Posted on

Why Your Company Needs To Hire Junior Tech Talent, Stat

Two women shake hands. A neon sign on the wall in the background says ‘good vibes only’.

The entry-level role that demands a concoction of university degrees and an inordinate amount of industry experience is a cliché that needs to die.  

While quality experience is achievable (Mission Ready accelerators include ten weeks of expert mentored industry experience) the privileging of an educational system that’s no longer relevant to an industry that moves as quickly as tech is a mistake tech companies shouldn’t be making.  

Junior tech talent—whether Gen Z high school leavers or career changers—possess significant lived experience and the transferable skills that come with it. While the status quo is to wait until these people have gone through three plus years of university studies, junior tech talent fresh from short courses are the more valuable hire, and companies who adopt this mindset earlier rather than later stand to gain considerably.  

Gen Z employees will bolster your team for the better  

Making up the largest generation in the world (35% of the global population), Gen Z are the definition of agile-minded. Ready to go above and beyond for organisations they care about while demanding dated workplace cultures evolve, like, yesterday, the first ever digital native generation has huge potential to be an asset to any tech organisation.  

And how could they not be? Spending their teenage years adjusting to lockdowns, remote study and all the other far-flung consequences of the pandemic, they’ve been forced to develop a keen resilience and flexibility that rivals earlier generations. What’s more, many of these young creatives can code in their sleep and have side hustles run entirely through Instagram. In the short time they’ve been on this planet, they’ve proven themselves to be innovation incarnate across every aspect of life.  

Hiring Gen Z, and keeping them, proves your tech company is future-ready. 

Career changers diversify teams  

Switching industries is much more accepted than it was thirty years ago but it’s still perceived to be a massive risk. Career changers feel the fear and do it anyway, motivated by drive, self-determination, and initiative. They won’t have the same background and experience as people who’ve followed more traditional career paths and that’s exactly why you should hire them.  

The perils of echo chambers are well-known (we’re looking at you, Twitter) so to avoid your company stagnating it makes sense to hire outside of the usual tech talent pools to tap into the diverse thinking that career changers bring to the table. The fact more diverse teams are known to boost financial margins, makes hiring career changers the most financially-savvy option, too.  

The way forward 

Does tech look the same as it did three years ago? No. Hiring somebody who’s spent three years with their head in the books whose learning is now outdated is going to immediately put strain on your resources. The bottom line? Not hiring short course-educated junior tech talent is bad for business.  

Ready to walk the talk? Sign up to be a Mission Sponsor and help us change the face of tech.  

📸: Cottononbro Studio 

Invest in yourself.

Join the Booming Tech Sector

Need more info?

Our accelerators

I’m ready

Apply here
Posted on

5 Reasons Why Mission Ready Is The Tech Ed Of Your Dreams

The words ‘5 Reasons Mission Ready is the tech ed of your dreams’ in white and pink with a drawing of two hands held together to create a heart shape.

You’ve made the decision to dive into the tech industry and you’re excited and possibly a little nervous about it. Maybe this is something you’ve wanted for a really long time and it feels like you’re finally heading in the right direction.

First things first—you need to upskill. With a variety of different tech education programmes out there, from short courses to full blown university, it’s easy to get overwhelmed by the possibilities…. until you discover Mission Ready, that is. Our short-course programme is an intensive, ever-evolving accelerator that’ll get you where you want to be, quickly.  

Here are five reasons why Mission Ready is the tech education programme you’ve been searching for. 

It’s a fast-paced course that matches the fast-paced tech industry. 

Tech is one of the most rapidly changing industries on the face of planet earth. So while what you learn today is still going to be useful tomorrow, what you learnt three years ago probably won’t be. In such a constantly-evolving industry it makes sense then, that you would save your time, energy and money by choosing a high quality, intensive course that launches you into the tech world quickly—in just 19 weeks rather than 3 years.  

You actually get a job at the end of it.  

The struggle is real for university grads who have shelled out thousands of dollars and put thousands of hours of blood, sweat and tears into their degrees only to get turned away from entry-level jobs that demand a level of experience that’s impossible for them to have attained. At Mission Ready, theory is important but it isn’t everything. Each one of our accelerators includes 10 weeks of mentored industry learning experience plus a two-part guarantee—’Our Promise’—with ongoing mentoring, career coaching and incredible upskilling opportunities. Better still, our graduates have an 86% success rate meaning you’re likely to walk straight out of study and into your dream job. (And on the off-chance you don’t, you’ll get your money back.) 

Did we mention you get real industry experience?  

It bears repeating—for many of our candidates, the opportunity to work on real projects with companies like Datacom, Auckland Council, Fonterra and Spark was the reason they initially chose us over our competitions. But it isn’t just a pull. It delivers. You won’t be doing coffee runs or photocopying, you’ll be working alongside teams at the top of their game working on real life projects and solving problems for real customers. Now, that’s value.  

You can shape your studies around your life and not the other way around.  

Our 19-week accelerators are flexible and many candidates opt to study remotely. Remote learning can feel isolating but that isn’t the case at Mission Ready—a strong sense of communication, collaboration and community connection runs through each programme, regardless of whether students are beaming in from home or studying in person.  

“I think what I enjoyed the most was the fun, support and all-round demeanor of the students and tutors that were involved in my intake; it made me feel like we were in it together.” 

 – Sanja Kondic (UX graduate) 

We’re as legit as they come. 

Nobody wants the burn of discovering they enrolled in a shoddy knock-off programme. Fortunately, you can rest assured in the knowledge that Mission Ready is both industry and government-approved. We’re trusted by high profile businesses with graduates being hired by the likes of MBIE, Auckland Transport, NIHI and more, and each of our accelerators meet NZQA standards.  

Ready to launch? Explore our accelerators here, or book a call with our team to discuss your options.  

Invest in yourself.

Join the Booming Tech Sector

Need more info?

Our accelerators

I’m ready

Apply here
Posted on

Embracing Equity In Tech

A person with brightly coloured nail polish and statement rings types at a keyboard.

Today (8 March 2023) is International Women’s Day and this year’s theme is #EmbraceEquity. Shifting away from the mindset that equal access for everyone is enough, it’s an invitation and a challenge to instead give people what they need to experience an equal outcome. Enter: equity. We took a critical look at the tech industry to see how equitable it currently is, and what work still needs to be done. 

“We are moving into a truly transformational period of information revolution,” writes Dr Pragya Agarwal in her book SWAY: Unravelling Unconscious Bias. ”A hypothetical future where technological growth will become uncontrollable and irreversible, resulting in unfathomable changes to human civilisation.” Agarwal goes on to describe how, for many scientists and philosophers, that time has already arrived.   

With great power comes great responsibility 

An industry able to, as Agarwal puts it, ”infiltrate the fabric of human society in a way akin to life-sustaining dependence” must benefit society as a whole and often we assume that technology, with its emotionless algorithms and data sets must be objective. But it isn’t.  

In 2019 the U.S. government released a report that described a study where 189 facial recognition algorithms from high profile developers were tested with the overarching finding being that the software was ten to one hundred times worse at recognising Black and Asian faces compared to white ones. Agarwal adds that when she searches the term ‘accountant’ she finds images of white men in suits. ”To find more diverse images, it is necessary to qualify search terms with ‘black accountant’ or ’female accountant’.” 

