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Where should I start if I wanted to enter the IT field?
I'm curious about it for a career path but I really don't know where I'd start.
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9 answers
Updated
James’s Answer
There are many areas in the IT field like computer hardware, software, networking, big data, AI, technical support/repair, cyber securities...etc. You kind of have to have a rough idea where do you want to go. That being said, if you have developed an interests in coding, you can get an internship in various areas and experience first hand where you want to land. Also, once you get into this field you have to commit continuous learning and stay fresh. Wish you all the best in your future endeavors.
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Nadia’s Answer
I'd recommend starting with the basic questions, like: What's your motivation? How did you come up with the idea of working in IT? What do you like doing?
Additionally, think about how you would describe an ideal day at work. Of course, don't focus on particular details; instead, think about whether you like working with others in a team or prefer working alone, enjoy working with numbers, like drawing, etc.
Today's IT world offers many different types of jobs, not necessarily technical ones. For example, you can be an engineer, a computer programmer, but also: a people leader, a project manager, or even an HR consultant. Each job may give you a satisfying career and very good development and financial opportunities. Answering these questions may help you to understand in which direction you want to go.
Moreover, it may happen that the same role will be different in a large corporate company and a small family business. So, I recommend also checking for any "doors open" days in your area where students can visit local companies and experience the atmosphere. If there are none, you can check if your school could help in organizing such a field trip for the students.
Additionally, think about how you would describe an ideal day at work. Of course, don't focus on particular details; instead, think about whether you like working with others in a team or prefer working alone, enjoy working with numbers, like drawing, etc.
Today's IT world offers many different types of jobs, not necessarily technical ones. For example, you can be an engineer, a computer programmer, but also: a people leader, a project manager, or even an HR consultant. Each job may give you a satisfying career and very good development and financial opportunities. Answering these questions may help you to understand in which direction you want to go.
Moreover, it may happen that the same role will be different in a large corporate company and a small family business. So, I recommend also checking for any "doors open" days in your area where students can visit local companies and experience the atmosphere. If there are none, you can check if your school could help in organizing such a field trip for the students.
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Morries’s Answer
Hello Lucion! Firstly, think about the aspects of technology and IT that excite you and how you imagine your future career. The IT field offers numerous paths, so it's crucial to choose one that ignites your passion. Pursuing a job solely for financial gain may lead to dissatisfaction and hinder you from realizing your true potential. Many individuals begin with helpdesk or deskside support roles, which enable them to interact closely with users and develop excellent interpersonal skills. These skills will prove valuable later on when collaborating with others or managing teams. Regardless of the path you choose, I have no doubt that you'll achieve your goals and find success.
Alexandra McCoy
Site Reliability Engineer - SaaS Reliability Enablement
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Alexandra’s Answer
I would suggest you start by researching the filed and understand the different sectors within. Articles such as this one (https://www.comptia.org/content/articles/what-is-information-technology#:~:text=An%20IT%20job%20is%20any,common%20examples%20of%20IT%20jobs.) that give a decent or good break down of the areas as well as the titles of some roles that you might find in those areas.
Then understand how all of these areas work together to collectively offer some product offerings to their customers. This will help you align your own interest and even soft skills with the responsibilities of some of those roles.
Then I would pick maybe 3 that interest you, and use social media sites to network with people in those roles and see who is open to having an ad-hoc conversation with you to help you understand a bit more in-depth those roles. Good Luck on your journey!
Then understand how all of these areas work together to collectively offer some product offerings to their customers. This will help you align your own interest and even soft skills with the responsibilities of some of those roles.
Then I would pick maybe 3 that interest you, and use social media sites to network with people in those roles and see who is open to having an ad-hoc conversation with you to help you understand a bit more in-depth those roles. Good Luck on your journey!
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Barak’s Answer
Hey there! So, you're interested in IT, huh? That's pretty awesome! Let me help you get started. 😊
First, let's figure out which part of IT catches your eye. There are tons of options like software development, cybersecurity, data analysis, cloud computing, and networking. No worries, though – we'll find the perfect fit for you!
Next up, let's cover your IT basics. It's just like learning a new language! You'll want to get familiar with computer hardware, operating systems, programming languages, and database management.
Now that you've got a good grasp on the basics, it's time to choose how you want to learn more. There's something for everyone! You can pick from self-study, online courses, boot camps, community college courses, or even university degrees. Just keep your learning style and career goals in mind while making your choice.
