Routes Into the Tech: A Career Path for Everyone

The tech industry is booming, and with ever-expanding opportunities, people from all walks of life are finding their way into the field. 

And it’s this kind of diversity that we actively encourage at Vindico. Whether you’re fresh out of school, seeking a career change, or somewhere in between, there are plenty of ways to pursue the tech career you’ve always wanted. Here are a few different routes into the tech field – with some useful hints and stories from our own development team thrown in, too. 

The Traditional Route: University Degrees in Tech

For many, the traditional entry into tech starts with a university degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or a similar field of study. It’s a path that’s typically appealed to younger people looking to break into the tech field, and a 2021 survey by Stack Overflow reported that nearly 50% of developers under the age of 30 entered the industry this way.

Vindico’s own Rory Durrant is a great example of someone who opted for this route. Rory joined Vindico as a placement student while completing his university studies.

“I was looking for a Year in Industry placement, and Vindico came up on LinkedIn. Vindico was one of the only local tech companies offering a placement. After popping a message to CEO Jo Polson, the rest is history,” Rory explains.

Fast-forward to today and Rory is now a permanent member of the Vindico team. He now handles the backend development of applications, working on critical infrastructure to make our applications run smoothly and securely. He’s currently working on a top-secret project for a global sports brand, but we can’t say any more about this. 

“The ever-changing environment keeps the job fresh and exciting,” adds Rory.

If you’re already following this route – or considering it – a degree in a relevant field offers a strong foundation and a structured learning environment. But, as Rory’s story shows, real-world experience through internships or placements can also be valuable when it comes to paving the way for a career in tech. 

Click here to read more about Rory’s story – and what it’s really like to do a tech placement.

Coding Bootcamps: The Fast-Track to a Tech Career

If you’re looking for a faster way into the industry, coding bootcamps have become an increasingly popular option. They’re short, intensive programs that focus on practical skills and real-world application, and typically last anywhere from 12 weeks to six months. Bootcamps are a popular choice for anyone looking to change career and people who don’t want to commit to a full degree. 

Alice Martin is a software developer and part of the award-nominated development team at Vindico. She decided to switch careers and opted to take the bootcamp route after taking a few coding courses for fun. 

“I just fell in love with coding,” says Alice. 

“While working full-time, I enrolled in a part-time Computing and IT course and completed the Code First Girls degree program.”

Alice is proof that you can switch to a tech career at any stage. After joining Vindico two years ago, Alice is now a key member of our development team, where she works on several projects for our clients in the care sector. 

“I love that tech is such a fast-paced industry that’s always changing. There are always new things to learn and discover. I also love being able to work on projects from start to finish. At Vindico we’re involved in projects throughout the whole development process and get to see how it evolves,” adds Alice. 

Self-Learning: Independent Study That Lets You Learn at Your Own Pace 

Many tech professionals, particularly those from non-traditional backgrounds, break into the industry through self-learning. Today, there are plenty of online platforms offering accessible and affordable resources that allow aspiring developers to learn at their own pace.

And it’s a popular choice. 

A recent Stack Overflow developer survey found that around 27% of developers consider themselves self-taught, while 33% say they learned through a combination of formal education and independent study.

Alice’s journey into tech included plenty of independent learning. Despite juggling a full-time job, Alice found time to upskill through various online coding courses. And it’s a similar story for many of our team. Fellow Vindico developer Emilie studied online to enhance her IT and software credentials, Rory pursues his own coding projects outside of Vindico, and Kieran Williams, who also works on our dev team, contributes to the wider global blockchain community through hackathons.

You can read all about Kieran’s experience with blockchain hackathons here. 

Apprenticeships and Internships: Learning on the Job

If you prefer hands-on learning, an apprenticeship or internship could be a valuable pathway into tech. These programmes blend practical work experience with structured education to give you the chance to learn while you’re earning.

In Rory’s case, his placement with Vindico was part of his university studies, but it gave him a head start in the industry. Internships like this offer a chance to get your foot in the door, network, and gain the real-world skills that are in demand.

“Immediately after starting and meeting the team, I knew that Vindico was a good place to be. The welcoming atmosphere and exciting projects sealed the deal for me,” says Rory.

Tech: An Inclusive Industry for Everyone 

The beauty of the tech industry is its inclusivity, and the fact that it welcomes people from all backgrounds. 

“Vindico actively supports this through their inclusive environment, their appreciation for new ideas, and the work environment being a friendly, motivational, and empowering place to be in,” says software developer Meg Rolley. 

So, whether you follow the traditional route of a university degree, attend a coding bootcamp, learn independently, or decide to switch careers, tech offers plenty of opportunities for everyone.

As Rory highlights;

“The tech industry is constantly evolving, and there's always something new to learn about.” 

Want to see what tech careers and opportunities are available at Vindico? Click here to see our careers page. We update it often and are always on the lookout for outstanding tech talent so be sure to keep checking back or drop us a line.