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The tech industry is booming, yet Hispanic representation in tech remains disproportionately low. Latinos make up nearly 19% of the U.S. population (and about one in five workers overall), but only about 1 in 10 tech workers is Latino.
In core computer and mathematical occupations, Hispanics account for just 8.3% of STEM workers, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
These statistics underline a clear reality: Hispanics are underrepresented in IT, which is both a challenge and an opportunity. With that said, the U.S. Hispanic population is young, and 78% new workers joining the U.S. labor force in the next decade will be Latino.
So, this is the ideal time for Hispanics to break into IT, but how?
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Key Takeaways
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Overcoming Barriers: Embracing Opportunities for Hispanics in Tech
Diversity in tech is now seen not only as a matter of equity but as a vital necessity for innovation and economic expansion. Not to mention having Hispanic IT professionals enables companies to serve better a wide-ranging customer base, including Spanish-speaking clients and Latin American markets. Events like Hispanic Heritage Month highlight these contributions and the continued work required to close the gap. Despite all these advances for inclusivity and opportunities, common hesitations, such as “I don’t have a technical background,” “I can’t afford a four-year degree,” or concerns about English fluency, are often barriers of perception. The reality is that the tech industry is welcoming of all backgrounds. Plus, you do not always need an expensive bachelor’s degree to begin an IT career. Many entry-level positions are accessible through focused training, technical bootcamps, or industry-recognized certifications. Furthermore, while English is prevalent in the U.S. workplace, being bilingual in Spanish is a major asset, as the U.S. has the 2nd largest population of Spanish speakers in the world. Therefore, companies actively seek bilingual staff for customer support and international collaboration. Moreover, many technical roles—like software development or network engineering—are not customer-facing, allowing technical skills to be the primary focus.5 Entry-Level IT Roles You Can Start Today
1. IT Support Specialist (Help Desk Technician)
IT support specialists help users (employees or customers) resolve computer issues, network connectivity problems, software errors, and more. This role is typically in person within an organization’s IT department, but can also be via phone or chat (virtual assistant). It’s an ideal starting point to learn a broad range of tech skills. Enroll in IT Support Training ProgramWhy It’s Great for Hispanics
It typically requires basic computer knowledge and good problem-solving skills, rather than advanced programming. Many entry-level support techs obtain the CompTIA A+ certification as a proof of their skills. Also, as mentioned above, companies value bilingual help desk technicians. In fact, some IT support centers specifically seek Spanish-speaking techs to assist callers or employees more effectively.2. Network Technician or Administrator (Junior Level)
Network technicians/administrators set up and maintain the computer networks that organizations rely on. In an entry-level position, you might assist senior network engineers in configuring network hardware, monitoring network performance, and troubleshooting outages. Enroll in Computer Network Training ProgramWhy It’s Great for Hispanics
While computer networking is a high-demand skill, you can land entry-level positions with certifications like CompTIA Network+. And since most entry-level IT networking is support roles, it doesn’t require constant customer interaction, which makes it ideal if you prefer working with technology rather than directly with people at first.3. Cybersecurity (Entry-Level)
NOTE: You need to have basic IT understanding before going for this role. In an entry-level IT security role, you would monitor security alerts, configure firewalls/antivirus software, respond to low-level security incidents, and follow protocols to keep information safe, all while working under the supervision of a cybersecurity analyst. Enroll in Cybersecurity Training ProgramWhy It’s Great for Hispanics
Cyber attacks are becoming more common and sophisticated, which means more companies are eager to hire newcomers with the right skills. Even without a long IT background, if you demonstrate knowledge of security fundamentals and a keen attention to detail, many employers will consider you for junior cyber roles. Much like the previous IT role, if you prefer working with tech and are detail-oriented, this can be the ideal IT role for you. On the contrary, you can also utilize your bilingual skills to help companies operating in Spanish-speaking regions. Learn more about cybersecurity.4. Cloud Support Specialist
A cloud support specialist (or cloud operations engineer) helps organizations manage their cloud computing resources. However, entry-level cloud roles often involve monitoring cloud systems, handling basic deployments, and assisting users or developers in using cloud services optimally. Enroll in Cloud Computing Training ProgramWhy It’s Great for Hispanics
First, learning cloud computing fundamentals doesn’t require you to invest 3 years in a formal degree or advanced IT skills. Second, you can specialize in your preferred cloud platform, i.e., AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud Platform, further boosting your employability.5. Software Developer / Web Developer (Junior Roles)
Entry-level developers typically work on a specific piece of a larger project – fixing bugs, developing simple features, or writing tests under the guidance of senior engineers.Why It’s Great for Hispanics
This path often requires learning programming, which can be challenging but is very accessible today thanks to countless online resources and coding bootcamps. While Hispanics are also underrepresented in software engineering, that means your presence in the field is especially impactful. Organizations like Techqueria provide networks for professionals to connect, find mentors, and share job opportunities. Being a Spanish-speaking developer can open additional doors too: for example, working with Latin American development teams or contributing to projects that serve Spanish-speaking users.Final Words
The tech industry is actively seeking to diversify its workforce, and entry-level IT opportunities for those with the right training are abundant. Whether you choose to become a help desk technician or a coder, there’s a place for you in the world of technology.Program Offered
- Pharmacy Technician Training
- Online Medical Assistant
- Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Program
- Cloud Computing Technician Training
- Computer Network Technician
- Business and Accounting
- Radiology Technician Training
- Medical Assistant Program
- Computer Support Technician
- Cybersecurity Program
- Virtual Assistant Training
This article is written by
Joseph Weber
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Program Offered
- Pharmacy Technician Training
- Online Medical Assistant
- Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Program
- Cloud Computing Technician Training
- Computer Network Technician
- Business and Accounting
- Radiology Technician Training
- Medical Assistant Program
- Computer Support Technician
- Cybersecurity Program
- Virtual Assistant Training
This article is written by
Joseph Weber
Share this article
Frequently Asked Questions
Why should Hispanics consider a career in IT right now?
Hispanics are significantly underrepresented in tech, despite being a large part of the U.S. workforce. This gap means there is a high demand and opportunity for entry and growth.
Do I need a four-year degree to start an IT career?
No. Many entry-level roles don’t require an expensive bachelor’s degree. You can start with focused training, technical bootcamps, or industry certifications (like CompTIA A+).
What if I don't have a technical background?
The tech industry is welcoming of diverse backgrounds. Entry-level roles like IT Support Specialist value basic computer knowledge and problem-solving skills, making them accessible starting points.
Is being bilingual (Spanish/English) an advantage in IT?
Absolutely. Being bilingual is a major asset. Companies actively seek Spanish-speaking staff for customer support, international collaboration, and serving Latin American markets.
What are the best entry-level IT roles to pursue today?
- IT Support Specialist (Help Desk)
- Junior Network Technician
- Entry-Level Cybersecurity (with basic IT knowledge)
- Cloud Support Specialist
- Junior Software Developer
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