Is it for me and How do i get started?

Get Started Now Jun 3, 2021

→ Information technology offers career opportunities for every industry, personality type, and experience level

Many think of IT as a field for programmers or tech support representatives. You’ll be thrilled to know that’s just the tip of the iceberg! There’s a role for everyone in IT.

Can’t stand sitting in front of a computer all day? Love being with people? You might be great working face-to-face with clients as an account manager or sales representative.
Enjoy working on detailed projects – just not in programming? Consider a role as a project manager or business analyst.
Math isn’t your thing, but art is? You may be successful as a designer or a UX (user experience) specialist.

Intrigued? So, how does one get into the IT field?

Getting started in Information Technology

While it’s best to start learning about technology early, you can pursue an IT career at any age. Your past education and experience can be extremely valuable in your new role. There are many learning opportunities you can take advantage of – from groups, online courses, internships, and self-education.

To get started, discover the opportunities and resources available in your area and online. You’ll find a helpful list of ideas below.

1. List your interests: Make a list of the type of IT work you believe you’d be interested in. Is it cybersecurity? Or web design? Or project management? Your list will help you narrow your focus.

2. Update your professional social media profiles: For students in middle school through college, Tallo is a must! This network was designed to help you show off your accomplishments and skills and connect you with potential universities and employers.

For older students and adult professionals, be sure to create and update your LinkedIn profile. LinkedIn is often the first place employers look. Make it your best!

3. Learn some coding skills: Visit SC Codes and learn coding skills for free (including Javascript, Ruby and more).

4. Consider the education level needed for your preferred area of IT: Some positions look for certifications only, while others look for a 2- or 4-year degree.

5. Network. Network. Network: Like most everything in life, your career will depend on your relationships. Attend a local IT networking group in your area, like Tech After Five – virtually or in-person. You’ll network with others in the field – employers, students, and other job seekers – and learn about new companies, educational opportunities and job categories.

Talk to family and friends to discover mutual contacts at companies you’re interested in. Ask them for a quick meeting or Zoom call to help you learn more.

6. Enhance your skills: Contact an educational provider to grow your skill set. You’ll find a list of some of the best coding schools here. Check them out! They offer a wide range of skills that you can learn at your own pace.

7. Strengthen your resume: Learn how to craft your resume to appeal to IT hiring managers. Here’s an example of an IT resume.

8. Connect with IT recruiters: Reach out to an IT recruiting firm and/or job board to discover additional job opportunities.

9. Leverage your school’s career services: If you graduated from a college or university, contact the Career Services office for resources and hiring organizations specific to your school.

Ask all of your senior inspirational tbrothers/sisters who are in tech field, to get into any job or to recommend for internship. Reach out their user profiles, show your talents works including projects, languages you know and social links. These will help you to get impression over them and they will suggest what should you do or the tasks you should perform to achieve the goal which will create more opportunities to fully work on your dream project or company .

If you're looking for insights, tips and reference materials to expand your current ideas, here's resources to get you started: