Since I started university, I hadn’t thought I would be interested in tech or even consider building a career in this industry. When I decided on my major, I chose Accounting because I felt it was a highly stable career. And, Accountancy is probably the most practical choice from my perspective.
After graduation, I landed my first job as a finance associate at a local startup. I dealt with accounts receivable, payables, petty cash, and keying accounting entries into Xero, a popular accounting program.
Being in a startup company was a valuable experience as a fresh graduate because I got to wear many hats within the accounting team. Until then, I looked forward to climbing the corporate ladder and growing my career.
My first-hand experience with tech
The opportunity to gain hands-on experience with proprietary technology was offered to me before I transitioned into my role as a financial analyst at a tech giant. That experience sparked my interest in diving into tech, leading me to look out for potential career opportunities and growth in this industry.
Taking the first step
When transitioning into tech, I extensively researched potential career paths and found that data analytics and data science held immense potential. This was in 2015 when the tech industry was gaining momentum, and I was convinced that it would benefit me to make the switch.
However, transitioning careers can be daunting, and I believe you must do your due diligence before deciding. Researching the industry and understanding career opportunities and required courses is critical.
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Luckily, you can easily find information online with a working device and an active internet connection. This is how I began my research, collecting course brochures and reading reviews and testimonials from those who successfully transitioned to tech. As I saw the potential of this path, my determination to pursue it grew stronger.
Avenues to upskill
My eagerness to jumpstart this career has led me to take multiple courses to facilitate my career transition. Here are some of my personal experiences and thoughts on accessing different avenues of upskilling.
If you do not have a related degree, for example, in Computer Science, one of the fastest ways to gain essential skill sets to enter the tech industry is to take a Master’s programme.
In my opinion, this is the most expensive and time-consuming way. A reputable university’s curriculum is extremely rigorous and comprehensive. You will also need to spend a lot of time and effort studying and working on projects and examinations. You’ll need to commit at least one to two years, depending on whether you are taking a full-time or part-time programme. This will be a long and tough journey, so be mentally prepared. To give you a head start in your tech career, internship programs can also give you real-world experience, which you can add to your resume.
Nonetheless, doing the Master’s or Postgraduate programme is the most effective way to enter the job market faster because the certification is mostly recognised by potential employers. In my experience, this is how HR or various job portal systems might have found my CV quickly.
Coding boot camps is another popular option for individuals seeking a cheaper option with fewer commitments. There are also different types of boot camps available as well.
Alternatively, you can always consider self-learning.
Self-teaching is a cost-effective option that demands self-discipline and motivation. Online resources are available, eliminating enrollment in a course. I prefer self-learning to acquire new skills quickly. I dedicated at least one hour daily to coding and self-paced courses in the early stages of my career, enabling me to code faster and create data visualisations with new software.
The upside of self-teaching is that you can learn at your own pace without strict deadlines. On the downside, self-motivation is vital, and distractions can hamper your focus. Finding quick answers to your questions may prove challenging without a curriculum or an instructor. Nonetheless, a self-taught mentality promotes continuous learning, essential for career growth. Keep upskilling to stay relevant in the industry.
Funding options
It is also important to mention that subsidies and grants are available to offset some of your upskilling courses. Save on your wallet by taking advantage of the Institute of Banking & Finance, Skillsfuture, and IMDA Digital Scholarships. It helped me greatly on my upskilling journey. So consider these available options to help you with your finances.
Also Read: How to balance rapid growth and sustainability as a startup founder
Life after pivoting to tech
It has been years since I moved from Accountancy to Tech, and it has been a fulfilling journey. There’s always a demand for tech skills, so career progression is much faster than in accounting. The skills I’ve gained are valuable to me as I can apply them across different companies.
My experience in tech has given me countless opportunities to work in technical roles or to impart my knowledge. Aside from guest speaking at conferences, I also mentor juniors in their career aspirations. Not only that, but I also appeared on television with Singapore’s Deputy Prime Minister to discuss issues about upskilling and potential growth opportunities. Without that career move, I wouldn’t have had the chance to experience this.
Is it scary to pivot?
Switching from accounting to tech was the best decision I’ve made. It provided me with more opportunities and helped me significantly grow my skills. Stepping out of my comfort zone was necessary for my success. It might seem daunting initially, especially without a prior background or skills, but with continued practice, my fears were unfounded. As I progressed in my career, my confidence grew to the point where I could assist my peers.
Thoughts and advice
My advice to those considering a career switch is to take the first leap and not be afraid to follow through. Depending on your needs, you can choose from many options. Be patient and strive to improve each time. Failure is part of the learning process, a valuable experience that adds to your growth. You will eventually achieve your career goals.
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