What to Expect From Your First IT Job

Choosing Your First IT Role

A majority of people are unsure as to what career (IT) they should aim for, hence leading to the common question: “What should be my first IT job?”

The answer to this question depends on your interests and background (transferable skills). With that said, it is always a smart strategy to aim for entry-level roles that not only allow you to perfect your IT fundamentals but also help you springboard into advanced roles.

Learn how to start a career in information technology.

With that said, here are some entry-level paths you should consider:

• IT Support Technician/Help Desk Specialist
• Junior Web Developer
• Data Analyst (Entry-Level)
• Cybersecurity Analyst (Entry-Level)

If you are unsure what role to prepare for, contact CCI Training Center Career Services.

Pro Tip: If you’re transitioning from a non-technical background, focus on leveraging any transferable skills from your previous job.

Workplace Expectations and Professionalism in Tech

Much like any other workplace, punctuality and reliability are fundamental, and your new employer will expect you to arrive on time (if not early) on the first day and take your assignments seriously. Here are some attributes expected in the tech industry:

Communication: Using a polite and professional tone is to be expected, and even beginners (even if they have no work experience) know this well. However, you should be able to communicate technical issues and solutions clearly and easily with a calm demeanor to the customers. Written communication is equally important due to the requirement of clear documentation in tech roles, even in entry-level positions.

Independence and Initiative: In the workplace, especially in tech, you’ll be expected to take more ownership of your tasks and solve problems proactively. This doesn’t mean you need to know everything on day one, but it does mean you should attempt to research solutions (Google will be your friend) and only then ask for help if you’re still stuck. Showing that you can tackle challenges with resourcefulness will earn you respect.

Teamwork and Company Culture: You will likely collaborate with colleagues of various skill levels and backgrounds – developers, designers, support staff, managers – all working toward common goals. Modern tech workplaces often use methodologies like Agile or DevOps, which emphasize cross-functional teamwork and constant collaboration. As for company culture, that will vary depending on your employer. It is highly recommended that you pay attention during your orientation and onboarding sessions.

A Day in the Life of an Entry-Level IT Professional

The day-to-day experience will vary depending on your specific role, but there are some common themes you can expect. Generally, early-career IT roles involve providing technical support and solutions for both internal employees and external customers. For example, if you’re working on an IT service desk, a typical day might include tasks such as:

• Troubleshooting hardware or software issues: You’ll spend time diagnosing or troubleshooting problems. Something like someone unable to log into their new email account or a printer not working. This could involve anything from remote desktop sessions to physically checking a device, depending on the job.
• Installing and configuring systems: Entry-level techs often help set up new computers, install approved software, or configure smartphones and other devices for users. You may follow scripts or checklists to ensure each machine meets company standards.
• Responding to support requests: Expect to interact through multiple channels – phone calls, emails, or chat messages – to assist users. Part of your job is to guide non-technical people through their tech issues patiently. This builds your customer service skills and teaches you to explain technical concepts in simple terms.
• Maintenance and routine tasks: Many entry roles include regular duties like monitoring system alerts, updating antivirus software, checking data backups, or keeping documentation up to date. It may not be glamorous, but it’s essential work to keep IT operations running smoothly.

Learn more about a day in the life of a computer support technician.

Tips to Stay Productive and Organized

No matter the role, the first few days and weeks on the job will be information-heavy. It’s common to feel overwhelmed by the sheer amount of new things to learn: company-specific software, internal processes, team workflows, and, of course, names and faces of your new colleagues. But don’t worry, here are some tips to help you stay organized and productive:

• Take Notes: Write down key details like login credentials, important procedures, or where documentation can be found. You’ll thank yourself later when you need to recall something. Even if your memory is great, the act of note-taking helps cement your learning.
• Ask Questions: It’s much better to seek clarification than to guess and potentially make a mistake. During your onboarding, the trainers and your teammates expect questions. In fact, asking thoughtful questions shows you’re engaged. Just be sure to listen actively to the answers, so you don’t ask the same thing repeatedly.
• Focus on Hands-on Tasks: People learn by doing. If you have access to a test system or a practice project, try it out. Volunteer for a small assignment to get your feet wet. Early practical experience will boost your confidence and highlight what you might need to study more.

The First 3 Months: Navigating the “90-Day Rule”

You may have heard of the 3-month rule for new jobs. In many organizations, the first 90 days of employment are considered an evaluation or probationary period. It’s essentially a window where you’re expected to learn the ropes and start adding value. This might sound intimidating, but think of it as a built-in ramp-up period: everyone knows a newcomer won’t be fully up to speed from day one, so the bar for month one vs. month three will naturally rise as you settle in.

For you, the 3-month mark is a good checkpoint to aim for. By the end of three months, you should ideally be comfortable with the basics of your role and integrated into your team. It’s helpful to set some personal goals for this period. For example, by three months in, you might aim to be handling common tasks with minimal supervision, to have resolved a certain number of tickets, or to have completed a small project from start to finish. Hitting these milestones will show your team that you’re getting up to speed. It’s also wise to seek feedback around this time – perhaps in a 90-day review meeting – to understand what you’re doing well and what you should improve.

To succeed in your probationary period, focus on a few key areas:

• Learning
• Relationship-building
• Delivering results

Learn as much as you can about the company’s systems and your role’s responsibilities – become a sponge for information. At the same time, build relationships with colleagues.

What If Things Aren’t Going Perfectly?

Perhaps the job is overwhelming or the training was insufficient. It’s unfortunately common that some new hires feel disillusioned quickly. However, it is important not to take any rash decision.

• Speak with your manager about what you need, maybe additional training or clearer priorities.
• Connect with a coworker who seems experienced and ask if they can mentor you a bit as you learn.
• Remember that changing jobs too soon can raise red flags on your resume, so it’s usually best to give it at least three months unless the situation is truly unbearable.

Often, the first month is toughest, and by the third month, you may feel much more confident and settled.

Did you know that 86% of new hires decide whether they’ll stay in the same company within 6 months?

Tip: It is highly recommended that you enroll in a reputable IT Training Program before starting a role to help your 90-day period go smoothly.

Preparing for Success: What to Know Before (and After) You Start

• Before your first day, take some time to review any information you have about the company’s tech stack or procedures. Knowing the basics of what the company does will help you connect your tasks to the bigger picture.
• Plan your commute at least a day before your starting date, or if it’s a remote job, make sure you can log in to your portal.
• Focus on building soft skills along the way to ensure you are set up for success.
• Step into the organization with a learning mindset so that you can actively learn and continue to upskill.

Final Words

In the beginning, you will undoubtedly have challenges, from information overload to the humbling feeling of being the newbie; however, you should keep in mind that this period also offers incredible growth.

By choosing an entry role that aligns with your goals, committing to professionalism and teamwork, and approaching each day as a learning opportunity, you’ll set yourself up for success. Focus on building good habits, a strong network of colleagues, and a reputation for being eager and reliable.