6 answers
Jamie
Student
Rochester, Minnesota
2
Questions
Asked
775 views
What are some good starter jobs for IT?
I am really intersted in computer-science and I am confident I want some sort of job in IT someday. It would be really nice to have some sort of idea of what job I could/should start off with.
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6 answers
Thomas Sickert
Software Engineer at GitHub
5
Answers
Orlando, Florida
Updated
Thomas’s Answer
Software Engineering is a great career choice for people interested in computer science. Software Engineers write code that helps build the applications and systems that make the world run. If you get a degree in Computer Science, there are plenty of companies that will hire new graduates for entry level positions that will work closely with more senior engineers to learn the skills of the trade. You can also contribute to products that you use and love every day, and maybe some that millions of others of people use and love every day.
While most entry level jobs will be good for new graduates, it may be a good idea to look for programs that offer some sort of structured development for new graduates. Capital One, for example, has a Technology Development Program is that is a 2 year program where you change teams after a year to allow you to see various different aspects of the company. It also has dedicated advisors and for career growth.
Another piece of advice I would give is to seek out internships while you're in school. Internships with a company can offer valuable work experience and they can give you a good indication if that particular job would be a good fit or not. If it's not a good fit, you can try something else the next summer. They can also lead to full time offers to return to the company full time when you're done with your schooling so you don't need to worry about applying for jobs as you're leaving school.
While most entry level jobs will be good for new graduates, it may be a good idea to look for programs that offer some sort of structured development for new graduates. Capital One, for example, has a Technology Development Program is that is a 2 year program where you change teams after a year to allow you to see various different aspects of the company. It also has dedicated advisors and for career growth.
Another piece of advice I would give is to seek out internships while you're in school. Internships with a company can offer valuable work experience and they can give you a good indication if that particular job would be a good fit or not. If it's not a good fit, you can try something else the next summer. They can also lead to full time offers to return to the company full time when you're done with your schooling so you don't need to worry about applying for jobs as you're leaving school.
+1 – Companies that offer accelerated programs (usually in 12-24 month terms) are underrated because they purposefully expose you to multiple areas of the Company and corporate terms/processes. Generally they know (and expect) beginner entry so you don't feel bad or embarrassed about not knowing how things (technical or procedural or administrative) work.
Often times, these programs have a high percentage of offering full-time roles to participants. And even IF they don't you're still so much better prepared for your "first job" somewhere else.
Luke Edwards
Doc Frick
Career Coach and Mentor
1616
Answers
California, CA
Updated
Doc’s Answer
HELP DESK ANALYST
Many tech workers have launched their careers on the help desk. Typically, you’ll start at Tier 1, where you’ll log incoming calls and offer help for relatively straightforward matters. Calls regarding complex issues are escalated to Tier 2 for more in-depth support. Even if you don’t come in with existing knowledge, what you learn at Tier 1 will help you build a foundation as you move forward in your career. Many companies will provide on-the-job training to help you grow your skills. Different roles will ask for various levels of education, certifications, and experience, but generally, starting as a service desk analyst in an entry-level position is the starting point, with a clear path for advancement. This position is a great way to get into an IT department. Continuing from work as a service desk analyst, you have opportunities to advance with the proper education and experience.
Companies typically organize technical support into levels. Tier 1 is an entry-level position and involves troubleshooting simple questions and escalating anything more advanced to Tier 2 in the case of a service desk analyst. After Tier 2 support, there is Tier 3 and sometimes higher. Tier 4 and 5 tend to be management levels, and Tier 6 will be the head of a department. These levels vary according to the size and function of a company, but having levels means it’s possible to advance in your career and move to other companies, with a clear distinction of the level you’re working at. Moving up levels typically requires more experience and possible certifications specified by your employer or even advanced education such as a bachelor's degree. Holding certifications or a bachelor's degree can often help you advance more quickly.
Many tech workers have launched their careers on the help desk. Typically, you’ll start at Tier 1, where you’ll log incoming calls and offer help for relatively straightforward matters. Calls regarding complex issues are escalated to Tier 2 for more in-depth support. Even if you don’t come in with existing knowledge, what you learn at Tier 1 will help you build a foundation as you move forward in your career. Many companies will provide on-the-job training to help you grow your skills. Different roles will ask for various levels of education, certifications, and experience, but generally, starting as a service desk analyst in an entry-level position is the starting point, with a clear path for advancement. This position is a great way to get into an IT department. Continuing from work as a service desk analyst, you have opportunities to advance with the proper education and experience.
