My Advice for People of Color Looking to Break Into Tech

Welcome to Breaking the Blueprint — a blog series that dives into the unique business challenges and opportunities of underrepresented business owners and entrepreneurs. Learn how they’ve grown or scaled their businesses, explored entrepreneurial ventures within their companies, or created side hustles, and how their stories can inspire and inform your own success.

Switching careers can be daunting for anyone, but the challenges can feel particularly overwhelming for people of color. 

The tech industry, while brimming with opportunities, presents unique hurdles that must be navigated with determination and strategic planning.

The path is riddled with obstacles, from battling imposter syndrome to upskilling through certifications and boot camps and learning the industry's language without a technical background.

However, with the right mindset and resources, these challenges can transform into stepping stones toward a fulfilling career in technology.

In this piece, I’ll explore common challenges people of color might face when breaking into tech and offer my advice for overcoming them based on my personal experience in doing the same.

1. Battling Imposter Syndrome

Imposter syndrome is a pervasive issue that affects many professionals, and it can be especially prevalent among career switchers of color in tech. This feeling of self-doubt and uncertainty about one's abilities can be crippling, often leading individuals to question their place in the industry.

I vividly remember the day I completed my Certified ScrumMaster (CSM) program. While the certification equipped me with a solid understanding of the product lifecycle and decision-making processes, I still felt an undercurrent of doubt about my capabilities.

It wasn't until I started applying my skills in real-world scenarios that my confidence began to build. The key was acknowledging my achievements and reminding myself that I belonged in the tech space.

My Pro Tip: Combat imposter syndrome by celebrating small wins and seeking mentorship from those who have successfully navigated similar paths. Surround yourself with a supportive community that reinforces your value and potential.

2. Upskilling Through Certifications and Boot Camps

The tech industry is dynamic and continually evolving, making continuous learning essential. For career switchers, skilling up through certifications and boot camps can provide the necessary knowledge and credentials to make a successful transition.

Participating in the Scrum Alliance certification program was a game-changer for me. It not only provided me with a comprehensive understanding of key concepts but also instilled a sense of confidence in my ability to contribute meaningfully to projects.

This experience underscored the importance of targeted learning and its impact on one's professional growth.

My Pro Tip: Research and enroll in reputable certification programs and boot camps that align with your career goals. These programs are designed to provide practical skills and knowledge that are highly valued in the tech industry. Additionally, they often offer networking opportunities with industry professionals.

3. Learning the Language of the Industry

Learning the industry's language is one of the most significant challenges for career switchers without a technical background. Understanding technical jargon, industry-specific terms, and the overall landscape can be intimidating but is crucial for effective communication and career progression.

When I first decided to pivot into tech, I realized the importance of intentionality. I identified specific roles within the companies I was interested in and focused on mastering the language and skills relevant to those positions.

This targeted approach helped me gain a deeper understanding of the industry and made me more confident during interviews.

My Pro Tip: Immerse yourself in industry-related content such as blogs, podcasts, webinars, and online courses. Engaging with this material will help you become familiar with the terminology and concepts, making you more comfortable and proficient in professional settings.

4. Choosing a Growth-Oriented Career Path

It's tempting to opt for the easiest route when transitioning into a new career. However, choosing a path that offers long-term growth and aligns with your interests and strengths is essential for sustained success.

In my career transition, pinpointing a specific discipline within the tech industry and dedicating my efforts to becoming proficient in that area proved invaluable. This intentional focus increased my chances of securing opportunities and ensured that I was on a path that offered continuous learning and growth.

My Pro Tip: Take the time to research various roles within the tech industry and assess their growth potential. Seek informational interviews with professionals in those roles to gain insights into their experiences and career trajectories. Make informed decisions based on your interests, strengths, and long-term goals.

People of color can successfully switch to tech. 

Navigating a career switch into the tech industry as a person of color comes with unique challenges.

However, by addressing imposter syndrome, investing in upskilling programs, learning the industry's language, and choosing a growth-oriented career path, you can overcome these hurdles and thrive in the tech space.

My most important recommendation is to remember that intentionality always trumps non-focus. Be deliberate in your actions, seek out supportive communities, and continuously invest in your personal and professional development. 

If you're ready to take the next step in your tech career, consider reaching out to someone already in the role you desire or even a career coach. Your career breakthrough is just on the other side of a new you; embrace the change; it's the only way to grow.