Information Technology (IT) is an interesting and rapidly growing field. You do not only work with computers, but also interact with humans. Whether you're polishing your career or trying to land your first IT job, there are a few things you should do to make sure you're ready to enter the ranks of IT professionals.
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Method 1 of 3: Focusing Interest
Step 1. Decide if IT fits your aspirations
Maybe you tend to like a job in IT even though you've never thought about it seriously before. If you have a computer and use it for more than just doing your homework, playing games, chatting online with friends, or surfing the internet in your spare time, you probably have a knack for this field.
- You will be involved with a lot of puzzles and experiments if you want to get into work in IT. Therefore, this job is perfect for people who like to build connections and solve problems.
- People who want to pursue IT must be able to work independently. This means that you must be able to solve problems on your own and have the drive to improve yourself.
Step 2. Identify your greatest passions and try to accommodate them
IT is a broad field, so you should focus on a sector that reflects what you are passionate about. For example, if you like computer games, focus on that! Look for information on “careers in computer games” and you may have to learn something new that you never knew before, from game testing to writing game software to game customer support.
Step 3. Focus on how you work
You may really like computer games, but that doesn't mean you're suited to all gaming-related jobs. Your personality shapes your greatest talents and passions. There are many different types of IT jobs available out there, but most can fall into three categories: consultant, project manager, and developer. The job that suits you best will depend on your personality.
- Explore a career in IT consulting if you dream of managing your own advice column. Consultants work independently and provide advice and expertise to various entities. A good consultant should be friendly, patient, and helpful.
- If you have a talent for organizing and inspiring others, consider becoming a project manager. Not all project managers have to be as rigid as Darth Vader. A successful project manager must be energetic, focused, and good at seeing the big picture.
- If your head is full of brilliant ideas, try a career as a developer. These professionals work on the creative side of IT. They create new strategies and correct their own mistakes.
Step 4. Get to know the right people
Many IT experts like to help others. If you are new to the IT world, do some research to see if you have friends or professional acquaintances who can tell you the basics in your chosen field. There's no harm in building a network. So, don't be shy to ask.
- Look for role models. If you know someone who is in your dream job, it's very important to talk to them! Invite him for coffee and dig up information about his career path. What education did he take? Did he expect to have the same knowledge he did when he first started his career?
- If you don't know the person you are a personal role model for, that's fine. Try looking at LinkedIn pages featuring people with jobs you admire. What experiences have they had? What do they emphasize about themselves?
Method 2 of 3: Take Education and Get a Diploma
Step 1. Evaluate your degrees and diplomas
A bachelor's degree in IT is helpful for getting entry-level jobs, but not a must. Some companies will accept a bachelor's degree in a related field (such as computer science) or a non-computer-related field (such as history). You may even be able to land an entry-level position without a college degree at all. However, many IT positions (perhaps most) require a higher level of education.
Step 2. Review your self-study skills
The more educated you are in this area, the better off you will earn in the long run. However, don't underestimate the skills you get outside of the classroom because they are just as important.
- Think of a project you've worked on (such as designing, watching videos, websites or games). What is your role in the project? Are your creative or organizational skills growing?
- Find out if you can get certified for any of these skills. Certification is usually obtained in a very easy way. You just have to pay the fee and do the test. If you feel confident in the skills you have and are confident to take the test, just go for it and get certified.
Step 3. Determine if you have time
Are you currently pursuing a bachelor's degree, or are you a housewife? The time you can set aside for IT training and education will determine what you can do and how much you can do. However, if you can't set aside 40 hours a week to study IT, don't despair. Distance and part-time learning opportunities may be perfect for you.
Step 4. Look for educational opportunities
You can search different schools to find the best fit for you based on your desired career path and current education and work experience. Don't forget to check what the registration requirements are for each field of study.
- Create a spreadsheet to record your progress. Include the time commitment, the time it takes to commute, and any certifications earned.
- Don't go into debt to get a higher education degree. Leading online programs, vocational schools, and financial aid can help you manage your education costs.
- As the saying goes “there are many roads to Rome”, you can also take many different paths to a career in IT. The field is very broad, and you may have to complete your education for several months to four years. For example, to become a systems analyst, you need a bachelor's degree, but for an assistant operator position, you may only need experience and a diploma.
Step 5. Explore the possibility of obtaining professional certification
Even without a college degree, an MCSE or A+ certification can give you significant credibility. To earn most certifications, you will study and review a specific subject, then register for an online exam. There is usually a fee, but the exams are often quick and can be done at home.
- Find the best certification information by doing a little research. Choose whichever is most popular in your country or field. Don't forget to keep your certification up to date! As you might have guessed in the tech field, certifications are offered, updated, and become out of date every year.
- Consider getting certified in a popular programming language, such as Java.