Technology has the potential to be an incredible tool for empowerment but systems developed by people are imprinted with the biases of their makers—both conscious and subconscious—transplanting existing stereotypes and privileges into the digital world. In a society where life online and life offline have blended to the point of no return, this is a major issue. We don’t want tech to exacerbate our problems, we want it to help solve them.  

The current picture  

“Recent studies found only 18 percent of authors at leading AI conferences are women and more than 80 percent of AI professors are men”, notes Agarwal. “Women comprise only 15 percent of AI research staff at Facebook and 10 percent at Google. There is no public data on trans workers or other gender minorities. Only 2.5 percent of Google’s workforce is black, while Facebook and Microsoft are each at 4 percent.”  

Here in Aotearoa, a collaborative report by NZ Tech, Ministry of Education and Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment published in January 2021 stated that only 4% of tech workers are Māori, 2.8% are Pasifika and 27% identify as female. 

Diversity, equity and inclusion

The solution is to diversify tech teams across the globe but delivering on the mantra of diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) through pushing for more people in STEM who are outside of the Silicon Valley stereotype of rich, white mogul has been a common industry-wide KPI for some time. While more women are getting qualified in these areas, the number of women who actually stay in STEM has mostly stayed the same with the female quit rate being almost twice as high as males. Why? A lack of mentors and role models, unequal growth opportunities, the gender pay gap and derogatory behaviour—in the UK 49% of women in STEM have experienced some form of workplace discrimination. In some studies this percentage is much higher. In all studies it’s a tragic statistic.  

More diverse senior management teams boost profits considerably. In fact, ACS Australia estimates that diversifying IT could bring an additional AU$1.2 billion over the next 20 years as well as 14,000 FTE roles every year.  

Putting in the mahi  

Mission Ready is committed to making tech an industry that better represents the diverse world we live in. In fact, we’re on a social impact mission to reduce the tech skills gap and increase diversity and inclusion in tech through education, awareness and accessibility initiatives, leaving no one behind. 43% of our candidates identify as women, and we offer $335,000 worth of scholarships for Māori and Pasifika candidates and for career changers facing financial hardship. Later in 2023 we’ll be launching ‘Mission Technius’ a tool designed to help future talent discover their superpowers and unlock their future tech talent.  

Looking to truly diversify your tech team? Contact us to gain access to our Hot List of Mission Ready graduates.  

Image credit: Mikhail Nilov. 

Invest in yourself.

Join the Booming Tech Sector

Need more info?

Our accelerators

I’m ready

Apply here
Posted on

From Military Navigator To UX Designer: How An Air Force Engineer Took On A New Mission

“Careers can be fluid, and room must always be created to explore other options throughout one’s life.” 

Putting this message into action, Jenny Ariza has made significant career changes over the last decade and has now found her niche with the help of Mission Ready.  

A recent graduate of Mission Ready’s 19-week Agile User Experience Designer accelerator, Jenny believes her career path is the result of a significant number of years of experience in multiple industries, plus an eager desire to continuously improve.”  

Jenny says, “I was part of the Colombian Air Force for more than ten years, then I moved to New Zealand, and I was a full-time employee of an IT company. My role in the marketing team awakened my curiosity about UX Design as it was required to progress in my career pathway.  

We caught up with Jenny to find out about why she decided to switch careers, what the process felt like and why she chose to enrol with Mission Ready. 

Making the move 

Jenny believes that in a highly driven world of technology, a qualification with high standards is paramount. She adds, “I’ve realised that the more qualified and experienced an employee is, the higher their chance is of succeeding.”

Her interest in technology was sparked when Jenny moved into New Zealand’s marketing industry and witnessed its fast-paced growth.

“Technology is the future! I realised if I were equipped with the tools provided by Mission Ready, I would maximise my job opportunities but most importantly I truly believe in the power of UX Design to build a world with access for everyone.” 

Quality UX designer education  

Jenny says finding Mission Ready was as simple as searching for a Digital Product Design/UX Design academic programme on the web.  

She adds, “I did a bit of research and found its excellent reputation, flexibility and comprehensiveness. But now I know the most valuable part is the people—the human talent at Mission Ready is outstanding!” 

Jenny believes being confident and authentic helped her progress in the recruitment process with Mission Ready.  

Jenny recalls the 19 weeks as a friendly learning immersion.  

“On the first day, I was welcomed, supported and assisted with my questions (I had a lot!). The tutors were readily available over the course, and my mentor was always willing to take me through the process. The 10-week work experience has given me a deeper understanding of the UX world.”    

She goes on to add that the projects during the course were one to highlight to other interested candidates.  

“The entire execution was carried out consciously, and I enjoyed every stage. Having the opportunity to interact with multiple cultures and learn from them was the greatest drive.” 

Do you have any tips for succeeding at Mission Ready?  

Jenny advises patience, discipline, and perseverance are the keys to success at Mission Ready and the tech industry.  

“Being patient to understand that learning is a process and everyone digests knowledge at different paces is important. It’s also useful to have the discipline to be consistent across the programme and have the courage to preserve not to give up when things happen unexpectedly.”  

She adds, “Mission Ready is the perfect place to start this journey; you will always feel the support of a beautiful and professional team.” 

Now a qualified UX designer, Jenny has secured a position with Auckland Transport as a Parking Designer. 

“My role is directly involved with improving user issues. I have to predominantly manage multiple systems to generate solutions to the residents’ enquiries regarding the correct and efficient use of parking spaces.”  

 Chat to one of our team members about whether Mission Ready is right for you.

Invest in yourself.

Join the Booming Tech Sector

Need more info?

Our accelerators

I’m ready

Apply here
Posted on

Coincidence Or Design: How A Passion For Making Things More Human Led To UX Success

“It was pure coincidence that I discovered UX…” Sanja Kondic, a former Mission Ready graduate and currently a UX/UI Designer for Vista Entertainment, adds, “… but I still consider myself super lucky that I found it”.

With her previous experience in film production, Sanja always had a keen eye for capturing and communicating human experiences. We caught up with Sanja to learn more about her success story as a student looking for direction and opportunity.   

Finding our way to the most beneficial future can be a daunting task at best. Getting to know what we are truly good at and enjoy doing on a day-to-day basis can take some time. Sanja reminisces, “I think at the back of my mind, I knew I always wanted to have a job that allowed me to understand what people are thinking and how I can help them. It took me a while to find my feet and choose what I wanted to strive for career-wise, but when I stumbled across UX Design, I knew it was the right fit for me”. 

Where to begin 

Lucky coincidences or intentional design, the way to a successful future seems to start with understanding passion and the willingness to learn. We decided to ask Sanja about this and what made her successful at her most recent job interview.  

She recalls, “I think what made me a successful candidate is that I was passionate about UX. I genuinely wanted to learn more and push myself to develop my skills. Before the course started, I was already involved with volunteer work and personal projects, and I think that came through in the interview.” 

Making things more human 

As the world speeds into the future, technology is playing an increasingly integrated role in our daily lives. From smart devices in our vehicles, entertainment consoles, and kitchen appliances to global shipping networks, the Internet of Things (IoT) is already an expansive presence. Making things and experiences more user-friendly is the domain of the UX/UI designer, and this skillset is becoming increasingly sought after.  

Most of us use some form of technology—whether digital or analog—every day. Like Sanja, who came from a film production background, most people are familiar with a particular branch of tech. She admits, “I can’t say I was interested in technology per se; it just happened that UX Design falls within the industry. However, since working and exploring more, I love how fast-paced it is and how much potential it offers in terms of assisting human development”.  

