How to Start a Career in Information Technology
Decide if you’re suited to IT., Identify your passions and work with them., Focus based on your work style., Get to know the right people.
Step-by-Step Guide
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Step 1: Decide if you’re suited to IT.
You may be inclined towards information technology work, even if you haven’t given it much thought before.
If you have a computer and use it for more than just homework, games, and casually browsing the web, then you may have the right stuff for the job.
IT work involves a lot of puzzles and experimentation.
This makes it great for folks who like making connections and solving problems.People who want to go into IT should be able to work independently.
This means that you must be motivated to solve problems on your own, and able to push yourself to improve. -
Step 2: Identify your passions and work with them.
IT is a vast field, so it’s worth it to focus on sectors that reflect what you love.
For instance, if you love computer games, focus on that! Look into “IT computer gaming careers” and you might learn about IT fields you never knew existed, from game testing to writing game software to gaming customer support. , You may love computer games, but that doesn’t mean you’re suited to every gaming job.
Your personality shapes your talents as much as your passion does.
There are hundreds of IT job descriptions out there, but most of them fall into three categories: consultant, project manager, and developer.
The one which suits you most will depend on your personality.Look into consulting if you’ve ever dreamed of having your own advice column.
Consultants work independently and dish out advice and expertise to multiple entities; the best consultants are friendly, patient, and helpful.If you’re good at getting organized and inspiring people, think of being a project manager.
Not all project managers are as rigid as Darth Vader.
Successful ones are energetic, focused, and good at seeing the big picture.If you’re bursting with ideas, look into being a developer.
These workers are the creative side of IT: they invent new strategies and fix their own mistakes., Many IT gurus love to assist people.
If you’re just dipping your toes into the world of IT, investigate to see if you have someone in your friendly or professional network who can tell you about the basics of your chosen field.There’s nothing wrong with networking, so don’t be shy about asking questions.
Find a role model.
If you know someone with your dream job, it’s especially important to talk to them! Meet for coffee and ask them about their career arc.
What kind of education do they have? What do they know now that they wish they’d known before?If you don’t know your career role model personally, that’s fine too.
Try looking at the LinkedIn pages of folks with jobs you admire.
What sorts of experiences have they racked up? What do they emphasize about themselves? -
Step 3: Focus based on your work style.
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Step 4: Get to know the right people.
Detailed Guide
You may be inclined towards information technology work, even if you haven’t given it much thought before.
If you have a computer and use it for more than just homework, games, and casually browsing the web, then you may have the right stuff for the job.
IT work involves a lot of puzzles and experimentation.
This makes it great for folks who like making connections and solving problems.People who want to go into IT should be able to work independently.
This means that you must be motivated to solve problems on your own, and able to push yourself to improve.
IT is a vast field, so it’s worth it to focus on sectors that reflect what you love.
For instance, if you love computer games, focus on that! Look into “IT computer gaming careers” and you might learn about IT fields you never knew existed, from game testing to writing game software to gaming customer support. , You may love computer games, but that doesn’t mean you’re suited to every gaming job.
Your personality shapes your talents as much as your passion does.
There are hundreds of IT job descriptions out there, but most of them fall into three categories: consultant, project manager, and developer.
The one which suits you most will depend on your personality.Look into consulting if you’ve ever dreamed of having your own advice column.
Consultants work independently and dish out advice and expertise to multiple entities; the best consultants are friendly, patient, and helpful.If you’re good at getting organized and inspiring people, think of being a project manager.
Not all project managers are as rigid as Darth Vader.
Successful ones are energetic, focused, and good at seeing the big picture.If you’re bursting with ideas, look into being a developer.
These workers are the creative side of IT: they invent new strategies and fix their own mistakes., Many IT gurus love to assist people.
If you’re just dipping your toes into the world of IT, investigate to see if you have someone in your friendly or professional network who can tell you about the basics of your chosen field.There’s nothing wrong with networking, so don’t be shy about asking questions.
Find a role model.
If you know someone with your dream job, it’s especially important to talk to them! Meet for coffee and ask them about their career arc.
What kind of education do they have? What do they know now that they wish they’d known before?If you don’t know your career role model personally, that’s fine too.
Try looking at the LinkedIn pages of folks with jobs you admire.
What sorts of experiences have they racked up? What do they emphasize about themselves?
About the Author
Laura Reyes
Brings years of experience writing about pet care and related subjects.
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