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How do I get started in the Information Technology world?

I have completed my sophomore year in my universities Information Technology program and wondering which coding languages or certifications are the best to have when applying for internships/remote jobs.

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Susan’s Answer

Good morning David,

Kimberly has imparted some truly valuable advice to help your resume rise to the top of the pile. Remember, IT Managers and HR Representatives often sift through hundreds of strikingly similar resumes. So, it's all about making yours shine. I'd also recommend enrolling in any "AI" and "Machine Learning" courses your university offers. These are hot topics in the IT realm right now and having them under your belt could give you a significant edge.

Also, it would be beneficial for you to familiarize yourself with basic business lingo and principles. As a developer, you're often tasked with bringing to life the ideas of non-technical business folks. If you can speak their language, you're already one step ahead in delivering what they need. Consider dipping your toes into some entry-level Marketing, Management, or Accounting courses. Adding these to your resume will not only broaden your knowledge but also make you a more unique and appealing candidate in the sea of applicants.
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Solomon’s Answer

Hi David,

Congrats completing your sophomore years! That is a great step towards earning your college degree.

In addition to obtaining resources from your college, there are external resources you can take advantage of to build a successful career in the Information Technology space.

While completing your degree try to identify your area(s) of interest you would want to explore more. It could be software development (front-end, back-end, full-stack). It could be Development Operations (DevOps), etc.

Once you have some understanding of what area(s) you want to focus on, build your skills upward from the fundamentals to advancing, and possibly specializing.

There are good resources online for you to create a free account and explore bundled courses (specializations). For example, Coursera is a really great platform for you to explore, starting now, while working through the rest of your college.

My advice to you is to learn as if you are going to teach other people. Having a deep understanding and applying your knowledge and skills to solve a variety of problems is key to your career success. Please find the links in optional next steps. Create free accounts and start exploring. You are on the right path, keep going.

Wish you all the best,
Solomon

Solomon recommends the following next steps:

Here is the link for Coursera. https://www.coursera.org/
Here is another link for Cognitive Class. https://cognitiveclass.ai/
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Solomon’s Answer

Hi David,

Congrats completing your sophomore years! That is a great step towards earning your college degree.

In addition to obtaining resources from your college, there are external resources you can take advantage of to build a successful career in the Information Technology space.

While completing your degree try to identify your area(s) of interest you would want to explore more. It could be software development (front-end, back-end, full-stack). It could be Development Operations (DevOps), etc.

Once you have some understanding of what area(s) you want to focus on, build your skills upward from the fundamentals to advancing, and possibly specializing.

There are good resources online for you to create a free account and explore bundled courses (specializations). For example, Coursera is a really great platform for you to explore, starting now, while working through the rest of your college.

My advice to you is to learn as if you are going to teach other people. Having a deep understanding and applying your knowledge and skills to solve a variety of problems is key to your career success. Please find the links in optional next steps. Create free accounts and start exploring. You are on the right path, keep going.

Wish you all the best!

Solomon recommends the following next steps:

Here is the link for Coursera. https://www.coursera.org/
Here is another link for Cognitive Class. https://cognitiveclass.ai/
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Neha’s Answer

Completing your sophomore year in an Information Technology program is a great milestone! When it comes to coding languages and certifications, it's beneficial to be well-rounded but also to have depth in a particular area, depending on your interests and career goals.

Programming Languages:
General Purpose: Python, Java, and JavaScript are versatile and widely used in various fields.
Web Development: HTML, CSS, JavaScript (and frameworks like React or Angular).
Mobile Development: Swift (iOS) or Kotlin (Android).
Data Science/Analytics: Python (with libraries like pandas, NumPy), R.
Database Management: SQL is essential for working with databases.

Focus on developing expertise in a specific area that aligns with your career interests. For example, if you're interested in database management, gaining proficiency in SQL and obtaining a relevant certification (like Oracle, Salesforce or Microsoft) can be beneficial. Hands-on projects and internships, Even Hackathons are also crucial to demonstrate your skills to potential employers. Keep learning and exploring, and you'll be well-prepared for internships or remote job opportunities! :)
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Kimberly’s Answer

Hello David!
Starting a career in Information Technology (IT) is exciting, and you’re already on the right track by completing your sophomore year in an IT program. Here are some steps to help you get started:

Coding Languages
The specific languages you’ll need will depend on the job and the industry that you choose. Some popular ones include:
-JavaScript: Widely used for web development and front-end work.
-Python: Known for its versatility, used in web development, data science, and automation.
-Java: Commonly used for Android app development and enterprise applications.
-Ruby: Great for web development and scripting.
-PHP: Used in web development for server side scripting.

Certifications
- CompTIA A+
Foundations: Covers basic concepts related to hardware, software, networks, and security.
Prerequisites: No prior experience is required. It’s ideal for beginners in IT.

- CompTIA Network+
Networking: Focuses on networking concepts and practices.
Prerequisites: Basic knowledge of IT or having obtained the A+ certification is recommended.

- CompTIA Security+
Security: Essential for cybersecurity roles.
Prerequisites: Some background in networking or systems is suggested.

- AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner
Cloud: Assesses basic knowledge of Amazon Web Services (AWS) cloud services.
Prerequisites: No prior experience with AWS is needed.

- Microsoft Certified: Azure Fundamentals
Azure (Microsoft Cloud): Introduces fundamental concepts related to Microsoft Azure.
Prerequisites: No prior experience with Azure is required.


These certifications will provide you with a solid foundation and help you stand out in the competitive job market. Best of luck on your journey toward a successful IT career!
Thank you comment icon Thank you, Kimberly for the advice. David
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Paola’s Answer

Hi David,

It's crucial to thoroughly examine the job roles that pique your interest or align with your dream career. Make sure to identify the certifications these positions require or prefer. Additionally, understanding the type of experience they're looking for is equally important.

I trust this guidance will assist you.

Best Regards, Paola.
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Megan’s Answer

Congratulations on your progress towards earning your degree. There is a lot of great advice here already, but I'd also add that you can review job posts on LinkedIn and see what sounds interesting to you. Make note of the requirements for those positions and do some research into those systems and areas of focus. There are a number of different types of roles within IT and all have different requirements, so it is good to understand where you'd like to focus.

Also, don't underestimate the importance of strong communication skills when working with IT. You'll often be working with people who are less technically inclined so your ability to speak clearly and convey the most important information will make things easier for both of you. Similarly, understanding key business concepts that help you relate to your business counterparts will help you earn trust and credibility.
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IBM’s Answer

Hi David, congratulations on your Sophomore year. What technologies and courses you need to learn will depend on what interests you. If you like working with data and are interested in becoming a data scientist, then understanding statistics and algorithms will certainly be a benefit. Knowing how to work with technologies like Python and Jupyter Notebooks will make things easier. At the same time domain expertise will be very valuable. If you can not only process the data but understand and speak to it that alone will set you apart. The bottom line is that there is no one right answer, just be willing to always learn and adapt. Good luck.
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