Whether you went to college for IT or not you may be finding yourself a bit more inclined to work within the IT industry. In regards to your career, it is important to do what you love and to work where you feel like your skills are being utilized. If a change of career into the IT field is something you desire then follow these 7 tips to break into the industry.
- Be willing to start at the bottom
- Understand that certifications will be required for advancement, even if you have a degree
- Consider getting another degree in the IT field
- Network with people
- Practice your interviewing skills and pitching your professional abilities
- Educate yourself about the company you are applying at and learn what tech they utilize
- Highlight your skills and emphasize how you can meet your employers needs even if you require training
1) Be Willing To Start At The Bottom
When you accept a position in a new career field you must be flexible with titles and placement. It may be necessary to exchange a title and management position for an entry-level position if it will ultimately make you happy. Remember, you switched careers because something was lacking in your last one.
You enjoy technology and want to be part of an information technology department. Be willing to work your way up the same way you did at your past career. The work will make the reward that much sweeter.
2) Understand That Certifications Will Be Required For Advancement, Even If You Have A Degree
If you have a degree in IT or a degree in business and finance you will still be expected to acquire certifications within the IT field. Certifications show that you are qualified to handle new roles and responsibilities. Over time certifications will also expire and need to be renewed. These certifications will require dedication while you study and train to take the certification test. Some employers will pay for certification tests while others will offer reimbursement to employees that pass. If you are not yet employed within an IT department you will need to pay out of pocket for your IT certifications.
Common entry-level IT certifications include:
- Comp TIA A+
- Network +
- Security +
- ITIL
3) Consider Getting Another Degree In The IT Field
If you really want to advance your career within the information technology field you will want to consider acquiring the best Australian it training from your local educational institution. Taking courses dedicated to new technology will give you the edge necessary to secure a career in IT.
4) Network With People
Acquiring a job in any field can sometimes come down to a combination of who you know as well as what you know. If you have business acquaintances already working within the IT field take the opportunity to reach out to them about employment possibilities within their company. Obviously, you do not want to take just any job.
Make sure you research the business and feel comfortable applying for the position. Sometimes inside insight through networking can open doors to fantastic IT careers.
5) Practice Your Interviewing Skills and Pitching Your Professional Abilities
If you have not interviewed for a position for quite some time it would be essential to take a refresher course on interviewing. You can achieve this by reaching out to a temp agency or by taking an interviewing course at the local library, park district or community college. These establishments frequently offer to interview courses to help candidates get over jitters and practice speaking and engaging with potential employers.
6) Highlight Your Skills And Emphasize How You Can Meet Your Employers Needs Even If You Require Training
Make sure you focus on your strong professional abilities that are related to IT as well as examples of leadership skills from previous positions as well. It is also recommended to have a hobby that you are passionate about and eager to engage in conversation over. In many interviews’ employers want to know who you are outside of work as well. A healthy work and life balance are essential for a well-rounded employee. Employers are often more willing to invest time into employees that seem eager to learn and have a charismatic personality towards work and their personal well-being as well.
7) Educate Yourself About The Company You Are Applying At And Learn What Tech They Utilize
When you land an interview for an IT job at a company make sure you research the company. The employer will most likely ask you what you know about the company at some point throughout the interview. It is especially beneficial if you can obtain any information about the business operating software and programs. This will show you have done your research and are interested in working for the corporation.
Following these 7 tips will help you break into the IT career field successfully. Just remember to be willing to work for what you truly want and be willing to obtain a higher level of education to work your way up through the IT industry.