8 answers
Angelina
Student
Sedro-Woolley, Washington
1
Question
Updated
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What is it like trying to get into the IT industry?
What is it like trying to get into the IT industry?
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7 answers
Mark W Stanley, PMP
Experience Designer
6
Answers
Los Angeles, California
Updated
Mark W’s Answer
Hi Angelina,
IT is a pretty broad category. It covers a wide range of topics like software, hardware, and security. More importantly, it is critical to every business. So, one way to think about it is this: what role do you want to play in how IT impacts a company? If you want to help people use computers, for example, you'd be at the IT Help Desk. If you want to influence how a company leverages data, you'd be at the CIO level. So, look at the spectrum of roles first to see where you think you'd be a good fit, then pursue a career path that leads to that role.
Best,
Mark
IT is a pretty broad category. It covers a wide range of topics like software, hardware, and security. More importantly, it is critical to every business. So, one way to think about it is this: what role do you want to play in how IT impacts a company? If you want to help people use computers, for example, you'd be at the IT Help Desk. If you want to influence how a company leverages data, you'd be at the CIO level. So, look at the spectrum of roles first to see where you think you'd be a good fit, then pursue a career path that leads to that role.
Best,
Mark
John Easton CEng FIET FBCS CITP
Design large computer systems for companies
35
Answers
Winchester, England, United Kingdom
Updated
John’s Answer
Hi Angelina!
Interesting question and I'm wondering what is driving that thought? Regardless, a couple of thoughts for you...
1. There are LOTS of different jobs in the IT industry. So, don't just think 'programming'. If I look across my company we develop and sell hardware, software and services. We run IT for people. We have legal folks that take care of patents and inventions as well as contracts. We have sellers and technical support people and probably a whole bunch more roles that I haven't mentioned. The key point here is that there is a LOT of opportunity working in IT and there is a lot of variety.
2. IT pretty much underpins EVERY industry these days. Without IT, most companies would cease to function after a while. It's important and its importance will only grow in the future. Yes, there is the whole AI thing, but this will change what the jobs are rather than replacing the jobs. And remember that someone still needs to design, train, feed and water AI systems too!
3. Because there are a lot of different jobs, and because IT is used by lots of different organisations, there isn't a single route into IT. You can come into it from a technology route (say, creating the technologies themselves) or from an industry route (say you work for a retail company and then start helping to run the systems that support that business).
I guess all this says that there is a lot of opportunity in IT and there are lots of different routes in. Probably the hardest problem for you may be deciding what you want to do? :-)
Interesting question and I'm wondering what is driving that thought? Regardless, a couple of thoughts for you...
1. There are LOTS of different jobs in the IT industry. So, don't just think 'programming'. If I look across my company we develop and sell hardware, software and services. We run IT for people. We have legal folks that take care of patents and inventions as well as contracts. We have sellers and technical support people and probably a whole bunch more roles that I haven't mentioned. The key point here is that there is a LOT of opportunity working in IT and there is a lot of variety.
2. IT pretty much underpins EVERY industry these days. Without IT, most companies would cease to function after a while. It's important and its importance will only grow in the future. Yes, there is the whole AI thing, but this will change what the jobs are rather than replacing the jobs. And remember that someone still needs to design, train, feed and water AI systems too!
3. Because there are a lot of different jobs, and because IT is used by lots of different organisations, there isn't a single route into IT. You can come into it from a technology route (say, creating the technologies themselves) or from an industry route (say you work for a retail company and then start helping to run the systems that support that business).
I guess all this says that there is a lot of opportunity in IT and there are lots of different routes in. Probably the hardest problem for you may be deciding what you want to do? :-)
Mario Ramirez
Leader, Customer Delivery
9
Answers
Mexico City, Mexico
Updated
Mario’s Answer
Hello Angelina,
Just to build on John's excellent response, I'd like to add a few thoughts. Given the vast and rapidly evolving nature of the IT industry, it's crucial to understand that no matter the area or industry, having a clear objective is key. It guides you in making better decisions. While not every decision may be perfect, a clear objective ensures you understand the impact of your choices.
Remember, being empathetic and resilient can greatly assist you in your decision-making process. These traits will be invaluable in any venture you undertake. You'll need the right skills, of course. Topics like AI, Automation, BOTS, Prediction, Proactive, Preventive measures, and more, are worth exploring to gain a deeper understanding of the IT industry.
I hope you find this information useful.
Best regards,
Mario R
Just to build on John's excellent response, I'd like to add a few thoughts. Given the vast and rapidly evolving nature of the IT industry, it's crucial to understand that no matter the area or industry, having a clear objective is key. It guides you in making better decisions. While not every decision may be perfect, a clear objective ensures you understand the impact of your choices.
Remember, being empathetic and resilient can greatly assist you in your decision-making process. These traits will be invaluable in any venture you undertake. You'll need the right skills, of course. Topics like AI, Automation, BOTS, Prediction, Proactive, Preventive measures, and more, are worth exploring to gain a deeper understanding of the IT industry.
I hope you find this information useful.