Companies typically organize technical support into levels. Tier 1 is an entry-level position and involves troubleshooting simple questions and escalating anything more advanced to Tier 2 in the case of a service desk analyst. After Tier 2 support, there is Tier 3 and sometimes higher. Tier 4 and 5 tend to be management levels, and Tier 6 will be the head of a department. These levels vary according to the size and function of a company, but having levels means it’s possible to advance in your career and move to other companies, with a clear distinction of the level you’re working at. Moving up levels typically requires more experience and possible certifications specified by your employer or even advanced education such as a bachelor's degree. Holding certifications or a bachelor's degree can often help you advance more quickly.
Shawn Olson
Sales
4
Answers
Woodbury, Minnesota
Updated
Shawn’s Answer
There are loads of great starter gigs to kick off your journey. Here are a few to consider:
1. Help Desk Technician: This is like the front lines of IT support. You'll be the hero who swoops in to fix computer problems for folks in your organization.
2. Desktop Support Specialist: Similar to a help desk role, but you might get more hands-on experience troubleshooting hardware and software issues.
3. IT Support Specialist: Think of this as a broader role encompassing both help desk and desktop support duties. You'll likely get exposure to a wide range of tech problems.
4. Technical Support Representative: Sometimes you'll find these positions with specific tech companies. You'll be the go-to person for customers who have questions or issues with their products.
5. Junior Network Administrator: If you're into networking, this could be a great starting point. You'll help set up and maintain the organization's network infrastructure.
6. Systems Administrator Assistant: Working closely with sysadmins, you'll learn the ins and outs of managing servers and ensuring everything runs smoothly.
7. IT Intern/Entry-Level IT: Internships or entry-level positions are fantastic for getting your foot in the door and gaining real-world experience while you're still learning the ropes.
Remember, these roles often come with opportunities for growth and specialization, so don't sweat it if you don't land your dream job right away. It's all part of the journey!
1. Help Desk Technician: This is like the front lines of IT support. You'll be the hero who swoops in to fix computer problems for folks in your organization.
2. Desktop Support Specialist: Similar to a help desk role, but you might get more hands-on experience troubleshooting hardware and software issues.
3. IT Support Specialist: Think of this as a broader role encompassing both help desk and desktop support duties. You'll likely get exposure to a wide range of tech problems.
4. Technical Support Representative: Sometimes you'll find these positions with specific tech companies. You'll be the go-to person for customers who have questions or issues with their products.
5. Junior Network Administrator: If you're into networking, this could be a great starting point. You'll help set up and maintain the organization's network infrastructure.
6. Systems Administrator Assistant: Working closely with sysadmins, you'll learn the ins and outs of managing servers and ensuring everything runs smoothly.
7. IT Intern/Entry-Level IT: Internships or entry-level positions are fantastic for getting your foot in the door and gaining real-world experience while you're still learning the ropes.
Remember, these roles often come with opportunities for growth and specialization, so don't sweat it if you don't land your dream job right away. It's all part of the journey!
Limin Zhang
Management
8
Answers
Atlanta, Georgia
Updated
Limin’s Answer
Considering a career in Quality Assurance could be a great kick-off for IT professionals.
In today's digital era, software is woven into the fabric of our daily lives. We interact with various applications on our computers and mobile phones regularly. The role of a Quality Assurance (QA) engineer is to ensure that this software functions as planned, operates seamlessly, and that any glitches are identified and rectified before the user encounters them.
QA engineers also play a vital role in ensuring that systems function in accordance with the standards and regulations established by software developers. They are responsible for communicating any flaws or issues in the software to the developers.
In summary, Quality Assurance is a fundamental part of any software development team and plays a crucial role in the overall quality of software products. It provides an opportunity to understand the different aspects of software development and to hone critical analytical skills, which are indispensable for IT professionals.
In today's digital era, software is woven into the fabric of our daily lives. We interact with various applications on our computers and mobile phones regularly. The role of a Quality Assurance (QA) engineer is to ensure that this software functions as planned, operates seamlessly, and that any glitches are identified and rectified before the user encounters them.
QA engineers also play a vital role in ensuring that systems function in accordance with the standards and regulations established by software developers. They are responsible for communicating any flaws or issues in the software to the developers.
In summary, Quality Assurance is a fundamental part of any software development team and plays a crucial role in the overall quality of software products. It provides an opportunity to understand the different aspects of software development and to hone critical analytical skills, which are indispensable for IT professionals.
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity => Self-Actualization.
