Salaries nearing six figures, private insurance, flexibility, and job security – no, it's not a fantasy. These are the benefits that many tech roles offer to those willing to pursue them. If you've ever wanted to break into the technology field and have been wondering which tech career is right for you, you've come to the right place. In this article, you'll learn about the hottest job market trends in Europe, the most prosperous positions, and the skills necessary to be successful in tech.
Nelson Marteleira
April 20, 2023
Which Tech Career Is Right For Me? Skills, Job Trends, And Learning Opportunities
How to prepare for a desired career?
Do you ever see those people on LinkedIn, Instagram, and other social media networks sharing their experiences of traveling the world, affording lavish hotels, extravagant experiences, and other luxuries all while working? Many of them actually work full-time in the tech industry, but due to the flexibility and high compensation that most tech positions provide, they can live life on their own terms.
Salaries for tech professionals are also outstanding. In the US, the average salary for tech workers is $71,809, and many tech positions allow them to work from anywhere in the world.
But you might be wondering: "Yeah, tech sounds nice, but don't you need to be good with computers, know math, and spend years studying the subject to break into the field?"
Well, not exactly.
In this article, you'll learn that many of the lucrative tech jobs are much easier to attain than you may have been led to believe. You'll also learn about the top skills that employers are looking for, how to prepare for your desired career, and what top positions you can get into without spending too much time and money.
Let’s go!
What skills and interests do you need to break into tech?
You already have it in you. Just start!
If you look at some of the tech job descriptions, you will come to realize that you already have some skills necessary to succeed in such jobs.
And if you have some prior working experience, chances are you already have valuable skills that you can transfer to your next job. Here we give top soft and technical skills that can help you thrive in a new career.
Soft skills that are important for tech roles
Personality traits and behaviors can help you get hired
Analytical thinking: Most tech roles require you to process a lot of data. Analytical thinking lets you see data as a resource to find business strengths and gaps and complete your tasks more efficiently.
Curiosity: Curiosity is important because, when working in a dynamic tech field, you’ll have to learn and discover new things constantly. Every day, new developments and concepts emerge, so it's essential to be willing to research and experiment with them.
Adaptability: While curiosity is crucial for learning new things, your ability to adapt complements it. If you looked at typical tech positions 5 years ago, many currently in-demand jobs didn’t even exist. The industry is developing at the speed of light, so you have to be prepared to adapt to new trends and learn new things.
Communication: You might think that most tech jobs are very individualistic, but in fact, most people work in large teams, creating complex ecosystems for their companies and clients. That means that you must have good communication skills and know how to use communication and project management software.
Technical skills for a successful tech career
Although each job requires different technical skills, here are some that are very valuable in this day and age.
No-code development skills
No-code development skills are a set of techniques, methods, and learning approaches that enable the creation of complex digital products without the need for coding. With pre-programmed tools, you can build apps, websites, databases, forms, and other projects.
While it may not be as easy as it sounds, it is still simpler than traditional programming and can provide nearly the same results. This skill can be a valuable addition to any career, as it allows you to upskill and offer more to your employer or clients.
You don't need any previous coding experience to build applications using no-code
Machine learning
Machine learning and artificial intelligence are driving forces in today's world. We don't even need to look at typical tech fields to see how AI technology is used in everything from the gadgets we use daily to our work. In the future, having a basic understanding of how machine learning works will likely be as essential as knowing how to use the internet.
The capability of a machine to mimic intelligent human behavior
Digital marketing
Knowing the basics of how digital marketing works can be beneficial for you as a consumer and a professional. Digital marketing is becoming increasingly ubiquitous, from your Instagram feed to your favorite news portal, you can expect to encounter some form of promotion wherever you go. Understanding how to use it for your own work can give you many great opportunities to enhance your work.
Email, social media, and web-based advertising
Data analytics
Data is becoming increasingly valuable. Knowing how to analyze, interpret, and use data to your advantage can significantly improve a company's growth. That is why many companies are willing to pay a lot for people with excellent data analyst skills who can help them identify strengths and opportunities for business growth.
These soft and technical skills may vary depending on the position. The best way to discover your direction is to find a field or career path that interests you and see what skills and knowledge it requires. Pursuing skills that interest you can also make things much more manageable and enjoyable.
The beauty of data analytics? Help us to detect patterns and trends, allowing us to make informed decisions
European job market trends
By now, you may have realized that you possess many, if not all, of the skills that most tech jobs require. However, before you begin sending out your CV, it is worthwhile to analyze your desired job market and its trends to determine whether your preferred position is viable and profitable in the long run.
Pursuing a career in more lucrative fields can provide better job stability and growth prospects. Trending positions are likely to be well-paid over time and will only increase in value as time goes on.
