8 answers
Jordan
Student
West Hartford
1
Question
Asked
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How would I start my career in IT?
As a college student working in a admin job. I have no prior experience in IT. Where would I start to get an entry level job in IT.
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8 answers
Bill Louis
Security Information Architect
6
Answers
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
Bill’s Answer
Hi Jordan,
I was in a similar situation, I was a clerk but wanted to get into IT. The branch office I worked at needed someone to volunteer to do mainframe backups on Friday mornings and load tapes from time to time during the week. By volunteering I got to know the IT team and they taught me more than backups over time and I applied for the first vacancy in IT that came up.
The point of this is that by volunteering I was able to give to the IT department without making them give something back to me who was an untrained person not ready for an IT position. There is value in goodwill in business as there is in making connections.
If you can do some vocational training course that would give you basic skills for IT and enables you to understand the language and acronyms that would also help.
I was in a similar situation, I was a clerk but wanted to get into IT. The branch office I worked at needed someone to volunteer to do mainframe backups on Friday mornings and load tapes from time to time during the week. By volunteering I got to know the IT team and they taught me more than backups over time and I applied for the first vacancy in IT that came up.
The point of this is that by volunteering I was able to give to the IT department without making them give something back to me who was an untrained person not ready for an IT position. There is value in goodwill in business as there is in making connections.
If you can do some vocational training course that would give you basic skills for IT and enables you to understand the language and acronyms that would also help.
Akos Szechy
Group Manager, Support
4
Answers
Rotterdam, South Holland, Netherlands
Updated
Akos’s Answer
Hey Jordan,
I started my IT career at the high school actually where I studied and helped out with the sys admin tasks there. Perhaps you can also look at the college itself where you are going to if you can help out? Typically these are multi-product environments where you can learn different aspects of the technology. Once you found closest to your heart you can start moving towards software, hardware, networking, security etc, you can train even more on these and start applying to junior positions. If you get some industry certificates, like CCNA (for networking) that already shows you are able to learn and you are dedicated.
I started my IT career at the high school actually where I studied and helped out with the sys admin tasks there. Perhaps you can also look at the college itself where you are going to if you can help out? Typically these are multi-product environments where you can learn different aspects of the technology. Once you found closest to your heart you can start moving towards software, hardware, networking, security etc, you can train even more on these and start applying to junior positions. If you get some industry certificates, like CCNA (for networking) that already shows you are able to learn and you are dedicated.
Buddhima Kurukulasuriya
Product Manager / Artist (Music & Culinary)
7
Answers
Austin, Texas
Updated
Buddhima’s Answer
In addition to reading and learning, you can also try mini-projects at home.
- Opening up a computer and figuring out which part is which, which parts are upgradeable and which parts are not
- Setting up home networks (wired and wireless)
Ask your friends, family, neighbors, etc., if you can provide any IT support. It's a simple way to gain practical knowledge.
Do take necessary safety precautions, and be mindful about how to put something back when taking it apart :)
- Opening up a computer and figuring out which part is which, which parts are upgradeable and which parts are not
- Setting up home networks (wired and wireless)
Ask your friends, family, neighbors, etc., if you can provide any IT support. It's a simple way to gain practical knowledge.
Do take necessary safety precautions, and be mindful about how to put something back when taking it apart :)
Rebecca Tang
Banking
1510
Answers
Hong Kong
Updated
Rebecca’s Answer
Thank you for your question. I am glad to hear that you are interested to work in Tech.
In Tech, there are many different careers, e.g. Development, Application Support, System System, Database Administrator, Network Administrator, etc. Have you thought about which Tech domain you have interest.
Below are my suggestions :
1. Explore on different aspects of Tech job and identify what you have interest
2. If possible, speak to someone who are working in these jobs to acquire better understanding
3. Attain relevant courses in the college
4. Explore any intern opportunities before your graduation
Hope this helps! Good Luck!
In Tech, there are many different careers, e.g. Development, Application Support, System System, Database Administrator, Network Administrator, etc. Have you thought about which Tech domain you have interest.
Below are my suggestions :
1. Explore on different aspects of Tech job and identify what you have interest
2. If possible, speak to someone who are working in these jobs to acquire better understanding
3. Attain relevant courses in the college
4. Explore any intern opportunities before your graduation
Hope this helps! Good Luck!
