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How do I go about exploring different tech fields?
I want to be in tech, I'm just not sure what careers are available for that.
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13 answers
Joshua Allard, Ph.D.
Data Science & AI, Quantum AI designer developer
40
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Updated
Joshua’s Answer
Exploring different tech fields can be exciting and overwhelming, primarily since technology covers a wide range of industries and specialties. To help you get started, here’s an overview of several significant areas within tech, along with resources and project ideas to help you find your interests. Software development and engineering are some of the most well-known tech fields, with careers like software developer, full-stack developer, and mobile app developer. These roles focus on designing, coding, and testing applications, and you can start exploring them by using platforms like Codecademy, FreeCodeCamp, and Khan Academy, which offer introductory lessons in languages like Python, JavaScript, and HTML/CSS. To see if you enjoy software development, try building a simple website, mobile app, or game.
Data science and data analytics are fast-growing fields centered around gathering, analyzing, and interpreting data to drive informed decision-making. Career paths here include data scientist, data analyst, and machine learning engineer. Resources like DataCamp and Coursera offer beginner-friendly courses in data science, covering essentials like Python, R, and SQL. You can practice these skills by working with real-world datasets on Kaggle, exploring topics that interest you, such as sports, finance, or healthcare, to find meaningful insights and patterns.
Cybersecurity is a field dedicated to protecting data, networks, and systems from cyber threats. Cybersecurity roles include security analyst, penetration tester, and network security engineer. TryHackMe and Hack The Box are great resources with hands-on labs where you can practice cybersecurity skills in a safe, simulated environment. At the same time, Coursera and Udemy provide introductory cybersecurity courses. Additionally, you can try completing cybersecurity challenges on Capture the Flag (CTF) platforms, which provide real-life scenarios to develop your hacking and security skills.
In artificial intelligence and machine learning, professionals teach machines to learn from data and make decisions. Roles here include machine learning engineer, AI researcher, and natural language processing (NLP) specialist. Coursera offers a highly recommended “Machine Learning” course by Andrew Ng, which introduces the basics of AI and ML, and you can use platforms like Udacity to explore hands-on projects in AI with TensorFlow and PyTorch. Start by creating simple machine learning models with Scikit-learn or experimenting with projects like stock price prediction or a movie recommendation system.
Cloud computing and DevOps involve providing computing services over the internet and optimizing the software development process. Typical roles are cloud architect, cloud engineer, and DevOps engineer. AWS offers a free introductory course in cloud computing, and Google Cloud also provides free training resources. Try deploying a web application on AWS or Google Cloud to get familiar with cloud services, and practice using virtual servers and containers with tools like Docker or Kubernetes for insight into DevOps.
UI/UX design is a creative tech field focused on making user experiences enjoyable and functional. Careers in this area include UX designer, UI designer, and interaction designer. Adobe XD and Figma offer free design tools for experimenting with UI/UX design, and Coursera’s Google UX Design certification course is an excellent way to gain hands-on experience in this field. Start by redesigning the interface of a favorite app or website to practice creating layouts and user flows that improve user experience.
Robotics and embedded systems involve building robots and programming hardware, with careers like robotics engineer, embedded systems developer, and automation engineer. If you’re interested in hands-on engineering, Arduino and Raspberry Pi offer kits and tutorials that let you start building projects, such as a basic robot or an automated lighting system. Robotics courses on Coursera and edX provide additional foundational knowledge.
Game development combines programming, art, storytelling, and user experience to create immersive video games. Game developers, designers, and artists work together to build engaging games. Unity and Unreal Engine are popular game development platforms with free resources, and sites like Udemy and Pluralsight have beginner-friendly courses in game design. You could start by creating a simple 2D game in Unity to learn about designing, coding, and testing games.
Blockchain and cryptocurrency are fields powered by blockchain technology, which is used for decentralized applications and cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin. Blockchain developer, cryptocurrency analyst, and innovative contract developer are some careers in this area. Udacity offers a Blockchain Developer Nanodegree, and Coursera has introductory blockchain courses. To get hands-on experience, try developing a primary smart contract or a simple decentralized application (DApp) using Solidity, the programming language for smart contracts.
