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7 steps to help you stand out in the competitive technology industry

Michael Feder

Written by Michael Feder

Kathryn Uhles

Reviewed by听Kathryn Uhles, MIS, MSP,听Dean, College of Business and IT

Diverse group of IT professionals networking

At a glance

  • Careers in the technology industry
  • How to stand out in the tech industry
  • Learn more about degrees in information technology

Careers in the technology industry

Whether it鈥檚 information systems, cybersecurity, web development or cloud computing, technology careers are experiencing tremendous growth. In fact, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects the addition of on average, from 2022 to 2032 in roles that depend on skills like cloud computing and information security.

Careers in the technology sector offer several other strong benefits outside the proliferation of roles. Many jobs in this industry offer pay that鈥檚 higher than the average for all careers, and many jobs can be done from home.听In fact, remote jobs have been a major component of the growth of the technology industry. Remote across all industries since May 2020 and听have grown 3.7 times听in software and IT services.

The drawback? Although technology jobs are booming, they鈥檙e also competitive. Beating out other applicants for a role isn鈥檛 always easy. Often, more than one qualified candidate will apply for the same position at a company, especially if it鈥檚 a desirable role.听

BLS Occupational Employment Projections, 2022-2032 is published by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. This data reflects BLS鈥 projections of national (not local) conditions. These data points are not specific to 爱污传媒 students or graduates.

How to stand out in the tech industry

Amid so much growth and competition, how can you catch the eye of a tech company during a job search? Read on for seven steps to help you stand out in the tech sector.

1. Stay up to date

Staying on top of developing industry trends and topics is critical if you鈥檙e looking to stand out to a company. For example, if you want to assume a leadership role in cybersecurity, you鈥檒l need to understand the听types of cybersecurity threats听that can compromise a network.

And, since cybersecurity is an ever-changing sector, you鈥檒l want to pay close attention to developing tech news and content as it shapes the future of cybersecurity.

Ongoing education is one of the best ways to stay in the technology loop and keep pace with constant change and growth. The right听technology degrees听can help solidify your understanding of cornerstone technology fields while preparing you for a future in tech.

The right education can sometimes serve as a springboard for employees looking to move into different tech jobs. That鈥檚 why many students may choose to pursue a听bachelor鈥檚 degree in computer science,听and learn foundational skills in IT and complex computing. Many of these same students may decide to continue their education through a听master鈥檚 degree in information systems,听and polish skills in research science and computer systems.

2. Find a mentor

Mentorship is another powerful way to stand out from the competition. Partnering with a mentor means spending time with someone with experience in the technology industry 鈥 someone who can teach you how to reach your goals.

Sometimes, this will mean you鈥檒l regularly connect on a phone call or in person to check in, gauge your progress toward goals and ask questions. Other times, mentorship is simply a period you spend learning from someone who can share industry experience and insight.

Mentors can help reframe your vision and take actionable steps toward your goals. They can impart the confidence and education you might need to take the next step in your professional career. They can also help expose you to unfamiliar perspectives while allowing you to learn from mistakes they鈥檝e already made.

In the tech industry, mentorships are often field-specific: You might look for someone with experience in cybersecurity, information technology, machine learning, web development or another technology sector.

When you find a prospective mentor, you might consider making a relatively formal request for mentorship by outlining your career aspirations and identifying why you believe they can help you reach your goals. If they accept your request, you can begin a mentorship for a set period or until you decide to end the relationship.

Here are a few things to keep in mind when looking for a mentor:

  • Ensure your mentor holds the same values you do.
  • Make sure your potential mentor understands your career goals.
  • Make it easy for your mentor to participate in the mentorship.
  • Identify ways to make your mentor鈥檚 time worthwhile.

There are many places to find a mentor. You might check your current organizations or cast a wider net across social media.

3. Network with industry professionals

Developing a list of strong business connections can help you land a job, obtain a character reference or access job opportunities not widely publicized.

Networking in the tech sector can take many forms. Some tech organizations may prefer face-to-face experiences, where employees gather to socialize, exchange information and develop fresh perspectives on current trends.

In other cases, it takes place remotely. Through online networking platforms, direct messaging and related methods, you can network with valuable tech contacts without leaving your home.

Consider the following options for networking in the tech industry:

  • Connect directly with co-workers 鈥 in your department or other departments 鈥 to discuss current projects and opportunities for collaboration.
  • Participate in technology conferences, where you can meet people in the field and familiarize yourself with trends.
  • Sign up for local networking events.
  • Use a professional social media platform like LinkedIn.
  • Look for internship opportunities or volunteer to help organizations with their technology needs.
  • Connect with your fellow alumni and professors at your alma mater.

