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As a 12th grader, what should I learn about the IT industry right now?
I want to learn more about the IT industry and eventually become someone who can help evolve it even further.
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7 answers
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Jason’s Answer
Hey Raymond,
Great you’re looking into IT as a career. And congrats on your upcoming graduation.
I think the best things you can do today is if you haven’t already taken an IT course offered by your school you can see if you might be able to take one in your last semester. This will expose you to the fundamentals of IT and how things work. The various domains from computer engineering, to networking and security and help your understand the vastness of IT. Then you can identify which areas peak your interest and focus on those. That way should you choose to go to college and study IT you’re able to better narrow down which area you want to focus on. if you don’t have time in your schedule for this last semester you can always take a summer course at a community college and get your feet wet.
There’s also PLENTY of content for free on YouTube, and various learning platforms that can help you get your start. Certifications such as CompTIA network plus are good places to start as well.
Great you’re looking into IT as a career. And congrats on your upcoming graduation.
I think the best things you can do today is if you haven’t already taken an IT course offered by your school you can see if you might be able to take one in your last semester. This will expose you to the fundamentals of IT and how things work. The various domains from computer engineering, to networking and security and help your understand the vastness of IT. Then you can identify which areas peak your interest and focus on those. That way should you choose to go to college and study IT you’re able to better narrow down which area you want to focus on. if you don’t have time in your schedule for this last semester you can always take a summer course at a community college and get your feet wet.
There’s also PLENTY of content for free on YouTube, and various learning platforms that can help you get your start. Certifications such as CompTIA network plus are good places to start as well.
Updated
Sandeep’s Answer
Hello Raymond,
That’s a brilliant question. The best thing a 12th grader can learn right now is not a specific language, but the fundamental architecture and business context of IT.
You should focus on understanding the "systems" that run the world: how computer networks communicate, the concept of the cloud, and the difference between various technologies (like a database versus an operating system). Instead of getting lost in a specific coding language, learn to think like an engineer on how to break down a complex problem, define a solution, and logically sequence steps. This foundation in algorithms and logic is what allows you to adapt to any future technology.
To prepare to evolve the industry, you must know where the industry is going. Dedicate time to understanding Data Science/AI and Cybersecurity. These are the two biggest growth areas that cut across every sector. Start a small, hands-on project that involves a real-world problem, such as analyzing public data with Python or building a simple, secure website. Practical projects are your best tools for learning and demonstrating skill. Finally, hone your soft skills: communication, collaboration, and critical thinking. These uniquely human abilities are what will set you apart from automation and are essential for leadership.
That’s a brilliant question. The best thing a 12th grader can learn right now is not a specific language, but the fundamental architecture and business context of IT.
You should focus on understanding the "systems" that run the world: how computer networks communicate, the concept of the cloud, and the difference between various technologies (like a database versus an operating system). Instead of getting lost in a specific coding language, learn to think like an engineer on how to break down a complex problem, define a solution, and logically sequence steps. This foundation in algorithms and logic is what allows you to adapt to any future technology.
To prepare to evolve the industry, you must know where the industry is going. Dedicate time to understanding Data Science/AI and Cybersecurity. These are the two biggest growth areas that cut across every sector. Start a small, hands-on project that involves a real-world problem, such as analyzing public data with Python or building a simple, secure website. Practical projects are your best tools for learning and demonstrating skill. Finally, hone your soft skills: communication, collaboration, and critical thinking. These uniquely human abilities are what will set you apart from automation and are essential for leadership.
Updated
Kathleen’s Answer
Here are some key tips for thriving in the IT industry based on my experience since 1989:
- Stay flexible and open to change because technology evolves quickly.
- Know yourself and what drives you. Do you enjoy solving problems, thinking creatively, organizing, helping others, or building things from the ground up?
- IT offers diverse paths, whether you prefer to generalize or specialize. As you develop technical skills, also identify and strengthen your soft skills.
- Stay flexible and open to change because technology evolves quickly.
- Know yourself and what drives you. Do you enjoy solving problems, thinking creatively, organizing, helping others, or building things from the ground up?
- IT offers diverse paths, whether you prefer to generalize or specialize. As you develop technical skills, also identify and strengthen your soft skills.
