How To Start a Career in IT in 9 Steps

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If you enjoy working with technology and solving problems, you may want to consider a career in the information technology (IT) industry. As technology advances, businesses continue to have a high demand for IT experts who can use their technical skills and abilities to create products, manage data or improve processes. Knowing more about how you can build your IT skills can help you enter this profession successfully.In this article, we describe how to start a career in IT and provide a list of career paths you can pursue in this field.

How to start a career in IT

Here are some steps you can take to start a career in IT successfully:

1. Research roles and positions

The IT field is a diverse industry with many specialties. Some of these include positions like systems administrator, network engineer, software developer and development operations (DevOps) specialist. Researching the roles and positions available in IT can help you understand which one might be a good fit for your existing skills, interests and career goals.

2. Create a short list

When you’ve finished your initial research, create a short list of potential jobs. With your ideal jobs in mind, continue to research the qualifications for the roles you choose. By doing this, you can focus your education and training to better prepare you for your desired positions.ÂAlso, be sure to pay attention to overall trends for certain job postings. For example, if you notice a position requires experience with a specific programming language, you can learn that language to prepare for the role.

3. Learn to code

The web programming language HTML is often the first coding language people learn because it applies to various areas of IT. Use online resources, such as classes or videos, to help you learn HTML independently. Once you’re comfortable using HTML, other languages you may want to consider learning include:

  • JavaScript
  • Java
  • C++
  • Python
  • Ruby

These advanced languages may require more formal training. Search for classes and tutorials online to access educational resources. Often, you can find online coding resources for free.

4. Work on an open-source project

You can gain experience with coding by creating or contributing to open-source projects and sharing your knowledge with others. This experience helps you build your technical skill set. You can also include open-source projects in your resume and work portfolio to show potential employers. To contribute to an open-source project, follow these tips:

  • Become familiar with open-source platforms.ÂOpen-source platforms are tools that developers can use to contribute to or start new projects. Learn the popular open-source platforms and communities that developers use.
  • Decide if you want to start a new project or contribute to another.ÂYou can create your own projects or contribute to existing ones. Decide which option is best for your skill level.

5. Enroll in education

Once you’ve decided on a career path and gained some experience, consider completing formal education to refine your skills. This education could involve taking a formal coding course or enrolling in a college degree program. What you choose depends on the role you want to have and how soon you want to start working. For example, a website developer may take online courses or earn a certification to prove their proficiency. In contrast, many employers may require a systems administrator to have a bachelor’s degree in computer science or a related field, such as information systems.ÂIf you have a degree in an area other than technology, you can still use your education as an asset when describing your qualifications for IT jobs. A degree in communications, for example, can be useful for explaining complex technical concepts to others. When applying for jobs, highlight the relevant hard and soft skills you’ve learned through education to show employers how they apply to IT work.

6. Earn a certification

Another way to educate yourself on IT concepts is to earn a certification. Search online to find a certification program that aligns with your career goals and the skills you want to learn. Some popular certifications in the IT industry include:

  • CompTIA A+This certification is ideal for people new to the IT industry. It can help you learn foundational skills for your future career.
  • Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)You can complete this certification program to learn how to enhance security systems to prevent data breaches or hacks.
  • Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)Through this certification, you can learn how to develop and implement effective cybersecurity programs.
  • Information Technology Infrastructure Library (ITIL)This certification, designed for new IT specialists, can help you learn about IT operations and technology products.

These certifications are among the most useful tools for proving you have the necessary skills for IT jobs. Many programs allow you to earn a certification even if you don’t have a degree.

7. Network within the industry

Find opportunities to network with others in the IT industry. By attending industry networking events, you increase your chances of building professional relationships. These relationships may help you learn new skills, discover open positions and even get job referrals. These referrals can be valuable because they can help you obtain special consideration in a competitive field. You can often find IT networking events through the following sources:

  • Local professional associations
  • Business publications
  • Chambers of commerce or business groups in your area

8. Freelance for experience

Once you’ve worked on your applicable IT skills and developed your professional network, you can gain relevant experience by freelancing. For instance, if you want to work in software development, you can offer freelance development services to clients. Research popular freelancing platforms, such as Fiverr, Toptal and Upwork, to find one you can use. Freelancing is a good way to enter the IT field because it allows you to gain work experience while also getting paid for your work.

9. Prepare to answer technical questions

Once you start getting job interviews, you can prepare to answer technical questions and, in some cases, solve technical problems. Prepare for your interview by researching popular IT interview questions that are highly technical to test your capabilities. You can also practice solving problems, including algorithms and fixing code in your preferred coding language.ÂSome popular IT interview questions include:

  • How long have you been coding in HTML?
  • What coding languages do you know?
  • What is DevOps?
  • Describe a time a development project was unsuccessful. What happened and how did you fix it?
  • Can you describe a technical IT concept in simple terms?
  • What do you like the most about working in IT?
  • How do you keep your IT skills currently?

IT career paths

Choosing a career in IT offers numerous paths, with many jobs available. Here are some potential career paths you can consider in this field:

  • Computer support:ÂThis type of IT work involves providing customer service to help people with computer problems, such as viruses. You can often find computer support jobs with a contracting service or full-time jobs at companies.
  • Cybersecurity:ÂAs more businesses conduct business online, cybersecurity has become an increasingly in-demand field within the tech industry. In a cybersecurity career, you develop strategies and tools to protect data and prevent security attacks.
  • App and software development:ÂMany companies and services seek developers who can create software and applications for various purposes. In this role, you may write code and perform tests to design, implement and update software.
  • Web development:ÂA web developer creates functional and attractive websites for businesses or clients. You can find web development positions in various companies in many industries, or you can work for yourself by performing freelance work.
  • Networks and systems:ÂAn IT career in networks and systems may allow you to oversee the internal networks of businesses and how those networks interact with others. You may also be responsible for troubleshooting issues quickly to ensure connectivity.

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