Welcome to the real world 

That fast-paced future offers great potential where tech professionals can create more human-friendly products while solving real-world problems. How we approach learning and how knowledge is imparted is vital to creating successful real-world outcomes. Sanja observes, “I like that as a student you’re given a lot of guidance but also autonomy, plus you’re given the opportunity to work in a real-life scenario, which genuinely gets you workplace ready”.  

All in the mindset 

Pushing limits and pursuing passion precedes success, then. Laying a good foundation by initiating some work on her own and learning the subject of her interest helped Sanja hit the ground running. We wanted to learn about her own experience and gain some insights into how learning happens at Mission Ready.  

Sanja recalls, “I think what I enjoyed the most was the fun, support and all-round demeanour of the students and tutors that were involved in my intake; it made me feel like we were in it together.” She also offers some pro tips for anyone wanting to future-proof their career. “You have to be ready for a challenge, and you absolutely have to come in with a growth mindset. You can never do too much of your own research before the course starts, and be ready to push yourself—it’s a lot of work but seriously rewarding”.  

 Chat to one of our team about whether Mission Ready is right for you. 

Invest in yourself.

Join the Booming Tech Sector

Need more info?

Our accelerators

I’m ready

Apply here
Posted on

From Hobby To Career: How Freelancing For Small Business Led To The Big Break

“In high school, I thought it would be cool to learn about programming, so I took additional technology classes and built websites and a few programs in Python.”  

What may have seemed like a tiny spark of interest for Vishal Prakash years ago has lead him a career as a software developer.

Vishal, who recently graduated from Mission Ready’s Advanced Software Developer accelerator, says that furthering his education in technology helped him align his career with his passion.  

We caught up with Vishal to hear about his journey over the last year.

When did you first become interested in tech?

I’ve always been interested in technology but I chose to take a different path when I went to university—I qualified with a double major bachelor’s degree in sociology and film at the University of Auckland. I continued to hold onto my interest in tech as I freelanced in university, creating basic websites for small businesses. It was a hobby for me and I immensely enjoyed the process of building creative websites, which is also partially why I studied film. 

How did you come to hear about Mission Ready?  

Upon completing my degree, I started working as a door-to-door sales consultant after the pandemic. Unfortunately, finding a job in my area of qualification was challenging. But then, I came across a Mission Ready informational pop-up kiosk, and my interest was renewed. So, I went back home, researched, and was ready to take this course.  

Why did you choose Mission Ready?  

The information and professionalism of the website was very impressive. After more research I found Mission Ready was a leader in technology education. I knew I wanted to advance my knowledge with a provider that offered quality education and hands-on industry experience. The 19-week Level 6 Advanced Software Developer course sparked by interest.  

What was the interview process like?

I thought the interview went well but I felt like I wasn’t going to make the cut because I wasn’t confident enough. But clearly I was wrong. I was later told by the recruiter I had all the required prerequistes and passion to study with Mission Ready. Also, my film creativity wove well into the skills needed to build and design applications. It was rewarding to see how my interests and hobbies aligned and translated into a possible career avenue. 

How would you describe your 19 weeks of education at Mission Ready? 

It was definitely intense and overwhelming in the beginning when the concepts were new. But over time I found a rhythm of learning, and began to apply these new skills and accumulated knowledge. I found the support I received from my mentor at Mission Ready also played a vital role in helping me achieve my goals. Let’s say it’s very intense, but by the end, you feel accomplished! 

What was a highlight for you at Mission Ready?  

App development. As I mentioned earlier, I’m a creative person and the process of planning, developing, designing and finally building apps I found the most enjoyable. 

What advice would you give to interested candidates?  

Be open to the content. I found keeping an open mind through the unfamiliar phases was very helpful. To succeed at Mission Ready you also need to persevere and stop to enjoy the knowledge you’re obtaining.  

The other important factor is to maintain communication with other candidates. Try to collaborate where possible because a support system will help a lot.

What does your current career path look like? 

I’m currently employed as a front-end developer for Foodstuffs North Island and am enjoying the tech industry.  

Chat to one of our team to see if Mission Ready is right for you. 

Invest in yourself.

Join the Booming Tech Sector

Need more info?

Our accelerators

I’m ready

Apply here
Posted on

The Art Of Success: Leaving Contact Centres Behind For UX

“As a trained artist, I knew I wanted something creative. UX design allows me to use my artistic and design knowledge in a digital space.” Recent Mission Ready graduate Esteban Garcia recalls finding his perfect balance amid uncertainty.   

In between careers and countries, Esteban found himself needing a change.    

“At the end of my contract as an ESL teacher in China, I was forced to think about my future. Before teaching, I worked in customer service roles and was tired of working in a contact centre so I struggled to find work in New Zealand.” 

Esteban says his priority was securing a career that combined his strengths, skills, and passion.  

“I have a background in art and design. The Mission Ready Agile UX Design accelerator helped me take the skills I had and transfer them into a new career that’s creative and challenging.”   

He adds finding Mission Ready was the first step towards achieving this goal.  

Setting the tone 

Social media ads can be annoying but for Esteban, an Instagram ad proved to be the gateway to his career. 

“I had recently completed a UI course online, and several ads began showing up on my Instagram feed based on my web usage. This was how I spotted Mission Ready.“ 

He adds the government-assisted funding towards his free tuition, along with the course set-up, made Mission Ready the best fit.  

Like all candidates vying for the UX Design accelerator, Esteban prepared for an interview. He says it was here that his strengths helped him get through the door.  

“I think leveraging my education and experience by showing how those skills would be helpful in the new role got me accepted into the course. 

Finding your ground 

 Gaining an education with Mission Ready is like being in bootcamp—you get out what you put in, and you’ve got to be prepared to work hard. 

Esteban says the first nine weeks of instruction at Mission Ready were excellent for him. 

“The ‘mission’ tasks were challenging but helped give me a real-world experience of the types of tasks expected in the industry. In addition, the instructors were knowledgeable, helpful and approachable. They took the time to answer my questions and always provided guidance and useful feedback on our presentations.”   

Esteban went on to complete his internship after nine weeks, which he describes as challenging yet rewarding.  

“I worked directly with a cross-functional team of CEO, developers, and UX strategist. They provided us with a very high-level scope. This helped me understand the process needed to lead a project, research, user interviews, mockups, and final designs.” 

Why choose UX Design?  

“It provides a variety of challenges that keeps work interesting. It’s still a young profession and constantly changing, so there are always opportunities to learn something new and continue growing. Oh, and it pays well!”  

Esteban, laughing, says that if that doesn’t convince you to consider UX design, then it’s also important to talk about the flexibility of the course that allows you to transfer your existing skills.   

Now working as a UX/UI designer at the Auckland Council’s digital team, Esteban says his best pro-tip to anyone interested in studying with Mission Ready is to put in the effort.  

 “The course is intense, but it provides you with all the skills to start a new career. It can be challenging to set aside the amount of time for weekly projects. Stay focused and motivated. Finding a job will take time, but it is possible; you have to be consistent and prepared.” 

Chat to one of our friendly team members to see if Mission Ready is right for you. 

Invest in yourself.

Join the Booming Tech Sector

Need more info?