Updated
Mahendra’s Answer
That’s a good question. To learn more about IT. Learn about the various sub-domains within the IT industry, explore the following options and choose based on your interest:
1. Software development: Frontend, Backend, QA Testing, System Design
2. IT Infrastructure maintenance and support: Public Cloud services like AWS, Azure, GCP, etc.
-> Application Deployment and hosting
-> Application Maintenance -> Business as usual.
-> High availability and Scalability
3. Security (Firewall, cybersecurity):
4. Marketing (sales department, customer-facing roles)
5. Networking: Internal and external network communication.
Wishing you the best of luck!
1. Software development: Frontend, Backend, QA Testing, System Design
2. IT Infrastructure maintenance and support: Public Cloud services like AWS, Azure, GCP, etc.
-> Application Deployment and hosting
-> Application Maintenance -> Business as usual.
-> High availability and Scalability
3. Security (Firewall, cybersecurity):
4. Marketing (sales department, customer-facing roles)
5. Networking: Internal and external network communication.
Wishing you the best of luck!
Updated
Savanna’s Answer
The IT industry is all about keeping computers, networks, and data running safely and smoothly for schools, companies, and governments, while building tools people use every day. As a 12th grader, start with the basics: get comfortable with computers and operating systems, learn how the internet works (like IP addresses, Wi‑Fi, and routers), practice good cybersecurity habits (strong passwords, spotting phishing, making backups), understand what the cloud is and why companies use services like AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud, and try a bit of coding in Python or JavaScript to learn logic and automation. You’ll hear about roles like help desk support, system or network admin, cybersecurity analyst, developer, and data or AI roles—each one is a path you can grow into. Learn by watching beginner videos, building small projects like a simple website or an automation script, and using free practice labs so you can experiment safely. Make it real by helping with tech at school, joining a tech club, or volunteering to fix devices, and keep notes on what you learn to build a mini portfolio. The most important mindset is to stay curious, be consistent with short daily practice, and always stay safe and ethical online. You’ve got time—start small, keep going, and you’ll build real skills fast.
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Zachary’s Answer
Hi Raymond,
I'm an Electronics Technician in the United States Navy. While I currently have Navy certificates, there are many exciting ones you can pursue. I recently took a CCNA course, which was fascinating. You get to work with Cisco switches in a virtual setting, making it very interactive and hands-on. That's why I suggest looking for certificates that offer practical experience.
I'll put together a list of great entry-level certificates for you. The IT field is vast, so you have plenty of options, but many people begin with these:
1. COMPTIA A+
2. COMPTIA Network+
3. COMPTIA Security+
Wishing you the best of luck!
Zachary
I'm an Electronics Technician in the United States Navy. While I currently have Navy certificates, there are many exciting ones you can pursue. I recently took a CCNA course, which was fascinating. You get to work with Cisco switches in a virtual setting, making it very interactive and hands-on. That's why I suggest looking for certificates that offer practical experience.
I'll put together a list of great entry-level certificates for you. The IT field is vast, so you have plenty of options, but many people begin with these:
1. COMPTIA A+
2. COMPTIA Network+
3. COMPTIA Security+
Wishing you the best of luck!
Zachary
Teklemuz Ayenew Tesfay
Electrical Engineer, Software Developer, and Career Mentor
517
Answers
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Teklemuz Ayenew’s Answer
Start by learning the core concepts of IT fundamentals to build a solid understanding of how technology works. Then develop skills in Python, JavaScript, databases, and operating systems, applying them through small projects and showcasing your work on GitHub. Strengthen essential soft skills such as problem-solving, communication, collaboration, and attention to detail. Engage with the wider tech community by joining tech clubs or groups, participating in online forums like Stack Overflow and Reddit’s r/learnprogramming, taking part in coding competitions on HackerRank, LeetCode, or Codewars, joining hackathons on platforms like Devpost, and connecting with professional groups through LinkedIn, Meetup, or associations such as IEEE or ACM. Networking with industry professionals via LinkedIn or GitHub, combined with solid technical knowledge, personal projects, internships, volunteering, or shadowing experienced professionals, can greatly improve your chances of securing successful roles in IT.