To explore these fields further, start by taking introductory courses on platforms like Coursera, edX, Udacity, and Udemy, where you can get a feel for each area. Joining online communities like GitHub, Reddit, and Stack Overflow will help you connect with people in various tech fields, gain advice from professionals, and keep up with industry trends. Working on projects through free resources, like Kaggle for data science or TryHackMe for cybersecurity, is a fantastic way to gain real-world skills. Lastly, attending meetups and webinars on platforms like Meetup and Eventbrite will allow you to network with professionals and learn about emerging tech careers. Exploring tech through hands-on projects and resources will help you clarify which paths resonate most with your interests, setting you up for a fulfilling tech career!
Data science and data analytics are fast-growing fields centered around gathering, analyzing, and interpreting data to drive informed decision-making. Career paths here include data scientist, data analyst, and machine learning engineer. Resources like DataCamp and Coursera offer beginner-friendly courses in data science, covering essentials like Python, R, and SQL. You can practice these skills by working with real-world datasets on Kaggle, exploring topics that interest you, such as sports, finance, or healthcare, to find meaningful insights and patterns.
Cybersecurity is a field dedicated to protecting data, networks, and systems from cyber threats. Cybersecurity roles include security analyst, penetration tester, and network security engineer. TryHackMe and Hack The Box are great resources with hands-on labs where you can practice cybersecurity skills in a safe, simulated environment. At the same time, Coursera and Udemy provide introductory cybersecurity courses. Additionally, you can try completing cybersecurity challenges on Capture the Flag (CTF) platforms, which provide real-life scenarios to develop your hacking and security skills.
In artificial intelligence and machine learning, professionals teach machines to learn from data and make decisions. Roles here include machine learning engineer, AI researcher, and natural language processing (NLP) specialist. Coursera offers a highly recommended “Machine Learning” course by Andrew Ng, which introduces the basics of AI and ML, and you can use platforms like Udacity to explore hands-on projects in AI with TensorFlow and PyTorch. Start by creating simple machine learning models with Scikit-learn or experimenting with projects like stock price prediction or a movie recommendation system.
Cloud computing and DevOps involve providing computing services over the internet and optimizing the software development process. Typical roles are cloud architect, cloud engineer, and DevOps engineer. AWS offers a free introductory course in cloud computing, and Google Cloud also provides free training resources. Try deploying a web application on AWS or Google Cloud to get familiar with cloud services, and practice using virtual servers and containers with tools like Docker or Kubernetes for insight into DevOps.
UI/UX design is a creative tech field focused on making user experiences enjoyable and functional. Careers in this area include UX designer, UI designer, and interaction designer. Adobe XD and Figma offer free design tools for experimenting with UI/UX design, and Coursera’s Google UX Design certification course is an excellent way to gain hands-on experience in this field. Start by redesigning the interface of a favorite app or website to practice creating layouts and user flows that improve user experience.
Robotics and embedded systems involve building robots and programming hardware, with careers like robotics engineer, embedded systems developer, and automation engineer. If you’re interested in hands-on engineering, Arduino and Raspberry Pi offer kits and tutorials that let you start building projects, such as a basic robot or an automated lighting system. Robotics courses on Coursera and edX provide additional foundational knowledge.
Game development combines programming, art, storytelling, and user experience to create immersive video games. Game developers, designers, and artists work together to build engaging games. Unity and Unreal Engine are popular game development platforms with free resources, and sites like Udemy and Pluralsight have beginner-friendly courses in game design. You could start by creating a simple 2D game in Unity to learn about designing, coding, and testing games.
Blockchain and cryptocurrency are fields powered by blockchain technology, which is used for decentralized applications and cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin. Blockchain developer, cryptocurrency analyst, and innovative contract developer are some careers in this area. Udacity offers a Blockchain Developer Nanodegree, and Coursera has introductory blockchain courses. To get hands-on experience, try developing a primary smart contract or a simple decentralized application (DApp) using Solidity, the programming language for smart contracts.
