From Java Developers to Cybersecurity Managers, the US has a high demand for IT specialists. Not only this, but taking a big career leap into IT is often a logical way to turn your hobby or passion into something that can earn you a sizeable income. The benefits continue when you learn the extent of the possibilities. There is literally a field for everyone, whether you are interested in statistics, gaming, design, or problem-solving. If you are wondering how to get your foot on the IT career ladder, we have put together 9 of the top tips and tricks.
- Consider what is right for you
In order to have a happy career, it is essential to determine which field is right for you. Jumping straight may just leave you floating around trying different areas but not actually starting your career. Think about what motivates you and look at the potential in this area. You might have to get quite specific so take your time.
For example, knowing that you like gaming isn’t enough. Could you see yourself writing game code, supporting customers, or becoming a game tester? The same can be said for software developers; different developer roles will require knowledge of different programming languages.
- Master your skills
Now that you know where you want to begin your IT career, it’s time to start mastering the skills. There are two sets of skills that are crucial in IT, technical and communication. For your technical skills, you can take advantage of online programs and courses. To help you in the right direction, search for ideal jobs and look at the technical skill requirements. From there, you can begin looking at the most appropriate courses.
Many are under the impression that IT careers require little human interaction. On the contrary, IT specialists need excellent communication skills to be able to explain technical details to non-tech people. You may even be part of a team that works on problem-solving. You will need to work with tight deadlines, so time management and attention to detail are also required.
- Get certified
A lot of employees are now considering that a university degree in computer science isn’t necessarily the best way forward. There are several ways for you to get certified in your area of expertise. Microsoft, Cisco, and Network+ are all widely recognized and will help boost your career from entry-level to mid-level positions.
- Optimize your resume and social media profiles
Once you have completed your courses and earned your certifications, you can optimize your resume. You likely have various skills and experiences that are relatable to your new career. Make sure you are highlighting these achievements to make your resume appeals to each potential employer. Your social media pages, especially LinkedIn, should also be updated to reflect your new skills, certifications, and achievements.
- Create a portfolio
Aside from your resume, you should create a portfolio. The primary purpose of your portfolio is to show potential employers your work and projects. A professional portfolio is a great way to set yourself apart from other candidates. Your portfolio can be in the form of a blog or website. It’s not a five-minute job, so take the time to ensure all of your best work is clearly visible.
- Network like crazy
IT networking can be virtual by joining IT communities and forums. Go back to your social media pages and search for leaders and mentors in your field. You can also attend tech conferences, workshops, and hackathons. The more contacts you can create, the more you can learn and the more opportunities you will be able to find.
- Look for internships
If you would like to get some hands-on experience working in the IT industry, internships are a great way to go. At the same time, internships can help fill out the work experience section of your resume. The range of internships is as expansive as the range of IT careers, so there is bound to be one that is right for you.
- Learn to code and keep coding
With a solid understanding of the most popular programming languages, you will find it easier to transfer those skills to learn other languages. You should be confident in JavaScript, Swift, Scala, Go, Python, Ruby, and C#, these are some of the most popular programming languages for 2021.
- Practice your interview skills
You might be fresh out of university or have spent years with just one company but getting an invitation to an interview is only half the task. You still need to excel in your interview. Some companies now carry out online screening for both tech skills and interpersonal skills. You will also have a ‘traditional’ in-person or virtual interview. Have a look online for some frequently asked interview questions in your desired field.
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