Everyone wants to get a job in the information tech (IT). This booming field is appealing to everyone, regardless of their education or work experience. It’s not surprising that IT can provide you with a desirable income and the convenience of working from home or in an office. You won’t run out of work soon.
Global IT is one of the fastest growing industries in the world. This means IT workers don’t need to worry about finding career opportunities.
The market is highly competitive because so many people want to get started in tech careers. There are many IT jobs available, and there are hundreds of thousands of candidates trying to find the perfect job. It is difficult to get started in IT.
This doesn’t mean that you have to give up on your dreams. It will take some time and effort but it will be well worth it.
Let’s take a look at what you can do to get started in IT. We will also answer some of the most frequently asked questions about job hunting in this industry.
Do you need a college education to get a job in IT?
All IT careers are closely connected to the question of whether or not you have a college degree.
You don’t have to obtain another degree in IT if you have a bachelor’s or master’s degree in a related field. You can spend the time spent sitting exams and going to classes on your subject matter, or learning valuable experience through courses and training.
A degree in a different field may also be an advantage. A literature degree could help you be more creative and better communicate. Don’t be afraid to use your non-IT degrees as an advantage when you create your resume to begin your IT job search.
It doesn’t mean that you won’t need one if you don’t hold a college degree. This would be a benefit as most companies won’t consider applicants without a college degree. However, IT businesses are increasingly focusing on the skills and projects the applicant has worked on, and how that can benefit the company. In the IT world, a college degree is gradually becoming obsolete.
What certifications do you need?
Although you don’t need formal education to pursue a career as a tech professional, certification is a must. Your certifications in the IT field you are interested will give you a major career boost. It will also let hiring managers know that your tech skills and knowledge can be applied to their company.
The type of job you are looking for will determine the type of certification you require. Are you interested in working in cybersecurity? Software development? Perhaps you want to learn from web designers, or become a system administrator.
These certifications could be of benefit to you:
- Microsoft for a solid foundation in tech knowledge
- Cisco for using Cisco hardware and software
- CompTIA offers a variety of training courses in security and server work.
- EC Council for ethical hacker training
- Linux is an open-source operating platform that allows you to work in Linux.
This is not a comprehensive list. You may be able to find other certifications that will help you in your IT career. This list will give you a solid starting point to build your resume and career.
How much do I have to pay for IT courses?
The Internet offers a wealth information and knowledge. There are many free online courses and training available on YouTube, Skillshare and many other sites. These sites are invaluable and can help you understand the fundamentals of nearly all information technology careers. You can find a great starting point for any career, no matter what your goal is, regardless of whether you are a web designer or an app developer.
The challenge is to continue your IT education without spending a penny. There are not many courses that provide professional development at an advanced or intermediate level, and especially those that lead you to certification.
You will need to spend some money on your training if you want to make a career change or start a new career. You don’t need to spend a lot of money – it won’t be as expensive as average college tuition – but there will be some expenses.
How can I start a career as an IT professional with no experience?
We have already mentioned that IT companies value practical knowledge and experience. This is true, but it doesn’t mean you’ll be able to get your first job without experience. These are some tips to help you get started on your IT career.
- Volunteer work
Volunteering isn’t ideal as you’re basically doing a part-time or full-time job without any money. Many IT companies are open to accepting interns or volunteers into their ranks and then promoting them to employees.
Reach out to a company you are interested in working for and inquire about volunteering. These internships can be a great way to get in touch with your future employer, learn from your bosses and improve your skills. This will give you the experience you need to start your career. If you are a valuable asset to the company after your internship ends, they may hire you.
- Entry-level job titles
Career changers must be able to work with people starting from the bottom again. You won’t likely be hired in your dream job if you don’t have any IT experience. Although it may not be your ultimate goal to work in IT, you can still look for entry-level positions that will lead you to your dream job.
You will reach the top by working hard, demonstrating great enthusiasm, and getting educated in your field.
- Emphasize your soft skills
Although you may not have a lot of experience in designing or coding, you probably have some experience from another industry. Your CV should include soft skills that you have honed through previous jobs, including communication, critical thinking and leadership skills.
A comprehensive list of soft skills, but not too many! Even if you don’t have any IT experience, it will make you stand out in an application for IT jobs.
Bottom Line
IT careers are not all the same. Every person takes a different route to reach the job they are most comfortable in. Some people get an IT degree from college, while others learn all by themselves. Some people get a job with no experience, while others go freelance. There are no right or wrong ways to approach this topic. You can only do what is right for you.
It is important to remember that IT and the information technology infrastructure industry are constantly changing. New technologies appear almost every month. This industry is fast-paced and you will need to stay on top of the latest developments in order to update your knowledge with new software maintenance, design, and development methods. You will quickly become an IT expert by making technology, computers, code, and a central part of your life.