To explore these fields further, start by taking introductory courses on platforms like Coursera, edX, Udacity, and Udemy, where you can get a feel for each area. Joining online communities like GitHub, Reddit, and Stack Overflow will help you connect with people in various tech fields, gain advice from professionals, and keep up with industry trends. Working on projects through free resources, like Kaggle for data science or TryHackMe for cybersecurity, is a fantastic way to gain real-world skills. Lastly, attending meetups and webinars on platforms like Meetup and Eventbrite will allow you to network with professionals and learn about emerging tech careers. Exploring tech through hands-on projects and resources will help you clarify which paths resonate most with your interests, setting you up for a fulfilling tech career!
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Andrew’s Answer
Many excellent suggestions have been made above to kickstart your exploration of roles and companies that might pique your interest. I would also like to highlight Glassdoor as a fantastic resource. This website allows you to delve into employee reviews, offering you an insider's perspective on a company or position. It provides information about salaries, interview questions, and opinions on leadership, among other things. Once you've narrowed down a few specific roles, I strongly encourage you to visit Glassdoor.
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Kirstan’s Answer
Hello Kaitlyn,
The responses you've received so far are all excellent! I'd like to chime in with the reminder that you don't necessarily have to be a 'technical' individual to excel in the tech industry. A significant portion of my career has been spent in software sales. I collaborate closely with my solution consultants, product teams, and marketing department. Our collective mission is to empower our clients to reach their objectives! If you're competitive, enjoy interacting with people, and flourish in dynamic environments, a career in tech sales could be a perfect fit for you!
Many leading technology corporations offer roles specifically tailored for those eager to kick-start their sales careers. For instance, we have an Emerging Account Executive program, designed with recent college graduates in mind. In this program, fresh graduates have the chance to work closely with seasoned sales teams and gain first-hand experience. In just a few years, or possibly even sooner, our ESA's are promoted to manage their own territories. I often wish I had been given such an opportunity when I first embarked on my sales career!
You might also want to consider sales development roles, which are also designed for recent graduates. Wishing you all the best in your career journey!
The responses you've received so far are all excellent! I'd like to chime in with the reminder that you don't necessarily have to be a 'technical' individual to excel in the tech industry. A significant portion of my career has been spent in software sales. I collaborate closely with my solution consultants, product teams, and marketing department. Our collective mission is to empower our clients to reach their objectives! If you're competitive, enjoy interacting with people, and flourish in dynamic environments, a career in tech sales could be a perfect fit for you!
Many leading technology corporations offer roles specifically tailored for those eager to kick-start their sales careers. For instance, we have an Emerging Account Executive program, designed with recent college graduates in mind. In this program, fresh graduates have the chance to work closely with seasoned sales teams and gain first-hand experience. In just a few years, or possibly even sooner, our ESA's are promoted to manage their own territories. I often wish I had been given such an opportunity when I first embarked on my sales career!
You might also want to consider sales development roles, which are also designed for recent graduates. Wishing you all the best in your career journey!
Updated
Jamsheer’s Answer
Exploring a career in tech is an exciting journey, but it’s also a process of discovery. To truly know where you fit in the tech ecosystem, you first need to figure out what excites you. Are you drawn to building and creating software products, or are you more interested in roles like sales, marketing, or operations within tech companies? It’s important to identify where your interests align because tech is a vast field with diverse opportunities.
Let me share my own journey as an example. Back in school, I wasn’t initially drawn to software—I dreamed of becoming a police officer because I loved solving mysteries and catching thieves. But as I advanced in my education, I chose computer science, largely out of curiosity. It wasn’t love at first sight, but I vividly remember the first time I debugged a piece of C++ code. I spent an entire day working through the issue, and when I finally solved it, the sense of accomplishment was so fulfilling that it ignited my passion for building software products. That moment still drives me today.
The tech landscape is constantly evolving—AI and other groundbreaking technologies are reshaping industries. Given this rapid change, I recommend diving in with a proactive mindset. Don’t wait to figure everything out over time; instead, take deliberate steps to explore and learn. Here are a few actionable tips:
1. Attend Meetups and Networking Events
Join tech meetups, even if they seem unrelated to what you think you want to do. These events provide insights into the industry, expose you to new ideas, and let you observe how people approach problems.
While some events might feel like marketing showcases, they can still teach you about the latest trends, tools, and opportunities in tech.
2. Ask Questions and Stay Curious
Every event or conversation may leave you with more questions than answers, and that’s a good thing! Take those questions as a starting point to dig deeper into topics that intrigue you.
The more questions you explore, the clearer your understanding will become.
3. Explore Different Roles in Tech
Tech isn’t just about coding—there are many roles like:
Developers: Creating software.
Quality Assurance (QA): Ensuring products meet standards.
Product Managers: Defining product vision and coordinating development.
Project Managers: Overseeing timelines and deliverables.
Senior Managers/Directors/CTOs: Leading teams and shaping company strategy.
Non-technical roles: In sales, customer success, and more.
Research these roles and what they entail. Read articles, watch videos, or even connect with professionals in these fields to learn about their day-to-day experiences.
4. Follow Companies and Products
Identify companies you admire and explore the products they’re building. Look at how they solve problems and the impact they create. This can inspire your curiosity and help you identify the areas of tech that excite you.
5. Curiosity Fuels Learning
If researching a field or role sparks your curiosity, you’re on the right track. Tech requires constant learning, and curiosity is your best motivator. However, if you find yourself uninterested in the answers or exploration, it might be a sign to reconsider your path.
Remember, finding your place in tech is a process. Start small, but stay curious and proactive. Over time, you’ll uncover the opportunities and roles that align with your passions and skills.
Let me share my own journey as an example. Back in school, I wasn’t initially drawn to software—I dreamed of becoming a police officer because I loved solving mysteries and catching thieves. But as I advanced in my education, I chose computer science, largely out of curiosity. It wasn’t love at first sight, but I vividly remember the first time I debugged a piece of C++ code. I spent an entire day working through the issue, and when I finally solved it, the sense of accomplishment was so fulfilling that it ignited my passion for building software products. That moment still drives me today.
The tech landscape is constantly evolving—AI and other groundbreaking technologies are reshaping industries. Given this rapid change, I recommend diving in with a proactive mindset. Don’t wait to figure everything out over time; instead, take deliberate steps to explore and learn. Here are a few actionable tips:
1. Attend Meetups and Networking Events
Join tech meetups, even if they seem unrelated to what you think you want to do. These events provide insights into the industry, expose you to new ideas, and let you observe how people approach problems.
While some events might feel like marketing showcases, they can still teach you about the latest trends, tools, and opportunities in tech.
2. Ask Questions and Stay Curious
Every event or conversation may leave you with more questions than answers, and that’s a good thing! Take those questions as a starting point to dig deeper into topics that intrigue you.
The more questions you explore, the clearer your understanding will become.
3. Explore Different Roles in Tech
Tech isn’t just about coding—there are many roles like:
Developers: Creating software.
Quality Assurance (QA): Ensuring products meet standards.
Product Managers: Defining product vision and coordinating development.
Project Managers: Overseeing timelines and deliverables.
Senior Managers/Directors/CTOs: Leading teams and shaping company strategy.
Non-technical roles: In sales, customer success, and more.
Research these roles and what they entail. Read articles, watch videos, or even connect with professionals in these fields to learn about their day-to-day experiences.
4. Follow Companies and Products
Identify companies you admire and explore the products they’re building. Look at how they solve problems and the impact they create. This can inspire your curiosity and help you identify the areas of tech that excite you.
5. Curiosity Fuels Learning
If researching a field or role sparks your curiosity, you’re on the right track. Tech requires constant learning, and curiosity is your best motivator. However, if you find yourself uninterested in the answers or exploration, it might be a sign to reconsider your path.
