What It Takes To Start And Build A Career In Tech Today

Why Modern Tech Careers Are Defined By Adaptability, Exposure And Confidence 

It’s been a long time since a tech career followed a single, predictable path. In 2026, success in the industry is shaped less by job titles or coding ability alone and more by adaptability, exposure to different teams, and the confidence to keep learning as technology continues to evolve. 

At Liberty IT, those principles are reflected every day in how people grow their careers. To explore what it really takes to start and build a career in tech today, we spoke with Jayne, a Product Owner whose journey shows that there’s far more than one way to thrive in the industry. 

Careers In Tech Are Never The Same Day Twice 

Jayne, how would you describe a typical day in your role at Liberty IT? 

A typical day is incredibly varied, which is something I really enjoy. I spend time with engineers and stakeholders, aligning on priorities, shaping product direction and making sure everyone understands not just what we’re building, but why it matters. 

A big part of my day is supporting the people around me, checking in with the team, removing blockers and helping them navigate change. Product ownership at this level is still about delivery, but also about communication, trust and creating an environment where people feel supported, confident and able to do their best work. 

You Don’t Have To Be A Developer To Build A Tech Career 

There’s still a perception that tech careers are only for developers, and maybe with all the AI around us, even more. How true is that in your experience? 

It’s absolutely not true. I’m not a developer, and yet here I am working in a tech role, leading teams and progressing my career. That’s also not true of many of my colleagues, who aren’t developers either. Technology companies need people with a wide range of skills: communication, problem-solving, leadership, change management and empathy. 

There can be a fear factor, particularly for women or for people coming from outside traditional tech backgrounds, but my advice is don’t be afraid. There are so many areas you can work in within tech, and many of the skills people already have translate incredibly well. 

Career Progression Is About Exposure, Not Perfection 

How did Liberty IT support your career progression? 

One of the things that stood out straight away was how early career conversations happened. Within my first month, I was already being asked about my ambitions, next steps and whether promotion was something I wanted to work towards. 

That kind of openness was really motivating. When I started, I worked in three different teams within a single year, and that exposure to different parts of the organisation, different challenges and different people accelerated my learning massively. I felt valued for the skills, experience and perspectives I brought, not judged on what I didn’t know. 

Leading Through Constant Change 

What are some of the biggest challenges in tech roles today? 

Change is the biggest constant. Technology evolves quickly, priorities shift, and teams need to adapt. A big part of my role is making sure people understand what’s coming, why it matters, and how we’ll navigate it together. That ability to manage change, keeping people informed, supported and confident, is a critical skill in today’s tech environment. It’s not just about reacting to change, it’s about helping teams feel comfortable with it. 

Learning, Inclusion And Saying Yes 

How has learning and inclusion shaped your journey? 

Liberty IT has given me so many opportunities to grow beyond my core role. One that really stands out is being involved in facilitating a global fundamentals programme focused on diversity, equity and inclusion. 

It’s an internal programme that everyone goes through, and being part of delivering it has been incredibly rewarding. That focus on inclusion, learning and development makes a real difference. It reinforces the idea that growth isn’t limited to one career track - it’s about continuous development and shared understanding. 

Advice For Starting Or Building A Career In Tech In 2026 

What advice would you give to someone looking to start or build a career in tech today? 

I always thought that saying yes to opportunities when they come is important. Don’t hold yourself back because you don’t understand every piece of technology yet. You can learn that. If you’re coming from outside tech, you probably already have a strong portfolio of transferable skills.

 Once you get into a tech environment, make sure you network, talk to people across teams and build relationships. The more perspectives you’re exposed to, the clearer your own path becomes. Honestly, tech careers today aren’t about knowing everything upfront. They’re about mindset, adaptability and the confidence to keep moving forward. 

Building Careers That Grow With The Industry 

Jayne’s absolutely right. Building a career in tech today isn’t about fitting a mould, it’s about embracing change, seeking exposure, learning continuously and trusting that your skills and experiences have value. At Liberty IT, we believe great tech careers are built through opportunity, support and a people-first culture. Whether you’re starting out, stepping into a new role or exploring a different path within tech, there’s more than one way to succeed. 

If you’re curious about what a modern tech career could look like for you, explore careers at Liberty IT and discover how your own journey could unfold.