12 answers
Buckley’s Answer
As an IT Recruiter, I've spoken with high school graduates who have this same question. I've listed 5 main ways to dive into the Information Technology industry.
- First, look into colleges that offer programs in Computer Science, Management Information Systems, Computer Engineering, Computer Programming, etc. From there, you'll take various classes that touch all aspects of the field, like coding/programming, databases, process mapping, network application development, systems analysis and design, etc. You'll learn whether you enjoy certain coding languages more than others. You might like database development. By majoring in one of these, you'll be able to better figure out how you want to make your love of computers into a career.
- There are many online coding bootcamps available to anyone these days. Coding bootcamps are intensive programs to learn skills like software development , machine learning, data science, product management, etc. The length of courses typically ranges anywhere from 3 months to a year. There is tuition involved, and some are selective and require certain skills to get into. **Many companies like to see some college experience because some bootcamps skip the basic fundamental skills of coding.
- Look on LinkedIn for people in the IT field and see if you can set up a phone call or Skype with them. Pick their brain. Ask them about the good and the bad of their role in the company. See how they got their and what their experience has been.
- If you can network and find people in the IT field, ask if you can shadow them at their job for a day. See the ins and outs of their role to better understand what part of the industry you might like to do someday!
- If you want to be a programmer, work on personal projects. Take courses online and store your projects on Github. Build your skills here, and you'll be able to show off your code to future employers! There are also other courses for different kinds of roles in IT. Search online and see what you like.
Buckley recommends the following next steps:
Jimil’s Answer
Develop your skills: If you're just starting out, it's important to develop your technical skills in areas such as programming, computer science, and technology. You can start by taking online courses or tutorials, or by earning certifications in relevant technologies.
Get hands-on experience: To gain practical experience in your field, you can consider internships or co-op positions. These opportunities will allow you to work on real projects, learn from industry professionals and make connections in the field.
Network: Networking is key to finding opportunities in the tech industry. Attend industry events and conferences, reach out to professionals in the field and join professional organizations related to the field.
Consider a degree: A bachelor's degree in computer science, computer engineering, or a related field can be beneficial in getting a job in the tech industry. It can open more opportunities and gives more credibility and specific skills that some employers may prefer.
Tailor your resume and cover letter: When applying for a job, make sure to tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your skills and experiences that are relevant to the job you are applying for.
Be open to learning and to new opportunities: Technology is an ever-changing field, being open to learning new skills and technologies is crucial to be successful and to advance in your career.
It's also worth noting that there are different types of jobs and careers in the field of computers, so it's a good idea to start early and be open-minded, research and explore different options, talk to people in the field and gain experience that aligns with your goals and aspirations.
Lucas’s Answer
Hello!
There's a lot of great answers to this question from others already, but I figured I'd really hammer home one point—frankly, this was what got me into computer programming to begin with: there's very little barrier to entry!
If you want to change how your computer works, there's really not much stopping you. You don't need any specialized tools, expensive equipment, etc. If you've got a computer, that's all you need. Everything on top of that is just knowledge, a lot of which you can find for free nowadays.
Think about something that you wish your computer could do, or maybe something you wish could work differently. And then look around on the internet for how you could go about doing it. If you've never written a line of code before, chances are you'll find a lot of things seem impossibly complicated. Don't despair, narrow your scope a little bit. E.g. maybe you think it would be cool to make an app on your phone—don't worry too much about what the app does, just find a few tutorials, start clicking, and see if you can get a new app to pop up (even if it's just a blank screen!). After that you can build from there, one little step at a time.
I think a lot of what makes you successful in any career is passion. Find something you really enjoy doing. Be determined. And don't be afraid to try things in your spare time. Even after going to college for a computer science degree, many potential employers will be just as interested in you've done on your own time as what you've done as part of class projects, etc.
Margus’s Answer
Start by narrowing down your selection - "career with computers" is a rather broad term (ranging from simple IT services to complex quantum computing), thus figuring out what interest you most would be the first step.
What would help to narrow the choice down is attending local events - Meetup is a great site to find local groups and see their schedules. Attending a few to both meet people engaged in the area and also seeing presentations about those fields will give you more insight.