Remember, finding your place in tech is a process. Start small, but stay curious and proactive. Over time, you’ll uncover the opportunities and roles that align with your passions and skills.
Updated
Rebecca’s Answer
Thank you for your question. I am glad to hear that you have interest in tech.
Below are my suggestions:
1. There are many tech careers, eg developer, system administrator, network engineer, system architect, database administrator, etc. You can find out more tech careers online
2. Attend the information sessions host by computer science department of colleges..speak to professors or alumni if you can.
3. Find out more on these careers and determine what you have interest
4. Speak to someone who are working in these careers. Seek guidance from your mentor, school career counselor, your parents, etc
5. Shortlist 1-2 careers you would like to pursue
6. Explore the entry criteria of relevant subjects in colleges
Hope this helps! Good luck!
May Almighty God bless you!
Below are my suggestions:
1. There are many tech careers, eg developer, system administrator, network engineer, system architect, database administrator, etc. You can find out more tech careers online
2. Attend the information sessions host by computer science department of colleges..speak to professors or alumni if you can.
3. Find out more on these careers and determine what you have interest
4. Speak to someone who are working in these careers. Seek guidance from your mentor, school career counselor, your parents, etc
5. Shortlist 1-2 careers you would like to pursue
6. Explore the entry criteria of relevant subjects in colleges
Hope this helps! Good luck!
May Almighty God bless you!
Updated
Jeffrey’s Answer
What an exciting time to be thinking about tech! In addition to the great suggestions already shared, I would also recommend considering technology consulting as a path to explore. I was in a similar position to you early in my own career - passionate about tech, curious, but didn't feel that I knew enough about any particular company, industry, or specialty to want to commit. Technology consulting offered an avenue to not only build up a diverse set of foundational skills (everything from analytics, data architecture, system/information architecture, coding, general business acumen) that are in many cases universal and portable regardless of where your career journey takes you, but also provided an opportunity to work on different challenges across many different industries and organizations. It's not the typical tech path to be sure, but can serve as a way to better explore your own interests in the professional realm, while building up great skills, experience, and a network of peers/colleagues that can serve you well later in your career!
Justin Shapiro
Accounting | Finance | Financial Systems | Non-Profit Volunteer
76
Answers
Updated
Justin’s Answer
Hi Kaitlyn,
Tech roles fall broadly into categories like development, data, design, security, and management. Here’s a breakdown of key fields within tech:
Software Development: This includes roles like Software Engineer, Web Developer, App Developer, and Game Developer. If you enjoy coding, problem-solving, and building applications, this field might interest you.
Data Science and Analytics: Data Scientists and Data Analysts work with data to extract insights and drive decisions. This field is great if you enjoy statistics, working with data, and applying analytical skills.
Cybersecurity: Roles here include Cybersecurity Analyst, Ethical Hacker, and Information Security Manager. Cybersecurity is critical for protecting systems and data, so this field might appeal if you like problem-solving and safeguarding technology.
IT Support and Systems Administration: Network Administrators and System Administrators manage and maintain the infrastructure of a company’s technology. This field often suits people who enjoy working with hardware and troubleshooting.
Product Management: Product Managers oversee the development process from concept to launch, balancing technical needs with business strategy. It’s a good fit if you enjoy project management, planning, and coordinating teams.
UX/UI Design: User Experience (UX) and User Interface (UI) Designers create and optimize the look, feel, and function of products. This is ideal if you’re creative, enjoy design, and care about how users interact with technology.
2. Take Online Courses and Tutorials
Platforms like Coursera, Udacity, and Codecademy offer free or low-cost courses in fields like web development, data science, cybersecurity, and more. You could take an introductory course in each area to see what interests you most.
3. Get Hands-On with Projects
Building projects is a great way to learn and explore. For example, create a simple website to explore web development, analyze datasets to learn about data science, or explore basic cybersecurity tools if that’s of interest.
