5 answers
J
Student
1
Question
Updated
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How do I start my career in technology?
I graduated with a bachelors in information technology of August 2024. For a couple of years I’ve been struggling to look for jobs in general, especially since I started my degree. I have done everything that I could imagine. I’ve been to a couple of career fairs, I have tailored and revised my résumé several times, I’ve tried to talk with hiring managers and even tried to prepare for interviews with no luck. I think I have applied to over 1000 applications over the past couple of years. Since 2023, I’ve had two unpaid fraudulent internships, I’ve had a few interviews, but they never made it to the second or third round and jobs either ghost me or end up being ghost jobs. At this point, I don’t know what else I can do. If anyone has any advice or can offer any jobs that would suit me, I would appreciate that. I’m looking for jobs that are mostly entry-level.
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5 answers
Robert Epstein
General Manager
100
Answers
Naples, Florida
Updated
Robert’s Answer
Hi J,
Don’t get discouraged. Many of us in the technology field have had difficulty getting jobs at times. I think at this point—after you’ve generated many applications—perhaps you should seek out an in-person career counselor. Most likely the college you graduated from might have folks that help graduates find employment. Another resource where you can find a counselor is the Career Counseling Connection (online). I’ve found that in-person counseling works best if you’ve been trying on your own for a long time. Best of luck!
Don’t get discouraged. Many of us in the technology field have had difficulty getting jobs at times. I think at this point—after you’ve generated many applications—perhaps you should seek out an in-person career counselor. Most likely the college you graduated from might have folks that help graduates find employment. Another resource where you can find a counselor is the Career Counseling Connection (online). I’ve found that in-person counseling works best if you’ve been trying on your own for a long time. Best of luck!
Thank you, this is really helpful.
J
Thank you! I'll see if I can get in contact with my career advisor again.
J
Be well, and appreciate what you’ll learn in the process of your job search. I’ve found when looking back that it was in the rough spots where I gained values that helped me later.
Robert Epstein
Wyatt .
Retired Corporate Executive
36
Answers
United States
Updated
Wyatt’s Answer
I have over 25 years in the technology field, from an engineer to executive leadership overseeing many departments. Just like most people, I started my career in a low entry level position.
Starting a career in technology can be an exciting but deeply frustrating experience—especially when it feels like every effort leads to a dead end. For recent graduates the pathway into the technology field is often not as straightforward as expected, as I have seen this first hand. Despite completing a degree, revising résumés and applying to several positions, many find themselves stuck in a loop of unanswered applications and false starts.
The modern tech job market is saturated with entry-level candidates while offering too few genuinely entry-level roles. After dealing with these setbacks firsthand, it’s easy to question whether all the effort is worth it. But with the right strategy and mindset shift, it’s still possible to carve out a career in tech.
The first step is to narrow the job search to a handful of specific, realistic entry-level roles. Titles like IT Support Specialist, Help Desk Technician, Junior Systems Administrator, QA Tester, SOC Analyst, and Junior Data Analyst are common points of entry into the tech world. Instead of sending out a high volume of generic applications, focusing on 5–10 highly targeted applications per week can actually yield better results. These roles can often be found on sites like LinkedIn, Dice, Indeed, and Handshake, which cater to early-career professionals.
Another key element is building hands-on experience. Even if paid work is hard to come by, one can still gain practical skills by working on personal projects. Setting up a GitHub repository to showcase code, creating a home lab to simulate IT environments, building a mock ticketing system, or documenting the security configuration of personal devices can go a long way toward making a résumé stand out. These projects demonstrate initiative and provide talking points for interviews, especially when real-world experience is lacking.
Certifications can also help, but only if chosen strategically. Popular entry-level options include CompTIA A+ (for IT support roles), Security+ (for cybersecurity), the Google IT Support Certificate, and the AWS Cloud Practitioner credential. However, these should supplement—not replace—project work and focused job applications.
Networking is often the most powerful tool available. While cold applications may feel like the only path, many jobs are actually filled through referrals or personal connections. Joining online communities like r/ITCareerQuestions on Reddit, tech-focused Discord servers, or organizations like Women Who Code or Out in Tech can offer both support and opportunity. Attending local meetups and virtual panels also opens doors to industry professionals who can provide guidance—or even job leads.
In terms of application materials, résumés should be results-oriented, not just task-based. Rather than listing job duties, candidates should quantify accomplishments whenever possible. For example, “Resolved 30+ weekly IT support tickets with 95% satisfaction, reducing downtime by 20%” is far more impactful than “Managed help desk tickets.”
Finally, maintaining mental resilience is essential. The emotional toll of rejection, ghosting, and fake opportunities is very real. But it’s important to remember that these setbacks don’t define one’s ability or potential. Quality matters more than quantity, and momentum can shift quickly when the right opportunity arises. Each week can bring a new chance to refine strategy and improve the odds of success.
Breaking into tech is not easy, but it is absolutely possible. With a focused job search, strong project portfolio, selective certifications, networking, and a polished résumé, new graduates can turn the corner. The key is to stay persistent, remain adaptable, and avoid letting setbacks discourage long-term goals. While the journey may be difficult, the destination—a fulfilling career in technology—is still within reach.