Once you have a rough idea on the speciality you'd like to tackle take a look at what the colleges are offering - having a degree on the more specific field is always useful and, especially with larger companies, the recruiters will focus on this.
A smaller company/startup would focus more on what you've done on yourself, thus the previously recommended Github projects are a way to go (if that aligns with your selected area), also blogging and presenting your projects on events (Meetup, for example) will build this portfolio.
My biggest recommendation is to find something you like and pursue that angle and not to try to have a generic understanding of the entire industry. A specialist (in a more specific field) is more likely to find a stable and solid career.
anjali’s Answer
Should have degree in computers, should have knowledge on programming, codings.
Bonnie’s Answer
Bonnie recommends the following next steps:
shweta’s Answer
+You need to narrow down to what you really want to do , its really important especially at this point .
+If you narrow it down now , it will be easier for you to take it forward .
+Once you narrow it down , you can decide what you should stay focused on .
+For example :Development , Networking ,Database Development .
anjali’s Answer
Should have a degree in computers. Interest in programming and coding is important
Ken’s Answer
It really depends on what you want to do. The IT field is wide and you can do everything from repair work, to designing, engineering, programming, security, networking, systems administrator, machine learning, artificial intelligence, and so on. If you already have an idea, it's easier to figure out what kind of foundation you need to build up. If not, try to find people in various fields and ask what they do and how they got there. There are You Tube videos, free Google training resources, other free online resources offered up by multiple Universities, libraries, and so on that you can take advantage of. When you're first starting out, whatever education resources you can tap is your best bet on getting started.
Muhammad’s Answer
Well, Computers or IT is going to run the future. So a career with computers is really bright. But, its a very big field. There are so many branches and they all work/operate in a totally different way. First decide, what are your interests. Are you good in programming? Do you like to learn how computers communicate? Or do you want to play with Databases? or you want to get into Robotics and Machine programming? All depends on what you really like to do in Computers.
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James Constantine Frangos
James Constantine’s Answer
Embarking on a Computer Science Career
Should you be keen on carving out a career within the computer industry, here are several actionable steps to kick-start your journey:
1. Education:
Pursue a degree in fields like computer science, computer engineering, information technology, or related disciplines. This formal education will equip you with the fundamental knowledge and abilities required for a successful computer-related career.
2. Cultivate Technical Skills:
Acquire direct experience with aspects of computer science such as programming languages, software development, networking, and cybersecurity. Developing a robust technical skill set is crucial for thriving in this industry.
3. Acquire Real-World Experience:
Seek out internships, co-op programs, or part-time roles in the tech sector to gain practical experience and exposure to actual projects. This hands-on experience will bolster your resume and increase your appeal to potential employers.
4. Assemble a Portfolio:
Compile a portfolio that displays your projects, coding samples, and any other pertinent work you've completed. A compelling portfolio can effectively demonstrate your skills and expertise to prospective employers.
5. Networking:
Participate in tech events, conferences, and meetups to connect with industry professionals. Establishing these relationships can lead to opportunities for mentorship, job referrals, and collaborative projects.
6. Stay Informed:
With technology perpetually evolving, it's crucial to stay informed about the latest trends, tools, and technologies. Maintain your competitive edge in the job market through continuous learning via online courses, workshops, and certifications.
7. Job Hunting:
Begin applying for entry-level roles in companies that pique your interest. Make use of online job boards, career fairs, company websites, and professional networking platforms like LinkedIn to discover job openings.
By adhering to these steps and remaining committed to your learning and career progression, you can successfully break into the dynamic field of computer science and technology.
Top 3 Reliable Sources Used:
IEEE Computer Society: A professional body devoted to promoting the theory and application of computer science and technology. Their resources offer valuable insights into the field and career prospects.
Association for Computing Machinery (ACM): An international organization for computing professionals offering resources, publications, and networking opportunities for those interested in computer science careers.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS): The BLS provides extensive data on various occupations, including those in the computer science and technology sectors. Their reports offer valuable information on job prospects, salaries, educational prerequisites, and more within the industry.
Stay blessed!
James Constantine.