- The Information Technology Infrastructure Library certification has been around since the '80s (with updates, of course). This certification is one of the most widely applicable. So, very suitable for a generalist.
- Database certification will also be very useful to you because all types of businesses use it to manage their information. Oracle offers several database certifications with different levels.
- Don't assume a degree alone is enough. Certification can give you an increase in income of about 8-16%. Not only that, certification gives the impression that you are committed to learning and developing yourself, and that becomes an attraction for employers.
Step 6. Get an internship opportunity in a reputable IT department
Good grades are fine, but work experience is even better. If you have experience working for a reputable company, you will network and learn a lot about the norms that apply in the IT work environment. In addition, many IT internships are paid. That's a nice bonus.
- Talk to professors or acquaintances for information about internship opportunities.
- Make the best possible resume. Even if you don't have a lot of work experience, a clearly written, focused resume that highlights your strengths can help you land an internship.
- Submit internship applications to various companies, both small and large. You may feel intimidated by the thought of an internship at a Google office, but remember that they are open to them and anyone can get one. Why not you?
Method 3 of 3: Finding Your First Job
Step 1. Create a resume
Even if you have already created a resume for an internship, update it before you use it to apply for a full-time job. Resumes have strict rules, but if you follow the set boundaries, they can represent you well. Make your resume clear, use easy-to-understand language and don't be afraid to highlight yourself in a positive light.
- Write down relevant work experience and achievements. In many cases, customer service is considered relevant, although not directly related to IT.
- Emphasize your certification and education.
- Know that you must tailor your resume to the job you are applying for. Try to be flexible.
- Upload your resume on job search sites and professional networks like Monster and LinkedIn.
Step 2. Try to broaden your focus on applying for jobs
You don't have to apply for every IT vacancy offered within a hundred kilometer radius, but don't waste time searching for the perfect job either. Read the job description carefully, and think about what interests you and seems to match your skills and experience.
Step 3. Take the time to write a cover letter
A resume says a lot about your history of accomplishments, but a cover letter is a reflection of your personality. Cover letters don't apply to many formats, but in general, you should use business language, focusing on yourself and the job you want. Don't forget to edit and check the text of your cover letter.
- Tailor your letter to the job you are applying for. Mention the details in the job description, and the reasons why the job matches your skills and talents.
- Emphasize your good qualities and accomplishments that may not appear on your resume. For example, if you have volunteered as the webmaster of your church website, explain its relevance to the job you are applying for.
Step 4. Conduct a smart interview
If your cover letter and resume meet the requirements, you may be called for your first IT interview. Interviews in any field can be stressful for a person, but with a little preparation, you can get through them easily. Focus on making the necessary preparations so you can concentrate on looking confident during the interview.
- Practice answering questions the night before. You won't be able to predict all the questions that will be asked, but identify your main strengths and weaknesses, relevant experiences and how to describe yourself in about a minute.
- Arrive on time and dress neatly. IT workers are known to wear casual clothes, but you should still give the impression that you pay attention to the little things.
- Remember, you are also interviewing the company. Ask questions about the company culture and their expectations. For example, “How is the career progress of the last person in this position?” and “Do employees in this position work more often in teams, or independently?”
Step 5. Keep honing your skills
IT is a field that is constantly changing. Once you get a job, don't forget to constantly improve yourself as the IT world develops. Follow updates that occur in the areas of applications, hardware and software that you will use. IT blogs and publications can be a useful reference source for finding out the latest developments. Your co-workers and professional network also rely on the same source.<
- Consider getting additional certifications outside of work. That way, you can broaden your scope of work or improve your current skills.
- Keep your ears open to find out the career development opportunities offered at your company.
summary
If you like using computers and solving puzzles, a career in IT might be for you! You can broaden and develop your IT skills by learning to solve your own problems and work independently. Get to know an IT professional to see if they can help you get started or provide useful pointers. When you're ready, you can use the internet to search for IT certification programs in your city and sign up for the most suitable program. Combine your certification with a bachelor's degree in IT and you'll really stand out!
Tips
- Don't try everything. Choose an area that interests you and pursue it carefully.
- Conduct research in areas related to IT governance and frameworks, including ISACA, NIST, SANS, ISO, COBIT and ITIL, as a guide to developing the skills needed in your career. Knowledge of enterprise IT management and standardizing controls and processes will support your career advancement in many companies.
- Have a strong curiosity and desire to know how things work and how they work.
- Be prepared to face constant changes and demands to continually increase your wealth of knowledge.
Warning
- If something goes wrong, the IT department is always the first suspect. If all goes well, IT professionals are the last group to win the award. Do the job because you like it, not because you expect praise.
- Don't choose a job for money reasons. Choose a field that you really like. Then, choose the highest-paying job offer with the best opportunities.
