Introduction to

Tech Careers
Mwaniki Tifany
November 23, 2024
 01 Introduction
02 Career Paths and Opportunities in
Tech
03 Overview of different Tech roles
04 How to Choose a Track / Career
Agenda Path
05 What's next?
06 Q&A Session

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 Overview of
different Tech
roles
01
 Software Development
Software Developer
Overview: Writes and maintains code for applications and systems.
Skills Needed: Programming languages (e.g., Java, Python), problem-solving, debugging.
Typical Tasks: Writing and testing code, debugging, collaborating with other developers..

Web Developer
Overview: Specializes in creating websites and web applications.
Skills Needed: HTML, CSS, JavaScript, responsive design, web frameworks (e.g., React, Angular).
Typical Tasks: Designing and coding websites, ensuring cross-browser compatibility, optimizing
web performance.

Mobile App Developer

Overview: Focuses on developing applications for mobile devices.
Skills Needed: Swift, Kotlin, Java, mobile UI/UX design, understanding of mobile platforms (iOS,
Android).
Typical Tasks: Designing and coding mobile apps, testing and debugging, collaborating with
designers.
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 Data Science and Analytics
Data Scientist
 Overview: Analyzes complex data to help make informed business decisions.
 Skills Needed: Statistics, machine learning, Python/R, data visualization.
 Typical Tasks: Data cleaning, building predictive models, interpreting data.

Data Analyst
 Overview: Collects, processes, and performs statistical analyses on data.
 Skills Needed: SQL, Excel, data visualization tools (e.g., Tableau), statistical analysis.
 Typical Tasks: Data collection, analysis, reporting findings.

Machine Learning Engineer

 Overview: Designs and implements machine learning models.
 Skills Needed: Machine learning algorithms, Python, TensorFlow/PyTorch, data preprocessing.
 Typical Tasks: Building and training models, deploying machine learning solutions, optimizing
algorithms.

 Who This Career Fits: Those with a strong interest in AI and machine learning, problem solvers.
Detail-oriented individuals, those who enjoy working with numbers and data, and solving
complex problems
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 Cybersecurity
Cybersecurity Analyst
 Overview: Protects systems and networks from cyber threats.
 Skills Needed: Network security, risk assessment, intrusion detection, ethical hacking.
 Typical Tasks: Monitoring security systems, responding to incidents, conducting vulnerability
assessments.

Ethical Hacker
 Overview: Tests systems for vulnerabilities to improve security.
 Skills Needed: Penetration testing, ethical hacking, knowledge of security protocols.
 Typical Tasks: Conducting penetration tests, identifying security weaknesses, reporting findings.

Security Engineer
 Overview: Develops and implements security measures.
 Skills Needed: Network security, encryption, firewalls, security protocols.
 Typical Tasks: Designing security systems, implementing security measures, monitoring for
threats.

 Who This Career Fits: Detail-oriented individuals, those interested in security and technology,
Problem solvers, those who enjoy finding and fixing security issues.
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 IT and Network Administration
Network Engineer
 Overview: Manages and maintains network infrastructure.
 Skills Needed: Networking protocols, network design, troubleshooting, Cisco/Juniper
certifications.
 Typical Tasks: Configuring network hardware, monitoring network performance, troubleshooting
issues.
 Who This Career Fits: Problem solvers, those interested in networking and infrastructure.

System Administrator
 Overview: Oversees the operation of computer systems and networks.
 Skills Needed: System administration, server management, scripting, troubleshooting.
 Typical Tasks: Managing servers, ensuring system uptime, performing backups.

IT Support Specialist
 Overview: Provides technical support to users and organizations.
 Skills Needed: Troubleshooting, customer service, knowledge of operating systems and
software.
 Typical Tasks: Resolving technical issues, providing user support, maintaining IT systems.

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 Cloud Computing
Cloud Engineer
 Overview: Manages cloud infrastructure and services.
 Skills Needed: Cloud platforms (e.g., AWS, Azure), networking, security, automation.
 Typical Tasks: Designing cloud solutions, managing cloud resources, ensuring security.

