Why you need to get into the tech sector (and how to do it)

Discovering cleaner forms of energy, finding new ways to beat hackers, designing the next generation of video games: a career in tech is full of possibilities. Technology is fast-moving, endlessly innovative, financially rewarding – and you don’t even necessarily have to be “technical” to make your mark.

“We are employing in just about every segment across our business – everything from marketers to product developers, as well as technical roles,” says Alan Laing, managing director UK and Ireland at Sage, a British software company that employs about 13,000 people worldwide.

“I’ve never seen a better time to get into tech. There’s more opportunity and more chance to apply creativity, technical excellence and multiple different skill sets to the opportunities out there than ever before. The tech industry is going to employ more creative people in the next two years than any other industry.”

But the industry needs new blood: a recent study from the British Chamber of Commerce found that three out of four UK businesses reported a digital skills shortage. This means salaries for the right people are going up. According to the Tech Nation Survey 2017, the average salary in tech is now just over £50,000 – 44% higher than non-digital jobs.

What’s the best way in? There are multiple routes: a degree and postgraduate study, for example, are essential for some roles. Sam Cooper, 24, is in the final year of his PhD in cancer research at the Institute of Cancer Research, Imperial College London, where his work is funded by Stand Up To Cancer, a joint national fundraising campaign from Cancer Research UK and Channel 4.

“I’m using artificial intelligence (AI) to try and improve the way in which we treat and diagnose cancer,” he says. “There’s a huge amount of excitement in AI at the moment. Having spent decades playing games, doing cool things with pictures and toying around in simulated worlds, it feels like the field is finding a deeper purpose and tackling several massive challenges facing humanity.”

Many companies are also realising the value of apprenticeships. These are available at levels ranging from NVQ Level 2 right up to honours degrees and beyond. “The new degree apprenticeships, in particular, are really set to shake up the way we bring people into industry,” says Colin Bannister, head of presales, northern EMEA, at global tech company VMware. “You can get a recognised degree without any of the debt and, in the intervening period, work and earn a salary.”

Daniel Burton, 19, is currently undertaking an apprenticeship at hospitality IT specialist Lolly. He spends three days a week testing products and software at Lolly. The other two days are focused on programming and development.

“The team at Lolly have really encouraged me and put so much trust in my work, which has really helped with my own self confidence,” says Burton. “This role has really cemented my thinking that I would like a job in IT. I love the work I am doing, and believe it will really help to support my future within the IT sector.”

Go for a career in tech, says Bannister, and you’ll find a sector ripe with opportunities for everyone. “This is about transforming businesses, not just about coding,” he says. “Every single industry is being either disrupted, enhanced or changed by technology. It’s a fabulous time to be entering the sector, as it is so relevant to every industry, bar none.”