Our accelerators

I’m ready

Apply here
Posted on

Common Grounds Between Technicality And Creativity

Trying to change careers while settling back in New Zealand had high school English teacher, Muryum, pretty concerned. Having completed a Masters in Education, with an undergrad in Political Science and International Relations, Muryum was working as a primary school teacher in New Zealand and had moved across the ditch to teach English at secondary school level in Australia. After 2020, Muryum felt the need to explore a career change and study software development.   

Tech with flair  

“I actually ended up getting into UX because I wasn’t creatively challenged enough with [software] development” Muryum recalls lightheartedly. “I’ve always been quite creative and I was always really good at art”. Her impression of UX was that it combines empathy, creativity, and technical know-how with the ability to have control over a flexible schedule. Having discovered the perfect balance between her technical knowledge, personal attributes and creative skills, Muryum made the call to get join Mission Ready’s Level 6 certification in UX/UI. 

Making the switch 

The idea of a career switch can be exciting but walking into a completely new sector can also be daunting and the learning curve can look steep. “I think the accessibility of the tech sector to women and women of colour has been eye-opening,” Muryum observed while highlighting the fact that local industry experience is an advantage at job interviews. The self-directed learning environment at Mission Ready, the engaging and readily available trainers, and working on real work projects with actual employers were great selling points. 

What felt like a risky move delivered results and delivered quickly—even before completing the 10-week industry experience component, Muryum got a call from Ask Nicely where she is currently working as a UX designer. She found the “mentors at Mission Ready were really supportive of my decision to sort of go out on my own,” and adds that her own study and voluntary projects also helped fast-track her very successful career change. “I did the Google UX Design Certificate while volunteering for a meditation startup in America. When I reached the interview stage I was able to showcase both Mission Ready and real world experience as well as the transferable skills I had from teaching”.  

How to land 

Her story sounds like an ideal case and she perhaps makes it look easy. Her experience at Mission Ready says otherwise. “You really have to take initiative to make sure you’re setting yourself up for success” Muryum advises. For the evidently rewarding “whirlwind of a journey” she recommends going head first and to trust the process. Muryum found the immersive learning experience thoroughly enjoyable. She went on to describe how front-loading information in the early weeks becomes crucial very soon as projects are worked on and portfolios are built, and the industry partners network provides a source of real world problems waiting for an inquisitive UX designer to solve. Her advice is clear and to the point. “You really have to do the best that you can in order to build up not only your knowledge base, but also show your knowledge base for potential job opportunities that come along”.  

Turning up 

It’s been over six months since Muryum started working as a UX designer. How does a newly qualified successful UX graduate spend her day at the office? “My days are pretty varied—design sessions, meetings with developers and product managers. A balance of process and some UI elements, and solving real customer problems”.

Often companies have hybrid needs, and UX designers who have more specific User Interface skills, like Muryum, can find themselves wearing both hats. She stresses the importance of being able to show the transferability of skills that can add value to any UX/UI role.

”There is absolutely room for people coming into text with non-tech background. Believe in yourself, take initiatives and know that you can make the transition”. 

Chat to one of our friendly team members to see if Mission Ready is right for you.

Invest in yourself.

Join the Booming Tech Sector

Need more info?

Our accelerators

I’m ready

Apply here
Posted on

What The Market Needs: Sales Expert Turned Developer Shares Insights

 

Changing and transitioning between careers is an exciting yet daunting experience, but the journey becomes much more rewarding when you’re certain about this decision.   

Ruan de Klerk, a former business and sales expert, made the move to leave his job as a sales team leader and venture into the tech industry.  

“Straight out of school, I decided to follow the business path, which I am glad I pursued, but I didn’t see it as a long-term career. When we moved to Tauranga, I decided to change to something I have a passion for and something I could see myself doing long-term.” 

Now working as a junior software developer for Native Software, Ruan says a career in the tech industry was one he was always familiar with.  

“I also have two extended family members who are developers, so I grew up in a very technologically-focused environment. I find excitement in having to solve problems and work out solutions.”  

Ruan’s interest in technology stems back to high school. He recalls having a particular inkling of web development to building PCs and keeping up with the latest trends and products in the market.  

So how did it all begin?  

A simple search on Google. Ruan recalls investigating different institutions that offered courses on Software Development but noting that Mission Ready’s programme stood out. This led him to apply for the 19-week Advanced Software Developer accelerator.   

He adds that the choice to study with Mission Ready came down to the institute’s ability to provide training based on the market’s skill demand. 

“For a shorter-term study, this was crucial for me to succeed in changing careers, and Mission Ready seemed the best choice. The course available remotely also made it an obvious choice for me.”   

How was it studying with Mission Ready? 

Ruan describes his learning experience with Mission Ready as a platform for success, stating that learning new skills went hand in hand with developing networks and friendships.  

“Mission Ready has set up a course where not only the tutors but also the candidates want to see each other succeed. It’s like having another family for those 19 weeks where you’re challenged but you also know if it gets difficult, there’ll always be someone available to keep motivating you.” 

He adds that Mission Ready prides itself on providing an education that truly prepares you for the industry.  

“I found the course well set up, the tutors very knowledgeable, and the content relatable to workplace needs. The course is very hands-on but does not neglect the theory required to understand the code.”  

What advice would you give to candidates beginning their transition into tech?

The recent graduate says confident communication and willingness to be open to learning are the qualities that got her through the door as a successful candidate for Mission Ready.  

“The Mission Ready course can sometimes be challenging, but so is the workplace. My advice would be not to give up and be open to asking many questions. There is a lot of information available where others have had similar solutions to solve, so understanding how to search for these is extremely useful.”  

Ruan talks about his experience in the industry, noting that individuals who can solve problems and understand the value of seeking advice are highly regarded.

Inspired? Chat to one of our friendly team members to see if Mission Ready is right for you. 

Invest in yourself.

Join the Booming Tech Sector

Need more info?

Our accelerators

I’m ready

Apply here
Posted on

Summer Holidays With Family: What Success Means To A Florist Turned UX Designer

Being a full-time mum with minimal support and a full-time job can be challenging but joining the tech world made doing both those things possible for Elena Itsomina.  

A recent graduate of Mission Ready’s UX Designer accelerator, Elena is grateful not only for the new skillsets she has obtained but also the flexibility to raise her child.   

“Working in technology gives me flexible hours, and I can work remotely. The best thing is being able to have the summer holidays with my family.” 

 Elena, who previously owned a boutique florist store has moved through a few careers, responding to the industry demand within a country.   

“I initially studied engineering and working in this field when I was in Russia. Yet when I moved to New Zealand I knew I had to work in another industry so I took on a career with flowers which I truly enjoyed. I noticed, however, there was a demand within the country for UX designers.”   

Now working as a freelance UX designer, Elena shares with us her insights on how best to navigate the tech space and find a career with the help of Mission Ready.   

How did you begin this journey with Mission Ready?  

After recognising the industry demand, Elena researched to find her best options for entering the industry.  

“I simply did a Google search and found Mission Ready. The UX course stood out to me and I knew this was exactly what I needed if I were to succeed at the lifestyle I wanted.”  

Elena says to get ahead in any field, research is key.  

“Before I went for my Mission Ready candidate selection interview I did a lot of research and gained some basic knowledge of what the industry was about and how I could become successful.”  

She adds getting through the door is only the first step—maintaining a steady growth during the 19 weeks is equally important.   

