Tempted by the prospect of a career in tech? At Manchester Young Professionals we partner up with some of the best companies in Manchester to support brilliant young professionals like yourself and expand your network of industry contacts.

We recently spoke to Hitachi Solutions Europe in our ‘Get to Know’ series and in this article, the tech experts from their company are offering their expertise about a career in technology. They gave us an insider’s perspective on the job opportunities, benefits and other insights that we’re excited to share with you.

Who knows, this might be the spark that gets you into a fulfilling career in tech…

 

The UK’s technology sector, explained by leading consultancy firm, Hitachi Solutions Europe

As a global digital, data, and technology consultancy, Hitachi Solutions specialises in digital transformation using Microsoft technology for both the public and private sectors. Some of their notable clients include:

  • British Heart Foundation
  • Doc Martens
  • Department of Health and Social Care
  • AQA
  • David Lloyds

According to the tech company, the UK is at the forefront of cutting-edge technologies that are changing the world for the better. As a global leader in innovation and creativity, the UK is exploring a range of solutions, including:

  • Artificial intelligence (AI)
  • Cloud computing
  • Data science and analytics
  • Low-code application development

The UK tech sector is also attracting massive investment from around the world. In 2022, UK tech companies raised a whopping £24 billion in capital – that’s more than Germany and France combined!

This showcases the potential of the UK’s technology industry as well as the current – and future – opportunities that are available in the sector. Manchester specifically has the fastest-growing digital economy in Europe – it’s been reported that 78% of digital companies in Greater Manchester had expanded in 2022.

With the number of digital sector roles in Greater Manchester to reach 95,000 by 2026, getting into a tech role is a smart choice.

 

Key statistics about the tech sector

Wet your appetite and expand your understanding of this expanding industry with some key statistics about the UK’s tech sector.

As you can see, there’s never been a better time to get into the tech industry, especially in booming Manchester.

 

Intrigued by a career in tech? This is what our experts say

If you’re curious about what a career in tech has to offer, this is what our industry experts at Hitachi have to say about the exciting opportunities and challenges in their field:

Danny Robinson, Senior Analytics Consultant at Hitachi Solutions Europe, shares:

‘The best thing about working in technology is being able to solve problems for people, teams and businesses and have real impact in making change. 

It’s a really exciting time to be involved in this sector right now. Technology is evolving at an even more rapid pace than normal. Be prepared to be constantly learning as nothing stands still in this industry!’


Rob Sambrook, Solutions Architect at Hitachi gives his insights:

“Working in technology offers the opportunity to apply modern technological solutions across a variety of industries, giving you insight into business areas you wouldn’t typically experience unless employed in those sectors.

An exciting aspect of working in technology is participating in digital transformations. 

Collaborating with clients and stakeholders as they undergo digital change can be especially rewarding, particularly when working with charity organisations where your efforts make a positive social impact.”

 

What career paths are available in tech?

From Support Specialists to AI Engineers, the tech world is your oyster. And guess what? Not all roles are technical. Here’s a glimpse of what’s out there, from A-Z.

  • AI Engineer
  • Business Analyst
  • Cybersecurity Analyst
  • Data Engineer
  • Finance
  • Functional Consultant
  • Human Resources
  • IT Manager
  • Legal
  • Marketing
  • Product Manager
  • Project Manager
  • Service Delivery Manager
  • Software Engineer/Developer
  • Solution Architect
  • Support Specialist
  • Test/QA Consultant
  • User Experience Designer
  • User Research
  • Zendesk Administrator

And many more!

 

What are the benefits of choosing a career in tech?

There are some clear benefits to pursuing tech roles, including:

  • Clear pathways for career progression
  • High demand for digital skills
  • Attractive salaries and benefits
  • Flexible working
  • Global opportunities
  • Chance to make real change

Sound appealing? Let’s discuss exactly how you could get onto this career path.

 

What do you need to succeed in the tech industry?

The tech industry is often associated with hard skills like coding, data analysis, and system architecture. However, industry professionals emphasise that these are skills that can be fostered, whereas certain soft skills are vital in such a collaborative industry.

Danny Robinson, a Senior Analytics Consultant at Hitachi Solutions Europe, offers valuable insights into what it truly takes to succeed:

‘Although all my roles have been technical, technical skills are only a part of what is important to succeed. Soft skills are incredibly important, and you need a good blend of both. Communication and listening skills are arguably the most important as technology solutions need to work for people.

Without being able to really listen to people and tease out the right information from them you are not going to succeed in giving them what they want.’

 

The benefits of working in the technology sector

The demand for tech talent is huge and continues to grow. There are over a million tech jobs waiting to be filled in the UK, and the sector is expected to grow even more in 2023!

Competitive salary – In 2022, it was reported that the UK tech field’s starting salaries are more than 60% higher than the national average! Naturally, the more you progress, the higher your salary will continue to grow. Therefore, if money is your motivation, a career in tech might just be for you.

Flexible working – These days, almost every industry now offers flexible working to remain competitive. Whether that be a hybrid model or completely remote, tech companies rarely follow a traditional 9-5 working day.

Rewarding career – A tech career puts you at the forefront of building a brand’s digital presence. Whether you’re coding, designing, or managing projects, your work directly contributes to how companies connect with their audiences online. This hands-on involvement is fulfilling, as you’ll see the real-time impact of your efforts.

High demand for digital skills – The tech industry’s rapid growth means your skills will always be in demand. With countless job openings across various sectors, you’ll have job security and plenty of opportunities to explore different roles or companies.

Diverse career paths – Tech offers a wide range of specialisations, from software development to cybersecurity, AI, and data science. This variety allows you to find a niche that matches your interests and continuously evolve your career as the industry advances.

And remember, the tech industry also involves operational roles like sales, marketing finance and HR!

 

How can you get a job in tech?

Breaking into the tech industry might seem daunting, but there are several pathways to consider:

Entry-level roles: Look for positions in IT Support or junior developer roles to get your foot in the door.

Degree programs: While not always necessary, a degree in a technical discipline can be beneficial. Other degrees might lend themselves to different departments within the tech industry, for instance, a degree in Sales or Marketing.

Graduate schemes: Many organisations offer structured programs for recent graduates to gain experience across different areas of the company.

Vendor-specific learning and certifications: Platforms like Microsoft offer comprehensive learning paths and certifications that can give you a competitive edge.

Bootcamps and online courses: Intensive training programs can help you build specific tech skills quickly.

Networking: Attend industry events, join professional groups, and connect with people in the field. You never know when a professional connection might have an opportunity for you.

Internships: Gain practical experience and make connections through internships or work placements.

Remember, many successful tech professionals in Hitachi didn’t follow a traditional career route and have had long and fruitful careers. The main thing is to be open to opportunities where you can develop your skills and passion for technology.

 

How can MYP help you secure your dream role in tech?

Manchester’s technology sector is booming, making it an exciting place to start your tech career.

At Manchester Young Professionals, we’re committed to helping you connect with leading companies and industry professionals. Stay tuned for our upcoming networking events where you can meet representatives from tech companies, including our partner Hitachi Solutions. These events are an excellent opportunity to learn more about the industry, make valuable connections, and potentially discover your next career move.

To be kept up to date with our networking events for young professionals, follow us on Instagram or get in touch. 

Why not explore a career in tech, by a career in tech with our AI Partner, Hitachi Solutions Europe.