Why We’re Optimistic About Tech Careers in 2024 and Beyond
The tech industry is rebounding in 2024, with increased hiring and startups regaining momentum. Opportunities are growing across sectors as companies continue investing in digital transformation. Turing graduates are well-positioned to thrive in this evolving job market.
"Don't panic. It's the first helpful or intelligible thing anybody's said to me all day.”
― Douglas Adams, The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy
If you follow tech news, you know that the industry has experienced a roller coaster of ups and downs in the last couple years. The spike in interest rates and over-hiring during the pandemic led to layoffs in the tech industry. More recently, the use of technology across industries, rebounding investments in startups, and projected interest rate cuts are warming up the market. These fluctuations have been normal historically and there are still plenty of opportunities for those entering the field!
The Current State of Tech
As Turing’s Executive Director, Jeff Casimir, discussed in a recent presentation, the tech industry has faced its share of challenges, but the future is far from bleak. The pandemic triggered unprecedented highs and lows, and while some Turing alumni have faced challenges, the broader picture is more optimistic than it may appear at first glance.
“To understand where we are now, we need to look back at the shifts that started in 2020,” Casimir explained. “The initial impact of the pandemic brought hiring to a standstill, but within a few months, the tech industry rebounded, entering a period of unprecedented growth. By mid-2021, hiring was at an all-time high.”
State of Turing with Jeff Casimir, March 2023
What’s Changed in the Last Few Years?
The last couple of years have seen a lot of change. In 2023, economic concerns such as inflation and recession led to a slowdown in tech hiring. Companies faced pressure to cut costs, leading to layoffs and a shift in the job market. However, as we move into 2024, several positive trends are emerging.
Interest rates are stabilizing, venture capital is flowing back into the market, and startups are beginning to hire again. The tech industry is no longer in panic mode—instead, we’re seeing a realignment, with companies focusing on building sustainable teams and investing in long-term growth.
In 2024, tech hiring has doubled, and layoffs are half of what they were last year. 450,000 new tech jobs were posted in the first half of 2024. (Robert Half) Meanwhile, layoffs in 2023 averaged 1,175 people/day, whereas in 2024 that number is 565 people/day. (Layoffs.fyi, calculated September 2024)
There is an increasing demand for tech talent across a variety of industries. Every company, regardless of its sector, now needs a tech team. From healthcare to finance to retail, organizations are investing in digital transformation, and this means more opportunities for software developers and engineers.
Tech Jobs in 2024
The tech job market in 2024 is different from what we’ve seen in the past, but that doesn’t mean it’s any less promising. For those entering the field, the key is to look beyond traditional tech companies.
“If you want a technical job in the next six months, the single best way to do that is to find one at a non-tech company,” Casimir advised. “Every company has a software team. Every company is building web applications. You don’t need to work at Apple or Google to have a fulfilling tech career. What you really need to find is your own version of Texas Roadhouse—a company that values your unique skills and experiences.”
Turing alumni are well-positioned to succeed in this environment. Diverse pre-Turing career experiences give our graduates an edge in the job market. For example, someone with a background in language may be uniquely qualified to work on software solutions for a language learning application - much like Saki C, one of our recent alumni. Or a former teacher, like Alyssa Joyner, might have insights into educational technology that others lack.
These unique backgrounds combined with growing technical skills make Turing graduates stand out. “When you leverage your background and combine it with your new technical skills, you become become very attractive to employers,” Casimir noted.
Who Succeeds at Turing?
In 2024, we’re seeing clear patterns among those who are succeeding in their job searches. Alumni who take their job search intentionally and methodically, leveraging their previous experience, and networking with the Turing community and tech community at large are seeing success. They’re finding roles in observability, platform hosting, archeology, education, and more—industries that are increasingly reliant on technology but often overlooked by tech job seekers.
The follow alumni spotlights are great examples of people who career pivoted:
- Colby Pearce transitioned from food industry supply chain management to enterprise software, all while welcoming his first child!
- Sage Gonzales had a history of roles in the military, sales, banking, and property management before he found his calling in software engineering and used his “military mindset” to transition to tech. He’s now a Senior Platform Engineer at Ibotta.
- Anna Johnson was working in a demanding career in retail senior leadership, then leveled up her work-life balance as a Back End Engineer at Heroku.
For mid-career developers, the outlook also remains strong. While some have faced layoffs, many have quickly found new positions, often with better pay and benefits. The job market may be shifting, but the demand for skilled developers remains high, especially in sectors that are undergoing digital transformation.
Long-Term Optimism
Looking ahead, there are several reasons to be optimistic about a career in tech. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts continued growth in software engineering jobs over the next decade—a demand that will outpace the number of computer science graduates. According to the BLS, “Overall employment in computer and information technology occupations is projected to grow much faster than the average for all occupations from 2023 to 2033.” (BLS)
This means that although there is no guarantee of getting a job, there will be opportunities for those with the right skills, regardless of their background.
As companies continue to invest in digital transformation, the need for tech talent will only increase.
Why Turing Might Be Right for You
If you’re considering a career change, looking for more work-life balance, or just love problem-solving, Turing could be the right fit. As Jeff emphasized, “Once you have a few years of experience under your belt, there will be an ever-increasing number of roles opening to you for the rest of your career. All you have to do is pass a couple more assessments, graduate, and go get that first job.”
Getting ready for your own career pivot into tech? Check out Turing’s upcoming events and read stories from our alumni! And I won’t spoil the ending, but if you’re curious about the meaning of life go pick up Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy.
Ready to start your journey in software development? Sign up for a Try Coding workshop—or join the Turing cohort that starts in October.
Check out these additional tips and tricks from a Turing alum.