Forget the perfect CV. In today’s tech world, the most compelling career stories are the messy ones, the pivots, the pauses, the leaps of faith. These aren’t exceptions anymore. They’re the new normal.
The straight-line career is fading. People break into tech through bootcamps, apprenticeships, career changes, and self-taught skills. While many UK tech workers hold a degree, 35% do not, showing that while a degree can help, it’s far from the only way in. Employers increasingly value transferable skills like communication, problem-solving, and adaptability just as much as technical know-how.
This shift isn’t just a hiring trend. It marks a cultural reset. The rise of the “squiggly career” a path full of pivots, detours, and reinventions, reflects how people actually move through their careers today.
The UK tech sector continues to grow, but it faces a persistent talent shortage. In a recent survey, 76% of firms reported challenges in filling roles, with IT and data skills remaining the hardest to find. This shortage isn’t just a UK issue. Globally, the cybersecurity industry alone needs an additional 3.4 million experts to meet demand.
To close the gap, companies are tapping into new talent pools. Apprenticeships and ‘get into tech’ initiatives are helping career changers, returners, and those without formal qualifications find their footing into tech. These aren’t just alternative routes, they’re economic engines. According to recent government figures, apprentices in England are expected to contribute £25 billion in economic growth over their lifetimes, nearly doubling the impact estimated in 2018.
This highlights a broader change: the growing value of non-traditional pathways and the need to invest in diverse talent pipelines. A degree might still open doors, but it’s no longer the only key. Some climb through windows, others kick the door down, and some build their own entrance entirely.
In a world of curated LinkedIn profiles and polished CVs, honest career stories offer something rare: relatability. They show that setbacks, detours, and doubts aren’t signs of failure – they are part of the journey.
James Brundell, Principal Test Analyst at chemical safety software company, Lhasa Limited puts it as:
“Honest conversations about breaking into tech help us challenge outdated norms. By valuing diverse journeys, we create space for innovation and belonging.”
Another industry veteran, Mala Benn, Head of Engineering at educational software company, Genio, echoes this sentiment:
“I’ve been in the tech industry for almost 25 years, and it’s changed completely over that time. Your skills, resilience, and perspective are what truly matter.”
Hiring for potential rather than pedigree opens the door to a wider, more diverse talent pool. It’s not just good ethics, it’s good business. 25% of all UK tech workers now come from ethnic minority groups, a higher proportion than in the wider UK workforce. The industry is inclusive, and that diversity is fuelling innovation.
On 25th September, Lhasa Limited are hosting an event at the 10th anniversary Leeds Digital Festival that dives deeper into these themes. Breaking into Tech & Building a Career: Real Journeys, Honest Conversations features professionals who have taken unconventional routes into tech, from NHS IT leaders to startup engineers.
Rachel Lyons, Product Manager at software consultancy, Codurance points out:
“I’m excited to share our not-so-linear journeys into tech to show that career paths come in all shapes, and that there’s no single or ‘right’ way to get where you want to be.”
The event is hosted by Lhasa Limited, a not-for-profit software company, and Codurance, a leading software consultancy. Together, they are creating a space for real talk about what it means to build a career in tech today.
Curious about these stories? Want to hear how others navigated the squiggly path into tech? Register for the event and join the conversation.