Brandon Craig
Content Designer
4
Answers
San Luis Obispo, California
Updated
Brandon’s Answer
Gaining experience is one of the hardest parts of breaking into the job market, especially in the more competitive fields. I would recommend seeking out a company that has a culture of promoting from within and see what entry-level positions are available. In the tech industry, this often means a frontline job in customer support -- this is how I and many of my colleagues started out.
If you have the required skills and background, this provides a way to "get your foot in the door" and establish a reputation within the company. As you grow your skills, you can transition to the role that you really wanted all along. Depending on the company, they may even offer training or financial assistance towards career certifications.
If you have the required skills and background, this provides a way to "get your foot in the door" and establish a reputation within the company. As you grow your skills, you can transition to the role that you really wanted all along. Depending on the company, they may even offer training or financial assistance towards career certifications.
Natalie Smith
Engineer
3
Answers
San Diego, California
Updated
Natalie’s Answer
The field of IT can be overwhelming. I think the best way to approach this is by seeing if there is anyone around you that is currently doing an IT job you are interested in. Talk to anyone that is doing something in IT you are interested in and build a network or professionals that can give you face to face mentorship while you break into this industry. Think of the word IT like a university. In that university you have a lot of majors you can go into. IT is like that. You have a lot of areas you can specialize in. Like college you can get a general studies degree which helps you work on core classes and fundamentals you need while in the process of getting your degree. There are IT certifications that help you work on understanding core fundamentals while you take your time deciding what field you want to specialize in. They are exams you can take that give you an industry certification that will help you break into jobs as an entry level IT support person. If you are interested in this option then CompTIA is one of the certification types I would recommend as an entry level process for getting knowledge slowly and in manageable chunks. They have a roadmap to help with your journey in IT. When you study and feel like things sound like a different language remember to listen to the content again and again. It takes time to absorb alot of the fundamentals in IT. As you get more and more exposure to IT fundamentals you'll discover what part of IT draws your attention more. Whenever you get to this point you'll see what you may want to specialize in. Best of Luck!
Michael Leibrandt, CCNA, CNS-D, VSE, CDCA
IT Project Manager, Supervisor of Audio/Visual Services, Information Technology Engineer II
13
Answers
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Updated
Michael’s Answer
Hi Jordan,
Definitely a challenge, but here are some steps that can help to get you where you would like to go:
- A quick Google search will get you a list of free certifications. They will take some studying, but won't cost you anything.
- Go onto the typical job platforms and cross-reference the IT positions that you are looking for with volunteer opportunities. Use them as resume entries while you are volunteering your time.
- Consider locating an IT Internship in your area.
Good luck!
Definitely a challenge, but here are some steps that can help to get you where you would like to go:
- A quick Google search will get you a list of free certifications. They will take some studying, but won't cost you anything.
- Go onto the typical job platforms and cross-reference the IT positions that you are looking for with volunteer opportunities. Use them as resume entries while you are volunteering your time.
- Consider locating an IT Internship in your area.
Good luck!
Mike Diroff
Telecom Systems Analyst
2
Answers
Detroit, Michigan
Updated
Mike’s Answer
Hello Jordan, here's an uplifting guide to kick-start your journey in the IT industry:
Begin by immersing yourself in the field.
Consider internships, volunteering, or personal projects to gain practical experience. Numerous online resources are available to help you acquire diverse IT skills and understand various technologies.
Build connections within the IT community.
Engage in industry events, establish connections on LinkedIn, or get in touch with friends and family in the IT sector. Networking can provide insights into job vacancies and pave the way for your entry into the field.
Customize your resume and cover letter for each job application.
Ensure you emphasize your pertinent skills and experiences, and articulate your enthusiasm for the role.
Hone your interview skills.
Consider conducting mock interviews with friends or family, or utilize online resources to practice responding to typical interview questions. This will boost your confidence and prepare you for the real deal.
Begin by immersing yourself in the field.
Consider internships, volunteering, or personal projects to gain practical experience. Numerous online resources are available to help you acquire diverse IT skills and understand various technologies.
Build connections within the IT community.
Engage in industry events, establish connections on LinkedIn, or get in touch with friends and family in the IT sector. Networking can provide insights into job vacancies and pave the way for your entry into the field.
Customize your resume and cover letter for each job application.
Ensure you emphasize your pertinent skills and experiences, and articulate your enthusiasm for the role.
Hone your interview skills.
Consider conducting mock interviews with friends or family, or utilize online resources to practice responding to typical interview questions. This will boost your confidence and prepare you for the real deal.