The IT field has the largest market share in the U.S., standing at the whopping 29%. Moreover, the technology industry is projected to exceed $5.3 trillion in 2022, according to CompTIA. That’s why, entering the market and learning the necessary skills has recently become a major career trend not only in the U.S., but also on the entire global arena.
Why a career in IT is worth it
In addition to its relevance, the IT field offers many opportunities for growth. Novice professionals become junior specialists in the role they choose and quickly move on to the senior positions. Most popular IT jobs include:
- software developer - web developer - IT project manager - data scientist - information security analyst - computer systems analyst.
The expected employment will grow significantly in the coming years, and now is the perfect time to start a career in IT.
How to start an IT career
There are 8 steps that will make it easier to enter the industry and get started on a successful IT career path.
1. Do your research
The first crucial part of the process revolves around research. Given that there are many jobs and companies, it’s fair to say that a thorough exploration can result it better outcomes. It’s also important to understand what skills and experience you already have to utilize those in your new professional aspiration. Frequently, a salary range serves as a crucial criterion, therefore, it’s useful to pay attention to it during the research stage as well.
2. Get familiar with coding
Because the IT field is heavily connected to coding, you will do yourself a great favor by learning the lingo or even acquiring some basic coding skills. If you want to become a coder yourself, these skills are a must. There are many platforms that offer free programming courses which makes it easier and more possible to learn.
3. Study technical questions
Even for entry-level positions, employers will have certain expectations. Websites like Glassdoor often share potential technical questions that may be asked during the interview. People who study those questions and practice giving solid answers usually happen to be the ones who land the IT jobs with a higher frequency.
4. Network, network, network
Just like in any possible career choice, networking is a key to success. You should consider joining online events and conferences, asking your friends around, and getting to know people in the field. They often are asked by the companies to refer someone or offer valuable pieces of advice.
5. Freelance to get experience
Nothing will make you a higher-quality candidate than an actual experience. Upwork and Fiverr make it possible for freelancers to do one-time jobs that they can later include their portfolios and resumes. Applying to an entry-level position with something to show to your recruiter makes you stand out and implies a higher chance of being hired.
