Information Technology (IT) careers have been the go-to field for many computer, maths, and engineering-oriented students and professionals for more than half a century. The nature of many of those jobs have changed quickly over the years from archaic positions like punch-card processor and many types of programmers, to future positions beginning now like cloud architects and capacity planners. Despite the many rapid changes, the IT field remains one of the fastest-growing, hottest career fields ever.
There are a number of ways to enter the IT field, from getting a low-level position out of high school, joining the military to enter a technical field, getting an IT-based degree from a college or university and more. Professionals currently working in non-IT fields may take night classes or external training like Microsoft Training Courses to enhance their skills.
Set Your Course
If you don’t know where you are heading, you will never know how to get there, nor will you know when you have arrived. Research the IT field to narrow down what it is you are interested in doing. Make sure those are areas where there will be opportunities over the next several years (or longer). For example, don’t spend time learning C++ programming.
Get the Knowledge
If you have the flexibility to select from universities or to select classes within your current university, find those that will give you the best education towards your chosen area. If you are already working, you may look at Microsoft Training Courses or other options to find specific classes that will give you what you need to know.
Build Your Skills
Whatever you are doing currently, try to add in some experience doing what it is you want to do, or at least doing something more closely related than what your regular job is. This may involve taking on additional responsibility, accepting (or creating) a special project, or working as an intern for another company or within another department. If you do whatever it takes to get some actual skills on your CV, you will be well ahead when it comes to job interview time.
Network
In any job search, it is important to network with others who may be able to help you advance your career interests. IT is no exception. Get to know people already working in that field. Find out what kind of training and education they have had and pick their brains about the pros and cons of working in their area of IT. Keep in touch with classmates from college, other jobs or training Courses you may have attended to have them introduce you to others who may be able to help you make connections. In any networking efforts, remember to “give” more than you “take.” Online networking sites make it very easy to connect with specific individuals and companies.
As you prepare for your entry into the IT field, keep these tips in mind, keep an open mind, and enjoy your new career.