To help those looking to break into high-tech manufacturing, we asked tech experts and business leaders this question for their best recommendations. From taking networking seriously to showcasing your project management skills, there are several tips that may help you break into high-tech manufacturing.
Trade Journals and Fairs
Regardless if you are looking to join an existing high-tech manufacturing team or start up your own, you need to do extensive research before you make any decisions. Trade journals and fairs are good avenues to research and connect with other manufacturers that know and understand the industry. High tech manufacturing is a competitive area, when looking to break through this industry, extensive research should be done first.
Ryan Nouis, TruPath
Consider a Tech Side-Gig
With the tech industry dominating the job market, it is no surprise that people dream of breaking into the high-tech manufacturing industry, even if they have little to no experience. To get your start in this industry, first consider starting a tech side-gig to help the transition. You can make money, try out different types of jobs before you commit to a career track, build industry connections, and much more.
Peter Babichenko, Sahara Case
Take Networking Seriously
When looking to enter any new market, it is important that you make strong connections with people within the industry whether they be potential clients, partners, or employees. Their knowledge and insights can help you better position your company and avoid common pitfalls new entrants may make.
Noah Downs, American Pipeline Solutions
Evaluate Your Skills
Some of the biggest challenges anyone has in seeking a career in a new industry are technical abilities, transferable skills, and experience. Start by doing your research surrounding the type of role you would like to have and then if you don’t possess any of those technical skills, be prepared to go back to school.
There are several online choices that are budget-friendly and convenient as you’ll be able to complete the courses in a short period of time and at your pace. If you do have “some” of the skills required, I would hone in on the ones that are crucial and brush up on those by taking a course. As far as transferable skills, you’ll have to make sure that you are being clear in the wording on your resume as to what those are. Sometimes candidates will be overlooked simply because of nebulous wording on their resume. If you don’t possess any experience, I would suggest that you focus your job search with a start-up company and/or take an internship.
Bianka Castillo, Recruiting Maven
Get Your Certifications
Arizona is growing rapidly, and there are many technology companies in the Valley hiring talented professionals! If you are looking to break into the high-tech manufacturing industry and secure one of these positions, you should consider becoming certified in any programs or systems that the company may be using. You can often find this information in their job descriptions or by speaking to current employees at the company.
Kristy Bach, BestCompaniesAZ
Conduct Informational Interviews
“To get to where you want to go, talk to someone who has been there before.” If you’re looking to get started in high-tech manufacturing, talk to someone who is in or has been in high-tech manufacturing. Most people are willing and eager to help someone get started in their industry because guess what? They were like you too once, and most likely got some help from someone as well. It’s the circle of careers, and people love to give back to someone as curious as they once were. Identify the list of people who are in positions that you want to be in one day, reach out to them, and learn by listening.
Brett Farmiloe, Markitors
Showcase Your Project Management Skills
The high-tech manufacturing industry is fast-paced and is staffed by more than just computer aficionados. Since the industry combines manufacturing with the tech world, people that work in this field don’t have to know how to code a website or build robots necessarily. To break into this industry and see success, high-tech manufacturers must have supply chain efficiency and agility to be able to deliver products on-time and in-full for consumers while keeping costs and inventory levels down. The industry is about problem-solving and project management, so if you can showcase these skills, you will be able to break into this exciting industry.
Jonathan Cohen, Generated
Build Your Product By Hand
When I joined the startup world, it was with a small company building a wearable device. For the first few thousand units, the team built the devices by hand. This approach was not very scalable but did allow for troubleshooting and testing before mass manufacturing started. I would recommend doing the same. Build your high tech by hand, even if it isn’t perfect, so you can learn and iterate on your product. Then, once you work out some of the major bugs you can start manufacturing at scale.
Michael Alexis, Teambuilding
Corporate Social Responsibility
A natural desire for reducing environmental impact is a plus for someone looking to get started in high tech manufacturing. As one of the world’s top solutions providers to the pipeline rehabilitation industry, we place a high priority on Corporate Social Responsibility. Candidates who show a curiosity for how to place the environment at the center of their focus can really stand out.
Ryan Shallenberger, SEKISUI