in the industry can benefit you in your job search.

Tech Talent Shortage 

The talent crisis continues to affect all aspects of the tech industry. There simply aren't enough qualified people to support the work needed. This has long been a back-burner issue that was put on the front burner at full boil during the digital transformation required by COVID-19. The result is a residual need for staff that can build and maintain digital infrastructures, quickly and accurately, while working in a constantly-evolving environment.

At the same time, the global job market is undergoing historic changes. With more and more businesses adopting a virtual or hybrid workforce, employees have never had more choices about where to work. They are no longer limited by their geographic location or willingness to relocate physically. The result is what the world is now calling the “Great Resignation” - and a time when the US Department of Labor saw a record 4.5 million US workers leave their jobs in November 2021, while employers posted 10.6 million job openings.

How Employers are Responding

Eliminating the Paper Ceiling 

According to Opportunity@Work the “paper ceiling” is an invisible barrier that comes at every turn for workers without a bachelor's degree. These individuals are often limited in their opportunities for increased job roles and salaries because they do not have a “paper” degree. But businesses have realized that a degree alone is not an accurate measure of one’s skill, ability, and experience. A degree is important, but it is only one factor. In an effort to expand the talent pool, businesses have become less stringent upon workers needing a bachelor’s degree and have increased the value placed on other training and certifications as well as life experience. In doing so, employers are increasing their reach in recruitment opportunities.

The shift to skills-based hiring involves identifying the specific skills a job requires for success, and screening candidates based on whether they possess those necessary skills or not. There are more than 70 million talented professionals who don’t have a bachelor’s degree but have gained valuable skills on the job, through training programs or other alternative routes. One solution on the horizon is Stellarworx. This is a faster way to match trained professionals who are Skilled Through Alternative Routes (STARs) with inclusive employers that are ready to hire. 

Internal training

Another way employers are responding to the talent shortage is to invest even further in their existing employees. Organizations are developing in-house training programs to upskill and reskill employees. In doing so, they can look to hire from within when new and increasing roles open up. Not only are these employees already familiar with the culture and expectations of the organization, but they also have existing relationships and an understanding of the company that make it desirable to stay with the organization and move up. It’s a win-win scenario for everyone! What this means for individuals looking to break into a career in IT is to focus on finding an organization that demonstrates its willingness to invest in its employees. Opportunities for upskilling and advancing over time will open up potential to increase your role and income.

Adapt to candidate needs 

As mentioned previously, the "Great Resignation" saw a record 4.5 million US workers leave their jobs in the fall of 2021. Now employers face a  candidate-driven market where job seekers and candidates have the upper hand. While companies are competing for top talent to drive their businesses, candidates can control higher salaries, better benefits, and other negotiables.

In an effort to adapt to candidates’ wants and needs - and to remain competitive in the job search market - more and more organizations are placing a focus on remote work flexibility, diversity, inclusiveness, and resources that support employees' mental health. This is a great opportunity for individuals considering a career in tech to step into a rewarding career with a work environment that is healthy, balanced, and ripe for growth.

This is an opportune time to start a career in tech!

The recurring theme here is that there has never been a better time to explore a career in IT. It doesn’t require experience to get started, simply an interest to learn and a passion for creating and supporting the tools that help the world evolve! NuPaths can help train you with the right skills to get you into that tech career and place you in your first job. We provide an alternative route that equips individuals with training and in-demand certifications and skills through our 26-week programs, combined with dedicated career services to help at every turn. Compare this to the time and cost associated with other educational options and you’ll see how accessible and affordable starting your IT career through NuPaths really is!

And taking the first step is as easy as sending us a message. All you have to say is that you’re interested in learning more and we’ll help guide you the rest of the way. Our friendly team is always excited to share insight with people looking to start a new career. Reach out today so we can help you put your plans for your future in motion!