Are you interested in pursuing a career in tech, but feel intimidated by the technical jargon and the complex skills? If so, you are not alone. I graduated in biology and have no connection with the tech world whatsoever. Many people like me who want to switch to tech face similar challenges and doubts. However, there is a way to overcome these obstacles and achieve our goals: Joining a Tech Community.
In this blog, we will explore some ways how tech communities can be instrumental in assisting non-tech individuals in their journey into the tech world and I will also be sharing insights from my journey which began 3 months back in March.
But before that, I am so excited and grateful to let you guys know that this article was published a few weeks ago on Showwcase for a blogathon and it is still trending over there.
What are Tech Communities?
A tech community is a group of people who share a common interest in technology and support each other in learning, networking, and growing. There are many types of tech communities, such as online forums, social media groups, podcasts, blogs, newsletters, meetups, hackathons, workshops, mentorship programs, and more.
So how can joining a tech community help us transition into tech?
Benefits of Joining Communities
Mentorship/Guidance
We can learn from others who have been in our shoes and have successfully made the switch. My experience in this regard has been wonderful. I first had a small chat with the founder of GrowInCommunity, Akshay Kumar and he guided me with his personal experiences and even customized stuff according to my needs.
Ease in finding opportunities
We can access opportunities that we might not find otherwise such as job openings, internships, scholarships, projects, collaborations, and referrals. I managed to get into the amazing team of our GrowInCommunity only because I first joined the community and contributed as per my skills.
Networking Opportunites
We can expand our network and connect with people who can help you advance your career. I am now a part of many amazing teams working on wonderful projects only because I was successfully able to utilize the potential of a community.
Online Forums and Discussion Groups
Tech communities often have dedicated online forums and discussion groups and engaging in these online communities allows non-tech individuals to stay updated with the latest industry trends, seek guidance, and get their queries resolved. For instance, there is a weekly session on Sunday evenings in our GrowInCommunity where we all discuss our goals for the week and seek inspiration from each other. Also, there are industry experts in our sessions who guide us which makes our path a bit easy.
Foster Inclusive Culture
We can have fun and enjoy the process of learning and growing with like-minded people who share our passion and curiosity. An inclusive community makes the journey feel less intimidating and more achievable. GrowInCommunity welcomes everyone and provides responsibilities irrespective of their backgrounds which make it my favorite community among many.
Hackathons and Blogathons
Participating in hackathons and blogathons organized by tech communities can offer a unique experience for non-tech individuals. By participating in hackathons and blogathons, non-tech individuals can enhance their problem-solving abilities, improve their technical writing skills, gain practical experience, and showcase their passion for technology to potential employers. This is my first ever blogathon which I participated in, thanks to this wonderful community.
Tips and Tricks
As we can see, joining a tech community can be a game-changer for our career transition. Here are some tips on how to find and join the right tech community for you:
Do some research on the internet and look for tech communities that match your interests, goals, level, and background. You can use platforms like Dev.to, Medium.com, Twitter.com, LinkedIn.com, Facebook.com, YouTube.com, and more.
Check the reviews and ratings of the tech communities you are interested in and see what other members have to say about them.
Try out different tech communities and see which ones you like best. You can join as many as you want but don't spread yourself too thin.
Be active and participate in the tech communities you join. Don't be afraid to ask questions, share your thoughts, contribute your ideas, showcase your work, seek feedback, offer help, and connect with others. The more you put in, the more you get out.
Conclusion
Joining a tech community is one of the best steps you can take to transition into tech. It can help us learn new skills, find new opportunities, build new relationships, and achieve new heights. WeMakeDevs by Kunal Kushwaha, EddieHub by Eddie Jaoude, and the 4C community are among many tech communities that aim to connect developers, learners, and enthusiasts from different backgrounds and skill levels. They offer various opportunities for collaboration, networking, and knowledge sharing through online platforms and events. Whether you are a beginner or an expert, you can find a supportive and friendly environment in these communities. By leveraging the power of tech communities, non-tech individuals like me can gain the necessary skills, knowledge, and connections needed to thrive in the ever-evolving tech world. So what are you waiting for? Start exploring the world of tech communities today and discover how they can help you make your dreams come true!
I want to take a moment to thank you 🙌 for reading my blog post. I hope that you found it informative and useful in your own pursuits. If you enjoyed this post, please consider following me on my social media accounts for more content related to this topic and others.
You can find me on Twitter and LinkedIn. I would love to connect with you and continue the conversation.