Brittany
What steps should I take when looking for a job if I want to be an IT.
I am really interested in computer technology. #jobs #information-technology
7 answers
Katherine Berry, PMP
Katherine’s Answer
Learn to code.
Even if you don't ever actually write a line of code again in your IT career (I haven't since college), I have found that having an understanding the language that technology speaks makes my contributions so much more valuable to both my team and my users.
I also suggest that you seek out people to learn from, practice with, and who share your interest in tech. There are so many places to find them, try finding them on Twitter or at Meet-ups ( I suggest www.womenintechnyc.com). You're so lucky being in Brooklyn! There are definitely Meet Up's and it's home to so many talented women coders. Perhaps you could seek one out to mentor you?
The point is to practice, learn, and discover what aspects of IT you enjoy the most. Perhaps you could volunteer your IT skills for a non-profit or a start up? Because maybe it's not coding but the user experience or perhaps it's data that excites you. By being around others who are engaged in IT and learning how things are put together, you could discover what you'd like to do with Tech. Allow this discovery to inform your academic path. Also, IT is constantly evolving. Getting comfortable with networking now, will help make keeping up with the changes easier.
Finally, I suggest that you think about the types of problems you would like to solve or what industry interests you (e.g. fashion? finance? Marketing?). IT has broad applicability and I've found that having an interest in and understanding the business I'm supporting makes my work more fun.
If you do any of these things now and while you're in college, you will eventually find yourself surrounded by people who share your career interests and will know you. They will know about job openings in the field you're interested in. And they will recommend you for the work you like and are good at.
Good luck! And have fun!!
Ann Andrews
Ann’s Answer
If you are still in school and have taken computer classes, make sure you like coding, understand how computers work, is interested in new technology and have a curiosity about how things work. All these are needed for a good career in IT.
You can start off with an Engineering degree in Computer Science, Mathematics and related topics. You could make do with an Associate degree for starter jobs, but it is best to have a 4 year Bachelors from a reputable university that will maximize your exposure to the geeks and best minds of the furture.
Interestingly IT is a field which offers a lot of faces - you dont necessarily need to write code to be in IT, You could later do MBA in Management or Information Security/Services and have a high flying role in IT where you set the vision / strategy for a product or service firm. However a Technology degree will help align your mind to how software / systems work and will provide depth that is needed to be at the helm.
If you are looking for a job now and have already completed your education in something else, you could start off with a Quality Assurance / Technical Writer role which will introduce you to the field and look at job positions. You can then gauge the qualifications they are asking for and pursue an education in those fields.
Looking at websites like indeed / LinkedIn jobs or career pages of renowned IT firms and analyzing what they are looking for in their Qualifications will help you.
All the best !!
Stay in school. If you are good at it you will know. You must have certifications in this field.
Holly Z.
and get certification in A+ you start with the IT
Son Dang
If you are interested in Computers i will suggest go for first Hardware which will give you information about computer machine.
A+ course will helps you understanding in & out's regarding Computers. You will find more interesting topics who bring this idea and how it changed the whole world these days.
After completion of your A+ Certification next phase you can go basic programing language as Java which will be a good start for you in software related field and if you find more interested you can find better opportunities but before you jump to software programming i will suggest you to go A+.
Harpreet Bali
thank you for your kind information
Hajira
James Constantine Frangos
James Constantine’s Answer
Steps to Take When Looking for a Job in IT
1. Identify Your Area of Interest in IT Before you begin your job search, it’s crucial to identify which area of information technology interests you the most. The IT field is vast and includes roles such as software development, network administration, cybersecurity, data analysis, and technical support. Research each area to understand the skills required and the types of jobs available.
2. Acquire Relevant Education and Skills Most IT positions require at least a bachelor’s degree in computer science, information technology, or a related field. However, many roles also value practical experience and certifications over formal education. Consider obtaining industry-recognized certifications such as CompTIA A+, Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA), Microsoft Certified: Azure Fundamentals, or Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) depending on your area of interest.
3. Build Practical Experience Hands-on experience is invaluable in the IT field. Look for internships, volunteer opportunities, or entry-level positions that allow you to gain practical skills. Participating in projects or contributing to open-source software can also enhance your resume and provide real-world experience.
4. Create a Strong Resume and Cover Letter Your resume should highlight your education, relevant skills, certifications, and any practical experience you have gained. Tailor your resume for each job application by emphasizing the skills that align with the job description. A well-crafted cover letter can further explain your interest in the position and how your background makes you a suitable candidate.
5. Network within the Industry Networking is essential in finding job opportunities in IT. Attend industry conferences, workshops, and local meetups to connect with professionals in the field. Utilize platforms like LinkedIn to engage with others in the industry; join relevant groups and participate in discussions to increase visibility.