Best regards,
Mario R
Cristian Hernandez
Content Writer
4
Answers
Austin, Texas
Updated
Cristian’s Answer
All other responders had some great answers! I'll tell you my journey.
When I entered college, I chose to pursue an English degree with a minor in Computer Science. Looking for a job during my time at college, I applied for Apple to be a Technical Support Advisor. This jumpstarted my journey in the IT industry.
After holding that job for a while, I was inspired to continue in the industry but this time utilizing the writing skills I learned in college. I looked into different jobs and found that Technical Writers are critical to IT operations as they write all of the guidelines, warnings, really any content that a user or person would ever need before using a product or service.
I've been working as a Technical Writer at IBM now for 5 years and it has been a great experience.
So, to summarize, you can get into the IT industry via a customer service job like I did, but there are many ways to get into IT.
I hope this helps!
When I entered college, I chose to pursue an English degree with a minor in Computer Science. Looking for a job during my time at college, I applied for Apple to be a Technical Support Advisor. This jumpstarted my journey in the IT industry.
After holding that job for a while, I was inspired to continue in the industry but this time utilizing the writing skills I learned in college. I looked into different jobs and found that Technical Writers are critical to IT operations as they write all of the guidelines, warnings, really any content that a user or person would ever need before using a product or service.
I've been working as a Technical Writer at IBM now for 5 years and it has been a great experience.
So, to summarize, you can get into the IT industry via a customer service job like I did, but there are many ways to get into IT.
I hope this helps!
Frank Jones
Cloud Solution architect
2
Answers
Charlotte, North Carolina
Updated
Frank’s Answer
Getting into the IT industry can be an exciting and rewarding journey. Here's what you can generally expect:
1. Diverse Opportunities: The IT industry is vast and offers a wide range of roles, from software development and cybersecurity to network administration and data analysis. This diversity means you can find a niche that suits your interests and skills.
2. Continuous Learning: Technology is constantly evolving, so a career in IT requires a commitment to continuous learning. You'll need to stay updated with the latest trends, tools, and best practices. This can be both challenging and stimulating, as there's always something new to learn.
3. Skill Development: Breaking into IT often requires a strong foundation in technical skills. This might involve learning programming languages, understanding networking concepts, or gaining proficiency in specific software or tools. Many people start with certifications or degrees in computer science or related fields.
Overall, entering the IT industry can be a fulfilling career choice with plenty of opportunities for growth and advancement. If you have a passion for technology and a willingness to keep learning, you'll likely find it to be a rewarding field.
1. Diverse Opportunities: The IT industry is vast and offers a wide range of roles, from software development and cybersecurity to network administration and data analysis. This diversity means you can find a niche that suits your interests and skills.
2. Continuous Learning: Technology is constantly evolving, so a career in IT requires a commitment to continuous learning. You'll need to stay updated with the latest trends, tools, and best practices. This can be both challenging and stimulating, as there's always something new to learn.
3. Skill Development: Breaking into IT often requires a strong foundation in technical skills. This might involve learning programming languages, understanding networking concepts, or gaining proficiency in specific software or tools. Many people start with certifications or degrees in computer science or related fields.
Overall, entering the IT industry can be a fulfilling career choice with plenty of opportunities for growth and advancement. If you have a passion for technology and a willingness to keep learning, you'll likely find it to be a rewarding field.
Biplab Panda
Engagement Director
116
Answers
Atlanta, Georgia
Updated
Biplab’s Answer
Hi Angelina,
As John pointed out, most companies have some IT arm so there are plenty of entry points into the IT industry even without specifically joining a technology company.
There are a wide variety of roles from cybersecurity engineering, security analysis, programming to project management, IT business analysis and so on.
My entry point into IT was through a business analysis role at an IT consulting company whereas my brother studied Computer Science in school and landed a more "traditional" in-house software engineering role, so it's possible to get into IT from a wide variety of paths.
As John pointed out, most companies have some IT arm so there are plenty of entry points into the IT industry even without specifically joining a technology company.
There are a wide variety of roles from cybersecurity engineering, security analysis, programming to project management, IT business analysis and so on.
My entry point into IT was through a business analysis role at an IT consulting company whereas my brother studied Computer Science in school and landed a more "traditional" in-house software engineering role, so it's possible to get into IT from a wide variety of paths.
Alex da Silva
Product Management
20
Answers
Birmingham
Updated
Alex’s Answer
Breaking into the IT industry is both exciting and challenging. It’s a field full of opportunities, with high demand for skilled professionals and plenty of room for growth. You can find roles that match your interests, whether in cybersecurity, data analytics, or software development. However, it requires commitment to learning, as technology evolves quickly. Employers often look for specific skills, and gaining relevant experience can be a hurdle at first.
To get started, focus on building foundational skills, taking certifications, and working on real-world projects. Be patient and persistent—it’s a journey, but the rewards of a thriving IT career are worth it.
To get started, focus on building foundational skills, taking certifications, and working on real-world projects. Be patient and persistent—it’s a journey, but the rewards of a thriving IT career are worth it.