“I think confidence is key! You need to trust and know what you do, what you can do, and just present your skills, your knowledge, and capability. This is what helps you succeed right from the get-go.”  

Elena adds for those wanting a career shift, or more flexible work-life balance, the tech industry is the way. 

“This career switch has allowed me to have a lifestyle that’s important to me and my family. Other mothers or anyone who wants something similar should really consider Mission Ready.”

What were your 19 weeks at Mission Ready like?

“Excellent!” Elena is quick to describe the 19 weeks as being an opportunity of growth. She adds her highlight was gaining an array of skills and knowledge in the shortest possible timeframe.  

“At the same time, being able to experience a real business environment is priceless. This is honestly why I choose to study with Mission Ready. I knew real experience would be essential if I were to succeed at my goals and Mission Ready provided that as part of the learning.” 

Any tips on succeeding at Mission Ready? 

“Research, prepare, and be confident! These skills will help you get through the door and succeed at gaining new knowledge and applying it to the industry.”  

Chat with one of our friendly team members to see if Mission Ready is right for you. 

Invest in yourself.

Join the Booming Tech Sector

Need more info?

Our accelerators

I’m ready

Apply here
Posted on

Sensing The Future: A Software Developer’s Success Story

“I’m sorry, my responses are limited…you must ask the right questions”.  

So says the hologram of Dr. Lanning, in the 2004 film I, Robot, starring Will Smith as Del Spooner, a detective investigating Dr Lanning’s mysterious death in a future world. The hologram, a form of AI, can only respond meaningfully to ‘the right question’. As the story unfolds, Spooner follows a trail of breadcrumbs and faces some confronting philosophical dilemmas. 

Jacques Theron, a software developer and recent graduate from Mission Ready’s Advanced Software Development (AI & Cloud) certification, is currently developing a buy-sell website for design templates for Revived Design. After successfully completing a “gruelling yet rewarding” 19 weeks, he came away with an experience that led him to pursue his passion for technology and be successful at it. We reached out to Jacques for some insights. 

“I heard about Mission Ready from a friend who did a UX course with them. I was unsure about what I wanted to do professionally, but I knew it was something software-related.” Jacques had been working for StretchSense, a company that designs and produces motion capture gloves. His interest in AI and databases brought him to the Mission Ready accelerator courses. “My friend really enjoyed his time at Mission Ready, so he suggested I consider doing the software development course.”

While Issac Asimov’s book “I, Robot” anticipated the early twenty first century as early as the 1950s; the current advances in the industry are prompting many people to re-imagine the future, upgrade their knowledge, to get a qualification or, as many others have successfully managed, to switch careers.  

From the get-go, the fast-paced 19-week accelerator program seemed to have been a plus for Jacques. We wanted to find out what it is like to be at Mission Ready HQ and get through the program. “I learned a lot about a great variety of different technologies”. He went on to give us a good week-at-a-glance description. “Every week we were able to apply our learning by doing various assignments. The assignments are gratifying since you are given a lot of freedom regarding how you want to approach them. You can be creative, experiment, and have fun.”  

Time factor aside, the inbuilt component of industry experience was another positive. Whether learning a new skill or making a career switch or to get certified, getting industry experience is key. “I was part of a small team and was essentially able to hit the ground running.”

For candidates just beginning their Mission Ready journey Jacques recommends starting assignments early, especially during the last ten weeks of industry experience. He also stresses the importance of reaching out to course coordinators to maximise learning and emphasises that keenness and passion to follow a breadcrumb trail like Detective Spooner in order to see a mission through to completion are qualities that’ll serve you well along the way. 

With an 86% job placement rate, Mission Ready’s accelerators are designed in collaboration with a number of industry leaders. While funding information, scholarships and start-up grants may be applicable for some, what’s possible in 19 weeks may just be the right question. 

Chat to our friendly team members to see if Mission Ready is right for you. 

Invest in yourself.

Join the Booming Tech Sector

Need more info?

Our accelerators

I’m ready

Apply here
Posted on

Upskill, Connect And Explore: How An Industrial Designer Made The Switch To UX

Currently working at Datacom as an Associate Experience Designer, Danbee An was looking to make a quick and smooth career transition.

Holding a Bachelor’s degree in Industrial design and working full-time, Danbee found her “perfect opportunity to upskill, connect and explore” in Mission Ready’s 19-week UX Designer accelerator. Having successfully completed the intensive course and the career transition, Danbee shared some valuable insights from her experience.  

A digitally-realised imagination 

“I studied 3D Digital Fabrication as a minor in University, and digital design gave me the freedom to design anything I could imagine.” Realising how much she enjoyed bringing imaginative solutions to life by applying good design principles, Danbee was able to see a connection between industrial design and the fast-moving world of UX. In her own words, “UX Design seemed to be the digital equivalent of Industrial Design—carrying similar mindsets, principles, and processes—so I was pretty confident that this was for me.”

Ever since people started creating spaces—homes, community spaces, and today’s megacities—the ability to apply good design to solve everyday problems is increasingly important. From the classic Vespa scooter to the sleek iMac screens, all good designs balance functionality with aesthetics often becoming a brand’s signature—good design not only makes sense, it  looks and feels great too. Achieving this balance is what UX/UI designers strive for, and at 33% higher than the national median salary levels, they’re on the higher end of the pay scale in New Zealand. 

Fast-tracked and future-proof 

The accelerator courses at Mission Ready are useful for anyone looking to make a career change or upgrade their technical knowledge to match the pace of the current market. Having crossed the finish line, Danbee was able to give a first-hand account of what it was like. “Hectic but valuable, literally go hard or go home.” Her personal hack was to remind herself why she is passionate about what she is studying and to put in the time and effort. She notes “Mission Ready offers so many opportunities. It’s up to you to grab those opportunities and make them yours.” 

When asked what some of her highlights were at Mission Ready, Danbee mentioned the 10-week industry experience component. She recalls, “It was a very valuable experience, and I learned many things from many wonderful mentors at Datacom”.  

Making the call  

Her success is inspiring, and according to Danbee, it is replicable. Her ten weeks at Datacom enabled her to connect with the team and learn from them directly. “I worked hard to meet all the deliverables of the project while taking on other tasks that the team needed help with, and made the effort to get to know the team. From my experience of working at different companies, everyone loves a hard worker that can be fun to work with—so I tried to be the employee that people would want to work with”.  

Solving real-world problems and improving user experience on a daily basis, UX designers like Danbee play a crucial role in making the world both functionally efficient and aesthetically pleasing. As the industry continues to pick up the pace, the demand for industry-experienced tech professionals will grow. Hence the popularity of short courses that offer collaboration with industry partners. “Hard work pays off, so if you are going to make a commitment for 19 weeks, try your best, put in 200%, and don’t be afraid to try new things.” Danbee reminds us that sharpening your tech skills and learning from industry-focused mentors will lead to successful results.  

Chat to one of our friendly team members to see if Mission Ready is right for you. 

Invest in yourself.

Join the Booming Tech Sector

Need more info?

Our accelerators

I’m ready

Apply here
Posted on

Breaking The Cultural Norms

Stephen Zhang, a recent graduate of Mission Ready, believes his career entry into the world of UX designing has broken the cultural norms of his society.  

Stephen says before joining Mission Ready, he had completed high school with little guidance regarding his next step.  

