How to Start a Career in IT in 4 Easy Steps

IT icons and computer

From 2018 through 2018, the employment of computer and information technology occupations will grow 12 percent. This growth is bigger than the average for all occupations in the United States.

So, if you’re looking to pursue a career in an industry with plenty of employment opportunities, look no further than IT. However, getting started in this field can be challenging. There are so many different courses and jobs to choose from.

Worry not, though. We are here to help.

Continue reading to learn how to start a career in IT.

1. Develop a Passion for Computers and Technology

The key to succeeding in any profession is to be passionate about what you do. As such, the first step to starting a career in IT is to develop a passion for technology.

For most people who want to pursue an IT career, this passion is usually inborn or acquired at a very young age. You’ll find that they were obsessed with computers and technology from back in the day.

But if you’re not among this people, it’s not too late to develop a passion for tech. Whether you’re in high school or already in college, you can start nurturing a love for computers. Spend more time with them, read tech books and magazines, watch tech shows you catch the drift.

2. Choose the IT Career You’d Like to Pursue

Ideally, you should choose your IT career before you go to college. This will ensure you’re able to settle on the right course right from your first year.

Some of the most popular IT fields include:

  • Software development
  • Computer engineering
  • Artificial intelligence
  • Web development
  • Information security
  • Database administration
  • Network and computer systems.
Related Reading:  3 Ways to Save Money on Winter Clothes This Year

The question is: how do you find the right IT career for you?

The truth is unless you’re an experienced IT professional who’s tried out multiple IT careers, picking the right career can be daunting. If you’re in college or about to join, make use of career counselors. They’ll help match your specific passions with the most suitable career.

3. Get a Good College Education

Most IT careers require at least a bachelor’s degree. So, after identifying an IT career, the next step is to pursue a relevant course in college. For example, if you want to become a software developer, you should pursue a bachelor’s degree in software development.

Learning doesn’t stop after college. There are lots of professional certifications you can pursue to improve your skills and make yourself more employable.

In the software development field, for example, you can pursue certifications specializing in specific software, such as Oracle, Microsoft, and Cloudera.

4. Find Employment

Armed with your degree and professional certifications, it’s time to hunt for a job.

But first, write a professional resume and a couple of cover letters. Depending on your field, you might also need to build a digital portfolio showcasing some of your work.

The vast majority of IT professionals are hired in-house by organizations with IT departments. This means you can find employment in educational institutions, government agencies, non-governmental organizations, and for-profit companies. You can also find employment in a full-fledged tech corporation or become a freelancer.

Pursue a Career in IT

Pursuing a career in IT can be a richly rewarding experience. The industry has a strong job outlook and salaries are competitive. Plus, you could get the opportunity to work on technologies that will change the world.

Related Reading:  Better Boat Cleaning Products for the Upcoming Summer Season

With this guide, you now know the steps you should take in order to get started in this industry.

Good luck and keep tabs on our blog for more guides.