The IT field contains some of the most high skills involved that can be easy to transition between jobs. Plenty of young people are opting to begin their working lives in the IT industry, and some established professionals are even shifting gears to move over to a technology-related field as the economy changes. If you’re one of the tech-savvy IT enthusiasts looking to find work in the field, follow these tips to ensure that your career gets off to a smooth start.
- Find the right course and gain some qualifications. Because IT is a technical field that requires plenty of skills and knowledge, it’s crucial to earn some form of qualification from an accredited institution before you begin your career. These courses will give you the training you need to apply for jobs, as well as confidence in your abilities and a specialist set of skills that will set you apart from other applicants. For example, if you gain a diploma of telecommunications network engineering then you’ll be able to apply for professional IP network technology positions as soon as you graduate, giving you a head start on anyone who doesn’t have expert training.
- Continue to develop your skills. Even once you’ve finished your diploma and started your career in IT, you’ll need to continue to learn and grow as you work. The technology used in the workplace is rapidly developing, so it’s important to ensure that your programs and software are consistently up to date and that you’re able to handle any update that occurs. Your employer may be able to send you for additional training and professional development courses, so you should be able to continue learning and developing your skills throughout your career.
- Network regularly. As with most career paths, networking is key to your ongoing success in the IT industry. Track down as many of the IT professionals in your area as you can and link with them online or in person. If there are professionals you particularly admire, reach out to them and ask for advice and guidance. You can also take on apprenticeships in your spare time and shadow IT experts with more knowledge than you in order to develop new skills and boost your confidence.
- Keep your portfolio and CV updated. Whenever you take part in a new project, add it to your professional portfolio and factor it into your CV. Even small projects can demonstrate important skills, so keep track of all of the work you do and be ready to show it to future employers or clients.
- Don’t be afraid of hard work. In the early years of an IT career, many professionals find that they’re expected to work long hours and to demonstrate flexibility with their employers at all times. This can be difficult, but it’s important to persevere if you really want to work in IT in the long-term. Once you’ve established yourself and earned respect in the industry, you should find that secure jobs with more comfortable working hours and expectations begin to present themselves. Hang in there, and the rewards will be worth the hard work.