Follow the trend!
Attention to sustainability
As the world works towards preserving our planet and ensuring a livable future for generations to come, there is a growing focus on sustainability. As a result, we may see more demand for professions related to sustainability. Examples include sustainability analysts or managers who analyze and predict the environmental impact of a company.
Growth marketing
Growth marketing refers to marketing efforts that directly drive sales. These professionals analyze marketing data to guide future campaigns and increase sales to boost business growth.
More jobs for IT specialists
IT and tech jobs are rapidly growing, and Europe is no exception. Expect to see emerging roles and a growing need for specialists in machine learning, cloud technology, business intelligence, cybersecurity, and related fields.
During a single quarter in 2022, there were a total of 372,525 job postings for software developers and programmers, 208,468 for system analysts and cybersecurity specialists, and 119,185 for IT support specialists.
Relocation flexibility
Since most European countries belong to the European Union and the Schengen Zone, it is easier for workers to enter foreign job markets. This provides even more flexibility as the demand for tech professionals increases while there is still a shortage of trained and experienced specialists.
This means that you can find great opportunities to relocate to a country with a better economic situation and earn a higher salary. It can also allow you to work remotely while remaining in your country of residence.
Education and training for a career in tech
To pursue a career in tech, it's likely that you will need to acquire some training and education. While some fields may be more accessible than others, most require specific skills. However, the good news is that education is now more accessible and affordable than ever before.
Living in Europe offers an excellent opportunity to study abroad, participate in exchange programs, or take international courses online. Here are three ways to acquire new skills and prepare for a career in tech.
Higher education
Depending on the field you want to pursue, you may need to complete a bachelor's or even a master's degree. We recommend checking job listings to get an idea of the educational requirements for your desired position.
While returning to school may not be the most convenient way to acquire a secondary education, there are alternatives. Some universities offer online courses or evening classes, allowing you to work while studying.
Have fun, enjoy life, work hard!
Here are three popular schools for remote learning opportunities in Europe:
The Open University offers undergraduate and postgraduate studies in subjects such as chemistry, computing and IT, creative writing, software engineering, and more.
You may also want to consider career change schools in your local area that specialize in specific fields such as coding, marketing, etc. Such schools offer comprehensive courses designed to prepare you for a career in your desired field. If they have the necessary licenses and certifications, receiving a certificate from them could be a viable alternative to a traditional university degree.
Online courses
Online courses are another option for gaining skills and certifications. Many companies are now more interested in skills and experience rather than formal education, which means that obtaining certification through online courses is becoming increasingly popular.
You can find numerous courses for free or follow your favorite creators on online platforms
NoCode Institute
If you are interested in no-code development, NoCode Institute offers cohort-based courses that cover everything from the fundamentals to in-depth exploration of different no-code platforms. You can learn how to use the most popular and useful no-code software and tools, as well as essential principles such as visual design, UX/UI design, digital marketing, and product design thinking that are crucial in today’s job market.
Upskill and offer more to your employer or clients
Our signature course, the Nocode Foundations Program, provides a comprehensive curriculum that takes you from the basics of no-code to advanced techniques and building your portfolio within weeks. Check our courses and programs.
Tech career paths and job roles
No-code development
As mentioned above, no-code development is becoming an essential skill in today's job market. Not only can it help you upskill in your current job, but it can also help you start a completely new career in tech.
No code is necessary for the current job market as the demand for app, web, and software developers increases, but training and preparing a developer takes a lot of time. With no code, you can become proficient in a few months.
Yes, you can design anything!
Many specialists decide to reskill to no code because of the flexibility that the field provides. Most no-code jobs can be done remotely. Let's also not forget about compensation. A salary for a no-code developer in the US can easily surpass six figures, making it a desirable occupation for many. Don't worry if you don't live in the US, as many companies hiring for no-code roles offer remote job opportunities.
You may have heard of some tools that no-coders use, such as
Bubble for app development,
Webflow for collaborative web development projects,
Zapier for business automation,
Figma for collaborative design projects,
Glide for app development.
And this is just a fraction of the tools you can use to create complex projects.
Software development
The need for software developers in Europe is continuously growing, and the region is facing a major labor shortage for such professionals. This means that if you can break into the field, you can expect lucrative opportunities and employer flexibility.
Software developers can focus on different programming languages and skills, such as:
Python;
C++;
Java;
Node.js
Express.js
Database knowledge;
Testing procedures;
Data analysis and many more
You can switch between multiple programming languages
If you have a good eye for design, there’s also a high demand for software front-end developers with skills like HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.
Additionally, many software developers opt to upskill and become full-stack developers, allowing them to switch between multiple programming languages and databases seamlessly.