DevOps Engineer
 Overview: Combines development and operations to improve software delivery.
 Skills Needed: Automation, CI/CD, scripting, cloud platforms.
 Typical Tasks: Automating deployment processes, managing CI/CD pipelines, collaborating with
development teams.

Cloud Architect
 Overview: Designs and oversees cloud computing strategies.
 Skills Needed: Cloud platforms, architecture design, security, networking.
 Typical Tasks: Designing cloud architectures, ensuring scalability and security, managing cloud

 Who This Career Fits: Individuals, those interested in cloud computing and infrastructure, those
with a strong interest in automation and software development.

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 Product and Project Management
Product Manager
Overview: Oversees the development and lifecycle of a product.
Skills Needed: Product management, market research, communication, strategic planning.
Typical Tasks: Defining product vision, managing product roadmap, coordinating with teams.

Project Manager
 Overview: Manages projects to ensure they are completed on time and within budget.
 Skills Needed: Project management, scheduling, budgeting, risk management.
 Typical Tasks: Planning projects, managing resources, tracking progress.

Scrum Master
Overview: Facilitates agile development processes.
Skills Needed: Agile methodologies, Scrum framework, communication, facilitation.
Typical Tasks: Leading Scrum meetings, removing impediments, coaching teams.

Who This Career Fits: Strategic thinkers, those with strong leadership and communication skills,
Organized individuals, those with strong leadership and problem-solving skills.

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 UX/UI Design
UX Designer
 Overview: Focuses on the user experience and usability of products.
 Skills Needed: User research, wireframing, prototyping, usability testing.
 Typical Tasks: Conducting user research, creating wireframes, testing designs.

UI Designer
 Overview: Specializes in the visual aspects of user interfaces.
 Skills Needed: Visual design, typography, color theory, design tools (e.g., Sketch, Figma).
 Typical Tasks: Designing user interfaces, creating visual elements, ensuring design consistency.

Interaction Designer
 Overview: Designs interactive elements of a product.
 Skills Needed: Interaction design, prototyping, user research, usability testing.
 Typical Tasks: Designing interactive elements, creating prototypes, testing interactions.

 Who This Career Fits: Individuals, those with a strong interest in design and user experience,
those with a strong eye for design and detail, those with a strong interest in interaction design.

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02
Emerging technology careers

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1. Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning
 AI Researcher: Conducts research to advance AI technologies.

 Skills Needed: Machine learning, deep learning, programming (Python, R).

 Typical Tasks: Developing new algorithms, conducting experiments, publishing research.

 Who This Fits: Those with a strong interest in AI and research, problem solvers.

 Machine Learning Engineer: Designs and implements machine learning models.

 Skills Needed: Machine learning, data science, programming (Python, TensorFlow).

 Typical Tasks: Building and training models, deploying ML solutions.

 Who This Fits: Analytical thinkers, those interested in AI applications.

 AI Product Manager: Oversees the development of AI-powered products.

 Skills Needed: Product management, AI knowledge, strategic planning.

 Typical Tasks: Defining product requirements, coordinating with teams.

 Who This Fits: Strategic thinkers, those with leadership skills.

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2. Blockchain and Cryptocurrency
• Blockchain Developer: Develops blockchain applications and smart contracts.
• Skills Needed: Blockchain technology, cryptography, programming
(Solidity, JavaScript).
• Typical Tasks: Writing smart contracts, developing decentralized
applications.
• Who This Fits: Tech enthusiasts, those interested in decentralized
systems.
• Cryptocurrency Analyst: Analyzes market trends and data for
cryptocurrencies.
• Skills Needed: Financial analysis, blockchain knowledge, data analysis.
• Typical Tasks: Monitoring market trends, providing investment insights.
• Who This Fits: Analytical individuals, those interested in finance and
technology.

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 3. Internet of Things (IoT)
• IoT Solutions Architect: Designs and implements IoT systems.

