{"id":7086,"date":"2026-04-22T09:56:00","date_gmt":"2026-04-22T13:56:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/theforage.wpengine.com\/?p=7086"},"modified":"2026-04-26T11:52:40","modified_gmt":"2026-04-26T15:52:40","slug":"how-to-get-into-tech-with-no-experienceutm_source_platformforageutm_mediumblogutm_campaignblog-post-9utm_termurl","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/theforage.wpengine.com\/careers\/how-to-get-into-tech-with-no-experienceutm_source_platformforageutm_mediumblogutm_campaignblog-post-9utm_termurl","title":{"rendered":"How to Build Tech Skills Without Work Experience"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Getting into tech<\/a> with no experience is possible, but it usually takes more than just sending out applications. The field is also growing fast \u2014 the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects about 317,700 openings each year <\/a>in computer and information technology occupations from 2024 to 2034. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The fastest path is to choose a role, build the right skills, get hands-on experience through projects or simulations, and show that work clearly in your applications. Here\u2019s how to do it step by step.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Figure Out What Tech Job Is Right for You<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Before you start your job search, it helps to have an idea of what kind of tech career you want.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cMy journey started by exploring my interests and aligning them with emerging trends in tech,\u201d says Patrice Williams-Lindo, CEO of Career Nomad and STEM career strategist. \u201cFor students today, I recommend looking at fields that excite them \u2014 whether it’s AI, cybersecurity<\/a>, or software development, while keeping an eye on where the industry is growing.\u201d She recommends experimenting through courses, hackathons, or networking to explore these fields.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Elvis Sun, a Google software engineer<\/a>, says finding the right tech path starts with a problem-solving mindset.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI’ve found that the best way to find your tech niche is to look for problems that need to be solved in the real world,\u201d he says. \u201cFor students who have never had a job, I suggest starting by looking at everyday problems around them \u2014 whether at school, in their community, or at home. Once they identify these problems, they can begin building solutions using different technologies. This hands-on approach helps you discover what interests you while building both technical and business skills.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Not sure which tech path fits you? Start with this quick quiz.<\/strong><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Build Technical Skills<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIf you want to increase your chances of landing a role, focus on building skills that match the jobs you want,\u201d James Hacking, founder of Socially Powerful, says. \u201cIt doesn’t need to be complicated \u2014 look up what tools or programming languages are common in the industry and start practicing.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

That focus on skills isn\u2019t just advice, it\u2019s how hiring actually works. Research from NACE shows that 64.8% of employers use skills-based hiring<\/a> for entry-level roles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Review job descriptions to spot key skills like coding, web development<\/a>, design, or data analytics<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To build them, try Forage job simulations<\/a> \u2014 free programs that let you experience real tech roles, like data science at BCG<\/a> or software engineering at Electronic Arts<\/a>, and add that experience to your resume.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But Don’t Forget Soft Skills<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Landing a job in tech requires technical skills, but you also need soft skills<\/a> to use them effectively in a workplace.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Soft skills are what help you stand out. In fact, NACE reports that nearly 90% of employers look for problem-solving skills<\/a> on resumes, and almost 80% look for teamwork.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cMaster the soft skills \u2014 particularly those involving face-to-face and written communication<\/a> \u2014 and use them to stand out from applicants sending generic resumes, skipping research, and relying only on online applications instead of referrals,\u201d says Dan Ulin, founder and CEO of Elite Student Coach.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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>>MORE: <\/strong>Learn how to build your soft skills from the here<\/a>. Explore critical tech soft skills like problem-solving skills<\/a>, analytical skills<\/a>, decision-making skills<\/a>, leadership skills<\/a>, and more.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

Get Experience<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

You don\u2019t need a full-time role to start building tech experience, but you do need something to show.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

NACE reports that when candidates are otherwise similar, internship experience is often the deciding factor<\/a>. You can build experience through:<\/p>\n\n\n\n