Cybersecurity
As the number of cyber threats, such as data breaches, identity theft, scams, phishing, etc., continues to rise, the demand for cybersecurity professionals is also increasing. However, the industry is currently facing a common problem found in other tech fields – a shortage of skilled talent. According to a report, 55% of European companies are experiencing a shortage of trained individuals with adequate digital skills.
There's shortage of trained individuals with adequate digital skills to fill digital vacancies
In-demand cybersecurity professions and skills they require
Cyber Security Architect
Skills and experience:
in IT environments;
with cloud services and cloud security;
in IaaS, PaaS, and SaaS environments;
with security testing tools.
Cyber security writer
Skills: real-world cyber security experience and understanding of the subject.
Cybersecurity officer
skills and experience:
understand EU cybersecurity certification schemes and the EU cybersecurity certification framework;
drafting candidate cybersecurity certification schemes by analyzing requirements for security measures and controls;
managing teams.
Data science and analytics
As previously mentioned, data analytics is a rapidly expanding field that nearly every business requires to achieve sustainable growth. It's common for companies to seek the expertise of data analysts to identify opportunities for business growth by analyzing and structuring raw data.
Who said you can't analyze data using no-code tools?
Most data analyst jobs ask for skills like:
Structured Query Language, or SQL, which is the standard language used to communicate with databases.
Statistical programming languages, like R or Python. They enable you to perform advanced analyses in multiple ways.
Understanding of Excel;
Understanding of statistics.
But you can learn to build databases and analyze data using no-code tools.
UI/UX design
UI/UX design focuses on optimizing the user experience and interface of digital platforms such as apps, websites, and portals. In today's world, where technology and digital tools have become indispensable to our personal and professional lives, developers strive to ensure a flawless user experience to attract and retain more users. This is where the role of UI/UX designers becomes crucial.
To succeed as a UI/UX designer, one should have skills such as proficiency in design software, prototyping and testing designs, and knowledge of CSS, HTML, and JavaScript. However, most UI/UX principles you can successfully use and apply to your projects using no-code skills.
How to to attract and retain more users?
IT support and networking
The demand for IT support and customer care jobs is increasing as more individuals, businesses, and public institutions are digitizing their operations, which requires assistance. Many employers offer remote working opportunities for customer support agents, and most positions require only a basic understanding of IT systems. Consulting centers that work with large enterprises to provide technical support also offer many great job opportunities.
IT support, costumer care, institutions assistance, consulting centers... also great job opportunities
The importance of continue learning and advancing your skills
Although starting a tech career may seem like a straightforward process these days, you should still be aware of some variables that can affect your professional journey. Even when you have started a career in tech, it is important to continue learning and advancing your skills.
Industry trends
Tech industry trends change quickly, and keeping up with recent trends and future predictions can help you make more practical career choices. The rapidly growing need for AI and machine learning specialists is a great example of a field that has seen significant growth in recent years.
Continuous learning
Continuous learning can help you stand out from other specialists in the field and make you a more desirable hire. Once you have landed your dream job, it's important to attend qualification seminars and courses, read books and other educational resources related to your industry and field, and network with other professionals to stay informed and learn from different perspectives.
Career development
Your career never stops growing, so it's essential to stay ahead of the competition. Some of the great career development options include:
attending networking events,
mastermind events,
mentorship programs,
learning industry certifications,
gaining additional skills. For instance, if you are a software developer, it's beneficial to learn front-end development as well.
Break into your dream tech career with no-code development
Many people dream of a career that provides both personal fulfillment and substantial compensation, and that is why tech jobs have become so popular. Most of these jobs offer lucrative opportunities and a good work-life balance. However, just because something seems attractive doesn't necessarily mean it's right for you. You need to consider your personal interests, market trends, and future predictions to make a well-informed decision.
We hope that this article has helped you answer some of your questions and provided you with guidance in making well-considered steps and decisions to build your career in tech.
If you're unsure where to start, no-code development can be an excellent way to lay a foundation for your future career. No-code development teaches you the essential principles of UI/UX design and no-code tools for various digital products, enabling you to create user-friendly apps, websites, portals, forms, etc., without writing a single line of code.
What are you waiting for? Start your own exciting professional journey in Tech!
If this piques your interest, we are accepting applications for our signature course, the Nocode Foundations Program. During this course, you'll learn from industry leaders, work in groups with other students, attend mastermind events, build new projects each week, and, in the final weeks, work with real companies to develop projects for them.
Check out our student success stories to see how many of them went from being uncertain about their careers to starting exciting professional journeys in tech. Don't miss out on the opportunity to join our no-code community!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Nelson Marteleira
Nelson is the co-founder NoCode Institute. He is an experienced NoCode specialist and developer with a solid portfolio. Nelson helps bring ideas to reality.
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