How to Get Started in Tech Jobs?
There are many opportunities to be had in the technology industry and the sector itself is divided into several areas. Knowing the area in which you would like to progress will help you to make sure that you are adequately prepared and have an understanding of the entry requirements for each profession.
Job Test Prep has extensive knowledge of the qualities required for each profession and, as such, can provide a comprehensive range of tests and resources to help you to prepare for each specific recruitment process.
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Areas of the Technology Industry
The technology industry incorporates technology, media, and telecoms and is sometimes referred to as the TMC sector. The sector itself attracts a lot of investment, traders, and investment bankers who are keen to take advantage of the large profits often associated with the industry – the average growth is 8 – 12% annually.
The industry itself can be complex due to the many different specialisms within media and communication. The TMC is sub-divided into:
- Hardware
- Software
- Internet
- Mobile
- Networking
- Semiconductors
The sectors can be described as follows:
Telecoms
As its name suggests, this sector includes all communications businesses, including phone, television, and internet services. Some of the most well-known of these businesses are BT, Vodafone, EE, and Virgin Media.
Hardware
These companies make computers and server systems as well as tablets and storage devices, hard drives, and memory.
Internet
In this sector, the companies operate online such as Facebook and LinkedIn.
Software
This group of communications is responsible for the production of applications for mobile phones and computers.
Networking
This group of companies in the sector makes, installs, and maintains components for computer networks, both hardwired and wireless. These components could include products such as cables, switches, and routers.
Media
TV networks, radio, and any organizations that provide multimedia content are included in this sector. This could also include cable TV and social media. Examples of companies in this sector are Channel 4, BBC, and the Financial Times.
IT Services
Software companies and those that provide IT services fall under the heading of this sector.
Semiconductor Manufacturers
These companies produce and develop circuits and microchips for computers and mobile devices.
What Jobs Are Available in the TMC Sector?
There are numerous jobs available within the TMC sector, especially for college graduates and individuals with previous tech experience. Jobs could include:
Network Engineer
One of the most technically demanding of the tech professions as it involves the creation, maintenance, and upgrade of communication systems, LANs, and WANs. For a job in this sector, you will need to have a telecoms or computer science degree.
You will need to be a good communicator, able to plan efficiently, analyze and solve problems; you will also need to possess in-depth knowledge of networks.
Software Developer
A professional in this sector will build computer programs, apps, and websites. They will be able to write and test codes and find system solutions. As with the Network Engineer role, a software developer will also need a degree in Computer Sciences or Software Engineering.
The key skills for this profession are logic, the ability to analyze, an eye for detail, and being a good team player.
Business Analyst
A professional in this sector will be able to assist businesses through the development of their processes and operations using IT to identify any viable opportunities. A business analyst will study the needs of a company’s customers in order to create a plan to find a technology solution. They may also undertake project management.
The entry requirements for a position such as this are a degree in Business Analytics or in IT and Business Administration. Other additional qualifications may include IIBA and CBAP. A proficient Business Analyst will be able to evaluate the operational flow of a business and thus analyze its processes.
Understanding how software supports the business in its operations and how information is stored and maintained is also a vital skill for the analyst.
IT Support Analyst
In this sector, the role will include similar duties to that of a helpdesk support analyst or technical support analyst.
Excellent communication skills, as well as a sound IT understanding, will enable the support analyst to provide support to customers via phone, email, and chat platforms. The IT support can also extend to individuals within the business or other outside organizations.
To be successful in this role, candidates will need an IT-related degree along with the ability to solve problems and a calm and patient manner.
IT Consultant
An IT consultant will provide technical support and advice to customers as well as system design, project management, and code development. This role requires a good understanding of business operations along with technical knowledge. Candidates will also need great communication skills and the ability to be a team player.
Once you have the necessary qualifications to apply for your chosen technical position within the TMC sector, there may be other stages to the recruitment process, and these will be dependent upon the specific role and organization to which you are applying.
Tech Recruitment Process
Stages of the recruitment process may include specialized tests such as:
These tests will be administered in order to evaluate your suitability as a potential employee. It is important for your prospective employer to be able to assess not only your cognitive capabilities but also how well you will fit into the organization.
Personality Tests
Personality tests will define and measure your dominant character traits and how these may fit with company culture, values, and ethos. Understanding individual employees will help the organization build efficient and harmonious teams.
Situational Judgment Tests (SJTs)
Situational Judgment tests are designed to find out how a candidate may respond to certain hypothetical work situations that could be typically encountered within your chosen profession. This will also help future employers to employ people who have the necessary disposition to deal with the demands of their new job.
After taking the relevant tests, it is likely that you will be required to take an in-person interview. Employers will further try to find out about your skills, qualifications, ambitions, and disposition.
Get Started
Whichever job you are applying for, it is advisable to fully research the recruitment process so that you are able to make necessary preparations. Knowing the steps of the process will mean that you can practice and identify any areas of weakness.
Job Test Prep has a range of resources designed to help you prepare, gain confidence and familiarity with the process and therefore give you a competitive advantage.
Written by Karen Stanley
Karen is a former teacher of 20 years and ten times published author. She writes content for educational organizations and businesses, nationally and internationally. She coaches new and budding writers through to publication and is passionate about creativity; she runs creative writing workshops in schools and fostering agencies.
Sarah is an accomplished educator, researcher and author in the field of testing and assessment. She has worked with various educational institutions and organisations to develop innovative evaluation methods and enhance student learning. Sarah has published numerous articles and books on assessment and learning. Her passion for promoting equity and fairness in the education system fuels her commitment to sharing insights and best practices with educators and policymakers around the world.
