Finding your way through tech talent shortage: A guide for aspiring IT professionals

The tech talent shortages persist. It continues to pose challenges for both employers and job seekers. In April 2022, there were 112,425 IT employees in Hong Kong, representing a 17.4% increase compared to April 2018 and an 81.0% increase compared to March 2004. As of April 2022, there were still 9,097 vacancies in the IT sector, resulting in a vacancy-to-talent ratio of 1:13. This shortage can be attributed to factors such as emigration of local talent and the increased adoption of digitised strategies by companies. It is estimated that Hong Kong will face a shortage of 100,000 IT professionals in the next five years, particularly in software engineering, network security engineering, and cloud engineering, while only 1,500 relevant graduates enter the field each year.

The scarcity of IT talent has led to fierce competition among companies for skilled professionals. Previously, IT professionals would typically work for at least three years in one company before considering a job switch, with a potential salary increase of 10% to 20%. However, current trends indicate that many companies are accepting job switches after just one to two years, and offering salary increments of 10% to 20% to novice IT workers. Companies are relentless in finding experienced professionals and talents with highly sought after skillsets. On top of offering high salaries, they sometimes offer salary increments reaching up to 30%.

While the current job market sounds like gospel to IT professionals, it is hell for job seekers without any experiences in IT. But fear not, as recruitment agency we have come across many successful candidates who had transitioned to IT industry from all kinds of background. Besides, given a wide spectrum of activities within the IT industry, it sometimes takes a journey to finally settle in a role that best suits your aptitude even if you have some training in tech. 

Here are a few examples.

Case A: Amy, a former flight attendant, transitioned to the IT sector during the pandemic. After completing a 16-week bootcamp, she started working as a software developer in a small company. Her background in hospitality makes her a natural communicator. When she realised her strength in bridging the gap between developers and clients, she moved on to an IT business analyst role, and is now earning a monthly salary of $40k for the same airline but in a different department.

Case B: Louise, with a background in integrated strategic communication, initially worked as a project coordinator collaborating closely with IT development teams and clients. Her job requires her to travel to different cities and socialise frequently which she didn’t enjoy. In 2019, she took an IT course and began working as a frontend developer. With exposure to various projects, she is now a full-stack developer making $51k monthly in 2023. As an introvert, she now enjoys her work more because she can actively engage her mathematical and logical mind in front of a computer.

Case C: Ben, with a degree in Bachelor of Computing, initially explored marketing and finance roles after graduating in 2019. In 2021, he decided to return to the IT industry and with the help of our recruitment service, he landed a project management and quality assurance role to reposition himself as an IT professional. Ben's attention to detail and analytical skills enabled him to excel in his quality assurance role. He later joined a cryptocurrency company and is now earning $36k monthly.

If you find these examples inspiring, here are a few steps you can take to make your way into the IT industry.

Assess your skills and interests:

Start by identifying your strengths, weaknesses, and areas of interest within IT. Roles such as software developers, system administrators, network engineers, data analysts, cybersecurity professionals, and project managers offer diverse opportunities. Determine which role aligns best with your skills and interests will save you time and energy in making more career switches later.

Get relevant education and training:  

While a degree in computer science or a related field is preferred, it is not always necessary. Many online courses, bootcamps, and vocational training programs can equip you with the skills needed to start a career in IT.

For instance, Google Hong Kong's ‘Google Career Certificates’ program in collaboration with the Hong Kong Federation of Youth Groups and other industry partners provides training for local digital talents. The quota of sponsorships has doubled up to 2000 in 2023. It is one of the best options if you are short of cash to invest in other education pathways. The programme also provides career support for graduates and the certificate you earned is immediately recognisable among employers big and small.

In recent years, there are also many bootcamps, such as Tecky Academy, Xccelerate, Career Karma, etc. offering intensive courses ranging from 12 to 16 weeks to help people to make a career switch. Bootcamps graduates are increasingly popular among employers as the training they received was skill-focused, hands-on, and tend to be more sensitive to evolving industry standards than traditional college degrees.

Networking:

Networking plays a vital role in the IT industry. Attend technology events and conferences, join local IT groups, and connect with professionals on platforms like LinkedIn. Building relationships with individuals in the industry can provide valuable insights into job opportunities and help you establish connections. Let people know you are open to jobs. Talk to recruiters.

Embrace flexibility:  

In the rapidly evolving IT industry, being flexible and adaptable is crucial. Stay updated with the latest technologies and trends and be willing to acquire new skills as needed. Openness to work on different projects and in various IT domains can provide valuable experience and make you a well-rounded IT professional.

While the IT talent shortage poses challenges, it also presents opportunities for job seekers. By assessing your skills, obtaining relevant education or training, networking, and staying adaptable, you can position yourself for success in the IT industry. Embrace the growing demand for IT professionals and embark on a rewarding career journey.