4. Explore Internships or Volunteering
Look for high school internships, virtual internships, or volunteer opportunities that offer tech exposure. Even a basic role in a tech-related organization can help you observe different roles and see what’s most engaging.
5. Network with People in Tech
Talking to professionals or attending online tech events can give you insights into what they do day-to-day. Platforms like LinkedIn can help you connect with people in the tech field who are willing to share advice and experiences.
As you explore, you'll begin to see which areas align with your interests and strengths, which will help guide your college major or further career choices.
Tech roles fall broadly into categories like development, data, design, security, and management. Here’s a breakdown of key fields within tech:
Software Development: This includes roles like Software Engineer, Web Developer, App Developer, and Game Developer. If you enjoy coding, problem-solving, and building applications, this field might interest you.
Data Science and Analytics: Data Scientists and Data Analysts work with data to extract insights and drive decisions. This field is great if you enjoy statistics, working with data, and applying analytical skills.
Cybersecurity: Roles here include Cybersecurity Analyst, Ethical Hacker, and Information Security Manager. Cybersecurity is critical for protecting systems and data, so this field might appeal if you like problem-solving and safeguarding technology.
IT Support and Systems Administration: Network Administrators and System Administrators manage and maintain the infrastructure of a company’s technology. This field often suits people who enjoy working with hardware and troubleshooting.
Product Management: Product Managers oversee the development process from concept to launch, balancing technical needs with business strategy. It’s a good fit if you enjoy project management, planning, and coordinating teams.
UX/UI Design: User Experience (UX) and User Interface (UI) Designers create and optimize the look, feel, and function of products. This is ideal if you’re creative, enjoy design, and care about how users interact with technology.
2. Take Online Courses and Tutorials
Platforms like Coursera, Udacity, and Codecademy offer free or low-cost courses in fields like web development, data science, cybersecurity, and more. You could take an introductory course in each area to see what interests you most.
3. Get Hands-On with Projects
Building projects is a great way to learn and explore. For example, create a simple website to explore web development, analyze datasets to learn about data science, or explore basic cybersecurity tools if that’s of interest.
4. Explore Internships or Volunteering
Look for high school internships, virtual internships, or volunteer opportunities that offer tech exposure. Even a basic role in a tech-related organization can help you observe different roles and see what’s most engaging.
5. Network with People in Tech
Talking to professionals or attending online tech events can give you insights into what they do day-to-day. Platforms like LinkedIn can help you connect with people in the tech field who are willing to share advice and experiences.
As you explore, you'll begin to see which areas align with your interests and strengths, which will help guide your college major or further career choices.
Updated
Colleen’s Answer
Later in life, I transitioned into a technology-focused career with the help of a non-profit organization named LaunchCode (https://www.launchcode.org/). They offer free training and provide assistance with apprenticeships and job placements once you finish the coursework. Visit their website and explore their course offerings to see if anything catches your eye.
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Maya’s Answer
Hi Kaitlyn,
Since you're in San Francisco, we there will likely be many tech related meet ups that you could explore to get exposure to a variety of careers and communities that exist in the tech industry. These meet ups could be a great way to not only learn about tech but also meet some cool people.
Additionally, keep in mind that there are a variety of roles that exist within tech outside of the typical "coding" or "software engineer" type of role. You can find a discipline that you're interested in and there's a high likelihood that a tech company would have a need for it!
Best of luck!
Since you're in San Francisco, we there will likely be many tech related meet ups that you could explore to get exposure to a variety of careers and communities that exist in the tech industry. These meet ups could be a great way to not only learn about tech but also meet some cool people.
Additionally, keep in mind that there are a variety of roles that exist within tech outside of the typical "coding" or "software engineer" type of role. You can find a discipline that you're interested in and there's a high likelihood that a tech company would have a need for it!
Best of luck!
John Easton CEng FIET FBCS CITP
Design large computer systems for companies
35
Answers
Updated
John’s Answer
Hi Kaitlyn
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.
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!