6342
Answers
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Hello Jamie,
According to www.iAsk.ai Ask Ai Questions Search Engine:
Answer:
Starting a career in IT can be exciting and rewarding. There are several entry-level positions that can serve as good starter jobs for individuals interested in computer science and the IT field. Here are some common starter jobs in IT:
Help Desk Technician: Help desk technicians provide technical support to users, assisting them with hardware, software, and network issues. This role helps build a strong foundation in troubleshooting and customer service skills.
IT Support Specialist: IT support specialists focus on resolving technical issues within an organization, including setting up systems, troubleshooting problems, and maintaining equipment. This role offers hands-on experience with various technologies.
Junior Systems Administrator: Junior systems administrators assist in managing an organization’s IT infrastructure, including servers, networks, and security systems. This position provides exposure to system administration tasks and practices.
Network Technician: Network technicians help design, implement, and maintain computer networks within an organization. This role involves working with routers, switches, and other networking equipment.
Web Developer: Web developers focus on creating websites and web applications. This role requires knowledge of programming languages such as HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.
Software Tester: Software testers are responsible for identifying bugs and issues in software applications before they are released to users. This position helps develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
IT Intern: Internships are valuable opportunities to gain practical experience in the IT field while still studying or early in your career. Internship roles can vary from technical support to software development.
Entry-Level Programmer: Entry-level programmers write code for software applications based on specifications provided by senior developers or project managers. This role helps develop coding skills and understanding of programming concepts.
Data Analyst: Data analysts collect, analyze, and interpret data to help organizations make informed business decisions. This role requires strong analytical skills and proficiency in data analysis tools.
Cybersecurity Analyst: Cybersecurity analysts focus on protecting an organization’s systems and data from cyber threats. This role involves monitoring security measures, investigating incidents, and implementing security protocols.
Starting with one of these entry-level positions can provide you with valuable experience and skills that will help you advance your career in the IT industry.
Top 3 Authoritative Sources Used:
Indeed.com: Indeed is a reputable job search website that provides insights into popular entry-level IT positions based on job postings and trends in the industry.
TechRepublic.com: TechRepublic is a trusted online resource for IT professionals offering articles, guides, and expert advice on various IT careers and job opportunities.
Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS): The BLS is a reliable source of information on occupational outlooks, including job descriptions, educational requirements, salary data, and growth projections for careers in the IT sector.
GOD BLESS YOU!
JC.
According to www.iAsk.ai Ask Ai Questions Search Engine:
Answer:
Starting a career in IT can be exciting and rewarding. There are several entry-level positions that can serve as good starter jobs for individuals interested in computer science and the IT field. Here are some common starter jobs in IT:
Help Desk Technician: Help desk technicians provide technical support to users, assisting them with hardware, software, and network issues. This role helps build a strong foundation in troubleshooting and customer service skills.
IT Support Specialist: IT support specialists focus on resolving technical issues within an organization, including setting up systems, troubleshooting problems, and maintaining equipment. This role offers hands-on experience with various technologies.
Junior Systems Administrator: Junior systems administrators assist in managing an organization’s IT infrastructure, including servers, networks, and security systems. This position provides exposure to system administration tasks and practices.
Network Technician: Network technicians help design, implement, and maintain computer networks within an organization. This role involves working with routers, switches, and other networking equipment.
Web Developer: Web developers focus on creating websites and web applications. This role requires knowledge of programming languages such as HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.
Software Tester: Software testers are responsible for identifying bugs and issues in software applications before they are released to users. This position helps develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
IT Intern: Internships are valuable opportunities to gain practical experience in the IT field while still studying or early in your career. Internship roles can vary from technical support to software development.
Entry-Level Programmer: Entry-level programmers write code for software applications based on specifications provided by senior developers or project managers. This role helps develop coding skills and understanding of programming concepts.
Data Analyst: Data analysts collect, analyze, and interpret data to help organizations make informed business decisions. This role requires strong analytical skills and proficiency in data analysis tools.
Cybersecurity Analyst: Cybersecurity analysts focus on protecting an organization’s systems and data from cyber threats. This role involves monitoring security measures, investigating incidents, and implementing security protocols.
Starting with one of these entry-level positions can provide you with valuable experience and skills that will help you advance your career in the IT industry.
Top 3 Authoritative Sources Used:
Indeed.com: Indeed is a reputable job search website that provides insights into popular entry-level IT positions based on job postings and trends in the industry.
TechRepublic.com: TechRepublic is a trusted online resource for IT professionals offering articles, guides, and expert advice on various IT careers and job opportunities.
Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS): The BLS is a reliable source of information on occupational outlooks, including job descriptions, educational requirements, salary data, and growth projections for careers in the IT sector.
GOD BLESS YOU!
JC.
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity => Self-Actualization.