He says, “I had no idea what I wanted to pursue in life. I certainly didn’t want to be a doctor or engineer, which all my friends were pursuing, so that left me feeling disheartened.” 

Stephen took up graphic design during his first year at university but was still “clueless” about his future. “I knew I wanted to do something creative. I was curious about the world and loved problem-solving, coming up with ideas, and using sticky notes. I didn’t know what that was until I heard about Mission Ready.” 

 Stephen says finding Mission Ready was like finding a whole new world.   

He adds he decided to use 2022 to dive head-first into the 19-week UX designer course. Recalling, “I thought to myself that at worst, I would use a gap year to discover my interests, and at best, I would land a full-time UX role.” 

Now working as a full-time product designer for ezyVet, Stephen says entering the world of UX designing was the best choice.  

 “My 19 weeks were definitely challenging but rewarding. It’s incredibly fast-paced. I learned more in the initial nine weeks of Mission Ready than in my entire university year.” 

 Stephen adds the mentoring, and educational support he received from Mission Ready helped pave the path for his career.   

“Having a mentor over the ten weeks was indispensable. There were days when I didn’t know how to move forward, and my mentor gave me the guidance I needed. We also made a career plan of action together to get my portfolio finished and start applying for jobs.” 

Inspired? Chat to one of our friendly team members to see if Mission Ready is right for you.  

Invest in yourself.

Join the Booming Tech Sector

Need more info?

Our accelerators

I’m ready

Apply here
Posted on

Getting A Portfolio Of Real Work Sparks A Career In UX

“I was fresh out of school when I decided to join Mission Ready, but it was relieving and exciting to find a variety of people at different life stages studying together.”  

Mikayla Scrymgeour recalls her first impression of entering the doors of Mission Ready. 

“I was a little intimidated at first because Mission Ready was promoting themselves as a tool to transition into the tech industry from different careers. Also, I didn’t have any proper work experience under my belt, but I soon learnt that didn’t matter.”  

For someone who has always known that her interests lie in the tech world, Mikayla began doing her research months in advance.   

“I heard about Mission Ready from my ICT teacher in school. Based on my school assignments, I had expressed my interest in UX Design; my teacher believed I had some potential and sent me links to resources and tools to help me get there.” 

Mikayla explains once she had seen what was on offer at Mission Ready, she was determined to gain her education from a results-based provider.  

“I knew Mission Ready was a fit for me because I was able to gain a lot of value in a short period. Also, it was awesome to have a portfolio to show off at the end of the programme.” 

Now a qualified UX/UI Designer, Mikayla shares her experience with us. 

Why choose the tech industry? 

I’ve always been drawn to the tech industry; I enjoyed ICT at school—I knew it was where I would end up eventually. The tech industry is constantly growing, and I love that I can participate in the innovation. 

How would you describe your experience at Mission Ready?

The 19-week journey at Mission Ready is fast-paced, challenging and fun, with different missions due each week. We got to work with the fabulous Seann Lautner, who coached and mentored us through the first nine weeks. Collaborating with other members of our cohort to get a feel for working in teams was another valuable experience.   

Our ten weeks of work experience were amazing! I loved working with Mint Design (internship). The internships assigned to each candidate were well thought out based on our top choices, the work we produced within the first nine weeks, and a sense of who would be a good fit. It was a great opportunity to apply our knowledge and skills and get a taste of working in the industry.  

What’s your advice to succeed at Mission Ready? 

Make sure you’re putting in the time and effort that’s required to succeed. Keep in mind that the projects we are working on during this time are what will be shown to your future employers. It also pays to work on your portfolio as you go; this saves you from having to go back through all your work after it’s done and instead spend your time focused on getting that job! 

Inspired?  Chat to one of our friendly team members to see if Mission Ready is right for you. 

Invest in yourself.

Join the Booming Tech Sector

Need more info?

Our accelerators

I’m ready

Apply here
Posted on

Connecting Skills: The Search For Career Satisfaction Leads To UX

Simon Weng, who recently qualified as a UX designer from Mission Ready, says joining the tech industry was a “connector of skillsets” combining both his creative and technical capabilities.  

Simon, who used to be a civil engineer, says he was out looking for the “next thing that would lead to career satisfaction.” 

“I didn’t necessarily enjoy my work as a civil engineer. I have always had an interest in design, and after some time I recognised that tech and user experience, in particular, was where I wanted to be.” 

We caught up with Simon, who now works as a UX designer, to tell us more about his journey and transition into the tech industry.    

How did you hear about Mission Ready? 

I heard about Mission Ready from a friend who was also in a career transitional phase. He had just completed his education with Mission Ready and spoke highly of the experience. Initially I thought of taking an online course but I was intrigued by his experience so I Googled them, and here we are. 

Why did you choose to study with Mission Ready?  

While researching Mission Ready, I came across a few success stories of other candidates who had a similar career transitional phase as I did. I was able to see that they had successfully made the shift and that gave me hope.  

Also, the UX designer course had an employment success rate of 85 percent [editor’s note: now 86%] along with an internship and real industry experience. I must also add the government funding was a bonus in my decision-making process. 

What helped you succeed at Mission Ready?   

I think it was just a mixture of two things for me. First, my general understanding of designing and user experience knowledge—before joining Mission Ready, I had taken online courses to gain an understanding of the field.  Secondly, I think just having social skills. I was able to communicate my intentions and goals through a friendly conversation instead of approaching the interview in a formal way.

How would you describe the 19 weeks at Mission Ready?  

Honestly, it was very routine but logical! The process works really well for candidates. It starts off slow but builds up then eventually it starts wrapping up and you’re off to your internship and thinking about getting new work clothes! I wouldn’t say the experience was overwhelming at all. The programme is well designed; put in the work and you’ll receive the rewards.    

What advice would you give to someone interested in studying with Mission Ready?   

Studying at Mission Ready certainly gets you ready for the industry so start your experience with that mindset. You need to set the tone from the beginning—put in the work and enjoy the process.   

Inspired? Chat to our friendly team members to find out if Mission Ready is right for you. 

Invest in yourself.

Join the Booming Tech Sector

Need more info?

Our accelerators

I’m ready

Apply here
Posted on

From Defusing Explosives To Debugging Errors: Ex-Military Professional Finds His Way Into Software Development

According to Miyamoto Musashi, the legendary Japanese warrior-turned-philosopher, the Way is in the training. To Ross Baker, a former explosives ordinance assistant in the French Army and recent graduate of Mission Ready, the importance of putting in the hours couldn’t be overstated. After successfully completing the Advanced Software Development (AI & Cloud), Ross is currently working as a full stack developer for the National Institute for Health Innovation (NIHI), where he completed his ten weeks of industry experience as a component of the certification. We asked Ross, coming from a background in the military, how he made the switch.  

Ticking the boxes 

“For me, starting a career in tech is like embarking on a never-ending adventure”. The industry, with its constant state of evolution, opens many possibilities. While there is no shortage of problems that need solving in the present, the demand for qualified tech professionals will only increase in the future we are stepping into. With the flexibility of work, high salaries, and, as Ross found, an “amicable culture and humour” of its own, the tech sector has wide appeal.

One major tick box for anyone considering a similar path—is it for me? Many of us will probably be able to relate to Ross here. “I have always had a fascination with technology, though it is only recently I’ve felt I could potentially have something to contribute to the industry.” Technology is all around us, and information technology—the world of software development and its related branches, is becoming increasingly interwoven with our lives. Understanding how real-world problems are solved by writing code may not be necessary to be able to use technology; however, that problem-solving has become a highly sought-after, well-paid skill.

