Google, Yelp, Amazon. Every day we hear something new from another tech company. But here’s the truth: the industry is changing rapidly, and so are the skills and experiences top companies need to stay competitive. Simply put, recent grads and career changers looking to work in tech are finding out that the traditional route—earning a degree in data science—isn’t the only way to land a great job.
Tons of positions need to be filled right now in successful tech companies, and many of them don’t require traditional tech know-how. If you’re interested in working in tech, here’s what you need to know to get started.
Know the Jobs In Tech That Don’t Require a Specific Degree
There are plenty of highly skilled analytical positions in tech, but there are also tons of jobs that rely on less technical skillsets. Sales and Marketing, Human Resources and Customer Experience Management are just a few of the areas that leading tech companies need to fill. After all, the most innovative tech company is no good without a stellar marketing team and someone to sell software, arrange interviews and pave the way for extraordinary customer experiences.
Here are some of the most in-demand jobs at local tech companies in the San Francisco area:

Sales Development Representatives
Sales Managers
Customer Success Managers
Account Executives

Killer sales skills—whether you sell mini vans or pizzas—is a valuable asset to bring to the table. Tech sales is an exciting entry-level career that when done well, opens the door to other, high level careers. No sales experience? How about creative thinking and a pioneering mindset? Believe it or not, most successful tech companies look for people that can fill gaps that specialized degrees can’t fill.
Showcase Transferrable Skills and Creative Potential on Your Resume
Have you been working in real estate for the past decade? Maybe you’ve been paying your way by waiting tables or working at the local coffee shop. All jobs build skills, and whatever you’ve been doing, you’ve likely developed some pretty solid experience. Soft skills, like being able to make people comfortable, or nailing the art of persuasion are in high demand, and the types of things tech recruiters look for when searching for talent.
Of course, creativity, passion and innovative potential are up there too. Build your resume to showcase the transferrable skills you have that hiring managers look for and stay one step ahead of the competition.
Pursue Training from a Reputable Tech Sales Bootcamp
If you’re serious about breaking into tech, it makes sense to seek out training that can help you develop the skills to find important network opportunities. More importantly, you’ll learn how to sell the most important product—you!
With the right guidance, you can master the in’s and out’s of landing a great job in tech, from building a killer resume to interviewing like a pro and using top tools, like Salesforce, Slack, Outreach and more. Set yourself up for success with training in one of the country’s most sought after environments for tech start-ups and veteran tech companies and get yourself on the fast track to getting hired.
Find a Mentor Who Works In Tech
One of the fastest ways to get your foot in the door in tech is to connect with people who are already succeeding in this space. The right mentor can provide guidance and much needed advice as you charter new territory. Where do you find them?
Most serious job seekers look to the networking opportunities provided by LinkedIn. We’re all familiar with the platform, but how many of us actually use it to make meaningful connections? Don’t be afraid to reach out to people who can help. Most professionals are happy to help, whether it’s making an introduction or offering some hard learned advice. But remember, a great mentorship is a reflection of how much effort you put into the relationship. Find a truth teller, listen and learn.  
Final Thought: Weigh the Pros and Cons Honestly
Every new career choice has pros and cons. But if you want to start something truly new, be honest with yourself. Yes, $80,000 the first year is doable, and it sounds like a lot of money—because it is. But, are you willing to show up to work early and leave late? Are you willing to keep working hard even after you hit quota? These are just a few of the real world sacrifices you’re likely to face as you pursue a job in tech. Think carefully about the pros and cons of getting into the industry, and be ready to hit the road hard from day one.
In Sum
The future of work is here and there’s no question it’s in tech. The good news? Not all of us hold a degree in computer science, and that’s okay. There’s still plenty of room to enter the field for hard working self-starters. The path to an amazing job in tech is wide open—you simply need to get started. 
For more information on how you can jumpstart an exciting career in tech, be sure to visit us today! Make a change, start a career!