5 Reasons to Work in Tech in 2021

The start of a New Year is cause for a new challenge for many, and following the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic, 1 in 2 people in the UK alone are thought to be considering a change of career.

Whatever your skill set, experience, current situation and life goals, a new career in technology could prove to be your best professional decision yet. VHR’s technical recruitment specialists reveal the five most compelling reasons to change your job and join the tech sector this year.

5 Reasons Why Technology is the Best Sector to Join in 2021

1. Industry Growth

Whilst the past year has seen unprecedented damage to sectors such as travel, hospitality and retail, the technology industry has risen to new heights above and beyond expectations.

It was recently reported that the industry is growing six times faster than any other. With the mass enforcement of remote working, the adoption of communication tools such as Zoom to connect with friends and family members and the uptick in online learning, our work and home lives have become intrinsically linked to the digital world.

The work/life benefits and efficiencies delivered by computerised solutions during the pandemic mean that long after we reach a ‘new normal’, a reliance on digital products and services is here to stay. This adoption and growth is good news for jobseekers: tech vacancies have skyrocketed by 50% since July alone, and are now accumulating at a rate of 2.6% per month. In some regions of the UK, one in every 10 jobs advertised is part of the industry.

Business leaders are also generating record levels of investment as venture capitalists and entrepreneurs predict long-term revenue growth in the coming decade, making the sector an ideal choice for applicants who prioritise job security and career progression.

2. Positive, Inclusive and Unique Culture

Tech and fintech firms famously top the list of Best Companies to Work For compilations every year. Employees working in tech cite job satisfaction, company values, career opportunities, work/life balance, senior management support and matching values as integral to their employer’s enjoyable and supportive cultures.

Google – Google’s Global Education Programme pays for degrees and professional qualifications and provides study leave. Employees can spend 20% of their working time – one day every week – pursing something personal to them (which has resulted in innovation such as Google Maps Street View). Staff are provided with shuttle buses to shorten their commutes to the office, and individuals can bring their pets to work.
Apple – In addition to working for a well-known global leader in creativity and innovation, careers at Apple are beneficial in a number of ways. Apple values the mental and physical health of its employees, offering onsite doctors and nurses inside its offices, free counselling, dedicated wellness centres, fitness centres that provide meditation and exercise classes. Every employee has the opportunity to become an Apple shareholder and receives discounts on Apple stock, and generous pension plans help staff save for the future. Apple University creates and delivers seminars, courses and tools across business, software and finance.
Microsoft – The legendary brand was a leader in remote working long before the pandemic, and offers great flexibility for working hours, where staff can choose their own schedules. The company offers dedicated caregiver leave for parents and those with dependents in times of need, as well as a generous holiday allowance. The organisation heavily focuses on work-life balance, offering staff members extensive perks such as healthcare and discounts on products, and provides employees with volunteering opportunities.
HubSpot – The sales and marketing software company prioritise diversity and inclusion, and since recruiting a dedicated Diversity Director have created support groups and networks for women, ethnic minority, LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender) employees. The company’s learning and development focus includes a Free Books Programme, a mini-MBA programme, paying for employee degree and higher education costs and in creating multiple bespoke courses to help employees learn skills such as coding.

3. Diversity of Jobs

Because technology is now interwoven so closely in the lives, careers and relationships of individuals and societies around the world, working in the industry can offer a vast array of vocations. From the exciting world of start-ups to rapidly growing SMEs to thriving global giants, tech companies require individuals of all skills, backgrounds, experience levels and personality types.

Whether you identify more as a creative, an analyst, a people person or an independent individual, the tech industry has the role for you. A wide range of potential positions includes:

AI Engineers
Data Analysts
Team Leaders
Game Developers
Design Engineers
Project Managers
Software Engineers
Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) Specialists
Intelligence Officers
Social Media Executives
Dev/Ops Engineers
Product Designers
Operations Managers
Website Developers
Digital Transformation Officers
Business Systems Support Managers
Heads of Innovation.

The sector also offers a wealth of entry-level jobs for those without transferable skills, meaning that inexperienced individuals can build a rewarding career path from scratch. Apprenticeships are the perfect way to earn as you learn and kickstart your career with practical skills from day one.

Discover the 10 Best Tech Jobs to Apply for in 2021.

4. Fight Covid-19

Tech employees are at the forefront of the fight against the coronavirus, and as the virus looks set to cause significant additional damage despite global vaccination programmes, new recruits to the sector will be involved in a rare opportunity to help the world battle against the deadliest threat since World War 2.

As of January 2021, Covid-19 has claimed the lives of almost 2million people across ages and backgrounds around the world. However, technology firms are leading the way in protecting millions more lives and livelihoods. From medical breakthroughs, business support, financial aid and mental health services, recent technology innovations include:

Pivoting to Medical Manufacturing – Aerospace, Manufacturing and Engineering companies united to build multiple thousands of ventilators for hospitals in Q2 2020, empowering existing manufacturers to rapidly escalate manufacturing and produce essential breathing equipment for patients around the world
Stopping Disease Transmission Before It Happens – Using AI and Machine Learning to understand where disease outbreaks occur, utilising this information to forecast potential outbreaks and performing health checks, tracking and tracing for travellers in these areas, as was performed in Taiwan in early 2020
Telehealth Services – Facilitating social distancing in hospitals, GP surgeries, pharmacies and care homes, whilst ensuring patients receive the best possible treatment and support, through services such as video GP appointments and virtual health screening
Essential Delivery Services – Apps, funds and logistical innovation is supporting delivery staff distribute essential food, medicine, clothing and hygiene products to those in need, as safely and efficiently as possible.

5. Innovation and Progression – Change is the New Normal

Whilst some are content with a slower-paced role that offers little in the way of excitement or development but makes up for it with additional benefits, technology is the place for ambitious, driven and enthusiastic individuals who are looking for an adventure every day.

Blakelee Mills, CEO of scientific graphics software house Golden Software, states of her career experience, ‘I serendipitously entered the technological space, and I’ve remained because of the ever-changing nature of the industry. Technology is the driving force behind the majority, if not all, of today’s innovations.’

The tech sector is unique in its ability to provide learning opportunities and new experiences on a daily basis. Tech employees often have the autonomy to design or pitch something completely new, trust their gut feelings to take risks with potentially phenomenal results, and identify and storm ahead with business opportunities as they arise in real-time. Ideas and collaboration are just as important ability, meaning that anyone can find their true calling and create a rewarding working life with hard work, a positive attitude and the commitment to learn and grow.

Find Your Next Career Opportunity

Ready to find a new job? Take a look at VHR’s latest technical and engineering roles.

Enhance your career prospects – Discover 7 Ways to Stand Out from Other Job Applicants.