• Skills Needed: IoT technology, cloud computing, networking.

• Typical Tasks: Creating IoT solutions, integrating devices, ensuring security.

• Who This Fits: Problem solvers, those interested in connected devices.

4. Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR)

• AR/VR Developer: Creates immersive experiences using AR and VR technologies.

• Skills Needed: 3D modeling, programming (Unity, Unreal Engine), spatial computing.

• Typical Tasks: Developing AR/VR applications, creating simulations.

• Who This Fits: Creative individuals, those interested in immersive technologies.

5. Quantum Computing
• Quantum Computing Researcher: Explores and develops quantum computing technologies.

• Skills Needed: Quantum mechanics, programming (Qiskit, Cirq), mathematics.

• Typical Tasks: Conducting research, developing quantum algorithms.

• Who This Fits: Those with a strong interest in quantum physics and computing.

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 03
Things to consider
When choosing a
career path

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 Why Choose That Track???
Personal Interests and Passions
 Identify What You Enjoy: Think about the activities and subjects that you are passionate about. A career aligned with
your interests is more likely to be fulfilling and enjoyable.

 Hobbies and Extracurricular Activities: Reflect on your hobbies and how they might translate into a career.

Skills and Strengths

 Assess Your Skills: Consider your strengths and the skills you excel in. This can include both hard skills (e.g., technical
abilities) and soft skills (e.g., communication, leadership).

 Seek Feedback: Ask for feedback from mentors, teachers, or colleagues to gain insights into your strengths.

Values and Goals

 Identify Your Values: Think about what is important to you in a job, such as work-life balance, job security, and the
ability to make a difference.

 Set Long-Term Goals: Consider where you want to be in the future and how a particular career path can help you

12/02/2024achieve those goals. 16

 Job Market and Opportunities
 Research Job Demand: Look into the demand for various careers in the job market. Some fields may offer more opportunities and job security
than others.

 Consider Future Trends: Think about how industries are evolving, and which careers are likely to grow in the future.

Work Environment and Lifestyle

 Work Environment: Think about the type of work environment you thrive in, whether it's a corporate office, a creative studio, or remote work.

 Lifestyle Considerations: Consider how different careers align with your desired lifestyle, including work hours, travel requirements, and
flexibility.

Financial Considerations
 Salary Expectations: Research the average salaries for different careers and consider your financial goals.

 Job Stability: Consider the stability and growth potential of the career.

Personal Fulfillment and Satisfaction

 Meaningful Work: Consider whether the career provides a sense of purpose and fulfillment.

 Job Satisfaction: Think about the aspects of a job that contribute to your overall happiness and satisfaction.

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04
What’s next?
 CAREER SELECTION ROADMAP

Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4

IDENTIFY A PLAN CAREER SET

PATH
Assess your interests, Create an action ROADMAP
Create a visual MILESTONES
Set short-term goals to build
skills, and values to plan. Learning paths, roadmap of your momentum, setting medium-term
help you identify certifications and career path, goals to maintain progress then set
potential career paths. opportunities that highlighting key long term goals to keep the end goal
can aid your journey milestones and steps. in sight.
To wrap it up all
up??
1.Would You Enjoy the Tasks?
 Focus on the tasks involved in the career, not just the job title.
Find a career that aligns with what you love doing.

2.The Big Picture

Understand what you will be doing on a daily basis.
Break down the tasks to see if they match your interests and strengths.

3.Invest in Activities
Engage in activities that bring you closer to your career goals.
Practice and improve your skills every day.

4.Embrace Change
Be open to changes in your values and interests over time.
It’s okay to change your mind and explore new paths.

Ps:
Enjoy the journey and the tasks involved in your career.
Continuously invest in your growth and development.
Stay flexible and adaptable to new opportunities.
 05
Closing
Tasks to do before next week Saturday:

• Identify a path

• Create a plan

• Set your milestones for the career path you

chose

Mwaniki Tifany

[email protected]
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