The tech industry is one of the fastest-growing sectors in the digital age. With soaring demand for digital talent, starting a career here can be a golden opportunity for a bright future. But many beginners feel lost: Where to start? Which skills are in demand? How to get into top tech companies?
This article provides a step-by-step guide—from choosing the right field, mastering essential skills, building a portfolio, to acing interviews at companies like Google, Gojek, or unicorn startups.
Why Choose a Career in Technology?
1. High Salaries & Growth Opportunities
- Software Engineers in Indonesia earn Rp 10-50 million/month.
- Data Scientists in the US average $120,000/year (Glassdoor).
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2. Work Flexibility (Remote/WFH)
- Companies like Tokopedia & Bukalapak offer hybrid work.
- Freelancers can work for global clients (Upwork, Fiverr).
3. Diverse Career Paths
- Not just coding! UX Design, Digital Marketing, Cybersecurity, etc.
5 Steps to Starting a Tech Career from Zero
Step 1: Choose Your Field
- Coding: Web Dev (JavaScript, Python), Mobile Dev (Kotlin, Swift).
- Non-Coding: UI/UX Design, Digital Marketing.
Step 2: Learn Core Skills
- Programmers: Git, Algorithms.
- Designers: Figma, User Personas.
Step 3: Build a Portfolio
- Create small projects (e.g., an e-commerce site).
- Share on GitHub (devs) or Behance (designers).
Step 4: Gain Experience
- Internships at startups (check Kalibrr, LinkedIn).
- Freelance gigs (Upwork, Fiverr).
Step 5: Apply to Jobs
- Optimize LinkedIn & CV with tech keywords ("React.js", "Agile").
- Join bootcamps (Harisenin, Binar) for networking.
Tips for Passing a Tech Interview
- Coding Tests → Practice on LeetCode, HackerRank.
- Behavioral Qs → Use the STAR method.
- Design Challenges → Present case studies.
