Information Technology

People often think working in information technology, or IT, limits you to working for a tech company in a fancy office in a big city.  But nowadays, IT roles can be found across varying industries in organizations of all shapes and sizes. Because of this, careers in IT are gaining popularity, and there are several paths from which you can choose. That being said, securing a job in the IT field with little to no experience can be challenging, but not impossible!

To break into a skilled industry, you have to start somewhere. But how do you prove yourself when you haven’t yet earned experience on paper? Here are some ways you can find an entry-level IT role:

Start with Internships, Volunteer Experiences, or Early Career Development Programs

• Many companies offer IT internships or early career development programs specifically designed for students and recent graduates. These opportunities provide hands-on experience, mentorship, and the chance to work on real-world projects.
  • Ex. Early career development programs at NSA
• Internships can be a valuable stepping stone to securing a full-time entry-level position within the company or gaining industry experience to enhance your resume.
• Check out the “Gain Experiences” section on this page to browse real-world volunteer projects with real organizations!

Research & Explore Entry-Level Jobs

• If you hope to gain work in this field, learning how to find entry-level jobs could help you start your career!
• You can start by researching the most popular entry-level jobs and see which align closest with your unique career goals and skills:
  • Help Desk Technician
  • IT Analyst
  • Software Developer
  • Tech Sales Engineer
  • Web Developer
  • Cybersecurity Technician
  • Data Analyst
  • Quality Assurance Engineer

Utilize Your Network

• Networking is another powerful tool for landing your first IT job. Reach out to friends, family, and acquaintances who work in your field of interest. Also don’t overlook making a simple LinkedIn post stating that you’re open to work and asking for help from your connections.
• Lastly, attend job fairs and other events related to your industry. These events are a great opportunity to meet people who can provide valuable insights and help you connect with potential employers!

Tailor Your Resume and Cover Letter for Each Application

• Take the time to tailor your resume and cover letter to the job or internship you are applying for. Highlight your relevant skills and experience, even if it’s not directly related to the job.
• Consider using a functional resume format that focuses on your skills and abilities rather than your work experience.
• In addition, remember to always use keywords mentioned in the job description on your resume because many companies use software to match your resume with keywords found in job descriptions.

Build A Strong Online Presence

• Establishing a professional online presence can help employers discover you.
• Maintain and update your LinkedIn profile, and participate in relevant online communities, and showcase your projects or contributions on platforms like GitHub.
• This visibility can increase your chances of being noticed by potential employers and industry professionals.

If you’re a IT student or graduate, chances are good you’ll want to know some of the best mid-level IT jobs out there and where to start looking. Employers are eager to find computer science students and graduates, especially those who have mastered programming languages, frameworks, and even cutting-edge technologies such as machine learning and artificial intelligence (A.I.). Some experienced professionals find they are looking to make a new career move. Knowing how switching to a IT career can be beneficial can help you plan the next part of your professional life!

Switching Careers – Advice for Career Changers

• As a career switcher, you have a distinct advantage over graduates and early-career job seekers: Your career to date. Through your career you’ll have accumulated lots of skills and knowledge which may be transferred into a new career and are sought-after by employers!
• Transitioning to cybersecurity should build on existing professional experience. In many cases, making a successful switch is a matter of refining specific skills, and highlighting transferable skills from your past experience.
• Spend time researching the technical and soft skills your ideal cybersecurity job requires, and spend time updating your resume and applications to be sure you have noted all your current/newly acquired skills, relevant certifications, and transferable skills from your past experience.

Popular IT Jobs To Explore

• As you begin considering career options, you might want to spend some time researching the various IT career paths out there and which aligns closest with your passions and skillsets. Below is a list of the top jobs to consider in IT:
  • Software developer
  • Data scientist
  • IT Manager
  • Information security analyst
  • Computer systems analyst
  • Computer network architect
  • Database administrator
  • Web developer
  • Computer systems administrator
  • Computer support specialist
• While researching specific roles, you will want to consider researching some of the top companies looking to hire IT professionals!

Popular IT Job Boards to Explore

• You are probably asking, where can you find jobs with great tech companies? Well, job boards are one place you can start!
• We put together this list of the best tech job boards so you can quickly and easily find jobs to apply to!

As a seasoned professional in the technology field, employers may be expecting that you have not only the experience in the field, but the technical knowledge and certifications to prove your expertise! Career paths for more senior IT professionals are diverse and wide ranging. With experience and proven success, senior IT professionals can progress to more leadership-oriented roles or even executive-level positions!

Technical Knowledge for IT Majors

• Technical skills in IT encompass proficiency in various programming languages and tools. These skills enable professionals to develop software, design algorithms, and solve complex problems.
• When creating a resume for a IT career, it’s important to highlight the relevant skills that demonstrate your expertise and qualifications in the field.
• Here are some key technical skills:
  • Technical writing
  • Social media management
  • Coding
  • Network configuration
  • Hardware deployment
  • Operating system knowledge
  • Database management

IT Certifications to Explore

• IT certifications can quickly and affordably improve your skills and job prospects in the tech industry.
• Its import you take the time to first explore certification types and find options to find the best fit for your unique career goals!
• Common IT certifications include:
  • AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner 
  • Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP) 
  • Certified Information Security Manager (CISM) 
  • Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) 
  • Certified Data Professional (CDP) 
  • CompTIA A+ 
  • Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert (CCIE)