5 ways to Move to Tech

Last week I met up with a friend who saw the future of finance as radically different to today, she could see all the opportunities, how to use data and wanted to get more into tech; but had no idea where to start. We discussed a doctorate, MBA, fellowship and the amount of free to low cost resources out there!

I have had many conversations like this with my network, so I wanted to share resources and pay it forward. Just where do you start if you want to transition more into tech. I do not profess to be a guru, and in fact as I am increasingly invited to speak - I say "I am not one". What I am is someone that understands business, the opportunities and how to apply tech to problems.

That's the thing tech for tech sake is nothing, and what's really exciting is those practitioners that have a curiosity and thirst to learn, can self skill and apply their insights to solving real societal or business problems. So here are 5 resources that have helped me, and hopefully help you.

So did not start my journey by saying "I wanted to move to tech." I followed my passion hence the image for this article :), that when you follow passion and purpose the combination is powerful. My second passion is paying it forward and empowering others. So here are some resources that might just help another curious and passionate person solve problems.

1. Coding for people who absolutely know nothing.

I love coding it's one of those kinetic learning things where you can play and think of multiple problems you can solve. However, where do you start?! For some it may sound too complicated, but if you take a basic Lego 'We Do' that you play with kids, you are basically using commands to tell the lego you have built to: make a movement, change colour or repeat a task etc. Coding is just a new language where you are bound to make mistakes, but don't be afraid to play, explore and use Github ;). One resource that does not make you feel like a dumb idiot if you know nothing, practice, correcting mistakes in bad code and you can do in your own time when the kids are asleep is Microsofts Training School. Their Introduction to Python is absolutely free! I love this as you can explore on your own laptop using open source tools.

2. Exploring coding and data science

There is a lot of buzz about AI and machine learning which is basically a computer learning from the data it has. If you are a hands on learner and want to get more into data science, I love Data Camp they have 50% off for the next 6 days (from the date of publishing). As a working Mum I can take lessons a bit at a time, and play in their environment building continuously on my learning.

3. Machine Learning

Coursera was my go to for Machine Learning and I will say it was tough even though I had done a whole masters in Applied Business Research and a Doctorate. You have to have a lot of time to keep up with the pace, but if you do I recommend really getting behind how to structure data, matrices, hypothesis to apply to your data and understanding training sets. If you need to ground yourself in the basics first you will also find them on Coursera.

4. Block Chain

Block chain allows you to execute processes for 'many.' It changes the game, think about how you shop and get your goods or services. A distributor or agent brings good or services together as the current system cannot handle a 1 to many relationship. However, a decentralised system (which Blockchain is) efficiently handles a 1 to many transactions. It removes the need for a middle man. This may be an avenue you want to explore after coding as you need that as a base. Udemy has a great introduction course by Skills Chain. Udemy is again a great resource if you are curious and want to learn and explore skills.

5. Fellowship

The final one I have not done, but have looked into. I decided the best investment to make this year was travelling around the world with my kids, so it did not cost in for is. However, I wanted to share it as there is nothing like taking learning and applying it to real world problems. There may be other fellowships local to you but this one is for those also in Switzerland https://fellowship.ai

If there are any resources you have come across that would help others, or you think I would be interested in please share. I love to learn! We are at a point where things are changing so fast, but it's a opportunity to learn new skills in a way that makes sense to us, and apply it to things we are passionate about.

Have fun, and I hope this helped just 1 person.

If you are female and see a future career for you:

Join our Girls in Tech face to face events, just some of the up coming events include Virtual Reality and AI. If you want to match your purpose and career in tech, TechFace.ch has been created to resolve the gap of women and girls with purpose driven careers.