Are you confused about what tech careers and roles actually entail? Or are you convinced that all tech jobs involve hacking into government databases and dodging security systems like a modern-day James Bond? Well, fear not! The world of tech is not just limited to that (although I must admit, it does sound exciting). In fact, the tech industry encompasses a vast and diverse array of job roles, from software development to artificial intelligence to cybersecurity and beyond.
As technology continues to grow and evolve at an unprecedented pace, there has never been a better time to consider a career in the tech industry. There are countless opportunities in various tech fields that offer exciting, challenging, successful and rewarding careers.
So, whether you’re a tech enthusiast, a recent graduate trying to figure out what to do with your life, or simply curious about the tech world, this blog is for you! We’ll take a closer look at the different tech careers and roles available, and how the NextGen Academy can help you get into these fields. Hopefully, we can inspire you enough to consider a career in this exciting and constantly-evolving industry. Are you ready? Let’s dive in!
What is a Tech Career?
A tech career is a profession that involves working in the technology industry, which includes companies that develop, produce, and sell technology-related products, services and solutions. Tech careers typically involve using technical skills and knowledge to solve problems, create new products, and improve existing ones. Examples of tech careers include software development, data analysis, cybersecurity, user experience design, network engineering, data analytics, software architect and many others.
Tech careers can be found in a variety of industries, including finance, healthcare, education, and entertainment, among others. In today’s digital age, tech careers are in high demand, and are expected to continue growing in the years to come. Here are 3 popular tech careers that you can get into in 2023, with the help of the NextGen Academy.
Product Design
Product design is a field that involves a wide range of skills and disciplines to create products that are not only aesthetically pleasing, but also functional and meet the needs of the end-users. It involves a deep understanding of the target audience, the market, and the product’s purpose.
Product designers work with cross-functional teams to design products that align with the company’s goals, values, and mission. They collaborate with engineers, marketers, user researchers, and other stakeholders to ensure that the product is designed and developed with the end-user in mind.
In addition to technical skills, product designers need to possess a range of soft skills, including communication, problem-solving, and creativity, to create products that meet the needs of the users and drive business success. They need to be able to communicate effectively with their team and stakeholders, be adaptable to change, and be able to iterate on their designs based on feedback from users and other team members. Read more about soft skills here.
Overall, product design is a challenging and rewarding career that requires a combination of technical and soft skills to create products that delight users and meet business goals. Some of the skills required for a career in product design include:
- Strong creative skills and an eye for aesthetics
- Knowledge of design software such as Sketch, Adobe Creative Suite, or Figma
- Understanding of user experience (UX) and user interface (UI) design principles
- Excellent communication and collaboration skills
The NextGen Academy offers a comprehensive program in Product Design that can help you develop the necessary skills and knowledge required to excel in this field. The program covers everything from the basics of design to advanced concepts such as wireframing, prototyping, and design thinking. You’ll also have the opportunity to work on real-world projects, collaborate with peers, and receive feedback from experienced mentors.
Front End Development
If you’ve ever visited a website and thought “wow, this is user-friendly,” you can bet your last penny that a Front End Developer was behind it. Front End Development is the tech career that’s all about making sure that users have an easy-breezy experience when navigating through websites and apps.
As a Front End Developer, you’re the maestro of the user interface. You get to design and implement everything that the user sees and interacts with, from the sleek and stylish layout to the buttons and forms that help users get stuff done through the app or website. It’s like being the conductor of a symphony, except instead of instruments, you’re working with HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.
Not only is Front End Development an essential skill for any tech career, but it’s also a fun and exciting way to flex your creative muscles. You get to take a user’s needs and turn them into a digital masterpiece that looks amazing and functions flawlessly. Plus, with the rise of mobile and responsive design, the possibilities are endless.
So, if you’re a creative problem-solver who loves to tinker with code and make things look pretty, Front End Development might just be the tech career for you. Join the ranks of the design-minded developers and show the world what you can do! Some of the skills required for a career in front end development include:
- Proficiency in HTML, CSS, and JavaScript
- Understanding of responsive design and cross-browser compatibility
- Knowledge of front-end frameworks such as React, Vue, or Angular
- Experience with version control systems such as Git
The NextGen Academy offers a program in Front End Development that can help you develop the skills and knowledge required to excel in this field. The program covers everything from the basics of HTML, CSS, and JavaScript to advanced topics such as React and Vue. You’ll also have the opportunity to work on real-world projects, collaborate with peers, and receive timely feedback from experienced mentors.
Backend Development
Are you interested in being the mastermind behind the scenes of your favourite websites and applications? Well, then get ready to dive into the exciting world of backend development!
As a backend developer, you’ll be the ultimate problem solver – designing and building the server-side of websites and applications, and making sure everything runs smoothly. You’ll be responsible for creating the magic that powers the user interface, from managing data and databases to designing and building APIs.
Think of yourself as the wizard behind the curtain, pulling all the strings and making everything work seamlessly – like a puppet master! You’ll be the one ensuring that users have a smooth and reliable experience, without them even knowing the hard work that goes on behind the scenes.
So if you’re up for the challenge of creating complex algorithms and keeping databases in check, then backend development is the perfect career for you. Some of the skills required for a career in backend development include:
- Proficiency in one or more programming languages such as Python, Java, or Ruby
- Understanding of server-side frameworks such as Django, Spring, or Rails
- Knowledge of databases and data modelling
- Experience with APIs and web services
The NextGen Academy offers a program in Backend Development that can help you develop the skills and knowledge required to excel in this field. The program covers everything from the basics of programming to advanced topics such as database design and API development. You’ll also have the opportunity to work on real-world projects, collaborate with peers, and receive feedback from experienced mentors.
Conclusion
The tech industry is growing rapidly, and there are countless opportunities for those who are interested in pursuing a career in tech. Product design, front end development, and backend development are just a few of the most popular tech careers. At the NextGen Academy, we offer comprehensive programs in each of these fields that can help you develop the skills and knowledge required to excel in your career. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or just starting, the NextGen Academy is one of your best shots at kick starting a tech career with valid experiences that build your credibility in the job market.
Read our articles on soft skills and creating the perfect CV for job applications. Register for the NextGen Academy to get started and connect with us on Instagram and Twitter for updates on our programs and events.