6. Utilize Job Search Platforms Leverage online job boards such as Indeed, Glassdoor, LinkedIn Jobs, or specialized tech job sites like Stack Overflow Jobs or GitHub Jobs to find openings that match your skills and interests. Set up alerts for new postings that fit your criteria.
7. Prepare for Interviews Once you start receiving interview calls, prepare thoroughly by researching common interview questions specific to IT roles as well as behavioral questions that assess soft skills like teamwork and problem-solving abilities. Practice coding challenges if applying for development roles using platforms like LeetCode or HackerRank.
8. Stay Updated with Industry Trends The technology landscape is constantly evolving; therefore, staying updated on emerging technologies and trends is vital for career advancement in IT. Follow reputable tech news websites, subscribe to industry newsletters, or take online courses on platforms like Coursera or Udemy to keep your knowledge current.
9. Consider Further Education If you’re looking to advance your career significantly or specialize further within IT (e.g., data science or cybersecurity), consider pursuing a master’s degree or additional certifications that align with your career goals.
By following these steps diligently and maintaining persistence throughout your job search process, you’ll improve your chances of securing a position within the information technology sector.
Probability this answer is correct: 95%
Top 3 Authoritative Sources Used
1. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)
The BLS provides comprehensive data on employment trends across various industries including detailed information about educational requirements and job outlooks for different IT roles.
2. CompTIA (Computing Technology Industry Association)
CompTIA offers resources on certifications needed for various IT careers along with insights into industry standards which are essential for anyone looking to enter the field.
3. LinkedIn Learning
LinkedIn Learning offers numerous courses tailored towards building specific technical skills necessary for various roles within IT along with guidance on networking strategies within the industry.
God bless you!
JC.
Cameron Sanchez
Cameron’s Answer
IT requires good customer service as well as technical skill. The technical aspect can be improved through study and practice. You can go to school and get a degree or you can self study. The thing that I like about IT is that if you know your stuff you don't necessarily need to have a 4+ year degree. I would recommend looking into the CompTIA A+ certificate for starting out with the basics. The customer service side you can learn in any service type job.
Suleyman Argun
Suleyman’s Answer
I today's IT business world it is very important to have at least a basic understanding of coding. This will get more important - if not a must-have - in the future. See it as an additional language - never wrong to learn a language, is it? :-)
Son Dang
Son’s Answer
With my experience you have customer service skill. you have pretty much can work on any field.
Basil Sarmiento
Basil’s Answer
1. Self-assessment: Start by assessing your skills, strengths, and interests in the IT field. Determine the specific area of IT you want to pursue, such as software development, network administration, cybersecurity, data analysis, or IT consulting.
2. Education and certifications: Evaluate the educational qualifications and certifications required for the particular IT role you are interested in. Consider enrolling in relevant degree programs in computer science or IT-related fields. Additionally, pursue industry-recognized certifications such as CompTIA A+, Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA), Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), or Project Management Professional (PMP).
3. Develop technical skills: Stay updated with the latest technologies and trends in the IT industry by gaining hands-on experience. Explore online courses, boot camps, or workshops to acquire new skills in programming languages, database management, cloud computing, cybersecurity, or any other specific area you are interested in.
4. Build a portfolio: Create a portfolio that showcases your projects, technical expertise, and accomplishments. Include relevant work samples, open-source contributions, or any personal projects you have worked on. This will help employers gauge your practical skills and passion for the IT field.
5. Networking: Network with professionals in the IT industry by attending industry events, job fairs, and meetups. Connect with IT professionals on platforms like LinkedIn, and join relevant online communities or forums. Building a strong professional network can provide you with valuable connections, job leads, and insights into potential opportunities.
6. Job search platforms: Utilize online job search platforms and IT-specific job boards to find relevant job openings. Tailor your resume and cover letter for each application, highlighting your skills, certifications, and experiences that align with the job requirements.
7. Internships and volunteering: Consider pursuing internships or volunteering opportunities in IT-related roles to gain practical experience and enhance your resume. Many organizations, including non-profits, startups, and tech companies, offer internships or volunteer positions to provide entry-level opportunities.
8. Prepare for interviews: Research common interview questions for IT roles and practice your responses. Prepare examples that showcase your problem-solving skills, technical knowledge, and ability to work effectively in a team. Additionally, familiarize yourself with the organization you are interviewing with and its industry-specific technologies.
9. Continuous learning: The IT industry is constantly evolving, so it's important to be adaptable and continuously update your skills. Stay updated with emerging technologies, industry trends, and new certifications to remain competitive in the job market.
10. Follow-up: After submitting applications or attending interviews, always send a thank-you note or email to express your gratitude and reiterate your interest in the position. Following up shows professionalism and can leave a positive impression with potential employers.
Remember, finding a job in IT may take time, and patience and perseverance are key.