Ten tips to help you switch to a career in IT

Throughout our lives, we are constantly thinking about the future, specifically our careers, as these are the two determinants that define us and lay the foundation of our life ahead. However, the real surprise begins after you enter professional life. Due to the misalignment between theory and practice and being oblivious about the job market during studies, we end up feeling disappointed with the job we get. A survey conducted by Gallop reveals that only 15% of people are well-pleased with their jobs, and the remaining 85% are dissatisfied. 

If you are also amongst the latter, feeling disoriented, career switching is the solution to your problem. A lot of people acquire a degree in one field but opt for jobs in another. So, normalize changing careers as everyone has their own journey and way of leading their lives.  As the famous Greek philosopher Heraclitus said: ‘Change is the only constant.’ So, if you are motivated to create a new path, give yourself a chance to kick-start your career again. 

Information technology (IT) stands first in the most demanding career as it has changed every sector upside down by replacing manual labor with automation. Every business requires IT professionals to manage their accounts, data, promotion, etc. This means that the scope is expanding, and it will continue to grow enormously in the future. 

Therefore, people from different professions are now directed toward learning data analysis, machine learning, and other skills apart from their own professions.

IT has also given a ray of hope to the workers in underpaid professions like teaching, where the stress factor remains high, and the payoff is below the mark. In other words, the field of IT has opened new opportunities as second careers for teachers to escalate their income. 

IT is the best fit for you if you are a technical-minded person who enjoys working on computers and is tired of your monotonous job. 

Here are some tips on how you can pursue the Field of IT. 

• Delve into the available IT career options: 

IT is a diversified field with various categories ranging from computer networks to software designing, web development, cyber security, and much more.

Therefore, you need to research which suits your interest along with the available job options and then decide the path accordingly. You can specialize in different areas of IT to get multiple projects and earn more money. 

• Examine your job aspirations

While looking for available job positions, you should evaluate the type of work you would like to do. If you prefer to work as a freelancer at home with flexible working hours, web development might be a good option for you. Many web developers design websites for clients or companies helping them manage their payments and customers. 

On the other hand, if you like to collaborate with a team and can handle complex projects, you can consider the field of database and information software. 

• Learn the art of coding  

Coding is a fundamental skill in IT, so you must dedicate time to learning how to code to enter this field. You must learn basic Programming languages like Python core, Python, C, C#, C++, Java, CSS, HTML. It will sharpen your analytical and critical thinking skills and help you better understand the field and your potential 

• Earn IT certifications 

One of the many ways of learning IT skills is by getting obtaining IT certifications. There are multiple online learning platforms offering courses with certificates. Start with beginner-level certifications such as CompTIA A+, Oracle, Microsoft, and Cisco certified technician. This will give you an edge over the other applicants in terms of skills and ultimately open opportunities for entry-level job opportunities. 

• Enroll in a degree program 

Another way of getting into an IT career is by acquiring a formal education. If you are still puzzled about the career path and certifications, you can get enrolled in a bachelor’s degree in computer science. This will give you a basic knowledge of the field and assist you in choosing the area to specialize in. 

• Acquire soft skills

Learning technical skills is insufficient to thrive in an IT career; you need to learn soft skills, including communication, teamwork, listening, and comprehension, among others. These will complement your technical skills and help you work in different circumstances, thereby maximizing your work productivity. 

• Build connections with IT professionals

Getting in touch with experienced IT experts is necessary to get an idea of the job market and the set of skills required. Build connections with people associated with the field via LinkedIn and other social media networks. 

This will aid you in getting insight from their experiences, employee referrals, and opportunities to attend webinars and conferences. 

• Practice your IT skills 

Alongside learning skills, getting exposure by working on different projects contributes well towards strengthening your job profile and qualification simultaneously. 

You can begin with open-source projects to upgrade your coding and management skills. You can consider internship opportunities or practice via free Virtual labs to boost confidence in real-world contexts. 

• Rehearsing for an IT job interview

The gateway towards getting a job is by preparing yourself for an interview. For this purpose, you can search for the commonly asked questions in an IT interview and discuss them with the IT professionals to get a clear direction. 

• Remain updated on the changing trends in IT

Continuous professional development has always been vital in every career. No matter how qualified you are and what certifications you have, it is imperative to be responsive to the latest trends in IT. 

Evaluate your current skills and job roles and move towards advancement. For example, you can learn new programming languages, apply for a master’s degree in any other area of IT and get additional certifications. 

Conclusion 

Once you have decided to switch your career, now chalk out the steps to implement your decision to achieve the desired outcome. Utilize the above-discussed tips and equip yourself with the requisite skills and practice to ace your career as a successful IT professional. Remember, good things take time, so remain consistent with your efforts to succeed.