How to Switch from a Non-Tech Background to a Tech Job in Ireland

Switching to tech in Ireland is honestly a game-changer right now. Ireland's tech sector is thriving, with massive demand in software development, data analytics, and cybersecurity.

The numbers are super impressive - tech workers in cities are earning around €60,814, while rural tech jobs pay about €51,648. What's really cool is that 34% of jobs are now remote, and 93% of people who used to commute want to keep working from home.

Major tech companies haven't just planted flags here - they're growing roots. With over 700 tech companies employing more than 106,000 people, Ireland exports €241 billion worth of tech services.

The best part? You don't even need a tech degree to break in. Companies value skills in finance, marketing, and sales too. There are tons of conversion courses and bootcamps to help you skill up.

While there were some layoffs in 2023-2024, the industry is still growing, especially in AI and cloud computing. It's not just about getting a job - it's about joining an industry that's literally shaping the future.

If you're thinking about making the switch, now's literally the perfect time.

Finding your perfect tech niche in Ireland is all about matching what you love with what's actually in demand right now. Dublin's tech scene is particularly hot for software development, cloud computing, and AI skills, with the software development sector alone contributing €66.5 billion to the economy.

You don't even need a tech degree to break in - skills in areas like finance, marketing, and HR are totally valuable too.

Looking at the numbers, the tech sector here employs over 106,000 people across more than 700 companies.

systems security managers, cloud architects, and data scientists are among the most sought-after roles right now.

For example, a cyber security analyst can start at €49,500 and work their way up to €80,000 with experience - not bad at all! The demand is real too, with 90% of tech managers struggling to find skilled professionals.

Whether you're into coding, analyzing data, or keeping systems secure, there's definitely room for growth.

The tech scene here isn't just about writing code - it's about solving real problems and making things happen. Dublin's Silicon Docks is basically Ireland's answer to Silicon Valley, hosting major players like Google, Microsoft, and Meta.

Just remember, while getting into tech might seem overwhelming at first, there are tons of resources and courses available to help you level up your skills. The key is to start with one area that interests you and build from there.

Ireland's tech education landscape is transforming rapidly to meet future workforce demands. Microsoft's national AI skilling program leads the charge, offering free courses and certifications for everyone from students to career changers.

The program includes a 6-week introduction to AI and professional certificates in areas like Generative AI, making it super accessible for beginners. UCD Professional Academy's research shows that AI-related jobs in Ireland have grown 3.5 times faster than other positions since 2016, with AI professionals earning way above the national average.

For anyone just starting out, Future in Tech offers free online training in nine different pathways, including IT support, cloud computing, and web development, complete with mentoring and career support.

The best part? You get industry certifications that actually matter to employers.

Building a standout tech portfolio is absolutely crucial when breaking into Ireland's tech scene in 2025. Recent data shows that 72% of hiring managers consider a strong portfolio essential when evaluating candidates.

To make your portfolio truly impressive, start by documenting your work systematically - create dedicated project folders with clear descriptions, and keep everything organized from day one.

Professional engineers recommend maintaining daily documentation of your projects, including spreadsheets, photos, and technical specs.

The tech industry in Ireland is super competitive right now, but with 16 of the top 20 global tech companies having offices here, there are plenty of opportunities for those who put in the work.

• Organize your portfolio: Focus on creating projects that solve real problems, and make sure to highlight your problem-solving process.
• Showcase challenges: Include both your successful projects and the ones that challenged you - hiring managers want to see how you handle obstacles.
• Ensure accessibility: Remember to keep your portfolio clean, accessible, and mobile-friendly since more than half of viewers will check it on their phones.
• Regular updates: Update it regularly with new projects and skills you're learning.
• Add metrics: Don't forget to add metrics whenever possible - things like user numbers, performance improvements, or efficiency gains really catch employers' attention.

Remember these key strategies, and you'll increase your chances of landing a tech job in Ireland.

Networking is absolutely crucial for breaking into Ireland's tech scene, and there are more ways than ever to connect with industry professionals. According to recent data, 70% of tech jobs in Dublin are filled through networking connections, making it essential to build relationships.

Tech hubs like Dogpatch Labs and The Digital Hub have become hotspots for meeting potential employers and peers. The real game-changer has been LinkedIn, where over 600,000 Irish professionals actively network, share insights, and post job opportunities.

For anyone starting out, joining groups like "Tech Ireland" and engaging with industry content can open doors to amazing opportunities. Tech meetups and conferences are back in full swing, offering perfect chances to connect with people who are already working in your dream role.

The Dublin Tech Summit is massive, bringing together over 10,000 attendees, while smaller meetups like Data Céilí provide more intimate networking settings. Remember to follow up with new connections - a quick message after meeting can turn a casual chat into a valuable professional relationship.

Career services at places like UCD Professional Academy offer practical support with interview prep and CV optimization, which is super helpful when you're making the switch to tech.

Stay active in these communities, share your journey, and don't be shy about reaching out to people - the Irish tech community is incredibly welcoming to newcomers!

Switching to tech in Ireland isn't as scary as it might seem, especially with recent data showing major shifts in the industry. Over 50% of Irish companies are actively seeking people with tech skills, and they're not just looking at degrees anymore.

What's really cool is that 83% of Irish workers over 40 are considering retraining as AI evolves, proving it's never too late to make the switch. The industry is super focused on practical skills - 78% of workers agree that AI and coding skills should be mandatory learning, which shows how important these skills are becoming.

For anyone worried about the education gap, companies are changing their approach to training employees, with many offering apprenticeships in software engineering and cybersecurity.

At Nucamp, the Full Stack Web + Mobile Development bootcamp, running for 22 weeks, covers everything from JavaScript to MongoDB, with flexible payment options starting at $2,604.

The key to success isn't just about having a degree - it's about showing you can adapt and learn. Getting involved in the tech community through meetups, hackathons, and building personal projects can really help showcase your skills to potential employers.

Plus, with Ireland ranking third in the EU for digital human capital, there are tons of opportunities for newcomers to break into the field.