# 5 Ways To Get In The Tech Industry If you're reading this, it's probably because you're interested in knowing how to get a job in tech. And "tech" doesn't mean getting a career as a software engineer. Tech is a vast field with a wide variety of roles. > **Related:** [**5 Alternative Career Options For Software Engineers**](https://techwithmaddy.com/5-alternative-career-options-for-software-engineers) This article will explore five ways to get a job in tech, whether you have a degree to not. Let's start. ## 1\. Graduate Programmes ![Graduate Programme.png](https://cdn.hashnode.com/res/hashnode/image/upload/v1665329523776/Fo792EmiS.png align="left") This is one of the most common ways for those with a degree to break into tech. ### **What is a graduate programme?** A graduate programme, also known as a "graduate scheme", is a program organized by a company (usually large-size companies) where a set number of graduates straight out of university go through a 12-month/24-month training to be placed in a division of the company. I'd say most companies offer a role at the end of the programme, but many other companies don't guarantee a position by the end of the scheme. From my experience, many companies run "Technology Graduate Programmes", and despite the name, I saw people with non-tech degrees getting into a tech-related graduate programme. So it is possible to break into tech this way. A graduate programme is fully paid. You get the same benefits as a regular employee. Graduate programmes are highly competitive. Indeed, recruitment starts almost a year in advance. Getting on one is challenging, mainly because they often ask for psychometric tests, which are not easy to pass. Note that a graduate programme is different from an internship. You can do an internship while still a student. To be eligible for a graduate programme, you'll need to have a degree or be on your way to be graduated. > **Related:** [**Top 10 Websites For Internship Opportunities**](https://techwithmaddy.com/top-10-websites-for-internship-opportunities) ## 2\. Apprenticeships ![Apprenticeship.png](https://cdn.hashnode.com/res/hashnode/image/upload/v1665330466975/OHCZuuXnc.png align="left") An apprenticeship is a real-world job with training incorporated. Apprenticeships are designed to build up your skills and advance your career. Apprenticeships are aimed at everyone over 16 (at least here in the UK, I hope in your country too). During an apprenticeship, you usually work about 30 hours per week for a year. ## 3\. Bootcamps ![Bootcamp.png](https://cdn.hashnode.com/res/hashnode/image/upload/v1665330908798/Gc4VnP_0U.png align="left") Bootcamps are short-term, intense programs that allow students to gain high-in-demand skills. Bootcamps in tech usually cover programming languages such as Javascript and Python. The challenge with bootcamps is that they're expensive. You're the one who has to pay for a BootCamp, and in the end, it's not fully guaranteed you'll get a job. Indeed, you'll have to spend quality time picking the right one by researching and asking around. According to a Career Karma [report](https://careerkarma.com/blog/bootcamp-market-report-2020/#:~:text=The%20five%20top%20companies%20who,Largest%20bootcamps.), top companies like Google, Amazon, JP Morgan Chase have hired many people straight from coding bootcamps. ## 4\. Content Creation ![Content Creation.png](https://cdn.hashnode.com/res/hashnode/image/upload/v1665331257867/kOoxYQDBD.png align="left") Content creation is one of the most creative ways to land a job in tech. More than "creating content", I'd say document your journey online. If you do that consistently over a long period, there is a high chance that some opportunities will come your way. > **Related:** [**13 Best Reasons Why Developers Should Blog**](https://techwithmaddy.com/13-best-reasons-why-developers-should-blog) Content creation helps you stand out from the crowd. With content creation, you attract opportunities instead of actively applying for jobs. > By creating content online, important stakeholders at your dream companies get to notice you. Content creation drives the much-needed visibility to help you land your dream job without actively applying. [\[Wonsulting\]](https://www.wonsulting.com/blog/5-steps-to-overcoming-your-content-creation-fears#:~:text=The%20answer%20is%20yes!,dream%20job%20without%20actively%20applying.) ## 5\. Volunteering ![volunteering.png](https://cdn.hashnode.com/res/hashnode/image/upload/v1665330932469/i0jMudIsE.png align="left") Volunteering is an underrated way to land a job in tech (or any other field). Volunteering is an excellent way to gain new skills for free while helping your community and building a network. It's a win-win situation for you, the charity you're helping and society. > **Related:** [**4 Easy Ways To Get Coding Experience**](https://techwithmaddy.com/4-easy-ways-to-get-coding-experience#heading-volunteering) Volunteering helps you learn skills you otherwise wouldn't be able to gain via your employer. > From writing newsletters to maintaining computer networks, the best way to get a new job is often through experience and the right volunteering opportunity is a rewarding way to achieve this.[\[Reed\]](https://www.reed.co.uk/career-advice/benefits-of-volunteering/) ### **CONCLUSION** This article taught you five ways to get into the tech industry. I hope you've found this helpful and inspiring. Which one of these methods have you used to get a job in tech? Let me know in the comments! Until next time! 🙋🏾‍♀️ **ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:** * [Career Karma - Top Bootcamp Rankings](https://careerkarma.com/blog/bootcamp-rankings-q1-2020/) * [Hackernoon - This Is Who Is Switching Careers and Breaking Into the Tech Industry](https://hackernoon.com/this-is-whos-breaking-into-tech-an1s42xu) * [Business Insider - 6 people explain how they broke into tech from industries like nursing and teaching — and landed salaries over $100,000](https://www.businessinsider.com/how-to-switch-careers-tech-entry-jobs-developer-software-engineer-2022-5?r=US&IR=T)