Working in the IT Industry: The Basics Explained

Did you know the US IT industry has a market size of $525 billion? The thriving industry provides many options for different IT careers. But choosing the best IT career path isn’t always an easy decision.

Are you considering working in IT? Are you looking for more information on the best IT jobs available today?

The following guide will explain several entry-level IT career options and help you get started. Read on to learn about the best tech jobs for beginners and the qualifications your need.

Getting Started in the IT Industry

First, consider your past job skills even if you don’t think they directly apply to the IT field. For example, military experience transfers to the IT field because it shows that you’re good at meeting demands.

Customer service experience or other communication experience also looks good on an IT job application. Even basic knowledge of Microsoft Office transfers to the IT field.

Be prepared to start at the bottom and work your way up when you begin your IT career. Luckily, even entry-level positions like help desk jobs usually pay around $40,000 annually.

Consider any past degrees you may have because they often crossover well into the IT industry. A literature degree might not seem relevant to IT at first glance but it shows creativity, problem-solving, and communication skills.

Learn Skills and Get Certifications

Use your free time to learn new skills and teach yourself about hardware and software. YouTube offers many free videos with tons of relevant IT information to build skills.

Consider using virtual labs to further your understanding of IT. Even having basic knowledge of Salesforce or knowing how to post on WordPress looks good on a resume.

Some IT certifications only take a few weeks to obtain compared to degrees that take 1 – 4 years. Getting certified shows potential and makes up for lack of experience.

Certification is beneficial whether you go for a vendor-neutral certificate or the best scrum master certification. They lay a good foundation for future networking and security roles.

Types of IT Jobs for Beginners

A support specialist reviews and solves issues with computer networks and hardware for a business. It’s a good option if you’re just starting out because some positions only require a certificate.

Computer programmers write software using coding language. The IT positions often require a bachelor’s degree in computer science. It’s a good way to break into the IT industry and often leads to higher-paying positions.

Some web developer positions only require an associate’s degree in web design or other relevant IT fields. Web developers create the look, navigation, and content of a website using code.

Ready To Start Your It Journey?

Now you know the basics of getting started in the IT industry. Identify previous job skills, research new skills, and consider IT certification or further education.

Remember, the IT field offers great advancement opportunities even if you’re starting at the bottom. Check out the rest of our site for more great tech tips and other useful information.