Best of luck, and have an amazing time exploring the fascinating world of IT! 🚀
First, let's figure out which part of IT catches your eye. There are tons of options like software development, cybersecurity, data analysis, cloud computing, and networking. No worries, though – we'll find the perfect fit for you!
Next up, let's cover your IT basics. It's just like learning a new language! You'll want to get familiar with computer hardware, operating systems, programming languages, and database management.
Now that you've got a good grasp on the basics, it's time to choose how you want to learn more. There's something for everyone! You can pick from self-study, online courses, boot camps, community college courses, or even university degrees. Just keep your learning style and career goals in mind while making your choice.
Best of luck, and have an amazing time exploring the fascinating world of IT! 🚀
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Alok’s Answer
There are various roles in the IT field like - business analyst, software developer, web designer, IT technician, database administrator, information security analyst, data analyst, user experience (UX) designer, full-stack developer, computer scientist. First you need to decide which one interests you and then explore what education is required as most companies will require you to have a degree.
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Jolese’s Answer
Hey Lucion,
To kick-start your journey in the IT field, begin by exploring the various sub-fields within IT, such as cybersecurity, data analytics, software development, or network administration. This will help you narrow down your area of interest and choose a more specialized degree or certification program.
Once you've identified your preferred IT sub-field, decide whether you'd like to pursue an education through an online or in-person format. Here are some actionable steps you can take:
1. Research the top universities or institutions for your chosen sub-field, and create a list of potential programs.
2. Compare the curriculum, faculty, resources, and alumni success from each institution to ensure they align with your goals.
3. Consider the costs of each program (tuition, housing, etc.) and explore financial aid or scholarship opportunities that may be available.
4. Look into the required application materials, such as standardized test scores (e.g. SAT, ACT, GRE), and the necessary documents (transcripts, letters of recommendation, etc.).
5. Review the application deadlines and make a timeline to ensure you submit everything on time.
6. Reach out to current students or alumni in your chosen sub-field to gain insights about the programs and job prospects.
By following these steps, you'll be well on your way to pursuing a successful career in the IT industry. Good luck!
To kick-start your journey in the IT field, begin by exploring the various sub-fields within IT, such as cybersecurity, data analytics, software development, or network administration. This will help you narrow down your area of interest and choose a more specialized degree or certification program.
Once you've identified your preferred IT sub-field, decide whether you'd like to pursue an education through an online or in-person format. Here are some actionable steps you can take:
1. Research the top universities or institutions for your chosen sub-field, and create a list of potential programs.
2. Compare the curriculum, faculty, resources, and alumni success from each institution to ensure they align with your goals.
3. Consider the costs of each program (tuition, housing, etc.) and explore financial aid or scholarship opportunities that may be available.
4. Look into the required application materials, such as standardized test scores (e.g. SAT, ACT, GRE), and the necessary documents (transcripts, letters of recommendation, etc.).
5. Review the application deadlines and make a timeline to ensure you submit everything on time.
6. Reach out to current students or alumni in your chosen sub-field to gain insights about the programs and job prospects.
By following these steps, you'll be well on your way to pursuing a successful career in the IT industry. Good luck!
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Antwyne’s Answer
Hello,
IT is a pretty broad field. As has been mentioned by others, you want to narrow your focus down a bit. The good news is there are plenty of avenues within the IT field that you can travel down. My career has included stops in operations, data transmissions, information security and risk management. When you find your area of interests, there are a number of free courses that you can take (example: LinkedIn and Google) to get basic knowledge and even certifications. Hope that this helps. Good luck to you!
IT is a pretty broad field. As has been mentioned by others, you want to narrow your focus down a bit. The good news is there are plenty of avenues within the IT field that you can travel down. My career has included stops in operations, data transmissions, information security and risk management. When you find your area of interests, there are a number of free courses that you can take (example: LinkedIn and Google) to get basic knowledge and even certifications. Hope that this helps. Good luck to you!
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Isabella’s Answer
So my recommendation is a little out of the norm ... start with a job search on Indeed or some other search engine for you to get a feel for what is actually offered by way of jobs. Take a look at a few postings. Do they say things that interest you? Do they say things you never heard of? Well that is another avenue of exploration.... then go onto YouTube or some other "on-line" tutorial device and scan through tutorials on some of the terms that you just heard of .... and then do the same thing a few weeks later ... and then a few weeks later. The more you see a term repeated, the more it stays with you and you may interpret it differently ....and then search on college sites or post high school technical institutes to see what they offer by way of IT programs. Keep a record/journal of what find through all of these searches and see what it tells you about the field and how you may like to fit in... Have fun!