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Working in the technology sector has caught the eyes of many workers who are yearning for a step forward or a change in their careers. Working a dead-end job isn’t something anyone wants to do and can lead to several health complications down the line, including mental illnesses.
That transition from your previous job to something new can seem terrifying. Still, with the tech industry, you will find that working conditions are very flexible and your coworkers are diverse, especially if you’re willing to learn. Information technology is an ever-expanding sector that is easy to join. There are only a few things you need to know to be capable of applying for a job.
The tech industry is currently facing two problems regarding recruitment. The first is a mass firing phenomenon that has been predicted since the pandemic. Companies began hiring more heads to offset the brunt of the pandemic’s force. The other problem is a shortage of workers since these companies laid off many but would like to hire new ones.
What the IT industry looks like
Information technology is a very versatile field with many lines of work to choose from. Starting from hardware to software and all the possibilities for working with either of those sectors can be a difficult choice to make. The vast amount of choices paired with the incredible flexibility most of these companies provide leads to opportunities everywhere.
The list of jobs to choose from would be too much to even list, but the main ones are web developers, programmers, cybersecurity specialists, computer system analysts, hardware, software, or network engineers, and so on.
As an IT professional, you will be facing various tasks. You may need to maintain a company’s IT solutions by fixing computers, maintaining security, creating new programs, and so on. You need to do a lot of troubleshooting and maybe even recommend appropriate software for your company to use. Overall, it is safe to say the tasks of an IT worker are many.
The IT industry is set to grow 11% by the end of 2029, making it a stable choice for your future career. With innovation being the buy word for this sector, there will always be new concepts and projects arising in the tech world, meaning the work isn’t predicted to stop anytime soon, if ever.
The barrier to entry into IT is attainable but not easy. There are high expectations from companies for you to know what you are doing, which is why most often than not, experience is key to landing a tech job. On the other hand, finding one without having experience is also possible, which is what we’ll be diving into today.
Use past experience
When looking at IT jobs, try to also analyze your past experiences and try to incorporate them into present IT standards. Focus on skills that you can transfer to this line of work but most importantly, filter out your soft skills that can be used here. Unbeknownst to most, working in technology requires you to have strong soft skills, such as social ones, since you work in teams.
If you’ve worked with people in the past, chances are that your communication skills are chiseled, and you will become a likely candidate for working at an IT help desk. Pair that with knowledge of Microsoft Office, teamwork, and humility, and you are already a strong candidate.
Study IT at home
Ask any programmer where they went to university, and they will tell you they learned everything they know by themselves at home. The reason for this isn’t solely that passion goes a long way but that learning many aspects of IT can comfortably be done at home. It can be mastered with
enough practice and proven successful personal projects.
By working on personal projects, you can track your skills as they progress and have proof of concepts for hiring companies to see. Focus on making projects that align with what position you are trying to get hired for. For example, if you are looking at entering web development, try developing your own website and then making websites for others at an affordable price.
Personal projects also highlight how you are engaged with this line of work.
Finish a degree
It is never too late to dip back into academia which is why we are recommending you back to an IT course. This is in contrast to the above-mentioned point but also provides a certain way to get hired, especially if paired with personal projects.
Many workplaces require you to have a bachelor’s degree. If you cannot take the time to go to university full-time due to external factors, there are countless part-time options for individuals who want to enter IT.
Earn certifications
An alternative to a university degree, which can be expensive and time-consuming, is earning industry certifications through programs. These programs take a few weeks or months to complete in contrast to the years you would spend studying at a university. These certifications are also just as valid as a degree and can get you hired just as fast.
Proving to recruiters at IT companies that you are qualified can overthrow a job listing’s need for a degree. You also get more versatility with what IT sector you wish to enter, depending on the certification you complete, such as security or network.
Networking
You may be surprised at all the people you know and who they can connect you with. If finding acquaintances or employers is proving difficult, you can always look for an IT mentor to take you under their wing. Employers prefer hiring through recommendations, which makes you get recommended, a powerful tool for getting hired faster. Ask around, and you are sure to find success.
Conclusion
Information technology provides everyone with promising careers that can last decades as long as you’re resilient and adaptive to your work methods. This career is suitable for people who are constantly willing to learn or try new things, making it sustainable in the long run since it will never get boring.