Getting started 

Ross had spent some freelancing hours in web development before embarking on some serious training. It was during this time he became aware of the lag between what was taught in class to what he experienced in the market. For someone who is changing careers, time was in essence. This led Ross to look for “additional, hands-on training that focused on knowledge and skills that were more up-to-date and relevant”. Enter: Mission Ready. 

In the trenches 

Whether starting or starting again, getting into the studying mode is both exciting and daunting. So we wanted to get Ross’s impressions on what it was like to be on a mission, getting hands-on and getting those hours in. “It was a rollercoaster. It was a non-stop ride that swung back and forth between frustration and elation as I worked my way through each mission and became increasingly confident and competent”. The intensity was real, he adds, the kind of intensity that is uplifting and enriching. Ross looks back with admiration at his fellow candidates, who interpreted the tasks in their own way, coming up with a myriad ways to solve a given problem.  

Survive and thrive 

Revisiting Musashi, the inventor of Nitō Ichi-Ryū (the two-sword fencing) and winner of 61 duels, the importance of the mindset is paramount. Ross became the preferred candidate for NIHI, after having observed his work ethic, learning style and great attitude during the industry experience component of the programme. He adds that NIHI were also impressed that during the interview, he demonstrated the ability to ‘think like a designer’. 

For aspiring candidates, Ross shares it’s essential to commit yourslef fully and trust in the process. “The staff are there to help you achieve your goals and are constantly looking for ways to improve their accelerators. If you embrace what you are shown and do the work, you will succeed”.       

Some final thoughts from Ross highlighted the importance of fun. This pro-tip truly taps into the mind over matter aspect of training. He recommends ‘follow a page (or several) of tech/programming memes. They are great for having a laugh and are surprisingly helpful for keeping things in perspective. For example, knowing that Javascript is a lot like English; no one knows how to use semicolons properly, may just be that smirk you need to find your Way in the training.   

Inspired? Chat with our friendly team members to see if Mission Ready is right for you. 

Invest in yourself.

Join the Booming Tech Sector

Need more info?

Our accelerators

I’m ready

Apply here
Posted on

Challenging Norms: Thinking Ahead Of Time Brings Success

Accounting for only 23 percent of professional IT roles, women are a minority in the tech industry.

This didn’t sway a recently qualified Software Developer from Mission Ready, Neishun Lopati, however, who speaks of her experience entering the tech industry as a woman.  

“If you’re a brown woman like me, be confident in your ability to do things. But Neishun adds, “Tech is a massive sector that is not generally accessible for women or minorities, so don’t let people underestimate you.”   

So what brings a woman into an industry that seems to be dominated by men? Well, Neishun best describes it as the way of the future.  

“We always hear stories about people ahead of their time; Archimedes, Nikolai Tesla, Socrates, Galileo Galilei, and Frank Ocean with his album, Blonde. I think technology is the future. That is why I wanted to go into it.” 

How did your journey into the tech industry begin? 

What may sometimes seem like a missed career opportunity turned into a pathway—Neishun, who was a full-time student, had missed out on a semester after being hospitalised for two months.  

 “The rehabilitation was long. I had to focus on recovering so missed the deadline to start that semester but then I heard about Mission Ready and decided to do that for the time being.”  

Neishun recalls longing for an academic challenge while battling a steady recovery.  

 “I love challenges! When I had my phone interview, I was told it was an intense programme. I didn’t need to hear much more; I was game.” 

Enter Mission Ready 

Any candidate who has undergone Mission Ready’s accelerator program attests to its ability to provide a challenging yet rewarding course.  

Neishun says the 19-week Software Developer (Cloud & DevOps) allowed her to best prepare for the industry expectations and standards.  

“There’s a lot of self-learning and a lot of self-discovery with learning what you’re capable of. One of the best things about Mission Ready is the friends you can make. Like-minded people who share your vision for the future.” 

Neishun advises that to launch a career through the support of Mission Ready, one must put in the effort and be resilient.  

 “It can get hard for some, it does get intense, but your attitude is your altitude.” She adds the journey has delivered results for her career. “I am currently a UX Designer and leading the Front-End team for Tohu Media, an indigenous post-production company.”  

This could be you! 

While Mission Ready is a competitive environment, Neishun has given us some tips to help skyrocket your tech career.  “Many factors can make you a successful candidate for the interview, but these are what worked for me: resilience, work ethic, and ambition.” 

Inspired? Chat to one of our friendly team members to see if Mission Ready is right for you.

Invest in yourself.

Join the Booming Tech Sector

Need more info?

Our accelerators

I’m ready

Apply here
Posted on

Flying To The Next Mission: A Pilot’s Journey Into Software Development

Once a friendly face that flew across the blue waters of the South Pacific but Stuart Toleafoa turned in that career for a chance to follow his interest.    

The newly graduate of Mission Ready’s Software Developer (Cloud & DevOps) accelerator says his passion for technology is long rooted in his childhood aspirations.   

“I have always been interested in technology ever since I was young. It is, in fact, partially the reason why I chose to become a pilot.” 

We caught up with Stuart, to hear about his rewarding career crossover and some tips on how to get a quality educational leg up in the industry through Mission Ready.  

How did your journey begin?  

I was introduced to the world of technology through Mission Ready. I had heard about the higher education facility through one of my mates. After a deep-dive research into the course I knew this was something I wanted to do. It was one of the fastest ways to enter the workforce and it would provide me with a good knowledge base and experience to get my first industry-based job. 

What was the interview process like to get into Mission Ready?  

I remember preparing as best as I can for the interview but I honestly think it comes down to showing that I was teachable, eager to learn, and ready to delve into the unknown possibilities of the tech world.  

How would you describe your 19 weeks in the Software Developer (Cloud & DevOps) accelerator?  

It was intense but rewarding! Don’t get me wrong, you have to put in the work to make it to the end, but it’s entirely worth it. I had also enjoyed the university lifestyle making new friends and meeting new people. I found a group of friends that helped me get through my journey at Mission Ready. 

How does one succeed at Mission Ready?  

I would say just keep going. There were a couple of times during the course when I was confused and didn’t understand the content, but I just kept my head down, continued to persevere and it paid off.  

Where have you landed after receiving an education with Mission Ready?  

I’m currently working as a contractor. I provide services in the area of software development and project management.   

Inspired? Chat to one of our friendly team members to see if Mission Ready is right for you. 

Invest in yourself.

Join the Booming Tech Sector

Need more info?

Our accelerators

I’m ready

Apply here
Posted on

Being A Salesforce Developer: What it Means and How to Get Started

As the world’s #1 customer relationship management (CRM) platform, Salesforce gives every business team⁠ – from sales to marketing, commerce to service, and beyond – a single, shared view of every customer. Over 150,000 companies, both big and small, are growing their business with Salesforce. But it’s more than just a CRM platform; it’s a community of over 10 million innovators, disruptors, and community shapers they call Trailblazers. 

Why is this exciting? Salesforce recently announced a new study from IDC that found Salesforce and its ecosystem of partners will create 9.3 million new jobs and $1.6 trillion in new business revenues worldwide by 2026. The opportunity is huge, and in New Zealand it is expected to create 26,000 new jobs by 2026.

