Thinking about a career in tech but don’t know where to start? You’re not alone.
The tech world can seem like an exclusive club full of coding wizards, data pros, and people who speak fluent “Python.” Good news: breaking into tech isn’t as complicated as it seems, and you definitely don’t need a computer science degree to make it happen.
At General Assembly, we’ve helped thousands of people start new careers in tech—from total beginners to experienced professionals looking for a complete career change. Whether you’re looking to dip your toes in or dive headfirst into a new field, we’ve got a path that fits.
Ready for the cheat codes to break into tech? Let’s break it down step by step.
Step 1: Start for free with an online class or info session
The easiest way to see if a tech career fits your vibe? Try a free class—or a few. In just two hours, you can explore topics like data analytics, Python programming, and UX design. Our free webinars are perfect for sampling different skills without any commitment. And they’re online, so you can join from your couch in your favorite sweats—you could even just watch and listen from your phone.
If you’ve already clicked with a topic, but still have questions about short courses or bootcamps, that’s where our info sessions come in. Sneak a peek into the course experience and get your questions answered by an Admissions Specialist and Instructor in these live, 45-minute sessions.
Step 2: Level up with a workshop
Ready to go a step further? Picture two, three-hour sessions where you get hands-on with today’s most popular tools and technologies, guided by pros who really know their stuff. Our workshops are perfect for testing the waters before diving deeper, or prepping for a course if you’re already enrolled. As an added bonus, you can apply what you paid for the workshop toward the cost of a short course or bootcamp (we’ll get to those in a minute).
Plus, there are tons of free online projects out there you can practice with (check out GitHub or Tableau). And don’t underestimate the power of people—join tech communities, hit up networking events, and start connecting with fellow learners. Who knows? Your next mentor—or job lead—could be just a conversation away.
Step 3: Grow your skills with a short course
So you’ve tried a free class or a workshop and loved it? Awesome. Now it’s time to build real, resume-ready skills. Our short courses are designed to help you gain practical knowledge you can immediately apply. Choose between a flexible part-time schedule (four hours a week for 10 weeks) or an accelerated one-week option for 40 total hours of immersive learning.
Expect hands-on projects, real-world scenarios, and mentorship from industry pros. Plus, you’ll finish with a final project to showcase your skills.
Step 4: Launch a new career with a bootcamp
Ready for a full career pivot? This is where the magic happens. Our tech bootcamps offer a comprehensive path from beginner to job-ready pro in today’s hottest industries like data, software engineering, and UX design. In as little as three months, you’ll gain the technical skills, hands-on experience, and career support you need to break into a tech career.
What sets our bootcamps apart? Career coaching, resume reviews, portfolio development, and networking opportunities with hiring partners—to name a few. Not to mention, our flexible part-time options where you get the same world-class curriculum with only six hours of live lessons each week.
Step 5: Build a portfolio that stands out
Breaking into tech takes more than just listing new skills on your resume—you need to be able to show what you can do. That’s where your portfolio comes in.
Throughout our short courses and bootcamps, you’ll work on real-world projects you can showcase in your portfolio. This helps potential employers (or your current employer) see your skills in action and proves you can apply what you’ve learned to real scenarios.
By the time you complete a short course or bootcamp, you’ll have tangible projects that make you a standout candidate for tech roles or promotions.
Step 7: Network and build connections
Your tech education doesn’t stop when your course ends. Building connections is key to landing your first (or next) tech role. From networking events and mentorship opportunities to connections with hiring partners, our career services are available during and after your bootcamp to make sure you’re ready to get your foot in the door.
Our career services also guide you on everything from soft skill development to using platforms like LinkedIn effectively, so you can keep expanding your network long after your bootcamp ends—and even after you’ve landed your first role in tech.
Why tech? Why now?
The tech industry isn’t just for coders. It’s for problem-solvers, creatives, data enthusiasts, and big-picture thinkers. And the demand? Higher than ever. Companies in every industry—from healthcare to finance to entertainment—need skilled tech talent.
The options are endless—and the opportunities are growing fast. Landing a role like data analyst, UX designer, software engineer, or product manager could be the ticket into your dream industry.
Get started today—risk-free
Breaking into tech doesn’t have to feel overwhelming—especially when you have GA in your corner
Start small with a free class and see if it sparks your interest. If you’re ready for more, try a workshop, a short course, or go all-in with a bootcamp. No matter where you start, we have your back with expert instructors, career coaching, and the kind of support that turns ”what if” into “heck yes, I did that.”