Ready to swap traditional tools for tech? Uncover the recipe for a successful tech career in Canada - networking, continuous learning, adaptability, and resilience are on the menu.
In this episode of Launchcast, our Talent Acquisition and People Person, Chrissy Ta, hosts Zachary Novak, Founder and Community Lead at Careers in Tech and Innovation (CITI), and Sara Struthers, who is Manager, Talent Services and Industry Engagement, at Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT).
They talk about the resources available to people trying to make it into the tech industry in Canada, things that jobseekers can do to make themselves valuable to companies, and even the soft skills organizations are looking for.
Introduction
The rapidly evolving tech industry promises a future brimming with opportunities. However, navigating this landscape, particularly in the Canadian job market, requires more than just technical prowess.
In this episode, Sara and Zachary explore the multifaceted dynamics of transitioning into tech careers, continuous learning, resilience, mentoring, and networking. Their insights provide a holistic guide for job seekers, especially newcomers, to conquer their career aspirations in the tech industry.
The Transformative Potential of Tech Careers
Tech careers offer an unparalleled potential for transformation. No matter one's previous career background or experience, the tech industry provides a space for change and growth.
This transformative nature is illustrated in Sara's narration about an executive chef who successfully transitioned into a tech role through a state-run boot camp. A testament to the opportunities tech careers offer, this story reflects the industry's potential to transform career trajectories.
The Importance of Continuous Learning and Adaptability
In the tech world, continuous learning and adaptability are non-negotiable. Technologies evolve rapidly, and staying relevant demands an ongoing commitment to learning. It’s not just about having a foundational understanding, but also about being adaptable to the changing landscape.
Sara emphasizes the need for continuous learning by citing the example of a student who supplemented their bootcamp education with additional courses to enhance their relevance and skills.
Zachary's transition from a psychology background to a tech career further underscores the value of adaptability and a willingness to learn.
Harnessing Resilience and Grit
Resilience and grit form the bedrock of a successful career transition, especially into tech.
The guests’ emphasis on "grit" and the courage to step out of one's comfort zone underlines the significance of resilience in the tech sector. Even when faced with unfamiliar territory or looming fears, the grit to keep going is often the difference between success and stagnation.
“We had a student, he was taking our Robotic Process Automation Bootcamp,” Sara said. “Actually, he was an executive chef. He graduated from our culinary school and was running a kitchen at a seniors’ home. During COVID, he was laid off.
“He was always interested in tech and wanted to see what he could do. I loved the cooking piece. I had a chance to chat with him before he enrolled in the program. I thought the way his mindset was, the way it's like in a kitchen, it would be very process-driven. It would be a good fit for him, the RPA program.
“So he took the program, worked on tons of projects, to Zach's point, because he was a pure pivot with some transferable skills. He had a contract shortly after he finished doing some data work, was doing some extra projects, RPA projects on the side, and just recently landed an RPA job about a month ago.”
Unlocking Opportunities through Networking
In the Canadian job market, networking serves as a pivotal tool for uncovering opportunities and breaking barriers, especially for newcomers lacking local experience or references.
Building connections, sharing knowledge, and actively engaging in the tech community can open doors to opportunities that may not be publicly advertised.
Zachary’s own journey, where networking played a critical role, is a powerful testament to this.
“One of our members, he's been networking more, and he's been meeting with people, and he said it just so well, he's like, ‘it's actually not about network, it's about friendship’. And that was actually an aha moment for me,” Zachary said on the podcast.
“It's not that they don’t want to hire people. They want to hire their friends. I think that's just something in the Canadian culture, we like to help people that we know. So being comfortable building that network is really important as well.”
Mentoring: Guiding the Path Forward
A mentor can act as a beacon, guiding professionals through the nuances of the tech industry. They offer constructive feedback, align skills and qualifications with the job market's needs, and provide motivation during challenging times. Sara’s experiences as a mentor in tech bootcamps underscore the invaluable role mentorship can play in career transitions.
“We have a member who moved here, and she was doing some kind of continuing studies in psychology. She got involved in the community, in the tech community, and was just involved in many communities and worked on a bunch of different projects and was just a connector of community,” Zachary cited one of his members.
“Actually, we built really strong relationships two or stronger relationships with other communities locally because of her as well. And she's such an incredible mentor leader to people in our community.
“I think it's just the example of being dealt a deck of cards that were unfavourable and just having a really positive mindset and just being involved in the community and working on projects and focusing on things that matter to her. And in the end, it all worked out.”
Overcoming Challenges as Newcomers
Newcomers to Canada face unique challenges, including unfamiliar work culture and visa complications. Yet, through a positive mindset, dedication, and community involvement, these hurdles can be overcome.
Zachary's narrative of an immigrant who engaged with the tech community, worked on projects, and eventually secured a tech role, despite visa complications, serves as a beacon of inspiration.
The Power of Soft Skills
In a field often dominated by hard technical skills, the importance of soft skills cannot be understated. Communication, teamwork, and emotional intelligence are crucial in enhancing one's value in the tech industry. These skills not only foster a productive work environment but also aid in building meaningful connections and navigating the subtleties of the job market.
Future of Work in Tech
The future of work in tech is a journey paved with opportunities for transformation, continuous learning, resilience, and growth. For job seekers in Canada, particularly newcomers, leveraging networking, embracing mentorship, honing soft skills, and nurturing a spirit of resilience can pave the way for a rewarding tech career.
The tech industry, with its constant evolution and advancement, shapes the future of work. It demands flexibility and adaptability to new paradigms and technological innovations. Emerging fields like Robotic Process Automation (RPA) open a wide range of opportunities for job seekers to explore and make their mark. Struthers' student's successful transition into an RPA role exemplifies how being on the cutting edge of tech developments can lead to success in this dynamic industry.
In conclusion, the future of work in tech, particularly in the Canadian context, is a landscape ripe with opportunities. Job seekers can navigate this landscape by embracing continuous learning, resilience, networking, and mentorship to carve out successful careers. The tech industry's transformative potential promises a future where adaptability, grit, and a commitment to learning become the stepping stones to success.
