Become An Entry-Level IT Specialist With These Six Simple Steps
A career as an IT Specialist has tremendous growth potential. When many people think of IT, they think it just involves programming. It actually encompasses a wide variety of skill sets.
You can qualify for many entry-level IT jobs based on experience gained in other fields. If you’re considering a career change, consider the skills you already have and how they may help you become an IT specialist.
If you’re detail-oriented, you could take up programming, or become a project manager. If you like art, graphic design or user experience design may be a great avenue to express your creativity. If you’re a people-person, you could try your hand at being a technology sales representative or an account manager.
There are many more options in IT than you may think. So what’s the best way to get on a path that leads toward becoming an IT specialist?
Some people start their IT careers straight out of school, but there are opportunities out there for people with any experience level. Previous work experience, even if it isn’t in IT, can be very useful as an IT specialist. Many companies are looking for people with a variety of expertise.
There’s also online training available for many kinds of IT work. You can learn programming, project management skills, graphic design, and more, all through various online programs.
You can create your own blueprint for becoming an entry-level IT specialist. Here are six steps that can help you get started.
- Explore A Variety of Tech Roles
You probably wouldn’t buy the first house or car you looked at without at least checking out some other options. It’s a big decision, and your career is even bigger, so you should treat it similarly.
Most people that work as an IT specialist have a wide range of experience, so there’s no need to be laser-focused. Entry level IT positions include everything from system technicians to customer support specialists.
All experience can help you build credentials for future job roles. Industry veterans often recommend that people interested in a career as an IT specialist research various jobs, looking at potential salaries, room for advancement, demand for the role, and typical daily activities that the role requires.
A great entry level position should offer the chance to learn and grow, use your existing skills, and acquire new ones.
- Create An Education Plan
It’s never too late to advance your education, and there are more options than ever, with courses through your local college, either online or in person, self-education using a variety of online resources, professional groups, and more.There are online courses for all areas of IT:- Programming
- Web Design
- Database Development
These courses are often inexpensive, and they’re a great way to learn a new skill or refresh and update your knowledge. Professional groups also help you stay up-to-date and meet other IT specialists.
- Learn HTML and CSS
Whether you’re interested in web design or database development and programming, HTML is a great place to start.HTML and CSS are the languages that are used to display web pages. It’s simple to learn on its own, and will give you a leg up if you want to progress to other languages.
An IT specialist will benefit from an understanding of HTML, whether they’re doing app development, project management, web design, or other role.
- Build a Practice Website
There are plenty of ways to create a website without having any technical expertise, but that won’t do you any good. As you learn some new skills, put them to use by building a website.You can experiment with whatever skills you’re working on and learn new ones. If you already know HTML and CSS, JavaScript is a great next step. You can learn about SQL, responsive design, customizing WordPress, and more.
If you’re interested in learning WordPress read our article “How to Create Your Personal Website Using WordPress”.
- Build Your Own Computer
You can learn a lot about hardware and software by building your own computer. A professional IT specialist often has to use the Linux and/or Windows operating system (OS).Learning how to use it, install it, and troubleshoot it will be helpful to anyone pursuing an IT career. Understanding open-source software, such as Linux, is a very valuable skill.
Being familiar with more than one operating system is a great boost to your technical skills and resume.
- Volunteer To Gain Experience
Even if you’re a tech newbie, there are always people who know less than you do.Help out family and friends where you can, setting up computer systems and wireless networks, syncing mobile devices, and linking online accounts. It’s a great way to practice your skills and keep up-to-date.
You’ll also get the chance to develop your communication skills. Every IT specialist has to be able to talk with non-tech savvy people and explain concepts in a way that’s clear and easy to understand.
You may even find that you have a knack for it, and that could lead you to a customer service oriented role.
There are so many different possibilities for an IT specialist. While it takes a little time to learn new skills, and courage to start down a new career path, it’s well within reach with some dedication and work.
I’ve listed 6 ways to get started as an entry-level IT specialist. There are entry-level positions out there for people with all kinds of skills.
What are some creative ways you’ve used to break into a new career field? Tell me in the comments below.