6342
Answers
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Dear Jamie,
Answer:
Embarking on an IT career can be both thrilling and gratifying. There are numerous entry-level roles that serve as excellent stepping stones for those with an interest in computer science and the IT industry. Here's a rundown of some typical IT entry-level positions:
Help Desk Technician: These technicians offer technical support to users, aiding them with hardware, software, and network issues. This role is a great way to develop solid troubleshooting and customer service skills.
IT Support Specialist: These specialists concentrate on resolving technical problems within a company, including system setup, problem troubleshooting, and equipment maintenance. This role provides practical experience with a variety of technologies.
Junior Systems Administrator: These administrators help manage a company's IT infrastructure, including servers, networks, and security systems. This position offers a glimpse into system administration tasks and methodologies.
Network Technician: These technicians assist in designing, implementing, and maintaining computer networks within a company. This role includes working with routers, switches, and other network equipment.
Web Developer: Web developers specialize in building websites and web applications. This role necessitates knowledge of programming languages such as HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.
Software Tester: These testers are tasked with finding bugs and problems in software applications before they are launched to users. This role aids in honing critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
IT Intern: Internships offer invaluable opportunities to gain hands-on experience in the IT field, either while studying or at the beginning of your career. Internship roles can range from technical support to software development.
Entry-Level Programmer: These programmers write code for software applications based on specifications provided by senior developers or project managers. This role aids in developing coding skills and understanding of programming principles.
Data Analyst: Data analysts gather, analyze, and interpret data to assist organizations in making informed business decisions. This role necessitates strong analytical skills and proficiency in data analysis tools.
Cybersecurity Analyst: These analysts concentrate on safeguarding a company's systems and data from cyber threats. This role involves monitoring security measures, investigating incidents, and implementing security protocols.
Starting with one of these entry-level roles can equip you with invaluable experience and skills that will propel your IT career forward.
Top 3 Credible Sources Used:
Indeed.com: Indeed is a well-regarded job search site that offers insights into popular entry-level IT roles based on job postings and industry trends.
TechRepublic.com: TechRepublic is a respected online resource for IT professionals, providing articles, guides, and expert advice on various IT careers and job opportunities.
Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS): The BLS is a dependable source of information on occupational outlooks, including job descriptions, educational requirements, salary data, and growth projections for careers in the IT sector.
May God bless you!
JC.
Answer:
Embarking on an IT career can be both thrilling and gratifying. There are numerous entry-level roles that serve as excellent stepping stones for those with an interest in computer science and the IT industry. Here's a rundown of some typical IT entry-level positions:
Help Desk Technician: These technicians offer technical support to users, aiding them with hardware, software, and network issues. This role is a great way to develop solid troubleshooting and customer service skills.
IT Support Specialist: These specialists concentrate on resolving technical problems within a company, including system setup, problem troubleshooting, and equipment maintenance. This role provides practical experience with a variety of technologies.
Junior Systems Administrator: These administrators help manage a company's IT infrastructure, including servers, networks, and security systems. This position offers a glimpse into system administration tasks and methodologies.
Network Technician: These technicians assist in designing, implementing, and maintaining computer networks within a company. This role includes working with routers, switches, and other network equipment.
Web Developer: Web developers specialize in building websites and web applications. This role necessitates knowledge of programming languages such as HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.
Software Tester: These testers are tasked with finding bugs and problems in software applications before they are launched to users. This role aids in honing critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
IT Intern: Internships offer invaluable opportunities to gain hands-on experience in the IT field, either while studying or at the beginning of your career. Internship roles can range from technical support to software development.
Entry-Level Programmer: These programmers write code for software applications based on specifications provided by senior developers or project managers. This role aids in developing coding skills and understanding of programming principles.
Data Analyst: Data analysts gather, analyze, and interpret data to assist organizations in making informed business decisions. This role necessitates strong analytical skills and proficiency in data analysis tools.
Cybersecurity Analyst: These analysts concentrate on safeguarding a company's systems and data from cyber threats. This role involves monitoring security measures, investigating incidents, and implementing security protocols.
Starting with one of these entry-level roles can equip you with invaluable experience and skills that will propel your IT career forward.
Top 3 Credible Sources Used:
Indeed.com: Indeed is a well-regarded job search site that offers insights into popular entry-level IT roles based on job postings and industry trends.
TechRepublic.com: TechRepublic is a respected online resource for IT professionals, providing articles, guides, and expert advice on various IT careers and job opportunities.
Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS): The BLS is a dependable source of information on occupational outlooks, including job descriptions, educational requirements, salary data, and growth projections for careers in the IT sector.
May God bless you!
JC.