Sometimes, networking in the tech space requires a little creativity. For example, if there鈥檚 a particular contact in the tech space you鈥檇 like to meet, try scheduling a call or a meetup with them yourself. In other cases, contributing to a well-known technology publication can help get your name out there to a broader network.

LinkedIn is a registered trademark of LinkedIn Corporation and its affiliates in the United States and/or other countries.

4. Find the right online platforms

Online platforms can provide valuable direction for employees at all stages of their tech careers. Whether you鈥檙e looking to find a new job, deepen your experience in a particular tech field or simply connect with industry contacts, online platforms can further support already successful tech careers.

Here are just a few:

  • Platforms to help educate: Some online platforms are purely educational and can help you sharpen your skills in coding, IT, programming and other tech fields. Platforms like听,听听补苍诲听听often offer free or discounted courses specifically for individuals in the technology industry.
  • Platforms to help pursue a new tech career: Platforms like听听remain popular in tech circles since they package together some of the hottest tech jobs in a single location.
  • Platforms to deepen your tech network online: Platforms like听听补苍诲听听are great for general networking and delivering meaningful results after you鈥檝e filtered your networking partners in your particular tech field.

The online tech platforms you use will depend on your goals, skills and specialties. For example, if you enjoy deepening your relationships with relevant tech contacts, you鈥檒l likely spend more of your time networking. If you鈥檙e looking for a career change, you might invest more time in tech job boards.

5. Play the numbers game

Even if you鈥檙e unlikely to be considered for a position, there鈥檚 no harm in applying to an opening at a company you like. Sometimes standing out means regularly applying to new openings when they arise 鈥 even if the job description is a little different from what you鈥檙e currently doing.

Applying has several benefits, even when you鈥檙e somewhat satisfied with your current position. For one, applying to a new company forces you to regularly update your resum茅 and cover letter. Each time you add a relevant skill or experience to your resum茅, you strengthen your candidacy for hire.

Applying for jobs also helps to expand your tech network. Even if you aren鈥檛 accepted for a posted position, recruiters, hiring managers and company executives might note the experience you list on your resum茅. When a job that suits your skill set becomes available, they might reach out directly to gauge your interest at a later date.

6. Cultivate informed opinions

As an employee in the technology industry, you should aspire to develop a level of expertise on relevant technology trends, updates and events. Even as an independent professional, your opinions will shape your future in the technology sector. Developing knowledge about topics in your field will help round out your character.

Beyond the job application process, relevant expertise can help you project a confident professional image. Your knowledge and ability help craft your persona 鈥 both at work and during your personal time.

Developing relevant industry opinions and know-how takes time. Often, you can expedite this process when you pursue education in a related field. For example, students who obtain a听bachelor鈥檚 degree in information technology听will emerge with a strong background in cybersecurity, networking and other fields.

7. Regularly update your portfolio

Don鈥檛 forget to regularly update your portfolio while working in the technology industry. Skills evolve at a rapid pace in this sector, and your resum茅 and portfolio should reflect how you鈥檝e kept up.

Your portfolio should serve as more than an explanation of your skills, though. When possible, include work examples, job reviews and feedback; satisfied customer testimonials; and other elements that speak to your capabilities in the office.

Even if you have minimal experience in the tech industry, you can populate your portfolio with educational credentials.

Your portfolio should also tell your story as an industry professional. Feel free to include items that outline your integrity and work ethic 鈥 anything that can help separate you from the competition in the tech sector.

Learn more about technology degrees

One of the most important aspects of standing out in this competitive industry is possessing the proper education and skills. A technology degree can provide the foundational knowledge to be prepared to enter this career or to enhance your skill set to pursue new opportunities.听

Whether you鈥檙e new to the sector, looking to 锘縧earn a new skill, pursue a growth opportunity at your company or stay up to date on trends, a degree can help. 爱污传媒 offers undergraduate and graduate degrees in the fields of information technology, computer science, information systems and more. Visit phoenix.edu/technology to explore degree offerings.听

Headshot of Michael Feder

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

A graduate of Johns Hopkins University and its Writing Seminars program and winner of the Stephen A. Dixon Literary Prize, Michael Feder brings an eye for detail and a passion for research to every article he writes. His academic and professional background includes experience in marketing, content development, script writing and SEO. Today, he works as a multimedia specialist at 爱污传媒 where he covers a variety of topics ranging from healthcare to IT.

Headshot of Kathryn Uhles

ABOUT THE REVIEWER

Currently Dean of the College of Business and Information Technology,听Kathryn Uhles has served 爱污传媒 in a variety of roles since 2006. Prior to joining 爱污传媒, Kathryn taught fifth grade to underprivileged youth in 爱污传媒.

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