Moving into Tech, which courses?

[ButYouGottaHaveASkillJeff]

I'm sure I've started a thread before but cannot find it re moving into Tech.

I'm late 30's and seeking a career change. Currently in an admin-y type role for which I am paid pretty well for what I do. I'd like to earn more however and get out of admin. I did two years of Information Systems at uni when I left school but that was a loooong time ago.

I keep reading online about how women are being encouraged into tech roles and I've seen posts from people on here who have done just that.

However the amount of courses online is staggering. Who are the reputable companies? I've seen Udemy and Code Academy mentioned. Is coding the way to go? Ethical hacking and cyber security also sound interesting but what is the likelihood that these courses will lead me to a job?

Has anyone moved into tech at this stage of the game? What courses did you do?

Might be an idea to have a look at some job descriptions and see what they're asking for in terms of qualifications and experience. That might help you determine where you need to focus your efforts.

Good idea, I've made a list of the programmes/applications of a few jobs I've looked up that look interesting and will start from there.

Udemy and Udacity are both good starting points. Once you've made a list of available roles, that'll narrow it down a bit. Then go on to Udemy/Udacity and try out a couple of their free beginner courses in that area, and see what you enjoy.

Once you've got a clearer idea of what you want to do, then you can pay for a couple of courses.

You might even find it worthwhile to contact a couple of companies and ask what they're looking for. Often software companies are quite flexible and would be happy to advise you (and might keep you in mind for the future).

Great, thanks for that @BelfastSmile. Never thought to approach companies.

@ButYouGottaHaveASkillJeff

Great, thanks for that *@BelfastSmile*. Never thought to approach companies.

Yeah, obviously think carefully about what you say; don't make it sound like you've plucked the idea out of thin air. A lot of tech companies are just really keen to have good, reliable, enthusiastic people working for them, and if you present yourself well they may be interested in hiring you; if not, at least they may be able to give you some leads.

In parallel with Udemy etc, have you considered trying to move into an Admin role within Tech? It could get you some good exposure as well as building a network. You may find an opportunity to move into more of a Tech role and less of an Admin role comes along that way too. I know plenty of people who've made lateral moves into roles they wouldn't be considered for as an external candidate but because they're respected internally, doors can open.

@HundredMilesAnHour

In parallel with Udemy etc, have you considered trying to move into an Admin role within Tech? It could get you some good exposure as well as building a network. You may find an opportunity to move into more of a Tech role and less of an Admin role comes along that way too. I know plenty of people who've made lateral moves into roles they wouldn't be considered for as an external candidate but because they're respected internally, doors can open.

Yes currently looking for any admin roles within these companies. Would be good to get a foot in the door.

Don't just look at tech companies, look at any big company with a Tech dept such as banks etc,