Best Wishes,
Wyatt
Starting a career in technology can be an exciting but deeply frustrating experience—especially when it feels like every effort leads to a dead end. For recent graduates the pathway into the technology field is often not as straightforward as expected, as I have seen this first hand. Despite completing a degree, revising résumés and applying to several positions, many find themselves stuck in a loop of unanswered applications and false starts.
The modern tech job market is saturated with entry-level candidates while offering too few genuinely entry-level roles. After dealing with these setbacks firsthand, it’s easy to question whether all the effort is worth it. But with the right strategy and mindset shift, it’s still possible to carve out a career in tech.
The first step is to narrow the job search to a handful of specific, realistic entry-level roles. Titles like IT Support Specialist, Help Desk Technician, Junior Systems Administrator, QA Tester, SOC Analyst, and Junior Data Analyst are common points of entry into the tech world. Instead of sending out a high volume of generic applications, focusing on 5–10 highly targeted applications per week can actually yield better results. These roles can often be found on sites like LinkedIn, Dice, Indeed, and Handshake, which cater to early-career professionals.
Another key element is building hands-on experience. Even if paid work is hard to come by, one can still gain practical skills by working on personal projects. Setting up a GitHub repository to showcase code, creating a home lab to simulate IT environments, building a mock ticketing system, or documenting the security configuration of personal devices can go a long way toward making a résumé stand out. These projects demonstrate initiative and provide talking points for interviews, especially when real-world experience is lacking.
Certifications can also help, but only if chosen strategically. Popular entry-level options include CompTIA A+ (for IT support roles), Security+ (for cybersecurity), the Google IT Support Certificate, and the AWS Cloud Practitioner credential. However, these should supplement—not replace—project work and focused job applications.
Networking is often the most powerful tool available. While cold applications may feel like the only path, many jobs are actually filled through referrals or personal connections. Joining online communities like r/ITCareerQuestions on Reddit, tech-focused Discord servers, or organizations like Women Who Code or Out in Tech can offer both support and opportunity. Attending local meetups and virtual panels also opens doors to industry professionals who can provide guidance—or even job leads.
In terms of application materials, résumés should be results-oriented, not just task-based. Rather than listing job duties, candidates should quantify accomplishments whenever possible. For example, “Resolved 30+ weekly IT support tickets with 95% satisfaction, reducing downtime by 20%” is far more impactful than “Managed help desk tickets.”
Finally, maintaining mental resilience is essential. The emotional toll of rejection, ghosting, and fake opportunities is very real. But it’s important to remember that these setbacks don’t define one’s ability or potential. Quality matters more than quantity, and momentum can shift quickly when the right opportunity arises. Each week can bring a new chance to refine strategy and improve the odds of success.
Breaking into tech is not easy, but it is absolutely possible. With a focused job search, strong project portfolio, selective certifications, networking, and a polished résumé, new graduates can turn the corner. The key is to stay persistent, remain adaptable, and avoid letting setbacks discourage long-term goals. While the journey may be difficult, the destination—a fulfilling career in technology—is still within reach.
Best Wishes,
Wyatt
Shellie Gagliardi
Digital Transformation
5
Answers
Austin, Texas
Updated
Shellie’s Answer
I agree, you have gotten amazing advice so far. Really it is going back to the basics and hitting the reset button. When you have been going through the mix like you have since 2023 it is hard to remember what your center is. You have changed your resume so many times I am sure to accommodate different roles, that I am sure interested you a little, but may not give you real excitement at the start. Networking, finding a safe community to join and finding a true mentor that you can meet with weekly, or whatever schedule you set up, will benefit you more than you know. You need a support system. You have the skills; you are motivated and have the drive. Build a safe support system for yourself one you can truly lean on, take another look at your resume and rework it, then go out and hit the streets again. Just taking that extra time to reset can make all the difference.
Thank you!
J
Tony Panos
3
Answers
Romulus, New York
Updated
Tony’s Answer
Hi J, there's plenty of great advice here! One thing that has really helped others get into IT Tech is volunteering with a local non-profit. It's a fantastic way to learn from others, teach, and show off your skills. Are there any adult or continuing education classes nearby that could use your help? Volunteering there could be a perfect opportunity to share your talents.
Thanks for responding. I not sure if there are any education classes that need help near me but volunteering sounds like a step to landing a career opportunity! I'll check and see if I can find any remote volunteering as well.
J
Jake Marly
Field Territory Manager
2
Answers
West Grove, Pennsylvania
Updated
Jake’s Answer
Hi J,
You've already gotten some fantastic advice. I suggest focusing on what you truly love to do. Since you've been searching for your career for over two years, consider what's currently in demand. Networking is a great area to explore. Systems Engineers are in high demand, and the internet is here to stay. There are many opportunities for networking professionals.
You've already gotten some fantastic advice. I suggest focusing on what you truly love to do. Since you've been searching for your career for over two years, consider what's currently in demand. Networking is a great area to explore. Systems Engineers are in high demand, and the internet is here to stay. There are many opportunities for networking professionals.
Thank you for responding. Systems engineering seems like a great role! Are there applications for junior roles?
J