Guest Post: How to Get Your IT Career Off the Ground
This is a guest post.
Launching a tech career can be a brilliant move. Opportunities typically abound. Plus, there is a wide array of specialty areas, making it easier to cultivate an exciting, engaging career.
But figuring out how to launch your IT career isn’t always easy. If you want to join the 12+ million people working in tech, here’s what you need to know to get your IT career off the ground. Start by acing that technical interview with Interview Camp’s structured course.
Choose an IT Career Path
Before you do anything else, it’s wise to do some digging so that you can decide on an IT career path. While many capabilities are beneficial in nearly any tech job, each position also requires a unique cumulative skill set. You can cultivate the right abilities by deciding on a direction now, ensuring you’ll qualify for your perfect role.
Doing a bit of salary research is also smart. While most tech professions pay well, some offer higher average annual pay rates than others. Here are a few examples:
- Web Developer – $77,200
- Network Security Engineer – $88,299
- Cybersecurity Specialist – $86,876
- Software Architect – $132,506
Since there can be compensation differences, it’s wise to dig in a bit to see if a particular career path can meet your financial needs along with piquing your interest. By doing that extra bit of research, you’ll know if a specific field is right for you on all fronts.
Earn a Degree
Once you pick your tech career path, it’s time for some education. Usually, you’ll need at least a Bachelor’s degree to qualify for many IT jobs. A degree gives you the necessary foundation to work in your chosen field and shows hiring managers that you have the required level of understanding.
If you want to separate yourself from the pack, an online degree is a great way to sharpen your tech skills. Plus, it’s a flexible educational approach that lets you go at your own pace, making it easier to study while also working or managing personal obligations.
If you go the extra mile and earn an online Master’s degree in IT or your primary tech field, you’ll be in even better shape. You’ll have elevated knowledge in critical subjects like data analytics, cloud computing, information technology management, cybersecurity, or areas related to your specialty, turning you into an in-demand professional.
Hit the Job Market
After earning your degree, it’s time to hit the job market and secure a position. You’ll want to use a proven strategy, ensuring you can land an opportunity as quickly as possible.
If you don’t have experience working in the tech sector, you may want to put the “Education” section of your resume above your “Work History” section. That helps you lead off with stronger credentials.
Another one of the best moves you can make is targeting your resume to the job. You position yourself as a strong match by speaking to the precise requirements listed in the vacancy description. In turn, you’re more likely to catch the hiring manager’s eye, increasing your odds of getting invited in for an interview.
You also want to practice for your interview. Find a list of common job interview questions for the position you want to land. Then, work on your responses. The Interview Camp blog is a great resource.
Ideally, you want to focus on achievements when you prepare your answers, quantifying the details whenever possible. That way, you are showing the hiring manager you have what it takes, not just telling them, as well as ensuring you stand out from the crowd.
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