Your future is digital: How to start a career in tech

Technology is changing the way South Africans work, learn, communicate and do business. From banking and telecommunications to healthcare, retail, government and small businesses, digital technology has become an important part of the economy.

Also see: How wearable technology can increase health anxiety

For young South Africans considering a career in technology, this creates opportunities but also challenges. South Africa continues to experience high unemployment while employers report difficulty finding people with the right digital skills.  

The good news is that you do not necessarily need to start with an expensive qualification or already know how to code.  

A technology career can be built step by step through education, practical projects, workplace experience and continuous learning. 

Start by choosing a tech career path

According to the Institute of Information Technology Professionals South Africa, working in tech can mean many different things. Before enrolling in a course or spending money on training, you need to explore the different career options available in the tech space.

These include: 

• Software developer 
• Web developer 
• Data analyst or data scientist 
• Cybersecurity specialist 
• Cloud or network engineer 
• IT support technician 
• Systems analyst 
• UX/UI designer 

Think about what you enjoy, whether you like solving problems, programming, or building things. 

Understand what the market wants

Once you have identified a career path, investigate the skills employers are looking for in South Africa. Research local vacancies and look for patterns in the requirements. You also need to pay attention to the technologies, qualifications, certifications, and experience employers repeatedly mention. 

The Institute of Information Technology Professionals South Africa (IITPSA) usually conducts a local ICT Skills Survey that tracks skills demand, skills gaps and emerging trends in the South African technology industry. 

Build strong digital foundations

South Africa’s National Digital and Future Skills Strategy recognises that digital skills are not only for ICT professionals. It also emphasises critical thinking, problem-solving, adaptability and other 21st-century skills.

These foundations make it easier to move into more advanced areas later. Make sure you are comfortable with basic digital tools. 

Also see: Tips for integrating technology into home interior

You need to learn the practical skills

One of the biggest mistakes aspiring technology professionals can make is collecting certificates without developing practical ability. 

If you are learning programming, build applications. If you are learning data analysis, work with real datasets. If you are studying web development, create websites. If you are interested in cybersecurity, use legitimate training environments to practise security skills.

Build a portfolio

Build a personal portfolio based on your skills. A CV tells an employer what you claim to know. But a portfolio can show them what you can do. In tech, you need to create a portfolio containing your best projects and explain the problem, your approach, the technologies you used, and the result. 

This becomes important when you are applying for your first job and do not yet have years of professional experience. 

Building a career in technology in the country is a journey rather than a single decision. South Africa faces a significant digital-skills challenge, but it is also creating opportunities as businesses and government invest in digital transformation, AI and technology skills. 

Also see: High-tech winter trends to keep your home cosy

Featured image: Pexels

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