Your First 90 Days in Tech: A Beginner’s Action Plan

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Your First 90 Days in Tech: A Beginner’s Action Plan

We all set a strong resolution to transition into tech, but sadly, only a few people ever make it through. Not because they aren’t smart or capable, but because the first few weeks can feel like being dropped in a foreign land without a map. Between choosing the right learning path, battling imposter syndrome, and juggling life outside the screen, it’s no surprise many give up before they even build momentum.

At TechCrush, we believe the problem isn’t motivation, it’s direction. That’s why we created this 90-day beginner’s action plan: to help you move from uncertainty to confidence, one step at a time. If you’re ready to stop second-guessing and start building your future in tech, this is your roadmap. Let’s get into it.

Phase 1: Days 1–30- Explore & Choose Your Tech Path

Goal: Gain clarity and commit to a direction

The first 30 days are all about exploration. It’s tempting to dive headfirst into the first trending tech skill you see online, but real growth starts with alignment. You want to choose a learning path that fits your interests, strengths, and career goals.

Here’s how to start smart:

Understand Your Options

Tech isn’t just coding and thankfully, TechCrush isn’t either. From storytelling through technical writing to problem-solving in cybersecurity, there’s a path for every kind of thinker.

Here’s a quick snapshot of beginner-friendly options:

  • Coding & Software Development – Build apps, websites, and tools that solve real problems.
  • Data Analytics – Turn numbers into insights and guide smarter decisions.
  • Cybersecurity – Protect digital systems and learn how to spot threats.
  • Product Management – Lead tech teams, manage timelines, and deliver successful projects.
  • Technical Writing – Simplify complex tools or systems into clear, helpful documentation.

Reflect on Your Strengths & Personality

Ask yourself:

  • Do I enjoy solving logical problems or building things? – Explore coding
  • Do I love finding patterns in numbers? – Try data analytics
  • Am I detail-oriented and cautious? – Look into cybersecurity
  • Am I organized and people-savvy? – Consider product management
  • Do I write well and love explaining things clearly? – Go for technical writing

Pick One Path and Commit for 30 Days

Once you’ve explored your options:

  • Enroll in one beginner course on TechCrush
  • Set 1–2 realistic learning goals (e.g., “Complete Module 1 and build my first project”)
  • Schedule consistent learning hours- 30 mins to 1 hour daily goes a long way

Set Up Your Environment

  • Create a distraction-free space to learn
  • Download the tools you’ll need (e.g., VS Code for coding, Trello for PM, Excel for data)
  • Keep a digital or physical notebook for tracking what you learn

Phase 2: Days 31–60 – Learn by Doing

A group of young African males discussing a project while using their laptop and phones

Goal: Move from theory to practice and build real confidence

By now, you’ve picked a path and started learning the basics. Great job.  But real growth happens when you apply what you’re learning. This phase is all about rolling up your sleeves and getting hands-on. Don’t worry about being perfect, just focus on doing.

Start Building, Writing, or Solving

Here’s how to practice based on your chosen path:

  • Coding: Build a basic to-do app, calculator, or personal website
  • Data Analytics: Analyze a simple dataset (e.g., survey results or sales data) and build charts or dashboards
  • Cybersecurity: Try out beginner labs on platforms like TryHackMe or explore basic ethical hacking concepts
  • Project Management: Create a sample project plan using Trello or Asana (e.g., plan a mock website launch)
  • Technical Writing: Write a how-to guide or user manual for a tool you use regularly

Document Your Journey

Start a learning journal – it could be a blog, LinkedIn series, Twitter thread, or even a private Notion page. Share:

  • What you’re learning
  • Challenges you’re facing
  • Projects you’re working on

This helps with reflection, shows progress, and builds an online presence you can later use to attract job or internship opportunities.

Get Comfortable with Tools

Now’s the time to learn and explore the tools professionals in your field use. A few ideas:

  • VS Code, GitHub – for coders
  • Excel, Power BI, Tableau – for data learners
  • Trello, Notion, JIRA – for project managers
  • Google Docs, Markdown editors – for technical writers
  • TryHackMe, Wireshark – for cybersecurity learners

Phase 3: Days 61-90 – Build, Share, and Prepare for Opportunities

Developer working on code late at night, view from the back

Goal: Showcase your progress and get ready to take your next step

You’ve explored. You’ve practiced. Now, it’s time to start putting your work out there and preparing for real-world opportunities—whether it’s internships, freelance gigs, or deeper learning.

Create a Beginner Portfolio

Even as a beginner, you can start showing your work:

  • Coders: Host mini projects on GitHub or CodePen
  • Data analysts: Upload dashboards or data stories to your portfolio
  • PMs: Share mock plans or case studies of sample projects
  • Writers: Publish helpful how-to guides or writeups
  • Cybersecurity: Document what you learned from beginner labs or simulations

 Join a Project or Peer Collaboration

Team up with fellow TechCrushers or volunteer on small real-life projects:

  • Join a group challenge or simulation
  • Offer to help a small business or NGO with a data report, documentation, or website
  • Collaborate with peers who are learning different tracks (e.g., a coder + writer + PM)

 Learn the Soft Skills Too

Start polishing the things that help you stand out professionally:

  • Communication
  • Time management
  • Collaboration
  • Problem-solving

These skills often matter just as much as technical knowledge, especially for junior roles.

 Update Your Online Presence

  • LinkedIn: Add your new skills, share your projects, and write a short “learning so far” update
  • Personal Website or GitHub: Organize your work and learning journal
  • Resume: Create a simple, beginner resume showing your skills, tools used, and projects completed

Start Exploring Entry Points

You don’t need to be a pro to apply for:

  • Internships
  • Entry-level remote jobs
  • Freelance gigs on platforms like Upwork or Fiverr
  • Volunteer tech roles at NGOs

Conclusion: Your First 90 Days Are Just the Beginning

The first 90 days in tech are less about mastering everything and more about proving to yourself that you can stay committed, learn consistently, and keep showing up even when things get hard. You don’t need to have it all figured out. You just need to take the next right step.

At TechCrush, we’ve seen what’s possible when beginners are given the right tools, the right community, and the right roadmap. So take a breath. Revisit this plan when you feel lost. And remember: the tech world isn’t reserved for geniuses, it’s built for learners just like you

4 Comments

  1. This is a great breakdown to be properly founded in tech. Being in Tech Crush has increased my understanding in tech mostly backend development with @Tobi being the best tutor I have for the backend

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