How and Why You Should Switch to an IT Career
It’s never too late or too early to begin planning for a career that fulfills and excites you. If you’re still on the fence about which career field to choose, you may want to think about IT or tech. IT, computer science, and all of the related industries are always on the move, which means you’ll never get bored. Plus, the demand for IT professionals is bound to keep growing.
Need more detailed and concrete reasons? These answers to frequently asked questions could prove valuable.
Why Should I Choose IT?
When you choose a career field, you should look at the prospects for job growth. IT-related fields are predicted to continue surging in the coming years. This means that once you finish your training, you should be able to land a position quickly. You’re also likely to earn a much larger salary than other professions.
If you’re a woman looking for a new career, tech needs you even more. That’s because, despite the proven benefits of having more female employees, there are still sizable gender gaps across multiple tech and IT fields. By choosing an IT career path, you could help close this gap.
Do I need a degree?
If you currently have a bachelor’s, enrolling in an online master’s IT program could give you an edge over others in the same field. You can earn a master’s with an emphasis on information management, data analytics, or cybersecurity. Many of which are included on the list of growing job opportunities previously mentioned. Choosing an online program will also give you the freedom to maintain a job and meet other responsibilities while you earn your degree.
Don’t have a bachelor’s just yet? There are IT positions you can land without a college degree, but you will need experience and training. For instance, you could become a graphic designer, a telecommunications specialist, or a digital marketer. Just bear in mind that while a degree may not be required, having one can boost your prospects and pay.
Where Can I Find IT Jobs?
With the right education, training, and experience, the tech possibilities are endless. There are countless employers who are consistently looking to hire new IT personnel, including many of the most well-known financial institutions. Many of these companies are located in larger cities but they are also hiring more remote workers than ever before.
You can check the career section of these companies to find jobs, but you can also use online job boards to find positions for multiple employers. Both small and large businesses advertise their IT openings on sites like Monster, LinkedIn, Glassdoor, and Indeed (to name a few).
How Can I Land My First IT Job?
If you’re looking for entry-level positions, starting your job search early is key — especially in the Information Technology and computer science industries. As you work on earning a degree or experience, also begin networking with other professionals in your desired field. You can also ask your instructors for recommendations and connections to help you get your first job.
For more seasoned professionals, know the challenges of getting hired are different rather than nonexistent. You’ll also need to network in order to land an interview and callbacks, but unfortunately, you may also have to deal with some ageism. The trick is to keep the focus on your years of experience and on your willingness to learn new concepts and processes. It can also help to keep your appearance polished, professional, and appropriate for the position.
Whether you’re looking for a boost in excitement or a boost in pay, a career in IT can deliver. IT experts are some of the most sought after professionals in the market. Plus, with the demand for technology growing, your future prospects are bound to grow. You just need the right amount of education and experience to make your dreams of a career in tech come true!
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