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? :-). Have a think about what you like doing and what you don't like. Don't try and close down any potential paths unless you are sure they're not for you (but you can always change your mind later!) and maybe once you have narrowed this down a bit, you'll have a better idea of where to start looking. Good luck!
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.
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!
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? :-). Have a think about what you like doing and what you don't like. Don't try and close down any potential paths unless you are sure they're not for you (but you can always change your mind later!) and maybe once you have narrowed this down a bit, you'll have a better idea of where to start looking. Good luck!
Updated
Deeshani’s Answer
To explore different tech fields, start by researching areas like software development, cybersecurity, AI, data science, or UX/UI design. Take online courses in these areas (like on Coursera or Udemy) to see what interests you. Join tech communities and attend meetups to learn from professionals. Try hands-on projects, like coding or designing, to get experience. Look for internships or volunteer work to gain real-world exposure. Finally, assess what excites you most—problem-solving, creativity, or working with data—to find the best fit. Keep experimenting until you discover your passion.
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Biplab’s Answer
As others have mentioned, IT is a broad industry with a variety of roles.
You can search around with various career platforms such as LinkedIn or Indeed to see what kinds of positions are open with a generous filter of just "IT" as the industry. Glassdoor is another great resource for seeing the kinds of roles and salary expectations of those roles.
Just to name a few, cybersecurity, software development, hardware management, devops, business analysis, project management, and QA are just a few areas that are present in almost all organizations.
You can search around with various career platforms such as LinkedIn or Indeed to see what kinds of positions are open with a generous filter of just "IT" as the industry. Glassdoor is another great resource for seeing the kinds of roles and salary expectations of those roles.
Just to name a few, cybersecurity, software development, hardware management, devops, business analysis, project management, and QA are just a few areas that are present in almost all organizations.
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Alex’s Answer
To explore tech fields and determine the best fit for you, start by identifying your interests and strengths. If you enjoy coding or building things from scratch, fields like software development, web development, or game design may be ideal. If you're drawn to analyzing data and finding patterns, consider data science, machine learning, or business intelligence. For problem-solving and protecting systems, cybersecurity offers opportunities to safeguard networks and data. If you’re interested in working on strategy, collaborating with teams, and delivering impactful solutions, product management might be the perfect role. It combines technology, business, and leadership to create and deliver successful products.
Begin your exploration by taking free or affordable online courses on platforms like Coursera, LinkedIn Learning, or freeCodeCamp. For coding, start with beginner-friendly languages like Python or JavaScript, or dive into specific fields such as data analysis or product management fundamentals. Building small projects, such as a simple app or website, can help you gain hands-on experience and uncover what excites you. If product management interests you, focus on learning skills like roadmapping, user research, and working with cross-functional teams. These foundational experiences will give you insight into the daily work in these fields.
To gain real-world experience, seek internships or entry-level positions in areas that interest you. If you’re leaning toward product management, look for roles where you can collaborate with engineering, design, and marketing teams. Additionally, attend networking events, webinars, or tech meetups to connect with professionals and learn about their experiences. Engaging with communities and experimenting with projects will help you gain clarity on your interests and prepare you for a rewarding career in tech.
Begin your exploration by taking free or affordable online courses on platforms like Coursera, LinkedIn Learning, or freeCodeCamp. For coding, start with beginner-friendly languages like Python or JavaScript, or dive into specific fields such as data analysis or product management fundamentals. Building small projects, such as a simple app or website, can help you gain hands-on experience and uncover what excites you. If product management interests you, focus on learning skills like roadmapping, user research, and working with cross-functional teams. These foundational experiences will give you insight into the daily work in these fields.
To gain real-world experience, seek internships or entry-level positions in areas that interest you. If you’re leaning toward product management, look for roles where you can collaborate with engineering, design, and marketing teams. Additionally, attend networking events, webinars, or tech meetups to connect with professionals and learn about their experiences. Engaging with communities and experimenting with projects will help you gain clarity on your interests and prepare you for a rewarding career in tech.