Breaking into the tech industry as a first-generation individual can be a daunting task, but it is not impossible. As a Mexican immigrant and first generation (College, Corporate, and, future millionaire), I’ve personally gone through this journey and I want to tell you that with the right strategies and mindset, you can secure a fulfilling career in the tech industry. I got an opportunity to get into the technology space when I was a senior year in High School, and I’ll always be thankful to the individuals who saw potential in me and gave me an opportunity which I took, and I’ve thrived at.

I will write a series of articles that will help you get into technology, even if you’re not a “first-gen” individual. Here are some tips to help you get started:

1. Networking: One of the most effective ways to break into the tech industry is through networking. Reach out to professionals in the field and ask for advice or even just an informational interview. You never know who might be able to offer valuable insight or even a job opportunity. LinkedIn is a great tool for connecting with professionals in the industry, and attending networking events and meetups can also be beneficial. I’ll always advise to reach out to people with similar backgrounds, (perhaps someone who worked at the same fast food, or retail job that you worked at), maybe you both went to the same high school. Most people are willing to help, specially being that many of us have been in your shoes and based on shared backgrounds, we’ll be more understanding of your situation. Trust me, I’ve had Impostor Syndrome, I had no clue how to navigate the corporate world, or even thinking about asking for a raise was a daunting task.
2. Get hands-on experience: Look into internships or apprenticeships to gain hands-on experience in the field. Many companies offer these opportunities for individuals looking to break into the tech industry. This will not only give you a taste of what it’s like to work in the field but also help you build a portfolio of work to show potential employers. If you’re in High school, there’s organizations such as Genesys Works, Atlas Scholars, amongst others that can help you get into the corporate world by providing you with the skills (Business etiquette, and technical skills) necessary to thrive. I was personally part of Genesys Works back in 2007, and I give them credit for setting the initial trajectory for me to succeed in the technology space.
3. Utilize online resources: There are countless online resources available to help you build your skills, such as coding bootcamps, free coding tutorials, and open-source projects. These resources can be a great way to gain knowledge and experience without spending a lot of money. I personally know developers, Cyber Security professionals and other tech enthusiasts, creating online portfolios via Blogs, Twitter, or GitHub repositories in which they share their work for potential employers to find them. Remember, there’s hundreds of free resources online to study for professional certifications. If you have a public library card, you may access LinkedIn premium training, Coursera (some free), Youtube, and many other resources online.
4. Join online communities: Joining online communities such as Fishbowl, Reddit or LinkedIn groups for underrepresented groups in tech can be a great way to connect with others and find resources. These groups can provide support and guidance as you navigate the tech industry. Look specifically for people that may already be working in companies or roles that you’re interested in. Also, be mindful that as much as people are willing to help, YOU have to do the pre-work, and not expect everyone to do everything for you. I’ve put in a good work for people in the past that also ended up not following up and thus impacted my reputation at work.
5. Don’t be afraid to apply: Even if you don’t meet all the qualifications for a job, don’t be afraid to apply. Many companies are willing to train the right candidate. Be sure to highlight your relevant skills and experiences in your application. This specially applies for female candidates as they may feel they don’t meet all qualifications. Let me tell you, just GO for it! Majority of teams are mainly looking to see if you’re the right fit, in terms of personality, and being able to work along your team mates. Technical skills can always be taught, but personality is an asset you already have!
6. Overcoming Impostor Syndrome: Imposter Syndrome is common among first generation individuals (I know I did), feeling like you don’t belong in the industry, that you are not good enough. It’s important to remember that everyone has to start somewhere, and that you are capable of learning and growing. Surround yourself with a supportive community, and seek out mentorship and coaching to help build your confidence. If you ever need to reach out for mentorship, email me or DM me and I can always make time to advice where I can. Just remember that YOU are worthy and YOU belong to any space that you decide to go into.
7. Certifications and Trainings: Continuing education is important for staying current in the tech industry. Look into getting certifications or taking classes in the specific field you’re interested in. Employers often look for these certifications as a sign of dedication and expertise. Here’s a CompTia Certification Path document that I like to show individuals interested in the tech space, as it breaks down some of the certification paths that one can take for a specific role (Cyber Security, Cloud Engineer, Network Engineer, System Administrator, etc.). Again, these are suggested routes, but it will definitely give you an idea of what other certifications you can take. Do take advantage of training budget that your future company has and use this guide to select any relevant training & certification that will help you improve your experience and career. 
   
   

Breaking into the tech industry or corporate environment can be challenging, but with persistence, hard work and the right strategies (connections), you can achieve your goals. Remember to stay positive, keep learning, and take advantage of all the resources available to you.

The takeaway is that You are worthy of being in whatever space you choose to be in. Additionally, as they say “Network is your Net-Worth”, ensure you establish good connections (whether it’s in college, community, etc.) as you never know where opportunities may arise! Best of luck!