How to Start a Career in IT

Considering a career change? Or are you a recent grad starting out in the professional world? Well, like many others, you might want to turn your attention towards the exciting field of Information Technology (IT). In today’s digital sphere, IT is the most important need of every industry. This makes it a promising field if you want to have a glorious career that is highly future proof. The field is vast and there is a lot to choose from, and the big thing is the high average salaries in every IT domain. So, let’s explore how to start a career in IT.

Why Choose an IT career?

Before going deep into how to kickstart your journey in IT, let’s first explore why the field is so appealing. There are several compelling reasons behind choosing an IT career. It might just be the best decision you make.

Affordable training

Unlike some professions that demand years of formal education, many roles in IT need affordable training. While certain IT positions may require a three or four-year degree, there are many other paths that value practical skills and certifications. This makes it a more workable option for many aspiring students.

It’s also important to note that a regular degree in any computer science field is the guarantee to landing a job in the IT field. And for a good degree to show to your employers, you need to focus on assignments, essays, and personal statements. Although your teachers in the college or university provide you important lessons, still, hiring a personal statement writer at EduBirdie is an easier thing to do when you are not able to do it yourself. This is the top online platform for external help in your education journey.

Constantly evolving

In the world of IT, change is the only constant. As technology takes new shape, new tools and programming languages emerge. It is safe to say that it is here to remain as the most consistently growing field. People have made fortunes in IT and startups have become big businesses overnight.

Job stability and demand

It’s no secret that technology drives the modern world. From small businesses to MNCs, almost every entity relies on IT systems. This large demand needs professionals to keep their operations running smoothly. This high demand translates into job stability for those in the IT field. This provides a sense of security in an ever-changing job market.

How to Begin IT career – A Guide for You

Now that you’re intrigued by the prospect of an IT career, let’s take a closer look at how you can begin in this field.

1. Building a network of IT professionals

The importance of having a strong professional circle is known to everyone. Building a solid network of IT professionals opens up a host of opportunities for you. Being part of industry conferences and joining online communities should be your first step in building a network. Connecting with industry experts on platforms like LinkedIn is the key. These provide you with insights into the real-world experiences of IT professionals.

2. Mastering coding skills

At the heart of IT lies coding. It’s the language that powers software, applications, and websites. While the idea of coding might sound a bit complex, there’s a wide range of resources for beginners. Online courses, coding bootcamps, and formal courses help you grasp programming languages. It could be any – HTML, JavaScript, CSS, Python, and more.

3. Gaining education and experience

Whether you choose formal education or on-the-job experience, becoming an expert is vital in the world of IT. You can go for entry-level jobs in startups or internships during college. The startups are known to teach much more than the big companies. This will help you to gain practical exposure. You will get on-the-job experience you need to succeed in your career.

4. Creating a strong resume

Once you have the skills, experience, and education necessary, you’ll need a professional resume that clearly highlights your value to employers. If you’re a recent graduate, a one page resume is preferred by employers and if you’ve been in the professional workforce for more than a few years, then a two page resume is expected. 

5. Preparing for technical interviews

As you start your IT journey, job interviews are the first thing to prepare for. Research technical interview questions, practice answers, and prepare to show your coding skills. Some interviews might even include technical problem-solving tasks to assess your practical capabilities.

6. Exploring various IT career paths

An exciting thing in IT is the range of career options available. Here are some of the best options to consider.

• Cybersecurity: Protect computer systems from threats and breaches, ensuring the safety of sensitive information.
• Software Development: Learn creating software programs that drive various tasks and functionalities.
• Web Development: Design and maintain websites and mobile apps, working on both front-end and back-end development.
• Cloud Computing: Master cloud platforms like AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud. These play a pivotal role in the tech infrastructure of modern businesses.
• Data Analysis: Secure and analyze data to uncover insights and trends. This helps businesses in making informed decisions.
• Computer Support: Provide essential IT support to organizations, helping employees navigate technical issues.
• Networks and Systems: Explore the complexities of networks, hardware, and servers, ensuring smooth operations within organizations.

Growing Your Income Potential in an IT Career

A high-paying career in the field of IT has a direct correlation with gaining the most sought-after skills. It can be done through additional certifications or simply switching a couple of jobs to gain diverse experience.

As per a Global Knowledge report, around 12% of IT professionals who witnessed a salary increase in the year 2020, attributed it to gaining new skills. The methods could be any – whether through certifications or additional training. Among IT professionals, those who saw salary hikes after taking up a new course, an average uptick of $13,000 in their earnings was the figure.

High-demand skills also provide more lucrative job opportunities. Some of the technical skills that stand out are:

1. Cybersecurity
2. Data analysis
3. Artificial intelligence (AI)
4. DevOps
5. UI/UX designing
6. Cloud computing
7. Machine learning

Choosing the Right Path for You

As you navigate the various options within the IT field, it’s key to align your choices with your interests and career goals. Consider what aspects of IT sync with you the most and which skills you naturally excel at. By choosing a path that is in line with your goals, you’ll set yourself up for a fulfilling IT career.

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