Planning Your First Career in IT: Tips for Success

Starting a career in information technology (IT) can be an excellent choice. The tech industry offers lucrative pay and diverse opportunities. Not to mention that employment in computer and IT occupations is projected to grow much faster than average, with 317,700 openings each year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

However, now the question is, how do you plan your first career in IT? This guide will help you with choosing the right path and developing in-demand skills, along with actionable tips.

How to Plan and Get Started in Your First IT Career

Breaking into IT can seem overwhelming, especially if you don’t have any technical background, but with careful planning and effort, you can set yourself up for success. Follow these steps to start your IT career journey:

Research and Choose Your IT Path

Information technology is an umbrella term that contains numerous roles, from entry-level roles like helpdesk support to advanced designations like cloud computing engineer. So it is highly advisable to start by exploring and learning about different IT (entry-level) roles.

Not to mention, not everyone has the same interests and goals. So, identify what exactly you like and want to do in your job. Understanding where you want to go will guide your learning.

Choosing a specific area to focus on helps you target the skills and qualifications you’ll need for that niche.

NOTE: Don’t get too fixated on choosing the “right” niche, as you can easily switch to something else later on, if you wish.

Develop Core Skills (Technical and Soft Skills)

Once you have a target role or field, start building the fundamental skills required for it.

On the technical side, this often means developing a strong foundation in computer basics. Get comfortable with operating systems, i.e., Windows and Linux, and understand computer hardware and software.

Alongside technical know-how, it is also important that you don’t neglect soft skills. Abilities such as effective communication, problem-solving, teamwork, and customer service are highly valued in IT by employers.

Learn more about essential skills for entry-level IT roles.

Pursue Education or Certifications

Now, to answer the most asked questions regarding information technology: Do you need a college degree to get into IT? The answer is no. This is because there are multiple pathways to get into IT without a formal degree.

NOTE: Having a formal education, such as a Bachelor’s in Computer Science, can provide in-depth knowledge, but not everyone can invest 3 years or have the finances.

Explore fast-track IT Career Training Programs

With that said, many successful IT professionals start through alternative routes. In fact, nearly half of tech job openings no longer require a four-year degree, especially as employers focus more on skills and validate them with reputed certifications. Some of the industry-recognized certifications include:

• CompTIA A+
• CompTIA Network+
• Cisco CCNA

Tip: Choose the education path that best fits your goals and resources – what matters is gaining the knowledge and proving your capabilities.

Gain Hands-On Experience

Practical experience is invaluable in launching an IT career, and employers will want to see that you can apply your skills to real problems. That’s all well and good, but do you get experience without having a job yet?

Luckily, experience doesn’t have to come from paid employment. Here are some ways to build your portfolio and credibility:

• Personal projects: Work on your own tech projects in your spare time, like building a PC or troubleshooting issues with in-demand software like Microsoft Office. These projects demonstrate initiative and give you something tangible to show in interviews.
• Open-source contributions: If you know how to code, you can contribute to open-source software projects on platforms like GitHub. Even small contributions (fixing bugs, improving documentation) can showcase your skills and passion.
• Volunteer or freelance: Offer your tech skills to nonprofits, community organizations, or small businesses that need help. Volunteering to set up a small network or troubleshoot computers can give you real-world experience and a reference for your resume.
• Internships or apprenticeships: If possible, apply for IT internships (paid or unpaid) or apprenticeship programs. These entry-level opportunities let you learn on the job and often lead to permanent positions.

Network with IT Professionals

While it may initially seem unproductive, networking can open doors to job opportunities, mentorship, and valuable advice.

Start by connecting with people in the field. This can include joining tech meetups or clubs, attending industry events (like local tech talks or career fairs), and engaging in online communities (LinkedIn groups, tech forums, etc.).

Don’t be afraid to reach out to professionals for informational interviews or mentorship; many experienced IT professionals enjoy helping newcomers.

Update Your Resume and Apply Smartly

When you’re ready to job hunt, make sure your resume (CV) and online profiles are aligned with the role you’re applying for. Tailor your resume to highlight the tech skills and projects most relevant to the specific IT job you’re targeting.

Pro Tip: Use the language of the job posting. This is because many employers scan for keywords, so if they want “troubleshooting” or “empathetic,” make sure those terms appear on your resume.

Similarly, if you did an internship or volunteer IT work, describe the technical tasks you handled and the results or learning outcomes.

Once your resume is ready, start applying to entry-level IT positions that match your skill set. Look for titles that include words like:

• Junior
• Assistant
• Trainee

It should also be noted that some employers often list a series of skills; however, you don’t need to meet all of them to be eligible for the role.

Which IT Jobs Are Best for Beginners?

When planning your first career move in IT, it helps to target roles that are known to be entry-level friendly. These positions typically require only a baseline of knowledge (which you can gain through courses or self-study).

Here are some of the best IT jobs for beginners:

Help Desk Technician / IT Support Specialist

These are classic entry-level IT roles. As a help desk tech or support specialist, you’ll be the first line of assistance for users experiencing technical issues. It’s a great way to learn troubleshooting, customer service, and a bit of everything tech (software, hardware, networking issues).

Explore Computer Support Training Program

Junior Software Developer / Web Developer

If programming is your interest, junior developer roles are an excellent starting point. You might work on a specific part of a larger software project or handle smaller projects under guidance. It should be noted that this path requires strong problem-solving and a willingness to keep learning new languages or frameworks as needed.

Quality Assurance (QA) Tester/Analyst: QA testers play a crucial role in the software development process by testing applications for bugs and ensuring everything works as intended. Entry-level QA positions typically do not require advanced coding (though basic scripting can help); instead, they value attention to detail, analytical thinking, and understanding of software usage. You’ll learn how software is developed and gain experience with testing tools. QA roles can be a doorway into development, product management, or cybersecurity (since you learn to think about how systems can fail or be broken). They often welcome newcomers who are thorough and tech-savvy, even if they don’t have prior experience in tech.

Network Technician

A Network Support Technician might help monitor and troubleshoot network issues, while an IT Technician could handle tasks like installing systems, configuring hardware, and supporting an organization’s day-to-day tech needs. Starting in an IT technician or support role can later lead to positions like network administrator or systems engineer as you gain experience.

Explore Network Technician Training Program

Final Words

With careful planning and continuous effort, you can go from a beginner to a proficient IT professional. Simply, focus on choosing the right IT path, building the necessary skills, gaining experience, and landing that all-important first job.