What’s more? If you are interested in riding this wave to build a career, a job in salesforce development may be the right fit for you. This is especially true for New Zealand where lack of skilled professionals in technology makes this a highly lucrative career choice to pursue – one where average salaries for a Salesforce developer with 1 to 3 years’ experience range from $80,000 to $90,000. NZ Tech’s Digital Skills Report published in 2021 also talks about other careers that are in demand and worth exploring. 

Learn about our 19-week Salesforce accelerator.

Getting started in this role is easy. All you require is a good internet connection, a laptop and some learning up your sleeve, and you are good to go. 

Here’s everything you need to know about being a Salesforce Developer. From what does a Salesforce Developer do to what you need in order to become one, and even the scope of job opportunities that lie ahead. We have created an exhaustive resource to help answer all questions you may have about pivoting to this career choice.

Let’s dive right into it!

Q: What makes Salesforce so successful?

The credit would surely go to the Salesforce taskforce, including Salesforce Developers, Salesforce Administrators, and Salesforce Consultants. We believe that the Salesforce Developers are the backbone of the entire CRM. This role is essential for a successful Salesforce implementation. This is also the reason these roles are in such high demand. 

Q: What is a Salesforce Developer?

All businesses have different needs and their Salesforce requirements will be different. The Salesforce Developer plays a crucial role working with clients and customers to realise the full capability of the CRM by customising and offering tailor-made solutions. 

Learn about our 19-week Salesforce accelerator.

Q: What does a Salesforce Developer do?

If you choose this career path, you’ll be responsible for all types of standard Salesforce Development and customisation. This includes coding, unit testing, building applications, and creating and modifying existing applications.

A Salesforce Developer has an understanding of how Salesforce works, coupled with experience in the platform. The developer is hired by a customer/client for the purposes of customising Salesforce to the specifications of the hiring party. Alternately, it could be an in-house programmer who happens to be skilled at working with Salesforce. These developers use tools such as Apex and Visualforce, as well as frameworks like Lightning Component in order to develop apps.

A Salesforce Developer doesn’t have to work for Salesforce. The Salesforce eco-system is huge, ranging from small, mid-sized and large organisations who are either a Salesforce Partner (i.e. they support businesses to implement Salesforce) or a Salesforce Customer (i.e. they use the Salesforce CRM to successfully manage their customers). 

Q: What are the first steps to becoming a Salesforce Developer?

The first step to becoming a Salesforce Developer is starting your learning journey. We highly recommend you complete the below three certifications recognised by Salesforce within its eco system:

1. Salesforce Certified Administrator (TVB201)
2. Salesforce Certified Platform App Builder (TVB403)
3. Salesforce Certified Platform Developer I (TVB450)

Salesforce makes it fun and easy to get started on your learning journey through their online learning platform, Trailhead, which we highly recommend for those who are driven, motivated, and have strong time management skills. You can earn certifications and badges through Trailhead and become a professional in no time. 

For those who are looking for an alternate approach, we highly encourage you check out our Salesforce Developer Accelerator. You will not only gain the three certifications but also gain industry experience, access to the NZ industry network, and professional advice and mentorship to help you land your dream role.

Q: How much time will it take to learn these skills?

Begin with investing some time in coding, and then the 19-week Salesforce Developer Accelerator. This covers the material required to achieve the three certificates listed above, as well as industry professional skills and valuable mentored workplace experience.

Q: Do I need to have a degree in computer science to be a Salesforce  Developer? 

Salesforce development is largely dependent on skills,  so there’s absolutely no reason why you can’t get hired without a degree.

What’s more, New Zealand currently has a talent shortage, so to close this gap, more companies are committed to hiring skilled talent who may not have a degree, but possess the requisite skills. 

If you are really interested in pursuing this line of work, we would recommend ditching the degree route (unless you have 2-4 years at your disposal) and getting started on learning. The internet has many online tutorials that you could get started with. You can also start your self-paced learning on Trailhead, or consider joining tech accelerators like the one we run at Mission Ready HQ where you’ll not only learn the requisite skills, but also become certified and job-ready in just 19 weeks. 

Learn about the Salesforce accelerator now.

Q: How much can I hope to earn once I have acquired these skills?

For a role that is in huge demand and an industry faced with serious skill shortages, it would be fair to expect that such a position would demand a reasonable compensation. According to Payscale, a salesforce developer in NZ earn an average of $90,000 with extra bonuses that may also be available depending on the organisation you join. This could be an extra $5,000 to $10,000 per annum. 

You may start at a salary of $55-60,000. Some companies are known to attract talent with higher starting salaries. If you check an experienced Salesforce Developers salary, it could be over $130,000. There are a number of factors that can influence the salary package including location and experience. Having said that, this is potentially a pretty lucrative career choice.

Ready to get started? Check out our accelerators and how we support you to transform your careers and launch a new career in as short as 19 weeks.

Posted on

From Global Brand Ambassador to Web Dev: A Successful Transition

Meet Raymond Letoa, Current Scholarship Recipient! 

It’s not every day that you hear of a Global Brand Ambassador who travels the world and gives it all up for a life in the fast-growing technology industry. Meet Raymond Letoa. Not only was Raymond a Global brand ambassador for The House of Angostura, but before joining Mission Ready, he was also Co-owner of Roxy Cinema in Miramar, Wellington.  

“Pre-Covid days, I was in the entertainment and hospitality industry a Global Brand Ambassador for ‘The House of Angostura’ who make great rum and bitters, showcasing their products to many groups and audiences from masterclasses to guest shifts and more.” 

Why I chose a career in Tech

This glam career came to a halt in 2020 when the world plummeted into Covid-19. However, due to the economic pressures on the hospitality industry, Raymond decided to take on take on a new career.   

“I returned to New Zealand with a desire to take up a career in technology, more specifically web development. Then, of course, with research, I discovered Mission Ready.” 

Through the various options of accelerators available with Mission Ready, Raymond signed up for the Level 4 Full Stack Web Development Accelerator, which covered the fundamentals of coding, industry best practices and new frameworks. 

“I progressed to undertake my Level 5 ADV Software Development Accelerator, which covered cloud technologies, collaboration exercises, working in and learning agile methodologies and more.”  

And then my Tech Internship… 

Raymond is currently enrolled in the Level 6 Accelerator program and is enjoying his industry placement that Mission Ready organised for him. 

“Currently I am working with Auckland Council as a Developer on a project called ’Technius’. This project is a web-based application in the form of a game intended for students from 9-14 years old. It helps students understand and clarify what their tech career path could look like.” 

Where to next? 

At Mission Ready, the opportunities are endless; Raymond has decided to put his best practices to the test. 

“Over the next couple of months, I want to create a few more projects with some amazing individuals I have met through Mission Ready. I’d like to build a portfolio to show potential future employers what I am capable of.” 

Considering tech? My advice to you! 

Raymond is a success story of the Full Stack Pathway offered by Mission Ready and a strong advocate for taking risks and pursuing new visions in a rapidly changing world. 

“The first step is always the scariest, the hardest, the most nerve-wracking and understandably so, but Mission Ready has many resources to guide you through the whole journey; no one gets left behind.” 

Raymond has also joined the Mission ready team as a support tutor. He is passionate about helping others to find their feet in tech and would love to see you succeed there too!

If you would like to have a no-obligation chat with one of our team you can contact us here.