Danielle
What is the most successful route to go with IT? (Information Technology)
#Computers #information-technology #computer #technology
13 answers
Steve Elliott
Steve’s Answer
Keith Morris
Keith’s Answer
That is a very broad question and there are many different paths that one can take. However, for a beginner I like to recommend looking at full-stack web development working in both the backend/database and front end. By taking this approach, you are working in a medium you are used to using (the web) plus it can give you a fundamental understanding of how networks work, how servers are configured, how data is stored in databases and how systems are affected by heavy load. As part of the 'full stack' part, I also like to recommend people to get some understanding of cloud architectures in one of the big players (e.g AWS Certified Practitioner). This can be a low cost way to understand how to set up servers and how systems communicate with each other.
From this, even if you do not continue in the web world, it gives you skills which can expand into IT infrastructure, devops, software development, information systems, metc.
Oliver Koh
Oliver’s Answer
Adding to Prem Shankar's answer I agree there is no single answer to the question, Hopefully the below helps with your approach which are my thoughts to help you:
Successful Routes..
- IT is so broad, there are hundred of different routes you can take into IT, everything from technical support, designing (architecting) solutions, maintaining systems, building (coding) software, ensuring systems are secure, implementing things (hands on) are just a few areas you could go into. I would pick what you feel your strengths are or that interests you and you want to learn more about. This link shows what in 2018, the top 10 paid jobs in tech where according to Glassdoor. I wouldn't recommend picking on pay along, but this will give you an idea of what the industry is paying highest salaries for!
- Once you have picked an area to specialize in or focus on, look at what certifications can help you open doors with potential employers to get the job. This post may help with some of the certifications out there.
- I think experience and attitude (in particular willingness to learn) trumps certifications and education every time. If you have an opportunity to gain experience with the area/route you want to take with an existing or current employer - great! If not look at what you can do at home, build your own lab, play and experiment with things. It can be real inexpensive to do! YouTube and Google are great sources of free content and tutorials on many things!
Oliver recommends the following next steps:
Find an area you have a passion for and look for areas that are in demand. I think passion is key, the field is constantly evolving so you have to want to learn and grow with it. Otherwise it will burn you out.
Doug Bernhardt
Bob Browne
Bob’s Answer
Start with something that interests you and stay current in both that subject and subjects in adjacent technology fields. Become an expert in whatever you focus on. Also gain some understanding about the "business" that you are working in and learn the basics of how industry/business work. Technology changes so quickly that your areas of interest and specialties will change over time.
Prem Shankar Pandey
Prem Shankar’s Answer
There is no such rule to success in IT. However you will succeed in any field if you have dedication determination and deillusion towards your field.
Archived User
Archived’s Answer
I don't think there is a recipe for success! The route that may drive one person for a successful career may not do the same for a different person. It is important that you identify what motivates you, what makes you feel excited doing and learning more about that. That is probably a good indication that you are in the right direction!
IT is very broad, you can navigate in many areas. Some are more technical, such as DBAs, Programmers, Testers, Support. While others are more business related, such as analysts, project managers, designers.
You should try to get exposed to a few different areas, even in small scale as part of a project or training, so that you can identify the area that you feel more interesting and in line with your personal interests and then pick one to specialize.
Great answer.
Al Reid
Gopi Yelluru
Gopi’s Answer
Billy Vardharajan
Billy’s Answer
1. Work should be fun and identifying and pursuing what you brings you joy is very important. As we all spend a lot of time working, if it is in an area we enjoy it makes one look forward to solving complex problems and feeling fulfilled from that.
2. IT is all about Technology Evolution. It would be important to understand Dominant Technology trends for the future and stay close to those trends so that you can get lots of opportunities e.g. Wireless, Cloud, AI, AR/VR etc. In addition it is also important to understand where automation would be able to take over for humans and which roles would continue to be relevant in the future e.g. Creative roles, Design roles etc.
In addition, for IT areas be ready for a lifelong learning process to keep yourself up to date. This is a fun area with lots of progress.
Edgar Roth, CPHIMS, CSM
Edgar’s Answer
This is an interesting question which can go in many directions. I can speak from my own personal experience and say that my route with IT has been unique. I went to school for Engineering and ended up changing and graduating with a degree in political science. Yet, my first job after college was for a medical EMR company working on their interfaces with other vendors. After working in the field for some time I enjoyed it a lot and went to get my Masters in Information Security Management and have since been working for a healthcare payer software company.
The ride you take to get to IT can be whatever you make of it!
Daniel White
Daniel’s Answer
If you enjoy complex technical problems, there's some really awesome roles that will allow you to build on this. Infrastructure (Computers and networking that underpins companies), programming/developing (software and its parts) or cyber security (protecting the people and company's ideas from malicious intruders) are all potential options with their own exciting and interesting components. Each one of these has it's own depth and variety based on the path you choose.
If you enjoy leading and strategy, you might start in one role to gain experience and exposure, then move into a different path as to develop skills to lead the organization and people on your collective team.
The awesome thing is each one of these works together to roll up into success for the customers, the team and the company - which can be very fulfilling!
karthik M
karthik’s Answer
IT training companies offer job-oriented IT courses . They include:
Full Stack/MEAN Stack developer, Project management, Software Quality Testing, Automation, HTML, Web UI, CSS, Jquery, AngularJS, Advanced Java Frameworks, UI/UX Development Frameworks, Digital Marketing, Software Testing. Python, Data Science.
If you are new to IT, you can join one of the general IT j courses. If you have one of these qualifications, you can prove skills related to IT knowledge in general and can start your successful voyage in the seamless IT field.
John C
John’s Answer
i would suggest you go for Software. This is evergreen. My mantra these days is "Build, Buy or Die"...every single enterprise has to make that software decision.
Michael Langguth
Michael’s Answer
I started out programming and installing client/server networks but I really wanted to explore the actual networks that carry the traffic.
I made the jump to an ISP and learned all I could about the technology, from connecting the jacks in the wall to the switches to configuring the networks that tie in to our backbone and inter-connecting buildings.
The short answer is to pick an area within the IT cloud that interests you. Read up on the best way to get into those fields and start from there.